Greensboro Mayor Files Bankruptcy

                                    LIFE HAPPENS TO EVERYONE...EVEN THE MAYOR

                                                     Mayor Robbie Perkins, Greensboro, NC

Life is like a roller coaster.  It has its up and downs, smooth curves, thrilling hills and terrifying dips. Currently, no one knows the course of life’s roller coaster better than Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins.  Perkins is $10.8 million in debt and has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. His home is in foreclosure and he is also dealing with a messy divorce.  If life is like a roller coaster, it appears the mayor is taking an extended ride.

Perkins, a longtime member of the Greensboro City Council, has been the mayor since 2011. He plans to run for re-election in November.  With the onset of all of his personal problems, should Perkins run for re-election?  The answer to that question should be left to the people to decide.  Who among us have not had personal and financial problems in our lives?  Unfortunately, the mayor’s problems are in the public eye and scrutinized daily. 

“It’s no secret that I have been experiencing financial difficulties resulting from the downturn in the economy and a domestic situation which I have been unable to resolve to date,” Perkins said in a statement to the News & Record. “As such, I felt that I had no choice other than to file for bankruptcy today.”

The good news is the city of Greensboro is not in financial jeopardy with Robbie Perkins continuing to be mayor.  There is no connection between Perkins’ financial issues and the city’s finances.  However, the citizens of Greensboro can request a recall election of any council

member for “cause, misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, or a violation of the oath of office,” according to the city charter.

Robbie Perkins said the decision to file for bankruptcy was difficult. “I did not arrive at this decision lightly and regret that it has come to this point,” he said in the prepared statement. “It is my intent and hope that this action will allow me to move forward and focus positively on what is best for my family and for the City.”

A difficult divorce, $13,000 a month in child support, $10.8 million in debt, filing bankruptcy and considering re-election is a lot on anyone’s plate.  Many may feel if Perkins cannot manage his personal finances how can he manage a city?   The mayor is just like any other citizen trying to live a good life. He wants the support of his constituents.  If Perkins was not the mayor of Greensboro he would be just another person hit hard by the economy and a string of bad luck.  Does the title he carries change the perspective of sympathy? Should it? 

The city of Greensboro and his family are Perkins’ priority.  As citizens, Greensboro is our priority.  We are the election judge in the fall.  We are also passengers on this roller coaster ride; the mayor just happens to be in the front seat.  Hang on.

PUBLISHED: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

News-Record.com - A Service of News & Record

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Monday, April 8, 2013

Sunday’s letters

Monday, April 8, 2013

Updated 05:11PM

Florida Street project offers benefits for all

The Florida Street extension project is still hot on the minds of many individuals. The final decision still ultimately rests with the Board of Trustees of N.C. A&T, which is being asked to give up some land on its research farm to accommodate the new roadway.

As an A&T student, I am not sure how I feel about part of the school’s land being taken away, but I know it is for the better good. The proposed extension would create an intersection near the nanotech campus and the new Gateway Gardens.

It would extend Florida Street, which begins at Holden Road in the west, to McConnell Road. Hopefully, it eventually would build the area up and get all of Greensboro on the same economic page.

The more I research the issue, the more I am letting go of the emotional attachment to the land at A&T. Everyone should do their research and see in the long run that it will benefit A&T, Greensboro and your children’s future and the future of little Aggies.

India Holland

High Point

GUN VIOLENCE AND AMERICA’S IMAGE AROUND THE WORLD

President Obama’s proposal for gun control which includes a universal background check is being viewed around the world.  One of the greatest concerns for America’s future is that the rest of the world will see us as a society in decline.  It is not our material wealth -- or our military power -- that are coming into question. It is our health as a society. Who wants to visit or invest in or even do business with a country that is violent and chaotic, where the government is in gridlock and the public divided on gun control?  They praise the ideas, but emphasize those are only a partial solution.  Gun violence does play a role in the diminished image of the United States, which was once viewed as the most powerful country in the world. The numerous incidents of gun violence throughout our country are symbols of where America has gone wrong. What is worse, the American government and public, in the eyes of the world community, appear to be largely indifferent to this humanitarian crisis.

THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY/LEADERS/GUN VIOLENCE

Most African-Americans supports President Obama’s efforts to improve gun control, but would also like to see additional action taken on traditional handguns.  Handguns are used in most crimes, not the assault weapons Obama is trying to ban. Limits on handguns would create an even bigger political storm in today environment.  With the shooting of Chicago teen, Hadiya Pendleton, this incident brings to light the urgent necessity for the African American community and leaders to step up and speak up to protect the community and our children.  Recently singer and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte challenged the black community to take a stronger stand against gun violence.  “In the gun game, we are the most hunted,” Belafonte said. “The river of blood that washes the streets of our nation flows mostly from the bodies of our black children. Where is the raised voice of black America? Why are we mute?”  This speaks volumes on the expectations of any community of color to step up and protect our children.

