20 months of Recession (December 2007 to Present)

List of Recessions in U.S. History

The United States is now in its 20th month of recession. According to statistics provided by the National Bureau of Economic Research, this is the longest contraction of our economy since the Great Depression. The Great Depression lasted for 43 months, from August 1929 until March 1933 most believe. This was followed by a period of slow, but gradual recovery until 1937, when the United states went into recession again. The 1937 recession is considered to have lasted for 13 months between May 1937 and June 1938. The recovery between 1933 and 1937 did not result in lowered unemployment and thus many people still considered it to be a period of malaise. The 1937 recession lasted for 13 months, but when considering these two contractions together, one could say that the contractionary period was actually 94 months.

By 1936, all the main economic indicators had regained the levels of the late 1920s, except for unemployment, which remained high, although it was considerably lower than the 25% unemployment rate seen in 1933. In 1937, the American economy took an unexpected downturn, lasting through most of 1938. Production declined sharply, as did profits and employment. Unemployment jumped from 14.3% in 1937 to 19.0% in 1938. In two months, unemployment rose from 5 million to over 9 million, reaching almost 12 million in early 1938. Manufacturing output fell off by 40% from the 1937 peak; it was back to 1934 levels.

Unemployment was considered to be improving, when it was 14.3% in 1937. It had fallen from 25% to that level. We haven't seen those terrible numbers yet, but are they on the horizon? The depression numbers seem to point to a correlation between manufacturing and unemployment. That is a lot like what we have seen in our local area.

The next longest recession, during modern times, was from July 1981 to November 1982. That recession, during Reagan's first term, lasted for 16 months. It had been preceded by a 2 quarter recession from January 1980 until July 1980. If one looks at these recessions in the proper context, they were basically one recession that began with Carter in January 1980 and lasted 34 months.

The Hounds believes that we are going to see a period of time where we see a muted recovery as we saw in the two recessions shown above and then we are going to head right back into a contraction that will be worse than what we are seeing now.

I am not saying that we are seeing the end of the first part of this cycle, but I do believe the recent stock market recovery to 9,000 indicates that this muted recovery is on the horizon. I believe the dynamics are being fostered by the moderation of the rise in fuel costs we have seen the last few months, the increase in the money supply and capital of financial institutions, the possibility that Obama may be stopped from implementing some of his agenda, and most of all the length of time we have been in this contraction (recession). But, our energy prices are precarious with all of the international issues and hurricane season on the way. We are still very vulnerable on that issue.

In Finance, there is a term called a Dead Cat Bounce. It involves commodities, such as stocks, but I believe that it also can relate to any type of economic activity. With the Dead Cat Bounce, a pattern develops where the commodity declines substantially followed by a moderate and temporary rise in value, before the commodity resumes its downward movement. This rise is not an indication of improving circumstances in the fundamentals of the commodity. The saying goes "even a dead cat will bounce if it falls from a great height."

Yes, we will eventually see improvement from the contraction, but it is going to be really hard to tell what is real and what isn't. Don't be so sure that we aren't seeing a lot of Pump and Dump activities going on with the stock market. The fundamentals just aren't there to justify a recovery, but people are grasping at anything to find something they believe will justify an economic recovery. Right now, there are two types of investors in this market, those who crave an economic recovery so they can start making money again and those who are looking to hype their positions so that they can sell them, because they are looking to salvage as much money as they can from the losses they have incurred.

I believe a double dip recession is inevitable, because you cannot have a real, sustainable economic recovery without a significant improvement in the job picture. We have real problems with our country's ability to grow jobs. The other issue is that of inflation. With as much money as we have seen put in the system, as soon as any signs of economic recovery come along, you are going to see a rise in commodity prices. That starts the cycle over again.

Until we find something to produce and the government gets off of the backs of job creators, it is going to be impossible to have a lasting and worthwhile recovery. Our leaders, in every level of government, are going to have to take some chances along the way, because we have fundamentally changed the economic structure of our nation. We cannot sit around and wait for the picture to improve. We are going to have to take proactive stances and government officials are going to have to find the inner strength needed to rediscover their roots as public servants.

If our government were a company, would you say it was well run? If you had a nest egg for retirement, would you let our current government take care of it? It is time that people start expecting our government to be run like a business. The government has a fiduciary responsibility to look out for everyones interests. Whether the government invests in a project or institutes a program, it is time to set some goals, assess the risks, implement the tasks in an efficient manner, and take care of the shareholders of the United States Treasury; which is supposed to be the Citizens of the United States.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of July 21, 2009

This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.

At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.

At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.

Here is a summary of the agenda of the 6/16/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.

Invocation by Rev. Cindy Jordan of Spiritual Care Catawba Valley Medical Center

Special Presentations:
A. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions - The mayor made these presentations

B. Presentation and Update of the “Best Tennis Town USA” Competition by Mandy Pitts, Communications Director - Mandy Pitts Presented, She wants you to go vote. Tennis Town USA presentation / Tennis Town USA site (go vote).

C. Mandy Pitts, Communications Director to Present to City Council a Medallion Received From the National Civic League During the 60th All-America City Awards in June. Mandy said that Hickory is one of very few cities that have been award this status more than once.

The Hound says, I like Tennis and I used to play informally when I was younger. Bjorn Borg was my favorite. I have never been one to get excited about these things, but I do understand their purpose and I think you should go vote for the Tennis Town title. We've had some pretty dog-gone good state championship tennis teams in this region. I think we should be happy to receive recognition and I think no one should be subversive to these causes. I have never intended subversion towards these causes. Go find a quote where I have been subversive towards these causes and wanted us to lose at any of this.

What I have said, and meant, is that you cannot build a city on these awards. The awards are symbols and we have to have substance. Just because I can't be enthralled in supporting the party line, does not mean I am against it. I want to see city officials support some of my, and other citizen's, causes. Just because ideas aren't proposed in the Whitener building, doesn't mean they are bad. The City doesn't have to be giddy with joy over my issues either, but we all need to separate the politics from the policy.

Consent Agenda:
Acceptance of Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds in the Amount of $198,536 for the Purchase of Operations Equipment - The City of Hickory and Catawba County have received notification to receive a combined allocation of $266,031 under the 2009 Recovery Justice Assistance Grant Program. These funds are based on Uniform Crime Reports. The Hickory Police Department is eligible for a direct award of $198,536 with no match required and has agreed to serve as the lead agency in the grant application process. The Hickory PoliceDepartment wishes to use the grant funds to enhance current operations by purchasing a Sky Tower, the addition of twopart-time Telecommunicators, the purchase of two Polilight Flare and a video analysis system along with improvements to the firing range.

Proclamations - Declaring the Week of August 1 – 7, 2009 as “International Clown Week”

Resolution - Petition of Adrian and Arabela Balan to Close 1st Street, NW Between 36th and 37th Avenues, NW (Authorize Public Hearing for August 18, 2009)

Accepting Catawba County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update - is a 3-year update to the 10-year Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan has been approved by Catawba County and it requires each unit of the local government to develop a 3-year update to the 10-year plan. The City of Hickory Solid Waste Division participated in the development of this plan.

