Opinion
Making life better for all
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 — Monday evening's meeting of the Stanly County Commissioners was a short one in minutes spent, but a long one in matters discussed.
Stanly County Extension Agent Lori Ivey presented a short summary of the Stanly County Farmland Protection Plan, then two farm families were represented as they spoke in favor of the plan before the commissioners.
Farmer Franklin Lee from Norwood commented, “Our farmlands are very important to the quality of life we have here in Stanly County. Once farm land goes into an alternative use, it is lost for good.”
Jan Lee Watson said her father moved to Stanly County in 1946 from Anson County, buying farm land on the county line, and if she gets her wish, “it will always be a farm.”
Both Lee and Watson spoke to the strong economic impact of farming on the Stanly County economy and Watson discussed the projections of continued population growth in North Carolina and the need to protect farm land from becoming new sub-divisions.
Next, Carl Helms and Chris Story updated the commissioners on the Community Inn – Stanly County's homeless shelter. Story, who is its director, said that on three occasions he has had to turn people away because the Community Inn was full.
While keeping homeless fed and warm is one goal, assisting them back to a productive life is the deeper goal. To date, two men have been helped with finding jobs in Charlotte and Helms and Story are hoping for financial help from the commissioners to expand their efforts.
Finally, Economic Director Kevin Gullette reported on the Federal Contracting Symposium, The event had 430 people register and 320 attend, all in search of how to do business in part of the economy that is flourishing – the military.
On this seemingly quiet night, there was deep passion for making life in Stanly County better for all of us.
- Opinion
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Five effective study skills for successful school year
The first day back to school can be a source of anxiety for both children and parents as they adjust to new routines, new teachers and friends, forthcoming homework assignments and, ultimately, tests.
To help parents and students kick-start the new school year successfully, Sylvan Learning-Albemarle offers five critical steps to help families make learning fun and easy. -
Support the fair
The opening lyrics to a song from “Charlotte’s Web” ring true.
“A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord.” -
Accurate, fair, unbiased reporting
It is the mission of any credible journalist or newspaper to report the facts, and the facts only. We must be, in the words of Washington Post Reporter and Editor Bob Woodward, “the best obtainable version of the truth.”
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This Week In Washington
As the August district work period moves along, I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with constituents throughout the district.
As your representative, it is my job to make sure I know firsthand of your experiences and challenges, and do all I can to represent and assist you. -
Location, location, location
There is a saying in the real estate business that the top three items to consider when buying property are location, location, location.
The same could be said when locating a community college, especially your community college here in Stanly County. -
Back to the books
The dreaded phrase many parents have been waiting for all summer most likely occurred on Wednesday morning.
“I don’t want to go to school.”
Hopefully the back-to-school blues were a little less intense this morning. -
This Week In Washington
Many of you have called or written in recent weeks with concerns about the failings of our nation’s immigration policy. For many years now, our federal government has failed at one of its primary jobs: protecting our nation’s borders.
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Right to vote should not be taken lightly
Everyone has a view on politics. In some form, politics is probably discussed by everyone each day, even if it is just a casual mention of a topic.
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When opportunity knocks, answer the door
We’ve dealt with a lot of changes and a lot of sorrow this year.
I have had many classmates and friends who have died this year and many other close friends of the family and relatives have passed as well. -
Cashing in on water is a good idea
Water has always been a valuable commodity. It is one of life’s necessities. It is used for drinking, cleaning, cooking, mixtures and other much needed resources and staples.
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