Mr. Moderator

My tan sport coat acts as camouflage while I ask a question in the distance. (Photo by Josh Humphries/The Daily Reflector)

So I was tapped to moderate a forum for Greenville municipal candidates last night. It’s one of those things you try to do as an editorial page editor should the request arise.

You can read the Reflector’s story about the evening here:
Greenville Council candidates discuss issues facing city

Editorial: New approach

My latest thoughts on the health-care debate. Running out of ways to tell Washington to find areas of cooperation. Perhaps I should give up and let things fall where they may.

If only the issue wasn’t so damn important …

Editorial: New approach — Health care progress needs cooperation

The push toward health care reform stalled prior to the August Congressional recess, and the Obama administration has struggled with the restart, despite the president’s address to a joint session on Sept. 9. In that speech, he indicated a willingness to adopt some Republican ideas, such as tort reform, in order to facilitate negotiations.

Such calls for cooperation should have come earlier in this process, when bringing experienced lawmakers with an interest in health care reform — such as U.S. Sen. Richard Burr — might have helped. Though his approach differs sharply from Democrats’ plans, his voice could have served the interest of progress and moved the nation toward a bipartisan bill.

During a visit to Greenville in August, Burr was correct in saying, “Not getting something done (on health care) is the worst scenario I can imagine.” Yet it is one that seems more likely as work on the legislation continues to drag. The newest proposal, that offered by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, received howls of objection from the opposition, particularly when the lawmaker from Montana claimed he could win passage without Republican votes.

Ideally, that is not the way for the country to pursue an overhaul of arguably its most pressing public issue. The cost of health care coverage, the expected insolvency of existing programs and the legions of uninsured Americans cry out for bipartisan action and Democrats should be willing to reach out through compromise.

But those overtures must not be viewed as a way to halt the wheels of progress. Republicans are without power in either the executive or legislative branches, and could use inaction to score political points. But surely they recognize the strong case in favor of reform and the folly in obstruction.

So it falls to Obama to bring the sides together. The president reached out his hand during that speech, putting tort reform squarely on the table to facilitate compromise. That was refreshing, since Democrats have long resisted that effort despite sound reasoning behind the reform cause. But Obama is right to expect some concessions in return.

Unfortunately, this give and take should have been the initial approach, not an attempt to bail out a listing ship. Burr, for instance, might have been a partner, despite his advocacy of a strictly market-based reform, since he spent much of his legislative career on health care.

There is reason for confidence in the approach of a reform bill this year, though it wanes by the day. The best way forward is together, but both sides must be willing to deal in the interest of progress.

Return to the Round-Up

The Associated Press’ Raleigh Bureau saw fit to distribute my Tuesday, Sept. 22 editorial about N.C. Rep. Ty Harrell’s resignation from the Legislature following ethics issues.

It’s been a pretty good year for me if judged only by the number of times I’ve appeared on the AP State Editorial Round-Up. Let’s hope we can keep it going.

Link to the editorial is here:

Editorial: Higher ground — Ethics doubts claim another lawmaker

Editorial: Another round

These troops have a good chance of hailing from eastern North Carolina bases.

The Reflector is striving to reorient itself to provide the best in local news coverage. It is a repositioning I’ve mentioned here before, one that extends from the inherent question of whether the paper serves as a primary news source for readers or one that complements other news sources a reader consumes throughout the day.

As part of that effort, I am trying to pin my editorials on local hooks, as with this one about President Obama’s looming decision about sending more troops to Afghanistan. While that strategy will impact the nation as a whole, additional armed forces are likely to come from bases in eastern North Carolina, which is home to several important facilities.

Editorial: Another round — Report calls for more troops abroad

The growing potency of the Taliban and al-Qaida resistance in Afghanistan has prompted a request for more American forces by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, top U.S. commander there. His report, released on Sunday, predicts a grim future if existing forces are not supplemented quickly.