Acceptance of Grant From North Carolina Department of Energy and Natural Resources (NCDENR) for Pallet Recycling in the Amount of $20,000 - This is a Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant from NCDENR for procurement of a hook lift mechanism to be mounted on an existing truck and to purchase containers for pallet recycling. The grant requires a 20% match from the City. Effective October 1, 2009 the State of NC will ban the disposal of pallets from landfills and large generators of pallets will be required to recycle them. The City currently has a fee based system in place for construction material through our hook lift construction dumpster program and proposes to make this same service available to pallet generators. Pallets can be ground into mulch at either the County’s or City’s facilities. A used truck was procured in FY 2008-09 to mount the hook lift on and will also be used as a self contained leaf machine. Bulk pallet recycling by the City provides an outlet for our businesses as well as a revenue generator for the City. Having two hook lift trucks will enable the City to omit four part-time seasonal positions resulting in an approximate $20,000 annual savings. Total capital expenditures, not including the $20,000 grant are expected to be approximately $75,000 budgeted in FY 2009-10.

Business
Renewal of Taxicab and Other Passenger Vehicles For Hire Franchises
Company (Taxicabs/Other Passenger Vehicles For Hire)
Select Car Service (0/1)
Yellow Cab (10/4)
Mile High Enterprises dba Hickory Hop (0/5)
Diamond Cab of Hickory (3/0)
A Chauffer 4U (0/1)
Total (13/11)

Annually, these companies apply for a renewal of their taxicab and other passenger vehicle for hire franchise. The fee for FY 2009-10 is $22.50 per vehicle. A total of $540 (24 vehicles) has been collected.
Approve Purchase of an Automated Side Loader Solid Waste Truck in the Amount of $231,662 - The purchase of this equipment is a “piggy back” bid with the City of Cary, NC. This truck is used for providing services to residential customers and servicing the City’s roll-out containers. They operate approximately 800-900 times a day and need to be replaced in five year intervals. The low bid for this equipment came from Amick Equipment at $109,303 (packer body) and Southern Truck Service at $122,359 (cab & chassis), totaling $231,662. This truck will replace Unit No. 3726 which has become costly to maintain.

Approve Purchase of Rear Loading Refuse Truck in the Amount of $198,464 -“piggy back” bid with the City of Raleigh, NC. The City uses this truck for collection of residential yard waste and junk and is used on a daily basis. The low bid for this truck is from Carolina Environmental Systems in the amount of $198,464 and will replace Truck No. 3518.

Approve Community Appearance Grant to Philip Schmitt for Property Located at 200 2nd Street, NW in the Amount of $1,211.59 - The proposed upgrade is to install awnings on all of the windows, which will be visible from both roads. The Community Appearance Grant guidelines allow for 25 percent of awning reimbursement. During the commission’s regular meeting on June 26, 2009, the commission unanimously recommended approval of this grant.

Approve Community Landscape Incentive Grant to Jane Moore, Owner of 1859 Café for Property Located at 443 2nd Avenue, SW in the Amount of $2,500 - for a Landscape Incentive Grant for property located at 443 2nd Avenue, SW. Ms. Moore proposes the removal of existing chain link fence between her property and her neighbors and to install a more decorative fence along with replacing trees, shrubs and landscape material. The Community Appearance Commission unanimously recommended this grant request during their June 22, 2009 regular meeting.

Amendment to Traffic Ordinance by Reducing the Speed Limit From 35 mph to 25 mph Along 38th Avenue, NE From the Intersection With Falling Creek Road to 6th Street, NE, 37th Avenue, NE From the Intersection With Falling Creek Road to the Intersection With 6th Street, NE, 36th Avenue, NE From the Intersection of Falling Creek Road to 5th Street Drive, NE, 5th Street, Drive, NE From the Intersection of 37th Avenue, NE to the Dead End, 6th Street, NE From the Intersection of 36th Avenue, NE to 38th Avenue, NE From the Intersection of 36th Avenue, NE to 37th Avenue, NE

Accept NC Governor’s Crime Commission Inter-Agency Gang Grant in the Amount of $135,629.31 - will pay for a crime analyst position. The funds requested for the first year of the grant are $135,629.31 with 75% funded by the NC Governor’s Crime Commission. A local match of 25% ($33,907.33) will be divided by the eight participating law enforcement agencies in the county. Each of the law enforcement agencies will split the cost of the match based on a population formula. The Crime Analyst will work in collaboration with the eight law enforcement agencies of Brookford, Maiden, Long View, Catawba County, Newton, Conover, Claremont, Catawba and Hickory and the HPD Gang of One Coordinator. The project’s primary focus will be to identify potential gang members and criminal offenses, which may be gang related in order to identify potential at-risk youth. In addition, it will unite a network of community resources; probation, law enforcement, schools, mental health services, employment agencies, community and faith based organization.

Approve Railroad/Highway Crossing License and Maintenance Agreement With Caldwell County Railroad Company (CCRC) Regarding the Clement Boulevard NW Extension Project in the Amount of $ 15,365 Annually - required for the CCRC to allow the City to construct a road across the existing railroad tracks for the Clement Boulevard NW Extension while accepting the expenses associated with the cost of maintenance and associated costs of gates and lights of CCRC’s eight other existing crossings in the City. The City’s costs will be seen overtime as improvements to the existing eight crossings along the CCRC rail line. Any Federal or State grants that CCRC receives associated with crossing improvements for the crossings in the City will be credited to the City’s cost of the crossing improvement. The City and CCRC will meet annually to discuss plans for future maintenance or improvements to crossings covered by this agreement. The estimated annual cost to maintain the track and road crossings for the existing eight and the new Clement Boulevard NW crossing is estimated at $21,020 for a 20 year period of which the City is already responsible for $5,655 annually. Therefore, it is estimated the new additional annual cost to be $15,365.

Approval of Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs (N)
The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City of Hickory’s First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan Program:
Pamela Y. Shade 226 3rd Avenue Court, SW Approved for up to $6,500

The following applicant is being recommended for approval for assistance under the City
of Hickory’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program:
Charlton Seaver 836 7th Avenue, SW Approved for up to $12,000

Approve Professional Services Agreement Supplement with Utility Advisor’s Network, Inc. to Perform Feasibility Assessment Required for Revenue Bond Sale Regarding the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade (NEWWTP) in the Amount of $10,000 - The City is required to furnish a full Feasibility Assessment due to the City’s Public Utility System never selling Revenue Bonds. Due to the delays this project has faced, we are required to add the current year financial position in the model. This assessment will provide the Public Utility Department and the Finance Department with a clearly defined status of the financial strength of the Utility System and define the method of future financing capabilities. This supplement is at a substantially reduced fee due to staff negotiating the fees in-concert with ongoing work by Utility Advisor’s Network, Inc.

