aShortChronicle previously told readers about a recent Civics 101 class in Davidson where Town Manager Jamie Justice said putting public facilities spending before the voters was "not recommended". Justice went on to ask (seemingly rhetorically) "What if the voters say no?"
Well, what we didn't say in that original post from March was "who" asked the question of Justice during that class about seeking voter input using General Obligation or GO bonds which require voter approval. That person turned out to be Rusty Knox, an announced candidate for Davidson Mayor this November.
In light of the eye popping numbers thrown around at Tuesday's Town Board meeting to support the proposed public facilities expansion ($17 million to be exact), aShortChronicle reached out to Knox to see what he had to say.
Here's Knox's response in italics:
The latest news from Town Hall regarding the potential “public facilities” project is a little overwhelming. What started as a genuine need for additional, and greatly needed, space for our police and fire departments plus some additional space for staff has turned into a $17 million dollar soft version of the Catalyst project from 3 years ago. Included in the plan is a total redo of the area that contains the farmers market. Surprisingly, when surveyed most residents and vendors love the “organic” nature of our farmers market. This plan allows for more food trucks to park within the confines of the market area. These trucks will come to town, park, make money and leave….taking away revenue from our local restaurants that have banner days on Saturday mornings.
As the process has moved forward “post Catalyst” one thing has been crystal clear, our Mayor and some of our Board members are in favor of ANYTHING that says development. This latest round of development is something that will cost the taxpayers. Our space constraints are real; if you don’t think so, go ask to tour the police or fire departments. Our staff, which is stellar, works in cramped quarters as well. Is there a need, absolutely? Should we be moving forward with some form of expansion, yes? Is that need $17 million? The last time Davidson spent this kind of money was in 2007 on Mi-Connection. Expenditures by the town at this level need voter input and support.
I feel that when you are putting these kinds of numbers out there and we still are shouldering a loss from the cable purchase that represents 9% of our budget, a general obligation bond would serve the town in realizing some of our lofty goals. The town should know by now that public support is paramount. From our Core Values “Citizens entrust town government with the stewardship of public funds, so government will provide high quality services at a reasonable cost.” Most citizens know that the actions of our Mayor, Board and Staff are in the best interest of the town, but at this price tag, the voters need to say yea or nay.
So, there you have it. At least one person planning to seek public office thinks the public should have a say in these things.
Showing posts with label Rusty Knox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rusty Knox. Show all posts
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Multiple new candidates to vie for Davidson Mayor in 2017
One of the worst kept secrets around town became official this past week with the announcement in Business Today that Rusty Knox will run for Mayor of Davidson this November. It was known that Knox was strongly considering a run, but with an official announcement Davidson will have its first contested mayoral election since 2011.
Interestingly, the linked article was apparently in the print edition last weekend, but it didn't get up on the web until Friday the 17th. Word started to spread Thursday when a photo of the print article was posted to Facebook. aShortChronicle spoke to Knox on Saturday and he says the response has been overwhelming and positive as people have heard the news.
Knox is looking to carry on the family tradition of service to the town. As most readers will know, Rusty Knox is the son of long time former Davidson Mayor Russell Knox. Several years ago a regular reader told aShortChronicle the last time they felt that town government truly represented the citizens was when Russell Knox was mayor. That should be welcome news to those who cherish Davidson's small town character.
Knox has not officially filed with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections but tells aShortChronicle that will be happening soon.
Speaking of filing for office...
In researching this post, we came across another candidate who has made it official by filing but has not officially announced. Apparently, former Davidson Commissioner Laurie Venzon filed back in November and has been raising money ever since.
According to this Statement of Organization, "The Committee to Elect Laurie Venzon" was formed on November 1st. The Organizational Report shows the campaign has purchased a domain name for a website. Finally, the 2016 Year End Report filed at the end January shows Venzon has been raising money, over $2500 by the end of 2016.
Venzon was elected as Commissioner in 2007 and served through 2013 when she and her family moved to Kansas City. They returned to Davidson last year.
Davidson politics appears to be entering uncharted territory. It may be unprecedented to have multiple candidates vying for office this early in the election cycle. Also, Davidson campaigns have historically been very low budget affairs with candidates often committing to raise little to no money to avoid the campaign finance paperwork.