If his assessment is correct, the failure to send additional forces will mean an inability to halt the insurgent advances. So as the Obama administration considers this request, eastern North Carolina should brace for the likelihood that more of its young men and women will soon be headed into harm’s way.

Eight years ago — in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — the United States joined with its NATO allies to invade Afghanistan. Ousting the military Taliban government and breaking the al-Qaida network were key goals, as was building a democratic government.

Today, the situation seems in doubt. McChrystal echoes fears that a resurgent resistance threatens success in Afghanistan. The general argues that only additional forces, sent quickly, will stave off failure, according to his report.

The Obama administration has not yet determined its course of action, but accepting McChrystal’s recommendation would mean more men and women from eastern North Carolina deployed to the front lines of this conflict. It could mean more returning wounded or killed in action.

The military tradition runs deep in this region, home to six significant military installations, and support for those in uniform should never waver. But risking additional lives should come only with the prospects of success and a sure plan for achieving that goal.

Editorial: Higher ground

Anyone who does not believe North Carolina ranks among the least ethical states in the nation simply is not paying attention. The level of graft and corruption I’ve seen in my 11 years here is astounding. This is only the latest, and hardly the most egregious, offense.

Editorial: Higher ground — Ethics doubts claim another lawmaker

Supporters had high hopes for N.C. Rep. Ty Harrell when he won election to the General Assembly from District 41, near Cary, in 2006. Those are gone following his resignation from the Legislature on Sunday, ending a growing probe into his use of campaign funds.

North Carolina may be no stranger to the behavior of which the Democrat is accused, but it is still a disappointment to see such potential wasted. The state needs talented lawmakers, but it needs those men and women to uphold the highest standards of conduct while serving, without exception.

Harrell issued his resignation on Sunday as expenditures from his campaign funds received increased attention from the Legislative Ethics Committee and the state Board of Elections. He cited the distraction of that investigation, as well as a need to protect his sons during a divorce, as reason for his decision.

North Carolina lawmakers work under tightened ethics rules because of repeated violations that are now well known to citizens. Even those in the highest offices have shown a remarkable inability to uphold the trust of their constituents. And their punishment — public embarrassment, removal from office and, in some cases, prison — is deserved reward for compromising the integrity of government.

It is a shame that Harrell is the latest to succumb, especially given his potential as a legislative leader. But it serves further notice that those who serve must adhere to a higher standard of conduct.

Editorial: Bigger issue

North Carolina has struggled for years with the topic of how to deal with undocumented/illegal aliens attending community colleges. The Reflector has carved out its stance, which favors their attendance because most at 18-year-olds who did not choose to come to this country and who, by the very nature of seeking a higher education, demonstrate the desire to be productive and contributing members of society.

This may not be a popular point of view in North Carolina, and especially in eastern North Carolina, but it is a position confirmed by the State Board of Community Colleges and one that represents compassion and perspective.

Editorial: Bigger issue — Ruling reflects Washington indecision

The State Board of Community Colleges finally resolved a two-year dispute over the admittance of illegal aliens this week when it granted them access so long as they pay out-of-state tuition. While the ruling seems appropriate, it is sure to enrage those who feel that educating undocumented residents wastes tax dollars.

The board was correct in siding with the principle of access over exclusion, and the ruling brings needed closure to this contentious issue. But the dispute reflects the mixed signals coming from Washington about illegal immigrants, and the clear need for a federal resolution of how best to deal with the large undocumented population in America.

With protesters assembled outside the building on Thursday, the State Board of Community Colleges voted unanimously to reverse one of the most restrictive policies toward illegal immigrants in the nation. Shortly after the debate arose, the board barred undocumented students from degree programs. Now those individuals will be admitted, though they will be expected to pay out-of-state tuition for the opportunity.

While that resolves a particularly difficult problem for North Carolina, the issue speaks to the larger inability — or unwillingness — of Washington to resolve the status of some 12 million people living and working in the United States illegally.