Approve Contract Amendment with Clark and Associates, Inc. Regarding the Cripple Creek Outfall Replacement Project - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has very specific criteria to ensure that each project meets the requirements established by the Federal Government for job creation, fair wages, Buy American Act and other criteria for job posting and record keeping. This Amendment is to ensure that the contract is in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Therefore, since the City has been approved for $1,938,000 in ARRA funds for the Cripple Creek Outfall Replacement Project, the original contract with Clark and Associates, Inc. needs to be amended to include all criteria. Clark and Associates, Inc. has already agreed to meet these criteria through the bid process and will result in no additional expense to the City nor will it extend the contract time.

Approve Contract Amendment with Hickory Sand Company, Inc. Regarding the Cripple Creek Outfall Replacement Project - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has very specific criteria to ensure that each project meets the requirements established by the Federal Government for job creation, fair wages, Buy American Act and other criteria for job posting and record keeping. This Amendment is to ensure that the contract is in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Therefore, since the City has been approved for $1,938,000 in ARRA funds for the Cripple Creek Outfall Replacement Project, the original contract with Hickory Sand Company, Inc. needs to be amended to include all criteria. Hickory Sand Company, Inc. has already agreed to meet these criteria through the bid process and will result in no additional expense to the City nor will it extend the contract time.

Distribution of Property From the George L. Lyerly, Jr. Trust - The Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is one of sixteen beneficiaries of the Will of George L. Lyerly, Jr. The library receives 4.5% undivided interest of any assets of the trust. There is property located on four contiguous lots located on 3rd Street, SE and efforts have failed to find a buyer. A previous appraisal of the property in 2006 and 2007 in the amount of $44,000 was made, but did not take into consideration the pedestrian overlay district. Therefore, should the property be sold “as is” and subject to the overlay, a significant discount from the appraised value would be considered. There has been an offer of $8,000 and Wachovia Bank is requesting the beneficiaries to declare their wishes of the sale of the property. Wachovia has presented the beneficiaries with two options and if the responses are not received by July 17, 2009 or if there is no consensus, Wachovia will proceed with distribution of the property. Staff requests Council to consider the second option to proceed with property distribution and to reject the offer of $8,000 for the sale of the property to Reggie Durhman.

Approve Agreement With the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for a Congestion Management and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant in the Amount of $2.5 Million (S) - This CMAQ Grant is for the replacement of obsolete traffic signal equipment, upgraded software and to bring isolated signals into the traffic control system. The NCDOT has approved the grant in the amount of $2.5 million for the upgrade of the master computer system and software that controls the traffic signal system as well as field controllers at intersections. By accepting this grant, the City’s Traffic Division will have more control to manage congestion, reduce delays and therefore, improve air quality. This will not update the City’s entire traffic signal system, but will address the majority of the major roadways. This is a 100% funded grant if plans, specifications and estimates are completed and turned into the NCDOT for their approval by August 29, 2009 and the amount is reduced to 80% DOT, 20% City match if not met by August 29, 2009. This is a reimbursement type project and the time frame for this project is one year for preconstruction requirements with a two year project completion date.

Budget Ordinances
Appropriate a total of $535 of General Fund Balance and budget in the International Council line item. The International Council received $535 of Springfest Donations too late in the fiscal year to budget; therefore funds rolled into General Fund Balance.

Appropriate $4,142 of General Fund Balance and budget in the International Council line item. The International Council had $4,142 remaining in their expenditure line item in FY08-09 which rolled into the General Fund Balance at year end. Therefore an appropriation is necessary to budget the funds in the current fiscal year.

Decrease the Catawba County Library revenue line item by $3,867 and the Library's Natural Gas expenditure line item by $3,867. This is to reflect the projected Catawba County Revenue for FY09-10.

Appropriate a total of $8,994 of General Fund Balance and budget in the Library Department's Books line item ($3,994) and Departmental Supplies ($5,000) line item. The Library Foundation provided funds in FY08-09 to purchase library books and departmental supplies however; the balances on two purchase orders lapsed at year end and rolled into General Fund Balance.
Therefore an appropriation is necessary to budget the funds in the current fiscal year.

Re-appropriate a total of $3,291 of General Fund Balance and budget in the Library Department's Non-Asset Inventory line item. Funds were budgeted in FY08-09 for the purchase of a hand held RFID wand from SirsiDynix (self check equipment) however; staff postponed the purchase because a newer less expensive version is available this fiscal year.

Appropriate $6,301 of General Fund Balance to the City Clerk's Contracted Services line item. This transfer is to provide funds to pay for the Conservation Treatment for Minutes Books 1-3, 5-10, 11-A. Funds rolled into General Fund Balance at year end, therefore an appropriation is necessary.

Appropriate $403 of General Fund Balance and budget in the Police Department's Overtime and Holiday Pay line item. (T-7) A March payment of $403 was received from Catawba County Mental Health for a portion of an Officers time spent when accompanying involuntary commitment patients. Rolled over to 09-10 budget.

Appropriate $1,808 of General Fund Balance and budget in the Police Department's Overtime and Holiday Pay line item (T-7). A June payment of $1,808 was received from Catawba County Mental Health for a portion of an Officers time spent when accompanying involuntary commitment patients. . Rolled over to the 09-10 operational budget.

Transfer $45,000 of materials for storm drain maintenance and repair from the General Fund and budget in the Stormwater Fund.

Budget $314,000 of City of Claremont revenues in various Water and Sewer operational line items for the Wastewater System Operations Contract with the City of Claremont. The contract with the City of Claremont is to provide for operation maintenance and management of two wastewater treatment plant facilities and five collection lift stations in the City of Claremont. Claremont will be responsible for all Capital expenditures.

Transfer $37,761 from Water and Sewer Contingency to the Water and Sewer Capital Vehicles line item. This transfer is to pay for the purchase of two trucks to be used at the Claremont facility.

Grant Project Ordinance Amendment No. 1
Decrease a $7,550 transfer of General Fund Balance for funding the professional services of The Louis Berger Group, Inc. for the Grace Chapel/US 321 Connector project and increase Caldwell County Miscellaneous Revenue line item by $7,550. The NCDOT entered into a municipal agreement with Caldwell County to pay The Louis Berger Group, Inc. for limited subsurface exploration and analysis.

Items Removed from Consent Agenda - N, S, T-7 were removed from the agenda.
N - Alderman Seaver recused himself fro voting because his son was a party
S - Alderman Lail wanted clarification tthat it will cost the city $500,000, if the project is not completed within the timeline
T-7 - Alderman Lail wanted clarification on this issue

Informational Items:
Report of Alderwoman Hoyle’s Travel to the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Spring Steering Committee Meeting in Palm Beach, FL From June 4 – 7, 2009; hotel - $331.17; airfare - $467.70; per diem - $128; mileage - $57.20; airline baggage fee - $30; shuttle - $40 The NCLM is to reimburse the City $400 pursuant to the League’s adopted budget regarding NLC Committee Meetings

New Business - Public Hearings
1. Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds in the Amount of $48,250 to be Approved and Awarded to the City of Hickory Police Department Hickory City Council previously approved the Police Department to file an application for this grant on June 15, 2009. The City of Hickory and Catawba County applied jointly for this grant based upon their Uniform Crime Reports. The City of Hickory is eligible for $48,250 and it is a no match grant. These JAG funds can be spent on virtually any purpose that benefits law enforcement. The Hickory Police Department plans to use these funds to enhance current operations within the department to include workout equipment, speed measuring devises, additional shotguns, tasers and tactical equipment. Unanimous Approval

