UP|North Carolina http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html Sat, 10 May 2008 15:11:40 -0500 30 UP|North Carolina http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/forums.html <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Wilmington/New Hanover County voted for Bush for president, but voted for a democrat for governor, sent a democratic rep. to D.C., and elected an openly gay democrat to the state senate.

State geography does not help McCroy for his run as governor. The western Piedmont, foothills part of the state voted mostly republican for governor in 2004, with the exception of Mecklenburg County which voted 59 to 40 percent for Easley. They are a few mountain counties that went democrat by a thin margin 52% or less, but an equal amount of eastern counties that went republican narrowly with populations that almost balance each other out. This is the way North Carolina Counties usually vote "red or blue" no matter where the candidates are from.

His best bet may be to appeal to urban areas as a big city mayor who understands their needs, although most urban areas in N.C. vote heavily democratic in the last few elections, including Charlotte, he may get enough collective votes, if not the majority from urban areas, to have a chance. He needs to win Charlotte Metro by a big, big margin to have a chance to tip the scales.

How has McCroy won in Charlotte, a city that usual votes democratic? Does he win by large margins or just squeaks by? Why do people vote for him?]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 09:17:29 -0500 TLT <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Red and blue do not have the same meanings in state elections vs national elections in regards to NC. Peeps that might vote for McCain for example will never ever vote for Pat McCroy. Fri, 09 May 2008 22:36:25 -0500 monsoon <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 21:52:11 -0500 Spartan North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit National Train Day is this Saturday and Amtrak will have open house sessions to increase awareness at their stations in Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Raleigh, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Selma, Wilson, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville. Fri, 09 May 2008 14:56:59 -0500 Raintree21 <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Was anyone all that enthusiastic about any of the options in this race? I have reservations about all of the candidates. Felt like I was voting for the lesser of the greater evils. Thu, 08 May 2008 23:58:56 -0500 Spatula NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 23:53:18 -0500 Spatula The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC
QUOTE (monsoon @ May 6 2008, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Any notice how the media is practically ignoring NC in lieu of Indiana, a much smaller state? All of the shows, reporters, etc are taking place there and the networks are giving scant mention to NC.


I noticed that too. I was watching MSNBC at noon and a reporter stated," The area between Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh is known as the Triad or Triangle to locals." rolleyes.gif]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 20:58:46 -0500 JerseyBoy <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 14:57:20 -0500 Raintree21 <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> McCrory most likely will fare bad in Eastern NC (except maybe the redder-than-red Johnston County) and will definitely do poorly in the bluer-by-the-day Triangle.
His strengths will be in Charlotte and Western NC (except Asheville).
Thus, the Triad will likely be the big battle ground in this one. Their city cores will probably lean for Purdue, but their sprawling suburban areas will be fair game for him.]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 09:40:46 -0500 RaleighRob <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
This one won't even be as close as Vinroot/Easley was...]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 09:06:05 -0500 JeffC NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 08:57:56 -0500 JeffC <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
QUOTE (Spartan @ May 7 2008, 11:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The BIG x-factor here is what the legislature will support. I have not been able to figure out how NC politics work yet... does the governor actually have any power, or is it like SC where its essentially a "queen of england" position? I say this because he can support whatever changes he wants, but if the legislature won't support the change too, its basically a exercise in futility.


Pretty much how it is here, at least right now.]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 06:27:14 -0500 Gard <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
QUOTE (uptownliving @ May 7 2008, 08:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know tha McCrory is very familiar with Charlotte's crime and transportation issues and will fight to get us more DA's(funded by the State) and our "fair" share of transportation funding in the state. So now I will be listening to see what Bev Purdue has to say about these very basic issues where the State really ignores Charlotte/Mecklenburg.


I think we have to keep that despite what we Mecklenburgers like to think, there are many other counties in NC too smile.gif What I like about McCrory is that you know he will promote more common sense approaches to urban issues (like decentralizing NCDOT) but also things that are relevant to any city in this state- particularly the large metro areas, but also the small ones. I very firmly believe that he will do his best to at least approach change with a positivie attitude. I personally think he has to distance himself from the fact that he's from Charlotte to the extent that he understands the needs of the rest of NC. Charlotte's issues are not "unique" to Charlotte.

