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Economy, gas prices taking toll
The situation with gas prices bouncing around four bucks a gallon and higher has put a serious crimp in many resident’s summer vacation plans. It’s also cutting into other aspects of Albemarle living. People are cutting back on other needs to makeup for the cost of fuel. These and other factors are affecting the national and local economy, with consumers paying higher prices for food and other products and services. I’m wondering if anyone wants to share their stories on coping with high fuel and product costs or unemployment. I know most people are feeling some impact from the current gasoline-economic crunch. Please share your experiences with me and our readers. You are not alone.
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Smoking tax for teacher pay?
Gov. Mike Easley is proposing that the state raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 20 cents to help fund a pay increase for public school teachers. The matter will be debated in the short session of the General Assembly, now under way. Although raising the tax on cigarettes could be a good idea, in that it may help convince some people to quit, we wonder if the state wants to tie teacher pay to cigarette smoking — something that generally is discouraged. What do you say?
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Do counties need an official language?
The Dare County Board of Commissioners recently voted to make English the county’s official language. The terms of the resolution indicate that county officials want immigrants to join the local culture and community, and that learning and understanding the English language is part of that process. Officials from other local counties are not currently considering a similar resolution. Most officials apparently do not see the need for an official language. The point seems moot anyway, since there’s no way to enforce the resolution. What are the pros and cons of the resolution?
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Writer says take control of kids
A concerned citizen recently filed a blog response about parents’ responsibility for their children. Here’s what the writer had to say: “Parents, you made the kids, now they are out of control. It is you, … your lack of action and not having or taking the time, with your kids … Deal with it, or it will deal with you. The time to control youth is when they are still young, not when they become teenagers and are standing looking in your face. No one gives you control. You have to take control. That’s the way it is and always will be. So how long have you been waiting, for someone to give you control? You control your kids, or they control you. You may not know this, but your kids, and everyone around knows, who is in control.”
Agree or disagree?
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SPCA focusing on feral cat problem
The SPCA of Elizabeth City wants to cut the holding time at the shelter for feral cats (those are the wild ones that have never been domesticated) from five to three days. At the end of that period, the cats would be put to sleep. The problem is that the feral cat population is exploding. Also, these cats, which typically don’t get vaccinations for rabies, can become a health problem. Cutting the holding time looks like it may be the right step, although many cat-lovers may feel differently. Tell us what you think.
Gas prices up again?
Anyone notice that gas prices are up? I mean way up. Anyone who’s filled up in the last few days has certainly noticed. The Associated Press reports that “gas prices jumped Friday (Feb. 22) to their highest level since June… .” The report also says analyst expect “a record spike in pump prices this spring.” This probably has a lot to do with a new record price being paid on the world market of $101 a barrel, even though U.S. domestic supplies are now at a 14-year high. There seems to be little hope of predicting with any accuracy when gas prices might become more stable. All that matters to consumers is that it’s costing a lot more to drive our cars and heat and cool our homes and businesses. It is predictable that gasoline prices won’t fall below $2.50 at the pump anytime soon or ever. Anyone see any hope for that?
Residents can stop gang influence
Elizabeth City Police say that local gang membership is between 200 and 400, most belonging to the so-called “Crips” or “Bloods.” That’s a lot of teenagers and young adults bent on breaking the law. Even worse, gang membership appeals to younger kids who don’t have strong role models, goals or positive activities. But residents CAN fight back in many ways, from being good parents to supporting education and youth activities. How else can the community control gang activities and influence on youth?
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Smoke (Cough! Cough!) chokes Albemarle
Smoke from dozens of wind-whipped wildfires poured across the area this week. Many residents were evacuated to escape the heavy smoke, but a lot more have had to endure it in their homes, businesses and schools. Then fire officials had to close U.S. 17 in northern Camden County, forcing travelers and commuters to take different routes back and forth. Would anyone like to share their smoke-filled experience?
Stimulus is stimulating to consider
The federal government is planning to hand out hundreds, even thousands of dollars to citizens as a way to stimulate the economy and keep the country out of a recession. The plan is to get people to spend more as a way to stir up business, create a stronger market and keep people working. The goal is good, but isn’t one of our problems that we already spend more than we have and don’t save enough?
What would King do today?
Many wonder, if he were alive today, how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., would respond to issues affecting minorities and other Americans. What would be his opinion of the war in Iraq, illegal immigrants and the presidential campaign? What would he say about equal rights issues and the progress of African Americans? What would King have to contribute in 2008?
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Gunfire again on city streets
After several weeks of relative calm, gunfire erupted again this week on consecutive days in two Elizabeth City residential neighborhoods. As many as 20 shots were fired, several hitting houses and cars, on Sunday, Jan. 13, on Bunnels Avenue. Then on Monday, Jan. 14, several more shots were fired in the Laurel Park area. Miraculously, no one was hit by the gunfire, but if the shooting continues it’s only a matter of time before there are innocent victims. Many residents are asking what is it going to take for local police to get this under control, and to insure safety in local neighborhoods?
Judge’s actions under review
District Court Judge Edgar Barnes opened the door to criticism when he closed his courtroom during the Dec. 5 trial of six war protesters accused of trespassing on Blackwater Worldwide property. Barnes’ action quickly got the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has filed a complaint with the North Carolina Judicial Commission. The complaint claims that by closing his courtroom, Barnes violated the defendants’ Constitutional rights to an open and public trial. Do you think Barnes should be disciplined for this? Why or why not?