2. Petition 09-05 – Rezoning of the Property Located at 2330 Springs Road, NE From R-5 Residential to NC-2 Neighborhood Core Commercial. This 0.52 acre property is located at 2330 Springs Road, NE and is owned by Tony Odell Lafone and Ruth Lafone Deitz. The property owners petitioned to have the property rezoned from R-5 Residential to NC-2 Neighborhood Core Commercial. The Hickory Future Land Use and Transportation Plan classifies the property as Primary Residential. The Land Development Code states that rezonings to NC-2 are inconsistent with the Neighborhood Core future land use classification. Given that there are commercial uses immediately to the north of the property, NC-1 zoned property across the street and the subject property is located along Springs Road, the uses allowed in the NC-2 district would be suitable for this property. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission on June 24, 2009 conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning. Staff finds the request to be inconsistent with Hickory by Choice, but recommends approval. Alderman Meisner recused himself, because he appraised the property. Unanimous Approval

New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Quarterly Financial Report _Warren Wood went over the report of the City's last Quarter and included a report on the entire year (April, May, June). Mr. Wood stated that he didn't have all of the final numbers yet, they will be reported when the audit is presented in a couple of months. He gave a summary of Council approvals throughout the year. He stated that 08-09 started on the heals of the city rebuilding it's fund balance. For 3 years the city was able to put money away, but times slowed this year.

As of June 30th, the city has received 85% of budgeted revenue. The 5 year average shows that the city should be at 93%. The economic conditions have the city down about 8% from where they should be. The General Fund is $45 million - more than half of the city's budget. The expenditure side shows that the city has spent 94.16% and the 5-year cycle shows that the city normally has expended 94.76% by this time. That is slightly better. The good news is the city has a full year to ratchet down on spending in the upcoming year. The bottom line is that expenditures over revenues equal $3.7 million. The city will not end up with a $3.7million hole in the fund. There are more revenues to come in (sales tax, investment earnings, miscellaneous fund, and unfunded balance). We don't know where we will end up yet. We should know by August.

The city has received 89% of its water-sewer revenues for the year, compared to the 5 year average of 90%. Considering the drought restrictions he is pleased. On the expenditure side the revenues are at 89% compared to the 5-year average of 86.5%. The bottom line is a $335,000 surplus. He feels good about that.

The investment portfolio. They have $47 million invested. The City tries to keep close to a balance of 1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3. They have moved more money to long term. Can't do more because of cash flow. Property tax revenue grew by 1.36%. The last time we were in a recession (2001) it didn't really take hold until 02 and 03. If the trend continues, we will see losses next year or the year after. Last year, the city did $52 million in permitting. The year before they did twice that. It looks like the city will have half the growth in property tax revenues. We could see a flat line or loss in property tax revenue. That is a major source of revenue and they need to take action earlier.

Alder Fox asked about Business Licences (effects on Revenunue) - Wood stated that priviledge license revenue means about $1.2 million and most of it comes from Big Boxes (stores). It isn't a fair system. The state needs to look at it. The city is following what the state is going to do with that very closely.

Alder Lail said he was incredibly thankful that the state has kept numbers in Line.

The Hound says ding-ding-ding, we have a winner: As I have said all along, we have trouble on the horizon with our tax base. from my article two weeks ago, The Relevant Issue: 34,294 JOBS lost since July 2000 in the Unifour,

"The local governments have done an excellent job of keeping costs of services in order and taxes low, but unless we soon see a very drastic turnaround, taxes are going to have to be raised or services are going to have to be slashed. The recession means that we are going to see a reduction in sales tax revenues coming into local governmental coffers. Unemployed people do not spend money and also fewer people are coming to the area to buy furniture at local shops, as we have all seen in the past. We are also going to see less property tax revenue contributions from commercial and industrial properties, because so many companies have gone out of business and so many commercial properties are now sitting vacant. Yes, the local government has kept your tax rate low, but this ought to show you that they can't honestly tell you that they are going to be able to keep doing that."

I never have stated this with glee. I have personally been very much effected by this city's malaise. We must start thinking outside of the box. On the radio the other morning, the mayor stated that he wanted people to come to him with ideas, but then he proceeded to begin putting qualifiers on what they should present to him. I understand his desire for risk-aversion and tangibility, but please do not limit our opportunities by demanding narrowly crafted specifics.

Innovation will come from out of nowhere. You can create an environment conducive to innovation, but you cannot force it. I agree that we can't take a scattered approach, but I truly believe that we cannot afford limit the scope of this function.

Maybe the city can foster some seed money towards invention and innovation in this community. We must change our momentum and the people's mindset. Get people to start thinking in new and innovative ways. Set up a contest, with rules, and a prize (say $10,000 and help in obtaining the patent) to anyone from the area, who can present to the City of Hickory an innovative project and have area businessmen mentor these people, vie to contract the people if they are worthy, help produce the project, and get it up and running. That sure seems like it might change the paradigm and get one or more ideas on the table.

Request to Address Council: John Henson addressed the council about the business license issue and he opposed to the renewal of the license for Gold and Silver Exchange. He hopes that the staff will recommend that the license not be renewed. He is glad to see that the police department has removed its sticker from the window and the company's wen page. He believes that the business has not been in conformity with the city code.

The Hound believes that these types of operations, along with pawn shops, need to surely be watched vigilantly during these hard times. We could see a lot of fencing taking place at these places if the operators are looking to make a quick buck. I'd just like to ask, why are these places always on the poorer side of town? I hate seeing the poor preyed upon.

BROAD BAND!!!

I am going to try to relate to you here the essential reasons why we must see an investment made in the expansion of Broadband Capacity in our area. I know that I am not going to be able to get through to some people who look at this article, because of the complexities of the information involved, but I will try to make some of the information understandable to laymen. By the way, I am no expert in relation to many people I know.

What does the internet do? Before the internet, Physical computing was limited to networks that were usually linked locally and typically on-site. During the late 1960s, several research programs began to explore and articulate principles of networking between physically separate networks of computer systems. Subsequently, the different programs led to efforts that allowed computers to communicate with specific internetworks, but these systems were disjointed until 1982. In that year, standard protocols were adopted to bring these networks together. During the 1980s and 1990s, the internet was commercialized and several for profit Internet Service Providers sprang up. We now live in an age Instantaneous Communication, as a result.

The World Wide Web - On August 6, 1991, CERN, a pan European organization for particle research, publicized The World Wide Web project, a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. With a Web browser, one can view web pages that may contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia and navigate between them using hyperlinks. The Web was invented by English scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.

Todays Internet and the relation to our technological needs - The Discovery Institute's The Technology and Democracy Project has an interesting site. Their mission "supports technology as the key engine for economic growth and seeks to free its natural advancement from the burdens of undue government regulation."

In their article titled Estimating the Exaflood: The Impact of Video and Rich Media on the Internet – A ‘zettabyte’ by 2015? they state, "An upsurge of technological change and a rising tide of new forms of data are working a deep transformation of the Internet’s capabilities and uses."