The BIG x-factor here is what the legislature will support. I have not been able to figure out how NC politics work yet... does the governor actually have any power, or is it like SC where its essentially a "queen of england" position? I say this because he can support whatever changes he wants, but if the legislature won't support the change too, its basically a exercise in futility.
]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 22:12:31 -0500 Spartan North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit
Good to hear he supports high speed rail. That being said, if he supports that, he is likely to support such projects as LRT in the Triangle and hopefully make it easier to get funding for such things if he is elected.]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 17:11:50 -0500 Gard North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit Obama on high-speed rail:

"The irony is with the gas prices what they are, we should be expanding rail service. One of the things I have been talking bout for awhile is high speed rail connecting all of these Midwest cities -- Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis... it is a perfect time to start talk about why we don't have better rail service. We are the only advanced country in the world that doesn't have high speed rail."

Clearly the SEHSR corridor would benefit from a new rail resurgence, as it's considered one of the most viable projects in the country.]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 15:57:31 -0500 ChiefJoJo <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> I have no doubt that McCroy will win Mecklenburg county, but it is a race of 100 counties. Wed, 07 May 2008 13:25:51 -0500 monsoon <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 13:25:10 -0500 1979Heel The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC It was a record breaking day for voter turnout. 2.1 million people voted equaling about 38% overall turnout with it breaking down to 50% Democrat and 23% Republican. Wed, 07 May 2008 13:07:19 -0500 Raintree21 <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
QUOTE (monsoon @ May 7 2008, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
During the primary, Perdue got 845K votes vs 233K for McCroy.



QUOTE (ChiefJoJo @ May 7 2008, 11:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is really something. Sure the Dems got a big bump from the Hillary and Obama mania, but she tripled his total, and I bet a lot of those ~500k or so Dems who voted for Moore will tend to go to her. McCrory still has a shot, but it's an uphill battle.



I keep hearing these numbers but people keep forgetting that this was a low turnout for Republicans. Since the GOP nominee is already decided, it seems most people stayed home. So of course McCrory got a low number of overall votes when compared to the Democratic candidate when many more Democrats were motivated to go out and vote for either Obama or Clinton. There was 50% turnout for Democrats compared to just 23% for Republicans. Once the actual election comes around in November, you will see a much higher turnout on the GOP side, primarily because it's a Presidential election and many may simply be going out so they can vote against the Democratic nominee, whoever it may be.]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 13:05:03 -0500 Raintree21 <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> ) could be tied to Easley, pay-to-play in the NCDOT, Easley's infamous email deletion drama, etc.

Can anyone say what she is for, other than whichever way the wind is blowing from the last person who sat in her office? I have read that she supports "green" concerns, but it's Our Mayor Pat rolleyes.gif who launched the state's first light rail system.

I thought her pious reunciation of negative ads in the primary was a stroke of masterful evil. She was so far ahead of Moore by that time that it didn't matter what she did.

She's no friend of Charlotte, of that I am certain.
Bev. Reminds me of an old Gilda Radner sketch on SNL; Gilda couldn't remember whether her new neighbor preferred "Bev" or "Beverly," so she called her "Bever.,"]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 13:04:42 -0500 1979Heel <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 12:02:37 -0500 monsoon <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
QUOTE (monsoon @ May 7 2008, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looks like Perdue vs McCroy.

During the primary, Perdue got 845K votes vs 233K for McCroy.

That is really something. Sure the Dems got a big bump from the Hillary and Obama mania, but she tripled his total, and I bet a lot of those ~500k or so Dems who voted for Moore will tend to go to her. McCrory still has a shot, but it's an uphill battle.

QUOTE
I know tha McCrory is very familiar with Charlotte's crime and transportation issues and will fight to get us more DA's(funded by the State) and our "fair" share of transportation funding in the state. So now I will be listening to see what Bev Purdue has to say about these very basic issues where the State really ignores Charlotte/Mecklenburg.

I think I said this before but, I would caution folks who think he will be the mayor of NC. Not to say he doesn't have a lot of good ideas, but any proposal must make it through the rural & democrat dominated legislature, so he only has so much authority... really just setting the agenda. A lot of people would say Easley is the third most powerful elected leader in the state, behind the House Speaker (Hackney) and Senator Pro Tem (Basnight). Easley was certainly not able to deliver much for Clinton yesterday.