What were your top stories of 2007?
The Daily Advance just published in Sunday’s printed edition and on Daily Advance.com a list of our “Top 10” news stories of 2007. These stories were selected by our staff. But I’m wondering what stories readers might have selected as the best or most important stories of 2007. Tell me: What were your favorite stories?
Deer hunting with dogs on the run
We’ve gotten quite a bit of feedback about our story on a petition drive in Pasquotank County to make it illegal to both hunt on posted land and allow hunting dogs to trespass on private property without the owner’s written permission. Some residents and property owners, wanting to protect property rights, are sympathetic to the cause. On the other side, many hunters who use dogs in their sport don’t agree or would like to find a compromise. What are your thoughts?
Illegal immigrants at COA
It must have slipped under my radar that in 2004 the state’s community colleges had been given the option of admitting or not admitting illegal immigrants as students. College of the Albemarle was among those that chose not to admit them. Now the ruling has been changed, requiring all colleges to open their doors to those now living illegally in this country. Is that good or bad?
OIC doesn’t need to own building?
The Elizabeth City OIC provides many, important human services at the city-owned Hugh Cale Resource Center. The agency affects many people positively. Yet, giving the building to the non-profit, as some have suggested, would be an irresponsible step for the city. Whether or not OIC is a good or bad tenant, for five years, Elizabeth City is obligated to insure that the center functions according to rules set by the state Division of Community Assistance, which provided grant funds to build it. If those obligations are not met, the city, and the taxpayers, could have to repay the state $650,000 in construction costs. It’s wiser for the city to maintain control of the building, at least until the key obligations are met. On the bright side, there is no functional or financial purpose for OIC to own the building anyway. The non-profit is using it almost rent-free for $1 a year. For now, OIC should focus on its services, not ownership. Agree or disagree?
Toxic toys are no fun at all
A writer is asking for public comments on the toxic toy issue and the Chinese manufacturers whose products are turning up often on the recall list. That’s a good topic. The writer, Susan, says: “I’ve had it with this dangerous way of manufacturing, and I think many others have as well.” Thanks for the idea, Susan. Susan and I would like to hear what others think about this problem.
Make Fred permanent Rose Buddy
A movement is afoot to create a memorial honoring Fred Fearing, the late Rose Buddy, at Elizabeth City’s Mariners’ Wharf park. I think it’s a great idea. More important than that, I think it would help keep those boaters coming our way. Many who witnessed or knew of Fearings’ rose-peddling, wine and cheese antics will want to touch the sacred stone, metal or whatever just to say they had. Let’s get behind this. Contact Elizabeth City Finance Director Sarah Blanchard, P.O. Box 404, Elizabeth City, N.C. 27909-0404.
How secure are the contractors?
Blackwater USA, the Camden County-based security firm, is getting plenty of national and international attention, and not the kind they really want to get. The firm, which provides security for many officials in Iraq, is now under fire from Congress for being too fast on the trigger in its security role as well as for other allegations of misconduct. As a result, Congress appears ready to tighten the leash on private contractors operating in Iraq and in other areas of conflict. I believe those steps are justified. What do you think?
OLF in Camden? How can this be good?
It came as a surprise to most local residents and area officials that Camden County would be considered a potential location for Navy jet fighters to practice landings. Yet, oddly enough, a task force set up by Gov. Mike Easley has selected two Outlying Landing Field (OLF) sites in Camden and two more in Gates as alternatives for the Navy to consider. We don’t think this is good for Camden or Gates. What’s your take?
Deport illegal aliens only if criminals?
Our eye-opening report on undocumented workers in North Carolina indicates that the federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency shows little interest in deporting those people who are living and working in the state illegally unless they commit crimes. As a result, police and sheriff’s departments have little motivation to step up local efforts to identify undocumented residents and workers. That sounds like a slight to local law enforcement as well as a potentially dangerous precedent for the state and nation. What do you think?
Latest comments
Jane, it doesn’t matter what we want when we go to another country. We should stay home if we don’t like their culture.
I’m really sorry to hear you are spoiled. You should do something about it, really.
... read the full comment by Free To Be Me | Comment on Do counties need an official language? Read Do counties need an official language?
The bush admin needs to be prosecuted because of the way it has done us Americans. And locals are not much better when it comes to business sence. The state has been ripping us off for years. As a NC taxpayer I am sick and tired of the ferry expences that
... read the full comment by Mona | Comment on Economy, gas prices taking toll Read Economy, gas prices taking toll
The bush admin needs to be prosecuted because of the way it has done us Americans. And locals are not much better when it comes to business sence. The state has been ripping us off for years. As a NC taxpayer I am sick and tired of the ferry expences that
... read the full comment by Mona | Comment on Economy, gas prices taking toll Read Economy, gas prices taking toll
KKK All of these posts are just very one minded. You talk about how great it is that everyone should speak english etc. and that if you went to another country you wouldn’t expect them to accomodate you. However, when have you gone
... read the full comment by Jane | Comment on Do counties need an official language? Read Do counties need an official language?