Referendum on Ward Specific Voting fails - Joe Brannock statement

The Referendum failed tonight by 139 votes - 2,331 to 2,470.

 - Joe Brannock statement

Clearly, I would have hoped for a different outcome. However, I do not look at tonight's results as a loss or an end.

Going into this process, even going as far back as when the petition was filed last July, we knew democracy isn't perfect. But we do know this - democracy works!

We can say that now because we've successfully righted a 42-year wrong. Hickory citizens were able to have a voice as to which path they wanted. This was an opportunity they were denied for the past four decades.

Citizens from across this city came together, united and determined to allow their fellow neighbors to have a voice.

Today was the day, and the voters decided. The outcome was as tight as an election could be.

Moving forward we've learned that citizens are able to mobilize and work together for a common goal - to make our city better. Though we may often disagree on what exactly "better" is; one thing is certain - if either side gives up; both sides will ultimately lose.

I want to thank the many volunteers that worked countless hours over the past 14 months, and particularly over the past five weeks.

You made this happen - you made history!

And to the City Council I want to say this - many good ideas have come out of this process. Citizens have expressed ways to improve how our city conducts business. My hope is that you will be able to set aside any negativity, and take to heart some of the reasonable suggestions made by concerned, well-intentioned citizens.

Vote Yes - Today - It's Important!!!

Go vote today (September 18, 2012) at your local precinct where you always vote. This is your last chance to get your ward back.

Advantages of True Ward Voting

True ward elections offer many advantages including:

• Restores the original system of City Government
• Traditional representation method that is used in almost all larger municipalities
• Less costly campaigns
• Cuts government spending when fewer polls are open in non-mayoral elections
• Better access to elected office for new candidates
• Promotes close ties between ward representatives and constituents
• Encourages citizen participation
• Provides immediate service and direct accountability to the voters
• More efficient division of responsibilities among members
• Provides stronger voice for voters within their own ward
• Voters can be more educated and knowledgeable about their local candidates
• Council members bring more diverse ideas for making complex decisions for the city as a whole
• Increases the ability of new and diverse candidates to get elected
• Eliminates voting blocks

Rudy Wright's phone message to the CEG from last Tuesday

- September 11, 2012

 

Mr. Mayor, we feel that we are speaking for citizens from all across the city. Citizens whose voices have gone unheard; whose concerns have gone unaddressed; whose ideas have gone ignored. We are mothers and fathers; sisters and brothers. We are white and black; we are Republicans and Democrats. We worship with you at church. We chat with each other when we cross paths at the grocery store. We wave a friendly hello when passing one another on the street. We are your neighbors.

To answer your question Rudy, YES, we have a conscience. What we don't have - and perhaps what you don't understand is - we don't have egos!

(The photo above was taken by a photographer for the USA Today in June 2010. He is standing in the Ridgeview Pool just months before he and the Hickory City Council chose to have this pool demolished. In my book that is brazen arrogance!!!)

And for more of Rudy's political philosophy, listen to the presentation below:



Rebecca Inglefield had the audacity to follow the rules!!! - So they changed the rules

They gonna Arrest you!!!

Statement by Rebecca Inglefield about her arrest at City Hall - September 13, 2012

Rebecca Inglefield had the audacity to follow the rules!!!

So they changed the rules.

From May 1, 2012

When it was time for the Council to pass the Consent Agenda, Attorney Rebecca Inglefield stood up and asked that Items F and G be removed from the Agenda. The Mayor stated that she had a right to speak at the meeting to which Attorney Inglefield stated verbatim what is written on the front page of the Council Agenda Pamphlet displayed below.

And what did she have pulled from the Consent Agenda?

The above is related to the issue of the items F & G that Attorney Inglefield asked to be removed from the Agenda as per a citizens right according to the information on the front page of the Agenda pamphlet:

F. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 21 (Exhibit VII.F.)
1. To appropriate $137,940 of Capital Reserve Parking Fund and transfer to the Canopy Project. This budget amendment is explained in Departmental Report No. 3.

G. Capital Project Ordinance Amendment No 1 (Exhibit VII.G.)
1. To accept a $137,940 appropriation of Capital Reserve Parking Fund Balance and budget in the Canopy Project construction line item.




And what was she arrested for the other day? She continued asking questions related to this "Canopy Project." Even though Attorney John Crone states that they, Hickory Inc., are an "Open Book," he tells Attorney Inglefield the other day that they don't have to answer her questions. He tells her to put it in writing and when she starts doing so,  he then tells her to leave and when she continues writing the questions she wants answered, then he has her arrested.

I hear people say things about Rebecca and that angers me. These things are related to Rebecca's passion for the community. They seem to think that is a bad thing and that it is cool to go with the flow of the cronyism. Rebecca truly cares about this community and she does a ton of things for this community. She doesn't cuss or swear and I do not understand how anyone could ever feel threatened by this lady.

Hickory Inc. doesn't want to answer questions, because they know that it is going to wake up many people to how things have been operating around here.  Sleep little sheep sleep. Nothing to see here.

They gonna Arrest you!!!

Statement by Rebecca Inglefield about her arrest at City Hall - September 13, 2012

They gonna Arrest you!!!

From The Hound - The Definition of Cronyism and the Million Dollar Tent - August 31, 2012 - "People associated with Union Square say just ask Mick Berry, he'll give you the numbers, when those numbers have been requested, but not given, in any professional context. We want to see the line items of where and what monies are accounted for and to whom. Is that so much to ask when it comes to public money?"

Lesson to be learned. Don't ask Hickory Inc. any questions, because they aren't going to answer them unless you are one of the chosen few. And for the most part those folks are Kool-Aid sippers, so they don't care. But, if you have enough courage to insist upon answers and stand up to their intimidation, they will have you arrested! 

Yes sir! Yep! That's "Open Book" Cooperation and Transparency Hickory Style!!! The only way they are going to answer anything is under a court ordered deposition.

Statement by Rebecca Inglefield about her arrest at City Hall - September 13, 2012


Below is the City Council meeting of May 1, 2012. Items pulled from the Consent Agenda by Attorney and Citizen Rebecca Inglefield on 5/1/2012 - (That is 4 1/2 months ago folks).