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Community Special Olympians pass the pigskin at Wingate Photos courtesy of Wingate University Meeting in the middle UCPS, planning board officials to discuss school construction dispute by Brian Carlton brian@unioncountyweekly.com Seeking to resolve a dispute over who should oversee school construction, Union County Public Schools and Union County Planning Board officials will meet Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Union County Government Center, 500 N. Main St. in Monroe. UCPS currently controls schoolbuilding, but last month, planning board members asked county commissioners to approve a plan that would force the district to obtain a county major- development permit before building. The permit is required of other developers. The planning board proposed the plan after the UCPS Board of Education unexpectedly asked commissioners in March for an unbudgeted $383,000 to reconstruct storm-water detention ponds at Marvin Ridge High School, as ordered by the state. Planning board members said the situation could have Wingate University Bulldog upperclassmen and coaches taught a pigskin practice to 25 excited, local student-athletes Aug. 22 at the university’s sixth annual Special Olympics Field Day – sharing not only their skills, but drawing inspiration and becoming the athletes’ heroes. Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field on the Wingate campus in the small town were alive with pass runs, blocking, quarterback sacking and catching, hosted by head coach Joe Reich and his staff. (Clockwise from top): Defensive back Nelson Hicks (Charlotte) takes a hit from one athlete. The group celebrates on the field and offensive lineman Andrew Garner (Sharpsburg, Ga.) supervises catching. Redshirt offensive lineman Karston Grant (Charlotte) helps a wheelchair-bound Special Olympics athlete score. Offensive lineman Joseph So (Salisbury) gives running tips and defensive back Terrence Stephens (Queen Creek, Ariz.) points an athlete downfield with assistant coach Eric Mele watching from behind. been avoided had another pair of eyes been tracking state requirements. “The evidence compiled by the planning board and statements by state officials have laid out a case for more oversight of school construction projects,” planning board Vice Chairman Mark DiBiasio said. “The goal of ensuring that school construction projects comply with state regulations and to prevent cost overruns is simple to achieve if it is a mutual goal of all those involved.” At their Sept. 1 meeting school officials offered a compromise, suggesting a memorandum of understanding that would require the school district to provide a copy of all construction documents to a county staffer selected by commissioners. Then, if the planning board wants to review the documents, they’d be on hand. “The MOU will provide information to the planning board so they will be informed of where UCPS is in the building process, without slowing down that process,” Superintendent Ed Davis said, adding that such delays could potentially add to projects’ costs. Planning board members said they’re keeping an open mind heading into the Sept. 8 meeting and UCPS officials should do the same. Member Kathy Broom said, “I feel it’s important for both parties to go into this meeting with an open mind and not shut the door on possible solutions.” q DOT (continued from page 1) new Interstate 485 and Weddington Road interchange, all of which were scheduled for 2015, could be delayed several years. “We’re getting close to the end of what we can deliver in the next few years,” Foster said. Foster said the NCDOT expects to lose $300 million in both 2010 and 2011. He attributes part to shrinking revenues from the 29.9-cent-per-gallon gas tax, which is how the NCDOT generates most of its money. For the fiscal year ending June 30, the department’s total revenue fell $320 million short of the projected $6.3 billion. “The gas tax revenue is down, due to the fact that cars now have greater fuel efficiency and drivers don’t have to fill up as much,” Foster said. Foster said the hit could have been far worse, but the money from the federal government’s economic stimulus package eased some of the burden. The department used that money to fund projects in the next two years that otherwise might have fallen by the wayside. “If we already have a project under contract, that takes priority,” Foster continued. “After we complete those, then we’ll look to see what funds are left on a project-byproject basis.” Overall, the stimulus bill gave North Carolina $735 million to spend on transportation projects. Of that amount, NCDOT Division 10, which includes Union and Mecklenburg counties, received $70.2 million. Who determines what gets delayed? In August, NCDOT officials started creating a list of projects scheduled for the next 10 years statewide. Based on three criteria – if it will improve safety, fix deteriorating infrastructure and/or improve the region’s air quality – they began ranking projects for a draft list the department expects to release in May 2010. According to NCDOT Chief Operating Officer Jim Trogden, the department will use that list to determine which projects get delayed. “We’re looking ... out over the next five years at least. Based on projected revenue, we’ll have to consider what can be delayed,” Trogden said. “We understand that there is more involved than just moving cars.” The draft list then will be sent to all transportation boards across the state, including the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization. Each group will present its case to the NCDOT, explaining why it believes a project should be moved up on the list and funding approved. “I’m never comfortable with (things) like this,” Weddington mayor and MUMPO representative Nancy Anderson said. “The equity formula, which determines our funding, already shortchanges our region. Now they may cut more? This is ridiculous.” The May 2010 time line is problematic for the Charlotte region because locals have their own deadline. Currently, the Charlotte region doesn’t meet federal airquality standards for ozone. The region has until March 1, 2010, to comply or all federal highway dollars will be withheld, including funds for the Monroe bypass, which is impacted because the Federal Highway Administration has to approve it before the toll road can be built. To comply, MUMPO’s long-range plan has to demonstrate it can reduce congestion and clear up air pollution. That plan, currently being drafted, won’t be finished until May 2010, too late to change if one of the projects is left off the NCDOT funding list. “NCDOT is well aware of our airquality situation,” MUMPO Secretary Bob Cook said. “My hope is that they will not delay MUMPO projects because of the potential impact on our ability to make an air-quality conformity determination by May.” q Page 4 • Sept. 4-10, 2009 • Union County Weekly www.unioncountyweekly.com
