Weddington: It’s time for a change in the mayors office

 Election 2009, Weddington  37 Responses »
Nov 012009
 

W
eddington mayor, Nancy Anderson has been in office for three continuous terms starting in 2003. In her first campaign, she ran as an advocate for return to one acre (R40) subdivisions zoning, opposing the RCD cluster subdivisions that had been authorized by her predecessor, Ed Howie. She won with a big margin.

Since taking office, Mrs. Anderson has been embroiled in one controversy seemingly after another – though not always of her own doing. Months after taking office, she partook in the boycotting a regular town meeting, a meeting that as mayor she would direct, joining council members Ken Evans and Robert Gilmartin (Gilmartin was out of town on business), to prevent the appointment to the Weddington Planning Board of members who favored the RCD subdivision ordinance. She has not shied away from using political maneuvers to attain her goals.

Many recall, the in the spring of 2006, a scant 3 months after taking her oath for office as Mayor, Mrs. Anderson ran for another office: Union County Commissioner. Hardly the commitment you’d expect after just winning election!

Upon losing in the first round of the Republican primary, Ms. Anderson endorsed candidates Parker Mills and Stony Rushing because “overall they exemplify my philosophy more than the other two.” (‘the other two’ refers to Lanny Openshaw & Richard Stone who ran in the run-off). A clear indication that developer special interests was high on her list of concerns.

The last 6 years have been tumultuous at times, leaping from one controversial issue to another, dividing the residents into pro or anti-Anderson camps. The most notable controversies deal with the roads; the Rea Road Extension, the NC 84 round-about (rotary), The WOODS pump station, the lending of Weddington funds to NCDOT to build the roads Anderson was lobbying them about, giving more than $140,000 to Weddington High School for a weight room (Gilmartin proposal) and the 2008 tax increase to Weddington residents. (Note: Weddington did not reduce their tax rate after the revalue. Weddington residents saw a 60% increase in property values.)

Weddington, under Mayor Anderson’s leadership, was very active in imposing involuntary annexations of unincorporated property in recent years. Many newly indentured residents aren’t very happy, but then again, Weddington did get more than they bargained for when Union County dropped the WCWAA flooding issue (expense) in the town’s lap. (WCWAA, Weddington, Union County and the state are working toward resolving the issues in the near future.)

It is not my intention to recount every controversy involving the mayor over that last six years. As much as the Mayor Anderson and I disagree on some issues, but I will be first to acknowledge the energy and perseverance she brings to her efforts. She is a force to be reckoned in everything she does.

2009 Election

Much of the 2009 Weddington campaign rhetoric concerning the mayor revolves around accusations of ‘Conflict of Interest’ on Mayor Anderson’s part, highlighted in the following news report, aired last July.




Here on the VSO, the mayors husband, Phil Anderson has denied any conflicts of interest exist, as has the Mayor herself in the video. I suppose the perception of a conflict carries weight in those who oppose the mayor’s candidacy. All things considered, Mayor Anderson has been banging the drum for a number of road projects that are unpopular with some and not with others. Questions of how most Weddington residents feel is what the election will settle.

This TV news video from the fall of 2008 concerns the Weddington annexations.

Changing course

The town of Weddington is undergoing major changes with the widening of Providence Road. The Town commercial center has been under great stress as both the economy and access restrictions have been major impediments to doing business. Many believe that Weddington is at a crossroads and the wrong decisions will forever change the town, for the worse. No one can deny that the distrust of motivations is where this concern emanates — fair or not.

Nancy Anderson has had three terms to articulate, advocate and use the bully pulpit of her office to move her vision of Weddington forward. In my view, now its time for new leadership, if for no other reason than to change the tone, remove suspicions and build a consensus with its citizens as to how Weddington should evolve as a community.

The VSO has endorsed Barbara Harrison for mayor for many of the reasons highlighted in the paragraghs above. Mrs. Harrison’s professional experience and laid back personality, we believe will make great strides in bringing Weddington’s Town Council together and traveling down the same road – so to speak.

Council race

In Weddington’s district Council race, the VSO finds itself dealing with one of the piques of ‘Districting’, having to decide between two good candidates for the same seat, LA Smith and Werner Thomisser. We’ve given the nod to Mr. Thomisser, because we believe he will bring a clarity to town issues that truly reflect the taxpayers concerns.

Barbara Harrison announces candidacy for Weddington’s Mayor

 Weddington  46 Responses »
Jun 072009
 

The following is the Press Release:

BARBARA HARRISON ANNOUNCES AS CANDIDATE FOR THE MAYOR OF WEDDINGTON

Weddington, NC – June 5, 2009: Today, Barbara Harrison, a retired executive from Johnson & Johnson and Weddington activist announced her candidacy for the office of Mayor of Weddington. Ms. Harrison stated bluntly that the time is long overdue for  “Weddington to have a responsive, responsible and most important, transparent leadership.” She continued, “We can’t continue to have a government whose every action is tainted by questions concerning the personal gains or interests of individual council members.”