These people live in the margins of society because of laws that are either too weak or inadequately enforced, and because lawmakers have yet to take firm measures toward their reform. Surely the nation can do better by determining how to address those millions.

Health care may be the pressing issue commanding the nation’s attention, but even it has been complicated by the illegal immigrant question. The nation needs to pursue a comprehensive reform effort, as President Barack Obama pledged to do on the campaign trail, as soon as the health care debate concludes. Doing so swiftly will ensure that states like North Carolina need not deal with these issues without guidance in the future.

CNN: A Tale of Two Towns

Featured shot during my five seconds of fame.

I was interviewed recently by CNN about Greenville’s success in coping with the economic recession for a segment on the weekend program, “Your $$$$$.” It compared our fair city to Asheboro, which is finding life considerably more difficult in the downturn.

I actually watched the clip for the first time while tailgating in Blacksburg, Va., before the Virginia Tech-Nebraska game. It was well received by those in attendance.

My segment begins at the 1:58 mark.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Editorial: First look

The latest missive about crime in Greenville, urging the council to listen to voices of dissent as they deliberate the proposed rules aimed at improving public safety in the city. I’ll continue to post editorials on this topic in the interest of continuity, despite it being an issue of local importance.

Editorial: First look — Listen to all voices on new crime rules

Proposals being developed by the Greenville City Council could radically change the downtown district, limiting the number of bars and imposing significant expense on existing businesses. If approved, they would change the zoning laws in that area and require the hiring of off-duty law enforcement officers to bolster public safety.

Several violent incidents have created momentum for action, and overhauling the downtown district offers the quickest path to make significant change. But the city must make certain that measures are adopted in the interest of effectiveness rather than expediency, and demonstrate a willingness to work with bar owners toward a shared goal of improving public safety.

Following a lengthy public forum about crime last month, the City Council voted to advance four ideas, instructing staff to draft ordinances that reflected those proposals. With identical 5-1 votes, the council expressed its desire to see bar owners hire off-duty law enforcement for in-house security, to change the zoning limiting the distance between drinking establishments, to impose restrictions on bouncers and to pursue a partnership between Greenville police and officers with the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control.

Councilman Max Ray Joyner was the lone vote of dissent and a vocal opponent of the process that night. He argued that those affected — the bar owners and business owners downtown — should be heard before the council moved to create these ordinances. His colleagues assured him that opportunities for such discussion would be frequent.

Wednesday saw the first of these as bar owners and council members met to discuss the proposals. Not surprisingly, the new rules were not greeted favorably as the business owners expressed concerns that the rules would impose a crippling financial burden on most and could drive some bars into bankruptcy.

Surprisingly, only two members of the council — Joyner and Bryant Kittrell — attended, joining Mayor Pat Dunn at the meeting. Those members who might have benefited most from hearing those valid worries were absent, despite the importance of the topic. In fact, more candidates for public office attended than did council members.

Crime and public safety stand atop the public’s most pressing concerns heading into election season this year, and with good reason. Many high profile acts of violence — including the shooting deaths of two men on a Fifth Street sidewalk in June — have citizens calling for action.

Yet, decisions must not be made in haste. They should be advanced only after hearing all sides, soliciting opinion from those involved, promoting thoughtful debate and then taking measured action. The City Council should follow no other path on this crucial public issue.

Editorial: For civility

One of my regularly timed calls for civility in the world of American discourse, destined as always to fall on deaf ears.

Editorial: For civility — Respect needed in political discourse

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution of disapproval of Rep. Joe Wilson on Tuesday for heckling President Barack Obama during his Sept. 9 speech. With a near party-line 240-179 vote, the chamber rebuked the South Carolina lawmaker for shouting at the president during his address on health care reform.

Wilson’s outburst is only the latest, egregious example of the steady decline of civility in American political discourse, a dangerous trend for the health of the republic. Americans should demand better from their public officials, and lead by example in the way they too handle the difficult debates before this country.