STAND YOUR GROUND LAW

STAND YOUR GROUND LAW…REPEALED?  IF SO --WHY?

In the United States of America, stand-your-ground law states that a person may justifiably use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of an unlawful threat, without an obligation to retreat first.  According to a NY Times study, researchers who've studied the effect of the laws have found that states with a stand your ground law have more homicides than states without such laws.  The study showed that there are 500 to 700 more homicides per year across the 23 states, as a result of the stand-your-ground laws. There are about 14,000 homicides annually in the United States as a whole.  Every person had a right to defend themselves if they feel their life is threatened by any means they can.  However, because the law is there doesn’t give any person a license to kill.

PHOTO GALLERY

 

PUBLISHED: Greensboro Holiday Parade Dec. 1, 2012

 

http://ifajs.org/jomcjournal/?page_id=1389

 

Photo Slide Show Created by India Holland-Stewart

PUBLISHED: A Day In The Life of An Educator

PUBLISHED: HEART SMARTS

HEART SMARTS: 

 Women Gain Tips for 

Healthier Hearts

           by India Holland

JOMC Journal Reporter

http://ifajs.org/jomcjournal/?page_id=1550

In your lifetime, your heart will perform more physical work than any other muscle in your body according to the American Heart Association. Your heart truly takes care of you, so it’s important that you care for your heart.

That was the message conveyed during the N. C. A&T Aggies “Go Red For Women’s Heart Health Fair” sponsored by the Sebastian Health Center and The American Heart Association.

It was a sea of red showing support for women’s health . Based on early registration, more than 500 members of the community, A&T students, faculty, health care providers and vendors attended the event.

“This is a positive step in the right direction.  All of these women are showing

up today to become more aware of their health and show support for each other.  It is a beautiful sight,” said Trudy Chavis, a retired register nurse from High Point Regional Hospital.  “Women don’t realize how quickly and quietly their heart health can be impacted, not by the obvious heart attack, but by so many other elements such as blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.”

A&T nursing students checked blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, oxygen levels in the blood and performed CPR demonstrations.  The broader message was awareness, being aware of what your numbers are and how to keep them at a healthy level.  Nutritionists, cosmetologist, personal trainers, dermotologists, and healthy food displays also helped promote women’s health..

Nursing students, Britney Murray and Raven Locklear, weighed in on the challenges with heart health in a student’s life.

Locklear said the biggest thing people should have walked away from the fair with was awareness. “Become aware of their numbers when getting their blood pressure checked, know that they are at risk for hypertension or pre-hypertension.  Also, get better eating habits and exercise,” Locklear said.

“We have such a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of exercise is the biggest factor for students.  We are surrounded by numerous fast-food restaurants and if you don’t want the cafe food and you don’t have the option to cook, your only other option is fast food,” said Murray.   “I tell my friends if you want something healthy, go to the cafe and stay away from the fast food.”

Murray agreed with Locklear about exercise. “In our tuition, the gym is included. Students can go to the gym and get a personal trainer.  Also, instead of taking the shuttle to class all the time, get some friends and walk to class. It’s more motivating when doing it together.”

The same message was echoed by a Guildford County Health Department employee, Jenny Lee, who works in the Family Planning Unit. Lee stated that the two overwhelming health concerns found in African-American women today are hypertension and obesity. These two conditions exist primarily because of the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise.  She suggests making better food choices as well as decreasing the amount of  time your family devotes to television and technology. Take a walk around the block or park in the farthest parking space away from your building; do anything to get more exercise, she said

Dr. Ruth Phillips, the Community Wellness Promotion Coordinator of the Sebastian Health Center, said that Aggies Go Red was a huge success.  Women from throughout the Triad attended this event.. Events spreading from the Aggies Go Red Power Walk to the Zumba classes to the Cook Off were all focused on heart health.

“February is National Heart Month and now is the time to focus on heart health and continue to a healthy life,” said Phillips.  The American Heart Association requested to partner with Sebastian for the Aggies Go Red event. “The AHA needed to target a certain demographic that isn’t typically reached. They realized we could reach that population and wanted to partner with us. It was a win-win for everyone, said Phillips. “The whole idea behind Aggies Go Red was to get people to understand they can be healthy and have good food at the same time. Go Red is all about getting healthy.”

 

More Photos

 

GLOBAL ISSUE: WATER

Global Issue: Water

 

Americans care very little about water, because for most of our history water has been abundant and good.  The problems with infrastructure and supply are growing.  Globally, the water crisis is much worse.  The climate is changing and we do not have the water infrastructure to handle the change.  With the increase of climate change we will experience more extremes in water impacts either we will have  too much water or not enough water.    Water use is increasing much faster than population.

Water is an essential resource for life and good health.  A lack of water to meet daily needs is a reality today for one in three people around the world. Globally, the problem is getting worse as cities and populations grow, and the needs for water increase in agriculture, industry and households.