“This November, the voters will have a stark choice and I will work hard for their vote”, stated Harrison.

Ms. Harrison cited her executive experience, which included the management of an annual $90 million budget, numerous achievement awards and the ability to work with regulatory agencies. “Weddington is at a crossroads, every decision we make, will have lasting impact”, said Harrison, “We have to plan and create policies to address the big picture, support our business community and ensure that Weddington’s quality of life continues to be what our citizens desire.

Ms. Harrison pledged to work with the town council to:

  • Commission a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan that solicits citizen opinion and lays a strong foundation for future growth that serves the town of Weddington.
  • To join with our neighboring towns to build a regional awareness and partner on projects that will benefit us all.
  • To develop new policies to address the inherent unfairness to citizens of permit procedures.
  • Bring a more professional atmosphere to council meetings.

Barbara Harrison’s impressive resume includes a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science from Kean University (NJ) and a litany of professional achievements.  She is also on the board of directors for Christ Our Shepherd Ministries and is the Republican Precinct 41 Chairperson. Ms Harrison resides with her husband Pat in Stratford on Providence subdivision.

Weddington’s Self Serving Town Officials!

 Weddington  59 Responses »
Jun 052009
 

Weddington’s Self Serving Town Officials!
By Hughie Sexton

Weddington shenanigans continue with the latest consideration from the Town Council to give $145,000 to Weddington High School for a weight room is just another example of how far from reality the town’s officials have drifted from their duties and responsibilities.

A Union County Public Schools spokesperson, said the donation for the weight room would be “unprecedented” in Union County history and is normally a function of the school system funded through our county taxes. Obviously, that’s not good enough for Mayor Anderson and Councilman Gilmartin who want to double-dip the Weddington taxpayers with this sizeable contribution to Weddington High School!

Mayor Anderson and Councilman Gilmartin were both supporting this effort, and were all ready to close the deal at a recent meeting just like a similar $100,000 donation to WCWAA (Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association) Likewise, county athletic associations are subsidized with county tax dollars through the Parks & Recreation Dept. Another double-dip!

The ridiculous suggestion from Mayor Anderson after initially indicating support for the weight room donation was to ask the school system to allow local residents the right to use the weight room. Imagine how chaotic that would be!

When Mayor Anderson saw that she would probably have to break a 2-2- tie on the weight room donation, she opted to ask Councilman Gilmartin to withdraw his motion so she could have more information thereby referring it to the budget process away from debate, discussion and citizen scrutiny. More time wasn’t needed when she thought the donation would slide through under the radar without the need for a tiebreaker vote from her!

Additionally, road issues seem to be another area of personal interest with Mayor Anderson making numerous trips to Raleigh and NCDOT (North Carolina Dept. of Transportation) requesting a left turn lane from Providence Rd. onto her property, and subsequently being denied each time since it was obviously a personal request and not a town request according to NCDOT officials! Also, it would have prolonged the widening and completion of Providence Rd. even further, while impeding the flow of traffic.

Now, Mayor Anderson is promoting another self serving road project presumably one that connects Matthews-Weddington Rd. with Providence Rd. apparently without approval or plan from the town, NCDOT or MUMPO. And, town officials are considering loaning NCDOT almost $1,000,000 of Weddington taxpayer dollars to accomplish this unapproved boondoggle project.

Mayor Anderson and Councilman Gilmartin were the same two individuals who supported the private wastewater treatment plant last year before the public hearings were even held. These were the same two elected officials who didn’t have a clue that their public support for the private wastewater treatment plant violated the Town of Weddington’s own Land Use Plan, and the county’s water and sewer Master Plan for the future.

The Weddington Santa Claus Fund is in high gear, and several town officials obviously have trouble distinguishing between their elected duties, and those of an athletic association or booster club official.

The apparent self serving pattern and confusion of several town officials is the difference between “Public Service & Self Service”, with total understanding of the latter! Additionally, please spare the town more expense with meaningless surveys that are summarily ignored, and don’t make a “hoot in Halifax”!

Betrayal of the Public Trust, and too many self serving projects are two things currently in abundance in Weddington. And, still no library!

Regards,
Hughie Sexton
Former County Commissioner
and Weddington Councilman

The Woods Developers announces a new plan

 The Woods, Weddington  16 Responses »
Sep 242008
 

The New Plan for the Woods

p
ublished in the Enquirer Journal today was a story quoting IB Development partner Philipp Walton as saying that he wants to “move some dirt in the coming months, starting some roads for the Woods, and then perhaps prepping homes with a form of septic tanks.”

Prior to requesting a pump station from Union County or the recent conditional use permit for a sewer plant from Weddington, IB Development had received a preliminary plat for septic use from the town.

During the conditional use hearing, representatives from IB Development testified that a septic tank option was not feasible, if there investment goals were to be met. Meaning that density is more profitable, as would be the difference between 204 lots on a sewer solution versus 126 lots or less on septic.

