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Home - Local News Sports Obituaries Editorial Social Archives |
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Local News - May 2002 |
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Election change on table By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer May 20, 2002 - The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners will vote tonight on a proposal from the Board of Education to change the current method of electing school board members. The proposal would abandon the district method of elections and allow voters to choose at-large seats. The district elections have been in place since 1974. A 1982 Supreme Court decision rendered that system illegal, though no changes were made in Lincoln. The change met opposition from school board members and citizens at a public hearing and special meeting May 13. It was approved by board members — some reluctant to do so — with the exception of board member Tommy Houser, who said he was “totally against all at-large seats.” Commissioner Larry Craig said he did not agree with the change. “I feel like district representation is necessary,” Craig said. “The county is growing in population in certain areas, and you could wind up getting all your representatives out of the same place.” Commissioner Beth Saine expressed concern about the speediness with which the issue has been handled. “I am a little shocked at how fast this issue is moving along,” she said. Saine said she has received a number of calls from citizens who are concerned about their community’s representation. Commissioners will also consider a resolution requesting that local government revenue sources be made secure. In a memo from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, this was described as the association’s “top priority.” The association is seeking introduction and passage of legislation that restrict a governor to withhold local revenues. They will also seek a constitutional amendment. Also on tonight’s agenda are Planning Board recommendations regarding three applications. These applications were presented for public hearing at the board’s May 6 meeting. The first is from Milton Keener, who requested the removal of a condition that all water lines and taps in a 75-home subdivision meet Lincoln County standards. The planning board will recommend that commissioners approve the condition that, with the exception of fire hydrants, taps and lines must meet county standards. An application from Mickey Jo Read to rezone an area on Maiden Highway to accommodate a car lot was tabled by the planning board. The board will recommend that commissioners hold the request for 30 days until signed documentation from the property owner is produced. Catawba Springs Land Company requested rezoning of an area on North Ingleside Farm Road, which was tabled by the planning board. The board wants more information before moving forward. A public hearing will be held concerning a name change for the road currently called Lincoln View #3. The proposed name is Betterbrook Lane, requested by residents. This change will affect 32 residents. The board will also be asked to accept and endorse the eCommunity Plan, which will improve and implement new ideas regarding Internet access, training, applications and infrastructure. Funding is expected from the Rural Internet Access Authority. The committee intends to request $12,000 to create a “lab in a box” to facilitate training and access. The lab would consist of six to eight laptop computers, a projector and the wireless network for Internet access. The alcoholic beverages referendum will once again come before the board. The previous referendum expired before there was time for a primary election, so it must be voted on again. County Manager Stan Kiser will present the county budget to the board.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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