The positive thing that I hope will happen is that after winning the primary (race to see who's more conservative?), McCrory will move back to the center for the general. He will have to draw enough contrasts with Purdue to give the voters a real choice (spending, energy policy?), but IMO if he wants to win he should try to appeal to the moderate piedmont (I-85/40) urban/suburban voters... focus on being strategic on transportation policy (could be his big issue--will he mention transit?), dealing with crime, cutting some state pork, etc. I think those issues, plus attaching himself to a fairly moderate McCain (a likely winner in NC) is his chance.]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 10:42:34 -0500 ChiefJoJo <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 07:19:32 -0500 uptownliving <![CDATA[2008 NC Governor's race]]>
During the primary, Perdue got 845K votes vs 233K for McCroy.]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 06:16:35 -0500 monsoon The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC
According to the AP, Clinton will stay in the Hoosier state, Bill Clinton was at NCSSM in Durham this afternoon (according to the N&O article) and Obama is flying to NC for an 8 pm rally at Reynolds Coliseum on NC State's campus (tickets no longer available).


EDIT: Republicans are trying to follow Rush Limbaugh's marching orders to vote for Clinton, but they can not unless their party affiliation was changed before the deadline but not updated in the registered voter rolls.]]> Tue, 06 May 2008 15:24:40 -0500 ncwebguy The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC Tue, 06 May 2008 11:53:27 -0500 Raintree21 The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC
QUOTE (Gard @ May 5 2008, 11:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I had canvasers from all three campaigns come to my house today. Its getting really crazy, especially being a registered independent. I don't know why they even bother right now, I can't vote for them during the primary anyhow. rolleyes.gif

Um, yes you can! grin.png You can vote for either one as an independent or unaffiliated voter. Just go to your voting place and request one ballot or the other.

W/r/t the media, I didn't get a sense that the media is ignoring NC, especially given the attention the candidates have shown the state. Hillary and Bill have been all over, and Obama has too. The media follows the stories, and last week instead of the NC primary being about issues, all we heard about was Rev Wright. I saw CNN's chief reporter at the State Capitol yesterday at 6pm FWIW.]]> Tue, 06 May 2008 08:08:04 -0500 ChiefJoJo The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC Any notice how the media is practically ignoring NC in lieu of Indiana, a much smaller state? All of the shows, reporters, etc are taking place there and the networks are giving scant mention to NC. Tue, 06 May 2008 06:12:25 -0500 monsoon The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC ]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 22:44:16 -0500 Gard Gastonia It looks industrial from the front facade that faces Sonic. Kind of small, so not sure it would be
another restaurant. dontknow.gif]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 19:26:25 -0500 JRNYP2C The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC Clinton, McCain, and Obama are all in NC today campaigning. That's really something. Enjoy the media spotlight while it lasts, because it might not come again. The Charlotte Observer has a story on the path to victory through the exurban/suburban battlegrounds in NC for Obama and Clinton.

FWIW, the News & Observer will not endorse a primary candidate, while the Independent (a progressive Triangle-based weekly) endorsed Obama last week.
]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 10:40:14 -0500 ChiefJoJo The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC The Charlotte Observer has endorsed Obama. Mon, 05 May 2008 06:42:33 -0500 monsoon The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC Insiders Advantage poll released around April 30, give or take a day or two, that showed Clinton ahead by two points. clear politics dot com does show the average of polls released in the last few days to be Obama ahead at a average of 7 points, down from a 14 point average about two weeks ago.]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 20:41:12 -0500 TLT The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC
Tuesday should be interesting for everyone.]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 20:26:37 -0500 yankeeblue North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit
QUOTE (Raintree21 @ May 4 2008, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
News14 is reporting huge increases in ridership for the Piedmont and Carolinian. The Piedmont (Raleigh-Charlotte) had a 28 percent increase and the Carolinian (Charlotte-Raleigh) is up 41 percent this year.



This is the best transit update I've heard so far this year.... thanks for the update. Hopefully the Eastern NC transit routes do the same!]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 15:48:30 -0500 CapeFearRiver10 North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit News14 is reporting huge increases in ridership for the Piedmont and Carolinian. The Piedmont (Raleigh-Charlotte) had a 28 percent increase and the Carolinian (Charlotte-Raleigh) is up 41 percent this year.
]]> Sun, 04 May 2008 11:01:56 -0500 Raintree21 NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE 2008 Sat, 03 May 2008 22:54:28 -0500 MZT The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC They were saying on tv a little while ago that new polls are showing that Hilary is ahead of Obama by 2pts now in NC. If this holds water, that is a HUGE change in numbers, considering how far she was behind Obama in NC. Fri, 02 May 2008 17:43:54 -0500 Gard North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit
QUOTE (ChiefJoJo @ May 1 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interesting story about the SEHSR... Franklinton is worried about DOT closing off some streets along the line. I bet that street access is going to be a major issue in developing this line, especially in the urban areas. Through Raleigh, it will cross (at-grade) Jones St, Blue Ridge Rd, thru Cary, Academy St, ... etc.

