<strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong>10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 150Charlotte, NC 28210Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504www.unioncountyweekly.comNewsFin d us on Fa c e b o o kEditorBrian CarltonSports EditorC. Jemal HortonAssistant Sports EditorAaron GarciaSports WritersChris HuntDenny SeitzStaff WriterMike ParksContributing WritersMark DiBiasioHugh FisherVirginia FrancoChris McFaddenTim RossJosh WhitenerLayout DirectorMichael KerrManaging EditorFrank DeLoache<strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Weekly</strong> is published by the<strong>Carolina</strong> <strong>Weekly</strong> Newspaper Group, 10100Park Cedar Drive, Suite 150, Charlotte NC,28210. All rights reserved. Reproductionwithout permission is strictly prohibited.Advertising:adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.comCEOAlain LillieControllerKelly WrightProduction ManagerDebbie ArcherADVERTISINGAccount ExecutivesCathy KowalskiFranchesca LamkinJennifer RozzelleClassifieds and Service DirectoryMonica GoldstonGRAPHICSCreative DirectorSteve PiggGraphics ArtistJulie AustinDISTRIBUTIONManagerGary BonenoAssistant ManagerChristopher GrahamA “Cowboy Mentality”Don’t you love it when someone attemptingto insult you unwittingly complementsyou?I have been told I have a “Cowboy Mentality”.Anyone that really knows me realizesyou could not give me higher praise thanthat. I will wear that moniker with pride.To imagine that I can now associatemyself with such infamous “Cowboy Mentality”historical figures as Ronald Reagan,who broke the back of the Soviet <strong>Union</strong>and told Gorbachev to tear down the BerlinWall, and George W. Bush who at GroundZero inspired an entire country over a bullhornto fight terrorism by taking the fightto them. Not to mention Teddy Rooseveltwho led the charge on San Juan Hill andwho’s Walk Softly but Carry a Big Stickpolicy made us truly a Super Power.It just so happens I admire all three ofthese men. Let it be known that I in no waybelieve myself to be on par with them. I onlyuse them as inspiration that taking a standon something you believe in even when it’sThe Two Sides of Marvin’sAnnexationIn 2008 the Village of Marvin began toformally unify the physical boundaries ofthe Village. The process is called annexation.Ever since, annexation has been a hottopic within these pages. We hear slogansthat fueled passions long ago such as “taxationwithout representation” and “whatpart of involuntary is not understood”. Andsadly, there has been the vitriolic name callingand character assassination; a path I willnever tread upon. But, as with all issuesthat call for a balanced and practical assessment,there is another side of annexationto consider.First let’s look at the reasoning beingused to oppose annexation. There is thecall that Marvin offers no services. Is thistrue? Let’s say Marvin purchased 50 acresof land, decided to rezone it heavy industrial,and we brought in a smelter operation.Would the anti-annexation folks beharmed? Of course the answer is yes. Soif the Village of Marvin can do harm by ourdecisions, how is it that we offer no benefitby our decisions? For what is a service, but abenefit received? We benefit the residentsof Marvin by keeping the smelter out andthe values we hold for our community in.<strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Weekly</strong>LettersTo the editorIn response to “Questions continue forCross Creek”I would think it very interesting to knowwhat <strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong>’s true agenda is in theirattempt to regulate bona fide farm propertyunpopular often proves you right.And if my stance on the Second Amendmentbothers you, and the fact that I believewe are the first line of defense for ourselvesand our loved ones, so be it. That “CowboyMentality” is what provided you the abilityto say so. It would stun the self-righteous,pompous Pollyanna’s of this town if theyknew how many of their elected officialsfrom Washington to Indian Trail are concealedcarry permit holders. Some whohave called me to tell me they had done so,even as recently as this past week.You hold on to that idea when the homeinvasion happens or you are attacked inthe parking lot. You point that judgmentalfinger at the armed perpetrator and tellthem how society let them down and it’snot their fault – and if you survive, be sureto blame the government from whom allthings come in your world when they’re notthere in the nick of time to save you, yourwife and/or loved ones. Continue to live inyour imaginary sterile laboratory environmentwhere nothing can touch you andLet’s say that Marvin instructed our policeofficers to respond to all calls in- and outsidethe Village limits (which we do), but had acaveat that for nine out ten calls outside theVillage, the officer is free to go to Starbucks,enjoy a latte, read the paper, and respond tothe emergency within 40 minutes. Wouldthe anti-annexation folks be harmed duringa home invasion robbery… at their house?Of course. Do the anti-annexation folksbenefit from the 90 second response theywould get from the Marvin Officers … ofcourse. Again, if Marvin could do harm byour decisions, why do we not offer a benefitthough those same decisions?Do people not benefit by Marvin’s commitmentand action to preserve open space?Is there no harm if all the land in Marvinbecomes a subdivision? Of course we allbenefit from preserved land, and suffer ifall is built upon.As I said earlier, services are benefits.Legislation being considered in Raleighmay call for a City to offer water or garbagecollection. Are these services? No, we payfor them. A water bill shows up in the mail.There are special tax assessments for otherso called “services”. These “services” couldbe provided by anybody in the private sectorwilling to do the leg work and send outby any underhanded tactic they can manufacture.NC General Statutes plainly statein 153a-340 that a county has absolutely noregulating authority over a bona fide farmthat does not produce in excess of 600,000pounds of pork per year.Reid PhiferMarshvillePretty clear pictureBy now, it seems like old hat. Someonecomes up with a money making idea. Thelaw enforcement always foils their evil plotsof mayhem. But until your Utopian Societyand Shangri-La appears, I’ll continue topreach individual accountability and selfreliance,and trust in God who does provideand gave me the