Weddington mayoral race Editor’s Note: This week, Union County Weekly is featuring the four candidates in Weddington’s mayoral race. The candidates’ responses to all of the questions can be found on our Web site, www.unioncounty weekly.com. Nancy Anderson’s picture was not provided by press time. – Pat Higgins, Editor Community Nancy Anderson – Incumbent Background: A Weddington native, Anderson is a nurse who graduated with a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She met her husband, Andy, in the Air Force, where she served active duty for four years and in Desert Storm in the reserves; she retired as a Lt. Colonel after 20 years. Anderson has four children and is a full-time farmer and part-time nurse at Charlotte Rehabilitation Hospital. She attends Weddington United Methodist Church and visits other churches, too. Why are you running for mayor again? I’ve focused on improving traffic congestion and safety and want to complete that task before leaving office. In January 2008, Weddington initiated an unprecedented comprehensive local area regional transportation plan that includes Marvin, Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel. We’re nearing completion of this important planning tool. Part two, a more detailed design of how to improve traffic flow in and around Weddington Corners, begins this fall. Together, these two Walker Davidson Background: Davidson is a financial advisor who has lived with his wife, Sally, in Shaver Farms for 10 years. He has an MBA from Wake Forest University and graduated from Elon College. Davidson said he and Sally, a teacher’s assistant, spend most of their time with their children: Rebecca, who attends Weddington Middle School, and Michael and Charlie, plans will be our blueprint for future growth. What are your qualifications? I’ve been mayor for three terms and on the Community Trustee Council at Carolinas Medical Center-Union for over six years. I’m actively involved in several veterans and political organizations, and local and international ministries, such as Young Life. I’ve been the county’s Homeland Security volunteer co-coordinator. Twenty years in the military helped prepare me for leadership roles, a lifetime in Weddington shaped my vision. What are the top three issues in your community? 1. Transportation planning: It’s imperative that we complete our comprehensive transportation plan. I tried and failed to gain council support for this early in my first term; we’re suffering the consequences today. Weddington must take a more proactive position on this. Our plan is nearly complete; implementation is the next step. 2. Public safety: Our biggest need is a comprehensive, county-wide review of our Fire Protection Service. Weddington is in a holding pattern who go to Weddington Elementary School. Why are you running for mayor? I have two goals: Provide citizens with a choice in the election. Citizens only have the freedom to choose when they’re provided with at least two significantly different options. My beliefs about the Weddington town council’s role and direction are significantly different from those of the current mayor. The second goal is to win the election and provide those who have similar beliefs a means of direct influence on future decisions made by the town council. until the county completes its study, but it’s clear the Providence Fire Station needs major upgrades. We should overhaul the facility, upgrade the equipment, support training programs and consider adding additional paid staff. Weddington should vigorously support their efforts to be more active in community safety programs such as CPR training and Citizen Emergency Response Teams. Council has been very pleased with the service we’re receiving from our three contract deputies, especially in their proactive community policing. Call volumes don’t indicate the need for any additional manpower. 3. Parks and recreation: Weddington has relied solely on the private sector and Mecklenburg and Union counties to provide all our recreational facilities. While most Weddington residents enjoy their own “ private little park” in their backyard, it’s difficult to play organized sports without adequate playing fields. Weddington should continue to support Optimist Park and the Wesley Chapel-Weddington Athletic Association. There are some issues with floodplain-ordinance compliance that must be addressed. We should plan to expand facilities or we’ll find ourselves turning away children due to overcrowding. q What are your qualifications for office? My involvement in the community consists of participating in many of the family activities offered in the area. I’m qualified because I’m a Weddington citizen who has respect for the taxpayers’ dollars and opinions. What are the three most important issues? Our community’s most important issue is citizen apathy. I have, at times, participated in this apathy. As of June 30, there were 6,980 registered voters in Weddington. The current mayor won in 2007 with 841 votes. There were probably fewer registered voters then, but it’s safe to (more on page 9) Now Accepting New Patients We are pleased to announce the opening of Union Neurology Clinic, PLLC. Dr. Dalsania provides excellent care and management of Neurological Conditions including: Headache, Stroke, Seizures, Sleep Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Movement Disorder, Nerve and Muscle Related Problems and Pain Management. Mital Dalsania, MD Board Certified Neurologist We perform Nerve Conduction Studies, EMG and EEG in our office. UN Union Neurology Clinic, PLLC 1550 Faulk Street, Monroe NC • 704-225-1501 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm www.unioncountyweekly.com Union County Weekly • Sept. 4-10, 2009 • Page 5
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