House members were correct to formally scold Wilson on Tuesday for yelling “You lie” at Obama last week, violating an expectation of decorum when any dignitary speaks to Congress. Wilson was contrite and apologetic in the aftermath, before supporters rallied to his defense, apparently believing that even boorish actions are justified to make a political point.

Pitt County reflects the divide evident across the country in that it is served by a Democrat and a Republican in both the House and the Senate. A growing Republican Party in Pitt County has fostered greater balance on the ballot, though residents remain divided by ideology as is evident in any forum for political debate.

Those divisions have sharpened in recent years and a growing vitriol has seeped into American political discourse. There are some who buck that trend. U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, who represents Pitt County in the 3rd Congressional District, departs from his party as he sees fit, and was one of seven Republicans voting to rebuke Wilson on Tuesday. And freshman Sen. Kay Hagan has positioned herself as a conservative Democrat in the early months of her first term. Sadly, they are the exception rather than the rule.

While it might be easy to blame partisan discord on politicians, the tenor of their debate reflects a lack of civility among the population. Witness the ugliness at town-hall meetings during the Congressional recess, the invective traded during the presidential campaign and the smears witnessed in recent years. Politics may be for those with thick skin, but it seems the barbs are getting sharper and are thrown with growing strength.

Americans may have vastly different views of how the nation should address its most pressing problems, but they should be able to disagree with a mutual respect. Greater compassion toward one another will set an example for Washington, and allow for the progress so desperately needed for this nation’s future.

Editorial: Ten years

Greenville/Pitt County marks 10 years since Hurricane Floyd. (Photo by The Daily Reflector)

I still find it hard to believe that 10 years have passed since that epic event in this community’s history. I can still remember the water — how it smelled, in particular — and the scenes of incredible heroism and abject tragedy. They will never be washed from my memory.

Editorial: Ten years — Marks, lessons from Floyd remain

Pitt County still bears the marks of Hurricane Floyd, the Category 2 storm that caused widespread flooding across eastern North Carolina 10 years ago. As was predicted after the water receded, it has taken this community considerable time and effort to rebuild and recover, and the process is ongoing.

On this anniversary, it is fitting to celebrate that progress, even as residents remember the lives of those lost to the flood. Floyd forever changed this area, and it should shape the future as its lessons help to guide Greenville and Pitt County.

Driving rain and howling wind made for a fitful night across eastern North Carolina as Hurricane Floyd made landfall in the early hours of Sept. 16, 1999. Pounding a landscape already saturated with rain from previous storms, Floyd caused unprecedented flooding across the region as swollen creeks and streams gave way to a rising Tar River.

The days that followed would see the best and worst of that the people of Pitt County would witness.

There was the pain and horror of the devastation. Six lives were lost along with hundreds of homes and businesses. The damage was totaled at $1.6 billion in Pitt County alone, but the numbers hardly do justice to an area that saw entire neighborhoods swept away in the torrents of swift, muddy water.

On display amid the chaos and anguish, however, was respect and concern among neighbors. Consideration and compassion for strangers become commonplace and to describe this as a community never seemed more justified.

There were heroes, from those who used all available boats to rescue those stranded in the flood to those who toiled for days to keep the power on in the city. Their actions are as impressive 10 years after the fact as they were in the face of a natural disaster.

And there was a powerful lesson Pitt County learned about the imperative of preparation, especially for a region that is often targeted by tropical storms. Residents should be ready with an amply supply of food, water, fuel and medicine long before a hurricane hits.

That goes for local government as well, which should be ready for emergencies but must also make thoughtful decisions about planning to reduce their scope. Officials who allow construction in the floodplain put people in harm’s way and should know better.

Ten years after Floyd, the marks remain across the county and the region. We should celebrate all that has been done since, but never forget that which we learned in the depths of the flood.