Thursday Open Lines

In a press release we received today, we THOUGHT it said that Henderson landed a large company that was expanding, creating 51 new jobs and invest 11.5 million dollars… but it was instead Henderson County, not the City of Henderson.  Regardless, it’s good news for the state. 

Governor Bev Perdue today announced that UPM Raflatac, a leading global supplier of pressure sensitive labelstock, will expand in Henderson County.  The company plans to create 51 jobs and invest $11.5 million during the next three years in Henderson County.  The project was made possible in part by a $150,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“Creating jobs is my top priority, and one of the best ways to do that is to help manufacturers who already call North Carolina home expand and hire more workers,” said Governor Perdue.  “Companies like UPM Raflatac realize our top-rated business climate and excellent workforce make North Carolina the ideal location to grow.”

UPM Raflatac produces pressure sensitive labelstock that is designed to meet the needs of demanding applications in a vast array of end-uses.  A subsidiary of Finnish-based UPM, the company has operated in Henderson County since 1985 and currently employs 342 in North Carolina.  The grant will help the company expand its current production capabilities.  (read more)

Go behind the scenes at the White House with this series of time-lapse photography moments brought to you by the White House Photo Office.

Go inside the White House and the Naval Observatory, the official residence for the Vice President, for the holiday season as we honor military families and their service to our nation.

Speaking of the White House… I think a pretty crappy move was made Wednesday morning in the House as Speaker pro tempore Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) walked off the platform during a pro forma session, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D) called on the Republicans to allow a vote on Senate-passed legislation to extend Social Security payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits. Rep. Hoyer’s request was not recognized as the session ended.

It’s hard to believe and understand what happened exactly, but basically my understanding is a session was called, with the intent to discuss the payroll tax cut extension for possibly 2 months.  The House session opened, with Rep Fitzpatrick filling in for the normal House speaker.  They opened with the standard prayer, then the pledge of allegience.  Then the speaker immediately called for adjournment until Friday, threw the gavel down and walked out.

Listening to Rep. Eric Cantor’s description of the events, GOP closed the session without discussion because they have put the bill back in the Senate’s hands, and if no progress is made it’s because the members of the Senate are on vacation and hasn’t passed the bill back to the House.  At least that’s my understanding of it.  You can hear Eric Cantor’s position here.

The C-Span report lists as such:

A path forward for the House and the Senate to pass an extension for the payroll tax cut is unclear. Congress hit a major roadblock Tuesday as the U.S. House rejected the Senate’s proposal for a two-month extension.

House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Obama engaged each other through news conferences, written statements and letters, each insisting the other parties need to act.

Speaker Boehner said the House and Senate should work out the differences in their respective versions of the bill in a conference committee. Speaker Boehner appointed eight conferees.

President Obama and Senator Reid called on Speaker Boehner to vote on the bipartisan Senate bill, which passed Saturday 89-10. Speaker Reid said he will not call the Senate back to work on the bill.

Under the Senate-passed measure, the payroll tax rate would stay at the currently-reduced 4.2 percent until February. The deal also includes the so-called “doc fix” for Medicare providers, a two month extension of unemployment insurance, and language relating to the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the U.S.

On the House floor Wednesday, Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) tried to call a vote on the Senate-passed bill.  Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), who was serving as the presiding officer, gaveled-out to close the session even as the Hoyer and Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (MD) were demanding to be recognized.  (read more)

Anyway, regardless of whoever says what, it’s crappy politics.  Watch this video to appreciate it.

Wednesday we received good news that a an article we ran last week may have helped to for a wanted felon to turn herself in to the Henderson Police Department this week.  The HPD noted:

On December 20, 2011, Charlotte Pendergrass turned herself into the Henderson Police Department after her wanted picture being posted in numerous media outlets. Ms. Pendergrass was charged with four counts of felony obtaining property by false pretense and four counts of misdemeanor worthless checks. She received a $40,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on January 3, 2012.

Ok, think I’ve given you enough to think about for today, have at the open lines!