Wall Street Journal Article: Unleashing the Exaflood

Wikipedia: The word exabyte is the basis for the term exaflood, a neologism created by Bret Swanson of the Discovery Institute in a January 2007 Wall Street Journal editorial.^[20] Exaflood refers to the rapidly increasing torrent of data transmitted over the Internet. The amount of information people upload, download and share on the Internet—known as internet traffic—is growing (due in large part to video, audio and photo applications) at an exponential rate, while the capacity of the Internet, its bandwidth, is limited and susceptible to a "flood" of data equal to multiple exabytes. "One exabyte is the equivalent of about 50,000 years of DVD quality video."

How does this relate to the Hickory Metro Area? - This is a real opportunity. We must buy into the process of expanding our local broadband capacities and get on the cutting edge of this issue. As you can see from the information above, the need will be there. With the positioning of the Google (Lenoir) and Apple (Maiden) data centers, here in the Hickory Metro Area, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Video is a driving force in the necessity to expand capacities. Ever expanding video demands include entertainment, advertising, video conferencing, medical imaging, and technical diagnostics.

Perspective. The Numbers don't lie - I will try to put this into perspective and this should be easy to understand for most. This link will take you to a Windows Media article entitled Understanding HD Formats. I read this article to see how much storage capacity was needed for 1 hour of HD video. The numbers are all in the compression, but for the most compressed HD video you will need 11 gigabytes. Of course this will sacrifice quality, especially as the picture is magnified and/or you increase the frame rate. 1080p HD video at 24 frames per second (this is currently considered full HD) will require 328 gigabytes for 1 hour of video.

Currently there are two main types of storage media that can handle this amount of data capacity, Hard Disk drives which are becoming affordable at 1 or 2 terabytes (terabyte=1,000 gigaytes or 1 million megabytes) and blu-ray optical discs, which are the size of a CD (or DVD), and can hold 50 gigabytes on the Dual Layer version. A 1 terabyte Hard drive can hold a little over 90 hours of fully compressed high definition video, but only a little over 3 hours of full HD uncompressed video. Are you with me? We are going to have to see an exponential expansion of our computing technological horizons, in the near future, if we are going to realize this potential.

My stepfather was the Data Processing Manager of Catawba County back in the early 1980's. The computers took up the bottom left side of the Catawba County Library building in Newton. Of course that system is no longer there, because the information that was assembled by those monstrous tape reels on those huge mainframes will probably fit on a flash drive on your key chain these days. That should give you some real perspective.

Remember the days of the old 14.4 kb/second modem. It would take right at 1780 hours of continuous downloading using those modems, that were a benchmark less than 20 years ago, to download 1 hour of compressed HD video. That is 74 days. That means it would take 148 days (nearly 5 months) to download most movies. And 1 hour of Full uncompressed HD would take 53,076 hours to download. That is 2,211 days to download, which is a little over 6 years.

Todays typical download connection rates are 3 to 5 mb/sec to the home in the Hickory Metro Area. Saying 3 mb/sec is the standard, then it is 208 times faster than that old 14.4 modem. That means that 1 hour of compressed HD video can now be downloaded in 8 1/2 hours, but it would still take 10 1/2 days to download that full HD uncompressed video. You can see that we have come a long way, but we have a long way to go in a short time frame in dealing with technology that is already here.

Businesses can typically purchase Cable, DSL, and other current technology packages that will boost their download capabilities to 30 to 50 mb/sec. That is 10 times faster than what is available to the home, but the costs are prohibitively more expensive. At those download speeds, that 1 hour of compressed HD video can now be downloaded in a little over 50 minutes, and the Full HD uncompressed video would now take 1 1/2 days to download. But, what you must realize is that these companies would have to concentrate all of their broadband resource capability on this one task to accomplish this goal.

Think about a doctor, in the near future, wanting to send a High Definition MRI or Cat Scan of one of his patients to a colleague over the internet. Can that doctor or patient afford to wait days for that information to be uploaded and downloaded from different locations? That is the kind of importance we are talking about.

The Hound wants your attention: We have current businesses here, in this area right now, that are going to need us to expand this capacity. Alan Jackson and Pat Appleson are two businessmen in our area that are going to need this capability to be able to compete in their fields. Alan owns the Jackson Group and his business specializes in Research and Marketing utilizing Multimedia for both Public and Private entities. Pat Appleson is the owner of Pat Appleson Studios. Pat's company is a full service broadcast production company, which provides services that create commercials for ads on radio and television and in other multimedia forums. Pat (and I am sure Alan also) has equipment that he cannot fully utilize, because we don't have the broadband infrastructure that can handle his equipment's full potential. I would hate to lose two great businesses, in this area, because these gentlemen can't compete in their industries. And soon that might happen, if we don't upgrade our Broadband Network.

Terry Bledsoe, Catawba County's Information Technology Director, has talked about the need to reinvigorate our local Broadband Infrastructure. He has talked about Wilson, NC's High Speed Broadband Network. Wilson has built a Broadband Infrastructure that currently allows for 100 mb/sec connections to the home and 1 gb/sec to businesses. That is basically 30 times faster than the Hickory Metro's Broadband Infrastructure. While this is not the be-all, end-all address of our Information and Technological needs, it is certainly a guidepost and map that we can learn from.

Video is only one computing capacity that has and is expanding at exponential rates. There are also a multitude of needs from the automation of industry to communication for personal and public entities to control of corporate and public information systems and the expansion of educational opportunity. These are just a few of the necessities we must address in order for our community to move forward into a positive future.

With invention and innovation, we cannot possibly envision every need on the horizon. Think of how far we have come since the web became functional in 1982. Think of what this area was then and where we are today. I doubt that you could imagine that whole industries would virtually be wiped off of our map. Here is an opportunity, our opportunity, we must seize it!!!

Take a Breath

Lately I have been accused of focusing too much on the political agenda, but that was never my intention. My intentions are to help transform Hickory, the city of my origin, into something better and brighter. Many people seem lost to such a concept in an era of survival.

Funny things happen in life and last week's sermon in church dealt with the part of the Lord's Prayer where it says, "And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us." What the thesis of the sermon suggested was that we are not to position ourselves to be God or god-like. We have to come to grips with the things we can and cannot control. We cannot change things without the help of others. And sometimes we need to stop and take in the glory and the creation of God.

Yes, I know that I anger people sometimes with the things that I say. Here is the reason why I do what I do. Heat makes things more malleable. That is true of both animate and inanimate objects. It is easier to change someone when their blood is flowing, as opposed to when they are laid back and relaxed. Sometimes we have to work to gain others attention and we push their buttons until we have them leaning forward. The body language presented or the tenor of their response lets us know whether they are understanding what we are trying to communicate to them.

If someone is responding to me like "Duke the Dog" of "the Beverly Hillbillies" fame, then I am not getting my point across. I know that when you push buttons, you can't always predict the reaction. It is impossible to always guide the forces of red hot energy, and sometimes the equal and opposite reaction can seem to damage the cause. But, if the Force of the Cause is Big Enough and has a real Purpose, then it might be altered, but it won't be destroyed.

