AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a column I wrote for the Burlington Times-News in 2014, when Tim Sutton attended what was then thought to be his last meeting as an Alamance County commissioner. He was defeated in the 2014 primary after 20 often controversial years on the board. He told me then he was likely through … Continue reading ‘You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone’
Politics, reluctantly
County support for election funding is appreciated
Last week I wrote about a county funding shortfall that could possibly impact local voting in the presidential election in November to what might be a serious degree. Presidential elections have the highest turnout by far and the greatest probability for problems. But the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy has crippled governments … Continue reading County support for election funding is appreciated
Updated: Now is not the time to cut funding for an election
Update on June 16. Monday night, June 15, my friend, Times-News reporter and former newspaper colleague Isaac Groves posted this on Twitter from the budget hearing of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. I'm glad to see the commissioners make a move to help make the November elections process smoother. Thanks. It was something that … Continue reading Updated: Now is not the time to cut funding for an election
Updated: Elon fills gap by providing local candidates forum in commissioners race
UPDATE: Carrie Eaves, assistant professor of Political Science at Elon, will moderate the forum. The new regional editor for area Gannett newspapers, including the Burlington Times-News, Donnie Fetter is expected to take part. Admission is free. The Moseley Center is located across from the McMichael Parking Lot off North O'Kelly Avenue on the Elon campus. … Continue reading Updated: Elon fills gap by providing local candidates forum in commissioners race
Is this really the last politcal roundup for Tim Sutton?
Tim Sutton says he's finished with running for political office. He’s said it before, now he’s saying it again. I once observed -- well more than once -- that I would believe it when I see it. But after talking to him for more than 30 minutes on Tuesday I believe it. He’s done – … Continue reading Is this really the last politcal roundup for Tim Sutton?
How old is too old?
The other day I was discussing the film, "Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" with a friend. When I referenced the scene where the fictional character Cliff Booth -- played by Brad Pitt -- gets into a skirmish with an actor portraying legendary martial artist, actor and philosopher Bruce Lee, my friend responded that … Continue reading How old is too old?
Review: ‘The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys’ the story of an N.C. political dynasty
The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys: North Carolina's Scott Family and the Era of Progressive Politics; By Rob Christensen; University of North Carolina Press; 2019; 322 pages. In today's polarized political environment it is almost impossible to imagine a time when elected leaders worked to solve the day-to-day problems of average people struggling … Continue reading Review: ‘The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys’ the story of an N.C. political dynasty
UPDATE: Congressman Walter Jones: Humility in a town of arrogance
UPDATE: I first posted this on Jan. 28 after learning that U.S. Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina was placed in Hospice care. Today he passed away, his family announced. Rest in peace Walter. My condolences to the family and friends of Rep. Jones. Peace to you all. ------------------------- I saw over the weekend that … Continue reading UPDATE: Congressman Walter Jones: Humility in a town of arrogance
Checks and balances, balances and checks: Just where are the adults?
I wrote this two years ago for publication in the Burlington Times-News on Nov. 8 2016 -- the date of the last presidential election. I think most know what happened there. And the folks who don't know haven't paid attention to much of anything in a long time anyway -- print, TV, online, family, friends, … Continue reading Checks and balances, balances and checks: Just where are the adults?
Volunteering at the polls: Yes we can get along and (hopefully) accomplish things
The thing about working as a volunteer at the polls, especially during early voting, is that you get to meet and talk to a lot of people. Many of them are people who don't all think alike. Some in fact, are very different. So you converse with them, learn about their families, jobs and lives. … Continue reading Volunteering at the polls: Yes we can get along and (hopefully) accomplish things
Madison's Avenue 