With new candidates in the mix and significant money already being raised, 2017 is shaping up to be an eventful year. Mayor John Woods will have quite a race on his hands, one could say it would be the Mt Everest of uphill battles, if he decides to run for reelection.
Interestingly, the linked article was apparently in the print edition last weekend, but it didn't get up on the web until Friday the 17th. Word started to spread Thursday when a photo of the print article was posted to Facebook. aShortChronicle spoke to Knox on Saturday and he says the response has been overwhelming and positive as people have heard the news.
Knox is looking to carry on the family tradition of service to the town. As most readers will know, Rusty Knox is the son of long time former Davidson Mayor Russell Knox. Several years ago a regular reader told aShortChronicle the last time they felt that town government truly represented the citizens was when Russell Knox was mayor. That should be welcome news to those who cherish Davidson's small town character.
Knox has not officially filed with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections but tells aShortChronicle that will be happening soon.
Speaking of filing for office...
In researching this post, we came across another candidate who has made it official by filing but has not officially announced. Apparently, former Davidson Commissioner Laurie Venzon filed back in November and has been raising money ever since.
According to this Statement of Organization, "The Committee to Elect Laurie Venzon" was formed on November 1st. The Organizational Report shows the campaign has purchased a domain name for a website. Finally, the 2016 Year End Report filed at the end January shows Venzon has been raising money, over $2500 by the end of 2016.
Venzon was elected as Commissioner in 2007 and served through 2013 when she and her family moved to Kansas City. They returned to Davidson last year.
Davidson politics appears to be entering uncharted territory. It may be unprecedented to have multiple candidates vying for office this early in the election cycle. Also, Davidson campaigns have historically been very low budget affairs with candidates often committing to raise little to no money to avoid the campaign finance paperwork.
With new candidates in the mix and significant money already being raised, 2017 is shaping up to be an eventful year. Mayor John Woods will have quite a race on his hands, one could say it would be the Mt Everest of uphill battles, if he decides to run for reelection.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Catalyst Project up for discussion Monday night
About twenty residents gathered at the the Allen Tate office on Davidson's Main Street Monday evening to discuss their concerns with the proposed Catalyst Project to remake the town owned property on and around Town Hall with a potential mixed use development.
Also in attendance were Davidson Commissioners Rodney Graham and Beth Cashion.
After host Rusty Knox kicked off the meeting with his recollections of what it was like growing up in Davidson when it was much smaller place, he quickly outlined what are the major concerns with the project held by many in attendance - the project's size, location, and perceived rapid schedule.
The last item, concern with the schedule for the project, definitely rang true with many in the room. It also brought out some of the evening's more interesting comments. With one participant citing a media report saying the project was anticipated to be completed in the "next for years", Commissioner Cashion responded with "we're not sure where that came from".
Where that "four years" came from was a WSOC TV report that hit the airwaves last week. The report featuring Mayor Woods can be seen here. The accompanying article concludes with the following line:
"While there are no set deadlines yet, the town spokesperson says the goal is to try and get the project finished in the next four years."
Interestingly, that line is not actually in the video report. It is only in the accompanying article. Also, the "spokesperson" is not specifically named.
In a follow up conversation with Commissioner Cashion to find out what she meant when she said "we're not sure where that came from", Cashion indicated that both town public information officer, Christina Shaul, and economic development manager, Kim Flemming, denied telling WSOC that schedule.
The good news for opponents of the project is that regardless if anyone actually said that or if the WSOC report simply got it wrong, it does not appear to be the case.
Graham and Cashion also attempted to clarify what Commissioners really endorsed in their last meeting with consultants.
Much has been made of the introduction of the possibility of adding a 128 room "boutique" hotel to the plan - an idea that first appeared during the last discussion with the UNC SOG consultants. What the commissioners "endorsed" during that meeting was not a plan that would definitely include a hotel, but rather the idea that plans for further investigation would include tearing down the current town hall rather than simply trying to modify/expand town hall and adding some parking.
The difference may sound subtle, but considering that much of the recent angst surrounding the project involves be inclusion of the hotel, it could be significant. While the consultants indicated there was a lot of developer interest in a hotel project, if that concept generates a lot of community discontent, it seams that it could end up being a deal breaker.
There was also a good bit of discussion about other potential developments along South Main, the increase in traffic any development in that area will cause, and concern of the town getting into the development business.