sense to know thatGovernment can’t always protect you.Because unlike you, I have experiencedthat frightening moment of being the lastline of defense when there is no time forlaw enforcement to respond and you suddenlyand unexpectedly find yourself standingbetween imminent danger and two childrenand the woman you love. Now for thewakeup call – this did not happen in some“Big City” atmosphere; it happened here inIndian Trail, right in Brandon Oaks.So Carl, two thumbs up to you for theright to state your opinion; all bought andpaid for with Cowboy blood and gunpowder.Happy Trails to You!Robert “Cowboy” Allenthe bills. Keeping the smelter out, preservingthe beauty of the community, fightingfor our share of road improvement dollarsto fix our dangerous intersections, and providingfor our common security and safety;these are services, and these services arewhat Marvin is all about.And now about the question “what partof involuntary is not understood”? There isnever 100 percent agreement on an action.To the opposition of anything, an outcomethey don’t want is involuntary. But whatabout the many people that believe in thevision and benefits offered by Marvin. Doestheir voice not count? Will their desire tovoluntarily be part of Marvin be extinguishedby the louder voice of a few dozenopponents? The annexation involves over5,000 people. Many more want to be inMarvin than the numbers that do not. Themany that want to move forward can rightfullysay “what part of being involuntarilyexcluded is not understood”? We are anAmerican community. There should be noplace for the vitriolic name calling and characterassassination. Let’s discuss the issueand consider the interests of everyone.Councilman Ross OverbyMarvin Village Councilfinancial backers for <strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong> politiciansget upset because they didn’t have theidea first and go about ordering the countyto ruin their “competition”. Suddenly aftertwo years, the county just decides to enforcea state ordinance and based on an anonymouscomplaint? So what you’re really sayingis if I have a problem with my neighbor,I can call the county and get them to investigatehim. It’s a fantastic way to run things.Paul Morganunincorporated <strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong>Page 6 • May 13-19, 2011 • <strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Weekly</strong>www.unioncountyweekly.com
Stallings police raiseclearance rateNumbers climb over first quarterby Brian Carltonbrian@unioncountyweekly.comWithin a five month period, Stallingspolice went from a case clearancerate barely in double digits to onenow well above the national average.When new chief Michael Dummetttook the job in December, he singledout the detective division’s case clearancerate, which was then hoveringaround 11 percent.By the end of April, that numberhad climbed to 44.58 percent. To putthat in perspective, the national averageof cases cleared is 30 percent.“I was very displeased with theclearance rate we had at the time,”Dummett said, speaking to the towncouncil Monday, May 9. He addedthe clearance rate will be calculatedmonthly from now on. The reason forthat is to help monitor the clearancerate, Dummett said, addressing anydeclines and determining what, if anyadjustments need to be made.News“We had to realign the way we wereaddressing our cases,” Dummett said,speaking to the town council Monday,May 9. The department started payingmore informants to give out moreinformation, Dummett said.“Criminals tell on criminals, they’regreedy,” Dummett said. “That’s how itworks.”Additionally, the department workedto build better relationships with surroundingagencies, such as the <strong>Union</strong><strong>County</strong> Sheriff’s Office, he added, inorder to develop information.The changes are the latest of severaladjustments the department hasmade since December. A communitypolicing model was adopted, splittingthe town into four zones. Tasers wereshelved and a new way of trackingstatistics was introduced. Also, thedepartment adopted standards matchingthe Commission for Accreditationfor Law Enforcement, the top guidelinesin the country. qThe Area’s PremierFamily Eye DoctorsMetrolina EyeAssociatesIvan Mac, MDRussell Fry, MDStallings Professional Center4101 Campus Ridge RoadMatthews, NC 28105704.234.1930Dara Khalatbari, MD• Cataract Surgery• LASIK• Eyelid Surgery• Diabetic Eye Care• Glaucoma Care• Pediatrics• Dry Eye• Routine Eye Exams• Glasses/ContactsMelissa Shipley, MDJason Berkebile , ODMetro Medical Campus630 Comfort Lane, Ste. EMonroe, NC 28112704.289.5455www.metrolinaeye.com3032E COMPACTUTILITY TRACTORBuilt to last. Priced to sell.3005 COMPACTUTILITY TRACTOR(attachments not included)0% FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS ** 0% FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS **5055D UTILITYTRACTORPaymentsas low as$199 PERMONTH *2320 COMPACT UTILITYTRACTOR0% FINANCING FOR 72 MONTHS **MATTHEWS, NC2725 OLD MONROE RD(704) 821-7399M-F • 7:30am - 5:30pm(attachments not included)Visit us at www.JamesRiverEquipment.comFind us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jamesriverequipmentROCK HILL, SC380 ANDERSON RD N(803) 325-1555M-F • 7:30am - 5:30pmSALISBURY, NC805 KLUMAC RD(704) 636-2671M-F • 7:30am - 5:30pm0% FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS **STATESVILLE, NC635 MOCKSVILLE HWY(704) 872-6411M-F • 7:30am - 5:30pmS • 8am - 1pmS • 8am - 1pmS • 8am - 1pmS • 8am - 1pm*Offer ends 5/31/2011. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Up to $1,000 down payment may be required on 2320 Compact Utility Tractor. Up to a $1,500 down payment may be required on 3005 Compact Utility Tractor. Up to a $2,000 down payment may be required on 3032E Compact Utility Tractor. Up to a$4,000 down payment may be required on 5055D Utility Tractor. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Credit Installment Plan, a service of FPC Financial, f.s.b. For consumer use only. **Offer ends 5/31/2011. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial InstallmentPlan. Tractor options available may vary by location and affect price. Photos shown may not represent exact options available. ^Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/ED.JRE9X60513MMHW-4Cwww.unioncountyweekly.com<strong>Union</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Weekly</strong> • May 13-19, 2011 • Page 7
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