I wonder where they plan on building grade separations that are currently (or previously) crossed at grade. Building grade separations and closing as many grade crossings as possible will probably be a pretty major part of the expense of the whole line, though they can probably save some money by shutting the line down for a couple years during construction.

For example, there's only one grade separation (other than the US 1 freeway) in the entire city of Henderson. And that's kind of out of the way, on Charles Street which is a very minor road. Andrews Avenue (NC39) would certainly need to be separated. New Hope Church, Millbrook, and Durant in North Raleigh come to mind as well.]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 11:45:38 -0500 orulz North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit
QUOTE (ChiefJoJo @ May 1 2008, 08:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interesting story about the SEHSR... Franklinton is worried about DOT closing off some streets along the line. I bet that street access is going to be a major issue in developing this line, especially in the urban areas. Through Raleigh, it will cross (at-grade) Jones St, Blue Ridge Rd, thru Cary, Academy St, ... etc.


One thing worth noting about SEHSR in Raleigh, Cary, and beyond is that west of the downtown Raleigh Amtrak station or future multimodal center, the grade crossings for the line are already active with the Piedmont, Carolinian, and 8+ freight trains per day. From Raleigh going north is where new impacts will occur due to this project.
]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 11:19:32 -0500 transitman North Carolina Photo of the Day
]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 09:09:22 -0500 CapeFearRiver10 The 2008 Presidential Primary is coming to NC Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Raleigh today. IIRC, it will be the first time they will both be in the same room since the PA debate. Should be interesting after the events of this week.]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 08:52:43 -0500 ChiefJoJo North Carolina or South Carolina You gotta have taxes to pay for civic programs. New roads (I-73/74) and loops for every city in state have to be paid forward somehow. IMO this is the outcome of poor management of funds from decades ago and not forseeing the growth spurt the state is experiencing. Also school, infrastructure upgrades and intercity rail service is all paid and subsidized by the state. OK back on topic...I just wanted to mention that southern Brunswick county should see rising property values as the new port becomes reality. The forcast is upwards of 50K jobs could be created in the Wilmington area because of both ports expansion efforts. I guess its just comes down to personal choice and the economics of it all. Fri, 02 May 2008 01:19:04 -0500 NcSc74 North Carolina Intercity Rail Transit Franklinton is worried about DOT closing off some streets along the line. I bet that street access is going to be a major issue in developing this line, especially in the urban areas. Through Raleigh, it will cross (at-grade) Jones St, Blue Ridge Rd, thru Cary, Academy St, ... etc.

Here's the SEHSR's design alignments at Franklinton:

]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 20:44:46 -0500 ChiefJoJo North Carolina or South Carolina
QUOTE (NcSc74 @ May 1 2008, 01:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is true but a lot of communties in the eastern part of the state are starting to cater to the halfbacks. NC has too many roads to maintain which is part of the heavy taxation. At any rate I don't think there is a huge disparity between eastern NC/SC property tax etc...burdern. Unless you smoke or drink I really don't see any other tax rate that can really hurt you other than the gas tax. Not sure what SC gas tax stands at now. NC is pretty much middle of the pack as far as overall tax burden.


With all due respect, NC may have the most roads to maintain, but SC is right behind at #4 in the nation. Given that SC has less money and a comparatively large amount of roads to maintain too, they do a much better job of it.

The property taxes in the Lowcountry of SC and downeast NC are probably very comparable. The taxes I am referring to are those based on income, 401k returns, pensions etc. The taxes on retirees in this case are lower. I don't know all the details since I'm nowhere near retirement age, this is just what I know via common knowledge.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 17:05:41 -0500 Spartan North Carolina or South Carolina Carolina Living website, they have some pretty good comparisons between NC and SC. For taxes, go to the financial section.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 08:23:25 -0500 Raintree21 North Carolina or South Carolina Thu, 01 May 2008 00:17:23 -0500 NcSc74 North Carolina or South Carolina South Carolina is better for retirees. Better tax breaks, etc. Its the reason so many are moving to the Lowcountry (and other places too). That and its less expensive than Florida, with more land to develop than Georgia. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:42:26 -0500 Spartan <![CDATA[Latest census estimates for NC MSA's]]> They release city populations separately from county populations. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:21:00 -0500 DCMetroRaleigh <![CDATA[Latest census estimates for NC MSA's]]>
I want to see how many people each town gained. Like Garner...Holly Springs, Fuquay..etc

Anyone know?]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:59:27 -0500 RaleighHeelsfan