Many observers noted during the conditional use permit public hearing testimony of one IB Development contracted engineers, who stated that the town of Weddington knew full well, that when the developer asked for septic in their first sub-division application, they had no intention of actually doing septic. This visibly raised the ire of at least one council member and may have changed his vote.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the developer will move toward a gravity sewer solution advocated by the Weddington Council and surrounding neighbors.

The Woods: There is nothing “green” about a private sewer plant!

 The Woods, Weddington  25 Responses »
Sep 022008
 

By Kent Hayes

H
ere are some additional facts about the private sewer plant planned for one subdivision of 200 homes in Weddington. In the public hearing the developer for the subdivision has explained the planned private sewer plant can not provide enough irrigation water for the development. The rest of the irrigation water has to come from a potable water natural resource, wells drilled on site. In this area, wells are drilled in rock strata, not actually a collection pool of water or aquifer. The water withdrawn will effect the area’s stored water table, not the wet season runoff in Mundy’s Creek basin.
greensewer.jpg
Another use of potable well water is required when you calculate the millions of gallons of potable well water required to keep the eight acres of overflow ponds filled. The developer has promised the eight acre ponds will be filled and be a cosmetic enhancement to the subdivision. It has also been disclosed the raw sewage inflow pump station may be deep into the fresh water table and the sewer plant site will likely need to be dewatered (lower the water table).

Before making this critical decision, the Weddington town council needs to understand with some degree of certainty these basic issues. How much well water will be needed to irrigate the entire gated subdivision, run the entire private sewer system and keep filled the eight acres of sewer effluent holding ponds? How much well water will be destroyed by dewatering and lowering the water table to accommodate the sewer plant and pump station? And, what are the short and long term environmental effects of this development plan to the surrounding area’s potable well water?

The overall point is, annually, there will be millions of gallons of potable well water ruined for one development’s cosmetic landscaping, private sewer plant operations, sewer effluent treated water holding ponds and private sewer plant site dewatering.

The discussion of well water use by the developer has been selective and exclusive. But we do know the state’s sewer permit application allows fresh water to be used to operate the private sewer plant and maintain the eight acres of treated water holding ponds. The state allows dewatering. There is no source available for such tremendous amounts of water other than the natural resource, potable well water.
There is one positive aspect this plan offers in regard to not having to use well water. The eight acres of overflow ponds are by state permit, allowed to be completely empty or dry. While leaving dry, eight acres of unfenced, treated water residue, muck, mud, trash and dead fish may be a stinking eyesore, the practice, would prevent millions of gallons of good well water from being destroyed by being mixed with sewer effluent just to be evaporated.

The subdivision will be supplied their potable residential use and drinking water from Union County, a municipal source. If this conditional use permit is approved, there are no restrictions and no monitoring of the town’s potable well water supply. Many of us living in Weddington depend on our wells.

Protecting our wells

No one developer should be allowed to abuse the town’s potable well water for their own profit. This private sewer plant, treated water holding ponds, irrigation and dewatering plans are doomed to be an environmental disaster when compared to the certain abuse of the natural resource, potable well water. Other than some non drinkable irrigation water, a sewer system byproduct, there is nothing “green” about this pump and haul sewer plan.

The town council can not make an informed decision about this conditional use permit without an extensive, independent study of this development’s impact on our common natural resource, potable well water. While North Carolina and Union County can not and will not protect our potable well water, the town council can. The Town of Weddington Land Use Plan mandates the protection of our natural resource, well water.

The Weddington Town Council is the last group of elected officials, our neighbors, who have the responsibility and opportunity to protect the health, welfare and property values of the community. All of us here in Weddington, especially those of us depending on well water, are expecting these elected leaders to keep our potable well water supply safe and available.

How can the Town Council of Weddington issue a conditional use permit that does not specifically define, nor has extensively studied, potable well water usage which directly relates to our health, our safety and our property values?

If you are concerned about how your well water will be affected join us at www.friendsofweddington.org and also contact the Town Council of Weddington, your Legislators and the Union County Commissioners.

A question of greater good: The people vs IB Development

 The Woods, Weddington  45 Responses »
Aug 102008
 

The Woods Question

The Woods Permit Hearings Begin

Last night, the Town of Weddington began the Conditional Use Permit hearing to allow the installation of a private sewer plant in the Woods subdivision.

Most of the initial testimony concerned elements of the waste water treatment, it’s design and placement. IB Development partner Philip Walton testified that excess sewer capacity will be available and for sale to adjoining ‘yet to be developed subdivisions’. Considering that sewer county availability is years away, if permitted, the Woods excess capacity will likely be snapped up by adjoining parcels. An external ‘Pump Station’ in the design may serve to facilitate that option.

The hearing was continued to August 18th.

Photographs from Mondays Public Hearing at Weddington High School.

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