Their is a Bhuddist saying that pain and suffering are our best teachers. The German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." The mission that I am on has been altered many times. I have had to transform who I am on several occasions. I have had people say I am a Renaissance Man many times. Change is not comfortable, but it is not bad, and it ends up making one a better person.

I was bothered by something that happened in my life this week, that pertains to my writings. I thoroughly discussed it with my maternal grandmother and she stated that the things that I write are sometimes so complex that they can go way over the heads of some people. Many of these people basically skim over the words and really don't try to understand the context in which I am writing. Basically, it is too complex for them to understand or they are too intellectually lazy to try to comprehend it. But, she also told me to go ahead and do my thing, because I would never be able to reach those people anyway.

Sometimes I am guilty of letting my emotions get the best of me. I have felt abandoned many times in my life and a friend of mine told me that I need to realize that most human beings maneuver and calculate. Admittedly, I don't deal well with that. I was raised by a grandfather who taught me about "a word being your bond" and "handshake agreements." I honestly have put "What's in it for me" in the background of all of these processes. As I have stated before, I am not making money doing this blog. This is about changing the economic culture of our area.

I hope I don't offend the non-religious by sharing this message, sent to me by my friend, because I did find it to be relevant -- Think about this today: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all these things will be added to you." If we keep focused on Him and understand that we are in this world but not of this world we can keep centered on the big picture and weather the strife of this world. God never abandons us and the ultimate victory is ours. I really believe that I need to do what I'm doing vis a vis Hickory, but even if Hickory were to deteriorate, God will still reign and take care of me and you. Smile, relax, enjoy today for the life and hope we have for tomorrow is not promised.

Thank You and I do get it. The most important thing in life is not what someone thinks of or does to you. It is what you do with YOUR life. If you personally live by the principles of good, then in the end the rest will eventually take care of itself.

July 15, 2009: Advocacy for Leadership

When I created my Hickory Hound Facebook account, months ago, I had to pick a category to describe the purpose of the group. I never thought of the mission as that of being an Advocate, but that is the category that I chose. After thinking about it and having some in-depth discussions with possible candidates in these upcoming races, I realized that that is truly what I am.

I honestly don't care about politics and I have real doubts about my ability to campaign should I ever decide to run for elective office. One, I am honest and loyal to a fault and I don't like what I interpret to be calculating politicos. In my opinion, it construes to a lesser form of integrity. Two, I don't believe in being a gracious loser or good sport. If you lose you have to respect it, but the living with the loss part is hard; not because of the label, but because of the rejection. This does not mean that at a point in the future I won't seek office, but I will promise you that it won't be as the typical politico.

Advocate - to speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly. I am this, because this city needs to move forward and I believe it is my calling to play a role in making that happen. Too many times we have seen the privileged people in this city looking towards the nostalgic vision of yesteryear and a smaller, more sanguine Hickory. One where "Old Hickory" was flying high, their family's business was floating in cash, and they had the whole world in their hands.

But, that vision looked in the mirror and driving by looking in the mirror, instead of looking out the windshield and down the road, will ultimately lead to a crash. It seems like I have said it a million times before, but the city's leaders, whether government or business, were not laying a firm foundation for the future. This city's leaders and businessmen needed to invest in its most important resource -- Human Capital.

I heard someone say this the other day and I truly believes it's true, because I think it is part of the metastasizing cancer that is flowing throughout our community. This person said that a combination of greed and short-term thinking will ruin just about anything . A metaphor of this is when I have personally witnessed local business people take money out of the register to use it on personal expenses or writing a check from the business account to do the same. That is not a good business model. Usually these types of arrangements end in cash flow problems. Getting through the day or robbing Peter to pay Paul are expressions that come to mind.

I have also witnessed many business owners who will pay as little as they possibly can to their employees and then luxuriate themselves to the Nth degree. Many of these business owners don't reward employees that go above and beyond with appreciation, much less a raise or bonus. Why should an excellent employee ever have to go ask for more money when what they are doing has a direct, positive effect on a business's revenues? It is little wonder that employees that work under such management, where they are taken for granted, have morale problems or do the least they possibly can get away with.

I believe that this was the normal business practice in "Old Hickory." Many people will say, "That's capitalism." Well, Capitalism does not necessarily equate to good business people or practices, and without good business people, we can't have a good, stable economic foundation to build a community upon. A good Capitalist gets to know his or her employees personally and understands that a business's most vital asset is its employees. If you invest in your employees with decent wages and benefits, along with continuing training and education; then you will, I believe, have larger and more stable returns in the long run. This is the principle of investing in Human Capital.

Okay, now time to step down from the soapbox on that issue, but forward thinking leadership, in this city, would recognize that this has been an area of weakness and we need to make sure that going forward that we instill in local area business owners that it is a true necessity to invest in its employees. I have spoken to one of our areas best up and coming young businessmen who truly does understand all of this. He told me, "The last few months have been really tough. I could have been ruthless and kept my full salary and laid off a bunch of my employees, but I called them all in and explained that we were having financial difficulties and everyone was going to have to take an across the board pay cut, including myself." He said to me, "I can't afford to invest in these employees, and let them go, for a temporary fix."

As a community, we need to invest in our future. This city has been and will continue to crumble around us if we don't. This is not about politics. This is about life. I think we are all tired of "Politics as Usual." Whether we do anything about it or not is a different story. Politics is defined by exercising or seeking power in the governmental or public affairs of a state. Politicians are worried about accumulating power. I do not seek to accumulate power, I seek to disperse it. I think we must empower the individual.

I think that is Hickory's (and the surrounding areas') way out. If we make individuals stronger, then we will all be stronger and more secure. We are in dire need of selfless leaders in this area that understand the need to invest in Human Capital. We don't need individuals seeking a position, title, or resume enhancement for future personal goals. In these dire times, I am appealing to you, it is truly time to seek out the type of direction that John F. Kennedy called for in his famous 1961 inaugural address: Ask not what Hickory can do for you. Ask what you can do for Hickory!!!

Harry Hipps for Council -- Augmenting My Platform

Please visit my campaign Website - Harry Hipps for Council

Augmenting my platform. My platform is a general overview of what I think and what I want to focus on when elected. Of course, I can’t explain every nuance in such a document so I will be doing a series of articles here to go into more depth.

Clique politicians and a disengaged public. No politician in their right mind would come out and say that they don’t want the media, the public, or anyone else kept out of the loop of information. Open government is like Mom and apple pie, no one can argue against it. But extolling the virtues of open government and actually practicing it are two different things. Having asked questions and observed what is going on in Hickory for a while now, I can tell you that the attitude of many, if not most of our elected officials in Hickory is hostile towards information being widely known and too many people in the know. The dominant attitude is a patronizing one. They want to make the decisions behind closed doors, coming to a consensus among the clique of insiders and a small group of cronies. Council meetings draw almost no one and in some ways I can understand why.

