Category: Opinion

I was going to write a real column this week, honest. I was also going to fix the leak in the bathtub, catch up with some work from the office, maybe start Chapter 6 of my Henderson novel (working title for that chapter is “What if Yount and Wester Had a Baby? Who Would Be the First Victim, Clem or Eric?”). Yeah, I had big plans.

By the Rev. Todd Hester Jesus is comin’. Any moment we’ll see the heavens open wide and the Four Horsemen ride through Chick-fil-A’s drive-through and the Whore of Babylon parade down Garnett. Yep, the Apocalypse is upon us – how else do you explain the president of NASCAR saying he doesn’t want Confederate flags at the racetrack?

What can I say, Henderson? We tried. For 26 hours, it looked like we could change the world. For one brief, shining moment, we were as gods with purple crayons. Or, at least, as children playing “politician.”

OK, Henderson, I know it’s a little late, but I can no longer place my faith in the stewardship of Henderson with guys who go by names like “Biff,” “Clem,” “Chick,” “Bubba” and “Eric.” (Talk about a “weak” mayor system!) Therefore, I’d like to announce my write-in candidacy for mayor of Henderson. Just write me in there Tuesday. Your friendly elections officials will tell you how. Bring a purple crayon with you so they’ll know you’re serious.

This is the latest in an occasional series of articles contributed by state Sen. Doug Berger about legislative issues of concern to Vance County. The state budget includes $2 million to provide funds for local efforts to prevent the formation and growth of gangs. The budget also includes a specific grant of $25,000 to Gateway and the Vance County Coalition Against Violence to address gang violence in Henderson.

There’s this person I know who has a good job with a prominent Vance County employer. They call her a “professional,” but they don’t let her set a fee for the service she renders, even though other professionals like doctors, lawyers and architects do it routinely.

By the Rev. Todd Hester I do appreciate everyone’s thoughts and phone calls, but I’m just fine. The shakes are over, and the anxiety has settled significantly.

Mayor Clem Seifert: Let’s call this meeting of the council to order. Ms. Evans, please lead us in the invocation.

This is the latest in an occasional series of articles contributed by state Sen. Doug Berger about legislative issues of concern to Vance County. There remain 31 bills Gov. Mike Easley has yet to sign into legislation.

Well, folks, you have to admit that the Clean Up Henderson Committee has done some wonderful things with the city. Dilapidated houses are coming down, junked and abandoned vehicles are being towed to that Great Junkyard Outside the ETJ, and weeded lots are being cleared. The cleanup committee also has helped clean up the railroad right of way.

Here’s a question for you: Forgetting the state’s open-meetings law and focusing instead on what’s moral and ethical, what is a local government’s responsibility to publicize its meetings?

Well, Henderson, I didn’t think it could be done, but you’ve gone a whole week without anyone prominent doing or saying anything dumb enough to get the whole column. Reverend Dale, where are you when I need you? Coaching football? Thank heaven! Now the boys will know how to properly argue a call. Please, though, Reverend, go to the City Council meeting tonight. They’re going to talk about police brutality! If you’re lucky, you’ll get pulled over on the way …

This is the second in an occasional series of articles contributed by state Sen. Doug Berger about legislative issues of concern to Vance County. Vance County, like many rural counties, has experienced the tragic death of a child on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle).

The word on the street is that the county commissioners and the City Council are going to be asked to endorse an in incentive package for a retail development group. On this site Tom Hannon has even said there is a fire station in the deal.

Editor’s note: Miles, as a good Roman soldier, doesn’t take time off for Labor Day. The same cannot be said for his editor. We apologize for the delay in posting Miles’ musings for this week. It took three days for civilization to break down in New Orleans. There’s hardly anything worthwhile and permanent and lasting that can be done by human beings in 72 hours, but 300 years of civilization can be undone in three tiny days.

Or, how seventh grade saved my life OK, perhaps “saved my life” is a bit strong, but there’s no denying that seventh grade was pretty pivotal in my education. Seventh-grade English, to be exact, and no, not because Ms. Saleeby was cute and actually nice to a younger and gawkier version of yours truly. It was in English class that dear Ms. Saleeby taught the future movers and shakers of Travelers Rest, S.C., two important things for getting on in …

It’s probably just a coincidence that Progress Energy is holding a big public meeting in Vance County the day after announcing that it wants to build the nation’s first new nuclear power plant in a quarter-century. But it gives us a nice opportunity to get a jump-start on a major economic development project.

Imagine, if you will, a universe where the City Council has finally done the right thing and signed the new water storage contract …