The Commissioners indicated the town will have another public meeting on the project. The tentative schedule for that is October 20th. They also indicated the possibility of other community meetings to ensure all concerns are sufficiently aired.
As the first hour of the meeting wrapped up, this blogger had to head home, but one thing was clear - there will be a LOT more discussion before anything happens with the Catalyst Project.
Also in attendance were Davidson Commissioners Rodney Graham and Beth Cashion.
After host Rusty Knox kicked off the meeting with his recollections of what it was like growing up in Davidson when it was much smaller place, he quickly outlined what are the major concerns with the project held by many in attendance - the project's size, location, and perceived rapid schedule.
The last item, concern with the schedule for the project, definitely rang true with many in the room. It also brought out some of the evening's more interesting comments. With one participant citing a media report saying the project was anticipated to be completed in the "next for years", Commissioner Cashion responded with "we're not sure where that came from".
Where that "four years" came from was a WSOC TV report that hit the airwaves last week. The report featuring Mayor Woods can be seen here. The accompanying article concludes with the following line:
"While there are no set deadlines yet, the town spokesperson says the goal is to try and get the project finished in the next four years."
Interestingly, that line is not actually in the video report. It is only in the accompanying article. Also, the "spokesperson" is not specifically named.
In a follow up conversation with Commissioner Cashion to find out what she meant when she said "we're not sure where that came from", Cashion indicated that both town public information officer, Christina Shaul, and economic development manager, Kim Flemming, denied telling WSOC that schedule.
The good news for opponents of the project is that regardless if anyone actually said that or if the WSOC report simply got it wrong, it does not appear to be the case.
Graham and Cashion also attempted to clarify what Commissioners really endorsed in their last meeting with consultants.
Much has been made of the introduction of the possibility of adding a 128 room "boutique" hotel to the plan - an idea that first appeared during the last discussion with the UNC SOG consultants. What the commissioners "endorsed" during that meeting was not a plan that would definitely include a hotel, but rather the idea that plans for further investigation would include tearing down the current town hall rather than simply trying to modify/expand town hall and adding some parking.
The difference may sound subtle, but considering that much of the recent angst surrounding the project involves be inclusion of the hotel, it could be significant. While the consultants indicated there was a lot of developer interest in a hotel project, if that concept generates a lot of community discontent, it seams that it could end up being a deal breaker.
There was also a good bit of discussion about other potential developments along South Main, the increase in traffic any development in that area will cause, and concern of the town getting into the development business.
The Commissioners indicated the town will have another public meeting on the project. The tentative schedule for that is October 20th. They also indicated the possibility of other community meetings to ensure all concerns are sufficiently aired.
As the first hour of the meeting wrapped up, this blogger had to head home, but one thing was clear - there will be a LOT more discussion before anything happens with the Catalyst Project.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Catalyst Project or Paradise Lost
This story first appeared in the a Herald Weekly at HuntersvileHerald.com
Two weeks ago, the Town of Davidson received an updated report on the Catalyst Project - the proposed multi-use facility for the town Center that the Town has been working on with the UNC School of Government over the past several months.
According to the consultants from the UNC-SOG, the most popular proposal floated by developers includes a new hotel and convention facility on the town owned property along Main and Jackson streets as well as 400+ parking spaces along with new residential, retail, and office space – totaling hundreds of thousands of square feet in new construction.
Now, over the recent years I have given Davidson town hall a fair amount of grief, but I have not sounded off on too much is this one. Frankly, when this idea first surfaced, I thought surely they will not pursue this. Then again, this is the same town that entered the cable TV business and bought Mi-Connection.
Avoiding bad ideas, is not always Town Hall’s strong suit.
Well, in the last week, others have taken up the challenge of challenging this idea which could have everlasting impact on the town.
It is one thing for someone like myself who is relatively new to town to chime in on local politics. It is entirely something else when one of the town’s favorite sons from one of the town's oldest family names does it.
Last Friday, Rusty Knox launched a Facebook Page titled “Paradise Lost”. Within two days it had over 300 “likes” with multiple posters commenting. None of the comments were what you’d call “supportive” of the Catalyst Project.
Many people know Rusty from his work as a professional musician, but his family is also part of the bedrock in Davidson. His father, Russell Knox, was a longtime mayor, and the family real estate business has been around for decades. In years past, they were involved in rehabbing several of the old buildings along Main Street.