Most people nowdays are very busy, working, dealing with kids, school, doctors, church, and many other demands on our time. Council meetings are not televised or put on the internet, except in text form some time after the meeting has occurred. This is a shame in the age of the internet. I would guarantee that if the public could see who asks questions, who seems disengaged, who is too meek to speak up, who gets a little testy at times, etc. there would be a very different perception of our City government.

The few members of the public that do attend Council meetings get a few pages summarizing what business will be conducted that evening while Council members get a booklet with much more background and detail. Well, why is this information not available online before the meeting so people can be well informed before decisions are made? Obviously, the public’s knowledge or input is not wanted. Plus, it’s clear that because information is so hard to come by it gives City leaders an edge to stifle debate. On First Talk with Hal Row on WHKY radio, Jill Patton said she wanted to be reelected (and the Mayor has stated this as well) because the Mayor and Council “are of one mind”. This is extremely scary to me. Clearly, new ideas and approaches, diversity of opinion, making connections to the whole public, embracing the transformation of Hickory in our rapidly changing world by making connections to the larger community (and indeed globally) is not what the incumbents want and I believe this is one reason Hickory has been in a malaise since Rudy Wright took office.

Fortress Hickory. The level of anxiety, worry, and fear in Hickory is palpable. I have spoken to many people who are struggling now and are very fearful of the future. My heart sinks when a hard working dad or single mom tells me they are having trouble sleeping at night because of the worries they have. In the midst of this we have heard for years now that “things are turning around in Hickory”, “I believe this will be Hickory’s year”, and “it can’t last forever” . A “Fortress Hickory” mentality has taken hold among many of our City leaders. Their attitude is to downplay the problems and act like it’s not as bad as it seems, blame the US and Raleigh and not accept any responsibility locally, and tell folks there are secret deals being cooked up in the back room that can’t be discussed publicly now, but when they come through we will be flying high again. Well, there’s an old saying: fool me once, shame on you fool me twice, shame on me. These arguments have been made for years now and people have been patient with our leadership. Rather than trying to excel, we have lowered our expectations and accept anything out of fear that things could get worse.

The facts are that Hickory’s economy was fundamentally, structurally changed by globalization. This is not a temporary slowdown, it is irreversible change. Our City was very slow to recognize this and has still not adequately responded to it. When the National economy was good and growing, Hickory’s growth has been below par. When we have been in slow growth or recessionary times, Hickory has plunged much more than most. We are almost at the bottom of all MSA’s in the entire country. And it took the whole country pointing this out in national newspapers before our Mayor and City leaders would finally admit it.

Business as usual. During the last few years, even with the poor growth and malaise that we are experiencing, it has been business as usual in Fortress Hickory. We have developed a reputation for being inconsistent, nitpicky, and a hard place to set up a business. My opponent in this election has sided with the micromanagers and has not helped to make Hickory a business friendly community. Hickory has had a high and mighty attitude that has turned off business and community leaders around us. We need to ask why Newton got Target, Lenoir got Google, Maiden got Apple, and Hickory got a couple of call centers one of which is a startup. I appreciated these business locating in Hickory but we have to ask why the biggest names went around Hickory and not in Hickory. Why are we acting like we have all the cards when our relevance to the surrounding area is diminishing?

What do we do now? How can we start to transform and revitalize Hickory? First, we need to look honestly at where we are. Let’s look at our assets and weaknesses – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We need honesty and openness. The truth will set you free. Then we need to unlock the creativity and energy of our people. This area used to be a hotbed of innovation. Entrepreneurs, like Marshall Digh made Mom and Pops, Art Viles made Superior Cable, Joe Long, Adrian Shuford and many more stepped up and made things happen. Let’s get this culture back. I saw a business on NC Now not long ago about a guy that built a building of wind tunnels and you can simulate what it’s like to parachute even though you’re only about five feet off the ground. People who want to try out parachuting but are scared can try it out safely. Military guys from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world can train quicker and cheaper here than by doing it all from planes. This business is in Pantego. Why not Hickory? Where are our creative ideas? Let’s try to inspire and unlock the drive of our citizens and not retreat into Fortress Hickory. Now is not the time to hide under a rock and come out when the sun is shining. Now is the time to reach out worldwide and make connections.

In the Future Economy Council there has been much discussion about our rapidly changing world and economy. One thing is clear: the pace of change is fast and unpredictable. We can’t always predict what events and changes are going to come at us. So we have to develop capacities to adapt to a fast, mobile world. Over a century ago, textile mills and furniture factories set up shop and provided Hickory with good jobs, an inflow of money, and stability for over a century. It is doubtful that anything will be as dominant or last as long in the future so we have to embrace the facts of the new world. We can’t do this in Fortress Hickory in a back room filled with a few chosen, anointed insiders. It’s going to take all of us.

We also have to realize that we can’t always micromanage everything in Hickory. While I don’t advocate a totally hands off, let the market do what it will approach, we can’t treat interested corporations and individuals as lackeys and expect them to want to do business here.

So what can I, Harry Hipps, as a Council member bring to the table? First, I am honest, a clear thinker and not concerned for my status or ego. My desire is for us to rebuild our economy and change the way we govern.

I will fight to make more information available online so people can see more of what is going on. We need to have this available to the public as fast as possible. I will email, to anyone who is interested, a link to Council agendas. You can see what will be discussed and voted on. You can email me back with your thoughts and concerns and I would welcome your input before the vote is taken. The internet should be used to bring more people into the process.

I will be diligent in making sure that “closed door” meetings aren’t being abused. Hickory WILL follow the spirit and letter of the law and we even need to look at the State law to tighten the rules.

My firm belief is that openness and light is sorely needed in Hickory. There are too many questionable things being done out of sight and not surprisingly this is where some of the dirtiest deeds get done. If we allow Fortress Hickory to continue, and most of the public remains in the dark we are never going to reach our potential. I ask for your help in transforming and revitalizing Hickory. I ask for you support and your vote. God Bless you and our City.

Mayor Wright & Hickory -- Metaphors, Analogies, and Explanations

I have stated many times that my opinion of this city's leadership is not a personal issue. I am sure that many people, especially who are politicos by nature, are worried about the consequences of my words. In the end, I am entitled to my opinion and I believe others are entitled to theirs.

In my opinion, there has been a general acceptance of the status quo that seems to be ingrained in the attitudes of the local citizenry. Here is one such comment I read on the HDR website from joshsnc,

"Interesting to read the comments, and how out of touch some are. I am not sure you really understand what the roll of Mayor is in a town like Hickory where you have Town Manager and other professional rolls in place. What does Mayor Wright have to do with our Federal Govts decisions which have killed our local economy? Blame NAFTA blame Unfair trade practices, blame the leadership over the past 50 years for allowing textiles and furniture to be our main industries but don't blame the Mayor... geeze.

I have never said that the Mayor is this city's problem. What I have said is that he can and should do better. There has been an acceptance that we can't do better, because of external forces; that the State and Federal Governments hold all of the cards when it comes to our Economic Development and none of our plight is our current local government's fault. I cannot accept that conclusion.

