Buncombe Forward…

11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.  on June 23 at Weaverville Town Hall.
Refreshments and treats for the kids.  Stop by and share your concerns with County Commissioner candidate Christina.

I attended the Buncombe County School board meeting on June 7, 2012. What I witnessed was pitiful. This board was represented by the most childish, self-centered and disinterested group of elected individuals that I have ever seen in one place.

One member was clearly different, Ms. Lisa Baldwin. Throughout the evening she tried time and time again to engage the board members with questions and concerns on agenda items up for a vote. This effort was met with annoyance from the the rest of the board and staff. The actions of this board was clear, all they wanted to do was to rubber stamp any and all agenda items as fast as possible.

One agenda item was the “Insurance Renewals for 2012-2013”. This renewal included a 39.66% cost increase in the amount of $89,356.00 for general liability coverage. Lisa Baldwin asked the board if there were any competitive bids for this coverage. She did this to insure that the renewal, with this large cost increase was, in fact, the best the school board could do. Mr. Venturella, the Purchasing Officer, was called on to address this question. He stated that “NO , there were no such competitive bids presented or asked for.” However, he did state that the agent (the person who now receives a commission on this policy) said that this policy with its 39.66% increase was the best that he could do. Best for whom, the insurance agent or the Buncombe County schools?

Any logical individual when faced with this cost increase would shop for a better price. Not this group of fiscally irresponsible individuals. Without hesitation the board rubber stamped this and moved forward. As the night progressed it was clear to me that this board was all for one and one for all except for Lisa Baldwin. How Ms. Baldwin puts up with the bullying of this board is a true statement to her unwavering character and commitment to investigate, question and clarify agenda items prior to voting.

Ms. Lisa Baldwin’s actions are truly focused on what’s best for the students of our public schools and our tax dollars. I hope all parents and taxpayers of Buncombe County find the time to attend these meetings and witness for themselves how the interests of our students are misrepresented by this thuggish board of education.

I don’t know who these people think they are representing. It is time to put students first, for a real change. Four of these board members will be up for re-election in November.

Gary Slattery

Liberal-progressives call capitalism immoral. Conservatives talk about the economic benefits of capitalism, but are usually ill-equipped to also defend it’s morality.  This workshop is designed to arm attendees with the facts as to why capitalism is the most moral economic system in the history of mankind.  So the next time you are accused of being a “capitalist”, you can respond with confidence, and take the moral high ground.

WHEN: Thurs., June 28, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
WHERE: Skyland Fire Department, 9 Miller Road, Asheville (SE corner of Hendersonville Rd & Long Shoals)

Registration is Free!

Click here to register or contact Brian Balfour at brian.balfour@nccivitas.org, or (919)834-2099

When:  Sunday, June 3rd, 5 – 8 PM
Where: Angelo’s Family Restaurant
1226 Charlotte Hwy (Hwy 74) in Fairview

Live music, Great BBQ & all the fixins!
Per person minimum donation $10

Please RSVP for Food Count at 423-6190 or kellycoproductions@yahoo.com
All are invited!

Click here to download the June 3rd event flier