There are health consequences with the water scarcity, its impact on daily life and how it could slow down international development. It makes me want to be part of efforts to conserve and protect the resource.

What are possible solutions? How should we, as a global community, become more proactive?

 People can use solar energy, or can invest in community solar or wind projects. There are many options these days for individuals to use or support renewable energy.  President Obama speaks about renewable energy constantly and now it is desperately needed.   From solar leasing, to crowd funding solar or wind projects, to buying solar power systems outright for their homes these are solutions for the everyday person.  Advancing renewable energy is critical for our future.

         Businesses can do the same. An increasing number of large businesses are investing in or buying electricity from solar or wind projects. This helps to address climate and water issues, but it’s also an investment that saves them money in the long term.

        Governments can facilitate the development of more solar and wind power through a large variety of policies and programs.  One effective policy seems to be feed-in tariffs; but renewable energy standards, investment and production tax credits, and carbon pricing are also options that have successfully brought down the price of renewable technology and increased growth.  Advancing renewable energy is critical for our future. Among its many other benefits, it is a top solution to our growing water crisis.

Another option is water banking which is defined as:

Water banking is the practice of forgoing water deliveries during certain periods, and “banking” either the right to use the forgone water in the future, or saving it for someone else to use in exchange for a fee or delivery in kind. It is usually used where there is significant storage capacity to facilitate such transfers of water.

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As a journalist I would expose as many wasteful uses of water as possible.  Partner with environmental groups and advocate having their concerns broadcasted and published thru as many airways as possible.  Promote pressure our government and city leaders to put a plan in place to educate our children and secure our futures through any journalist means available.

What would you want the public (the masses) to know and to put into action, right now?

The greatest perceived barriers to sustainable water management are government policy and public understanding.  Sustainability needs to be translated through long-term planning that includes the public, specialists, managers, environmental advocates and agricultural users.

Stresses on water supply will continue to grow over the next couple of decades, causing increasingly difficult challenges for communities, regional and national governments and operating facilities across nation.   We need to educate starting with our children.  They will be the ones who are left here to figure it out.  We will inundate the public when there is a presidential election and a candidate we support.  In this case we all should be voting for the same candidate: our water and children future. We should have public announcements, set water usage limits per household and start teaching in elementary school through college about water conservation.  The public needs a shock factor. 

 

 

GUN CONTROL

MY THOUGHTS:     NRA, GUNS, & 2ND AMENDMENT

NRA and guns in schools:

The National Rifle Association is protecting what they feel is their right to have fire arms, regardless of the impact to the nation as a whole.  They are outspoken about their thoughts and ideas no matter how outrageous it may sound.  Wayne LaPierre of the NRA, said Congress should put armed law enforcement agents in every American school, insisting that guns in schools -- not tougher gun laws -- would most effectively protect children from school shootings.  LaPierre stated that, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."   This is not what I would want someone leading a group of gun owners to promote.

Background checks—do you support?

According to The National Instant Criminal Background Check system, 2.78 million checks were processed in December 2012, and 2.48 million were processed in January 2013 in the United States.

·         Saving lives is worth the red-tape of background checks.

It's harder to get a job at McDonald's than it is to access or purchase a gun. The American people would be willing to put up with a little more red tape if it stops some of the yellow crime-scene tape.

·         Background checks do not prevent good citizens from buying and owning guns.

 Therefore, there are few reasons why upstanding citizens should be concerned about gun purchase background checks.  There could possibly be an increase in cost and wait time due to the increase number of applicants and administrative processing.

How can Technology help communities be aware of actions of the Gun industry targeting youth?

Social media can be a huge contributing factor to help the community become aware of what the gun industry is doing to target youth.  There is a youth journal called “Junior Shooters” that encourages youth between the ages of 8-17 to practice more shooting. The journal’s intention is to help introduce wary youngsters to guns slowly, perhaps through paintball, archery, or some other less intimidating activity. This journal was identified on social media by concerned parents and then was shut down by their protest.  The journal focused on “recruiting and retention” for future gun owners.  The parents protest was a clear example of how technology and social media can impact the gun industry.

2^ND AMENDMENT SAY/DOES IT APPLY TODAY

The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads:

 "A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

The 2nd Amendment states generally that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed--that means by anyone, or any level of government (city, municipal, county, state or federal).

First, the Constitution doesn’t grant anyone rights, rather it lists what our natural rights are. Our rights are not given to us by government, but they are supposed to be protected by government.

 Secondly, it is a disservice to say the Second Amendment is just about “gun rights.” While the Second Amendment does protect our right to bear arms, it gets at a very basic and fundamental right which is self-defense.   Thirdly, the Second Amendment is not about hunting. The Second Amendment is about defending yourself against criminals of any kind, whether that be a criminal who tries to mug you or a government system that is out of control and tyrannical.