Yes, I understand that we have a City Manager form of local government. Does that absolve the Mayor and City Council in the decision making process, when they interviewed and then hire City Manager Berry? Is he supposedly responsible for everything? Folks, you do understand that they always have the ability to fire him, don't you? So who is really in charge?

And guess who brings city issues forward and votes on them? The Mayor and the City Council. The only thing the City Manager (and staff) can do is recommend. City Manager Berry has no vote!!!

Our City Manager form of government basically gives the Mayor and Council cover. This puts the Mayor, Council, and City Manager in the position of protecting one anothers' interests and what we have seen, in my opinion, is our City Manager looking to please the Council and our Council waiting for Manager Berry to lead the way -- this after they ran off City Manager McGee, because he was McDonald's boy.

I hold no animosity towards the Mayor, when I say that I believe Hickory has been directionless for 8 years. These are revolutionary times we are living in and I just don't think the Mayor understands that. I think he, and most of the council, have a sense that they are vested in Hickory, but what they see as "Hickory" is the "Old Hickory" -- Textiles, Furniture, Mills, and Factories. Maybe it is a generational issue, but I don't sense that they can envision the new era that this world demands that Hickory move into.

Our Mayor is an Accountant. Accountants are by nature "Bean Counters," living in a world of Debits and Credits, pluses and minuses, zero-sum... Accountants don't typically grasp compounding interest, exponential growth, or present and future value of assets like Finance Managers have to. We are living in times of exponential change. "Old Hickory" was developed with a structure of simple bookkeeping in simple ledgers with a simple business model. An era of modern global industry demands much more than that.

I think our mayor in many ways has been a metaphor for "Old Hickory." He's a Baby Boomer as are most of our "Old Hickory" citizens. He is headed towards retirement, so he seems to be primarily focused on AARP issues, which is understandable. He is pretty much settled in life and I think he is comfortable with who he is, which is a good thing.

"New Hickory" is represented by people who are struggling to find themselves and their identity in a world that no longer has a road map, while trying to break free from the constraints placed on it by the interests of "Old Hickory." "New Hickory" wants to join in with this new world's "Era of the Technologists," and is willing to take more chances and be more creative, but "Old Hickory" is worried about what they construe to be risky ventures.

Both sides represent valid points of view, but "New Hickory" has much more at stake in this adventure, because their future (THE FUTURE) is imperiled. What we need to see is the reality of all of Hickory coming together. "New Hickory" seems to be expected to create their own path to the decision making process. "Old Hickory" does not seem to understand that we have to encourage participation and start grooming the future leaders of this city. Rudy, Sally, Bruce, and Anne can't stay on the Council forever. What is expected, that we stuff'em? (Just kidding, sort of)

I think that "Old Hickory" has always been obsessed with issues of Authoritarian Control and the people of this city were accustomed to being told exactly what to do. I remember the old days of hearing all of the whistles going off during the day at Hickory Chair. People were basically trained when to wake up, toilet, shower, shave, arrive, break, lunch, break, go home, and do it all again tomorrow. The "Powers That Be" made all of the decisions and the citizens were basically told not to worry themselves with details. That arrangement worked fine in the days of Bean Counting and Mass Production, but those days have long since passed. Yet, many of our leaders and citizens are systemically attached to those old ways.

We have to change. It used to be no big deal for teenagers to quit school and go work in a factory. To his credit, Mayor Wright has stressed the need for an educated citizenry and he has railed against the drop-out problem that is now a dead weight burdening our community. The drop out condition was for years fostered by Factories in "Old Hickory," who benefited from the resource of low skilled, yet hard working, labor. What we do with this issue over the next several years will be crucial when it comes to our community's success or failure.

The big question is, what do we do during this period of transformation to bridge the divide between Hickory's old and new foundations? The answer is definitely not to throw your hands up in the air and say, "We have no control over our economic condition. It's all Washington and Raleigh's fault." That is the easy way out and what does it accomplish?

Time is of the essence and we can't afford "Four more years of no control" and what I mean is guidance. I think our local leaders get lost in issues of control. When they think of control, they think of that "Old Hickory" type of control of training humans like Pavlov's dog. That is the antithesis of what is needed. We need people who are self-motivated and self-disciplined. "Old Hickory" does not motivate people, it dominates them.

So if the Mayor reads this, I hope that he gains a little more insight into where I am coming from. His being the leader of this community needs to go beyond politics. There are things that he should be appreciated for, like championing education and fostering the attitude that city finances be kept in good order. To those I say Bravo.

Why was Rudy Wright elected Mayor of Hickory? Because he has Southern Charm and people don't perceive him to be a big businessman. The people around here dislike "Old Hickory" big businessmen, because they were looked at as domineering masters and they don't like developers, because they were taught "they are con men" by the "Powers that Be." People see Mayor Wright as being a small businessman, who owns a small sign shop company. They like the fact that he remembers their name and cares about their personal being. He has an excellent personal touch. He is also a good campaigner who sticks to a couple of boilerplate issues and keeps up with current events.

Is this good for our future? No, we have to have someone to move passed campaigning and understand that we are in revolutionary times that require a visionary who does not look at the "here and now" as a static event, but realizes that dynamics have played out and are going to have a direct impact on the future. Consistent (versus arbitrary) decision making leads to a more predictable future, because it reduces the variables in play. When that happens, then the players (developers and business owners) are more willing to play, because they don't feel like the ref is going to play a role in the final outcome (ie - the local government isn't going to cost me a lot of money because of poor decision making, cronyism, fraud, or they just don't like me).

Can Rudy still make it happen? Certainly, but he's got to look at life as though he is still trying to make it, instead of already having made it. He can't only look through a personal politicos prism. This can't be about ego. We have to have opportunity for everyone in this community. Mayor Wright has this thing where he talks about investments as Yes, No, Maybe Later. That is great for today, but Mr. Mayor what are you going to hand off when you finally do leave office. That needs to be your Vision, not how do we get through this day. We may as well give up, if there is no hope or opportunity in our future.

The Hound Believes that the citizens of this city have taken on a lot of the characteristics of this Mayor (or is it the other way around). Everyday I hear people railing over mindless current events that don't personally effect us, while we have real issues with out of control crime hitting real close to home right here in Hickory. People crying about how restaurants are robbing them (too expensive), while the city pays a lobbyist $50,000 for nothing fruitful and $50,000 and other amenities to a Downtown Development Association that has no quantitative goals or accountability. People going crazy about Backroom deals, in Washington and Raleigh, while the same appears to have been frequently happening in Council Chambers.

Yes sir, I have said it before and I will say it again. We the People are the government and if we don't start demanding results, then we will see none. If we don't expect openness, then we shouldn't cry when the surprise hits the fan. We all have to work together to create hope for the future. The Mayor and Council have to play a role in getting this community to buy-in to that future. Everyone should feel welcomed at city functions and city leaders shouldn't be giving people that "What are you doing here?" look.

Business as usual is a cancer in this community. Everyone better start investing more time, energy, and money in the future or that future is going to be a certain disaster. None of us should have to be burdened with the prospects of a Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda Future. To avoid those negative consequences, we must seize this opportunity to transform our city and create a Can Do, Shall Do, Will Do Culture.