I checked in with Rusty Knox on why he started the page. The answer was poetic and personal.
On his first album, one of the songs was about his home town of Davidson. The song was titled “Paradise Lost”. Here are the lyrics:
The big city’s here with all the traffic and fear
Paradise is lost once more
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
Cars come and go- their pace never slows
Careful when crossing the street
The interstate’s stopped-we’re caught in gridlock
We got a mall ain’t that neat
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
Buildings come up with concrete and dust
Floating around in the air
The parking lots full and so are the schools
Leadership just doesn’t care
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
The concern with the Catalyst Project according to Knox is that once the small town is gone you can't get it back. “It's gone forever.”
That’s not to say all growth is bad or that opposition to the project is based on NIMBYism. It’s also not about saying “I've got mine, and nobody else should have it.” It is about protecting the small town character at the town’s core – both figuratively and literally.
Town Hall is driving the Catalyst Project - supposedly in the spirit of the town’s Comprehensive Plan developed back in 2010. Ironically, the Town likes to tout that the Comprehensive Plan involved input from over 150 volunteers over several months. The Paradise Lost page garnered more than twice as many followers in two days.
That should tell us something.
If you are interested in joining the discussion, “like” the Paradise Lost page on Facebook. There is also a Facebook group by the same name. As importantly, attend town meetings when they are held to make sure officials know what you think.
Two weeks ago, the Town of Davidson received an updated report on the Catalyst Project - the proposed multi-use facility for the town Center that the Town has been working on with the UNC School of Government over the past several months.
According to the consultants from the UNC-SOG, the most popular proposal floated by developers includes a new hotel and convention facility on the town owned property along Main and Jackson streets as well as 400+ parking spaces along with new residential, retail, and office space – totaling hundreds of thousands of square feet in new construction.
Now, over the recent years I have given Davidson town hall a fair amount of grief, but I have not sounded off on too much is this one. Frankly, when this idea first surfaced, I thought surely they will not pursue this. Then again, this is the same town that entered the cable TV business and bought Mi-Connection.
Avoiding bad ideas, is not always Town Hall’s strong suit.
Well, in the last week, others have taken up the challenge of challenging this idea which could have everlasting impact on the town.
It is one thing for someone like myself who is relatively new to town to chime in on local politics. It is entirely something else when one of the town’s favorite sons from one of the town's oldest family names does it.
Last Friday, Rusty Knox launched a Facebook Page titled “Paradise Lost”. Within two days it had over 300 “likes” with multiple posters commenting. None of the comments were what you’d call “supportive” of the Catalyst Project.
Many people know Rusty from his work as a professional musician, but his family is also part of the bedrock in Davidson. His father, Russell Knox, was a longtime mayor, and the family real estate business has been around for decades. In years past, they were involved in rehabbing several of the old buildings along Main Street.
I checked in with Rusty Knox on why he started the page. The answer was poetic and personal.
On his first album, one of the songs was about his home town of Davidson. The song was titled “Paradise Lost”. Here are the lyrics:
The big city’s here with all the traffic and fear
Paradise is lost once more
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
Cars come and go- their pace never slows
Careful when crossing the street
The interstate’s stopped-we’re caught in gridlock
We got a mall ain’t that neat
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
Buildings come up with concrete and dust
Floating around in the air
The parking lots full and so are the schools
Leadership just doesn’t care
There’ll come a day
When we all stop and say
Trees used to grow around here
What was the cost?
Now that Paradise is lost once more
The concern with the Catalyst Project according to Knox is that once the small town is gone you can't get it back. “It's gone forever.”
That’s not to say all growth is bad or that opposition to the project is based on NIMBYism. It’s also not about saying “I've got mine, and nobody else should have it.” It is about protecting the small town character at the town’s core – both figuratively and literally.
Town Hall is driving the Catalyst Project - supposedly in the spirit of the town’s Comprehensive Plan developed back in 2010. Ironically, the Town likes to tout that the Comprehensive Plan involved input from over 150 volunteers over several months. The Paradise Lost page garnered more than twice as many followers in two days.
That should tell us something.
If you are interested in joining the discussion, “like” the Paradise Lost page on Facebook. There is also a Facebook group by the same name. As importantly, attend town meetings when they are held to make sure officials know what you think.
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