Two Easy Votes

If you believe that Charlotte's best days are in the future, as I do, these two votes in November are easy. I'll be writing more detailed posts in the days to come, but right now I felt the need to get on the record on these two important ballot initiatives, the first favoring the school bond package, and voting No on the repeal of the transit tax.

In the case of the school bonds, this is the first third of a 1.5 Billion dollar building need. Many CMS schools are over crowded in the suburbs, and we need new schools there... and in town, many of the older schools are dilapdiated, and all of our students deserve to be in a structurally sound and sensible schools-- whether is is repairing a rickety outdoor football stadium in town or starting lunches at 10:15 because your cafeteria size is too small for your large over crowded high school, - these are situations that must be addressed for the good of the entire community. It is not an "either, or" situation, both must be done, and will be done, if the community makes that commitment.

There are those who think Charlotte has lost something in its move into the 21st century as a large modern city in the south. To them, CMS reminds them of the bussing of their youth, the White Water Center is just for "elites" and transit- trains, busses and street cars, just scare them... all they can see is a city future they don't like and potential tax increases they like less.

Still the question remains, do you think Charlotte's best days are ahead of them? If so, investing in the future makes sense. Growth is not slowing-- in 2006 more than 100,000 people moved to greater Charlotte. If you believe Charlotte's best days are in the past, then it is time to oppose every investment in the future. It is not that hard to figure out which side each politician sits on. It is also not a time for selfishness-- the political equivalent of a child saying "if you won't play my way I'll take my ball and go home." It is time for leadership and a commitment to this communities future.

Schools, transit and roads, or roads, transit and schools, take your pick, we need all three. More to come...