NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2, 2011

Meeker and other critics of the Republican board members have on more than one occasion accused them of being outsiders and made fun of three of them having lived in New Jersey.

N&O - October 9, 2010

Wonder what Meeker thinks about all those "outsiders" from New Jersey spending millions at hockey games.

UNITY DAY 2011

Mayor Meeker's final "Unity" Day will take place tomorrow at the Raleigh Convention Center. Raleigh's Human Relations Commission will present and discuss the recommendations and responses resulting from the 2010 Community Dialogues Report - "Many Faces, One Community."

The report is based on suggestions from 100 people of whom only 61% say they always vote in municipal elections.

In Part III, Section F, of Recommendations, it states:

1. Develop diversity training for its employees, including officers of the Raleigh Police Department.

3. Embrace and accept the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Participants recommended that the City of Raleigh become more involved with LGBT issues and develop collaborative partnerships through the LGBT Center of Raleigh and the Center at N.C. State University. Adding gender identity and expression to the City’s nondiscrimination policy and providing domestic partner benefits to City of Raleigh employees would show a commitment to this community. Participants also voiced the hope that the City will formally recognize the contributions of its LGBT community by developing initiatives, offering statements of support, sponsoring events and making appointments to boards and commissions. The LGBT community adds to the economic vitality and culture of our city, and its members are active in every part of Raleigh’s economy.

DAILY JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 21, 2011

KEVIN HILL AND INCOMING MAGNET SCHOOL BOOSTER BOARD MEMBERS BEGIN ROLLBACK DECEMBER 7

WITH TWO WEEKS LEFT OF A TEN YEAR SERVICE, MEEKER BEGINS JOBS FOCUS

PETTY PULLEN'S LATEST JOHN 2:16 EVENT

EVANS: IF WE JUST BUS THOSE BLACK STUDENTS THEY'LL BE SMARTER

AND MITCH SILVER, KING CHARLES?

So Meeker, want to play the carpetbagger card? Mitch's been on a tear to change every square inch of Raleigh, dump millions into downtown Raleigh wasteful projects and put trains all over the place.

How long has he lived here? Does he really know Raleigh? Did he go to school here?

Did you?

One other thing King Charles, in your quest to dump millions into downtown Raleigh the African American community seems to have missed out. Seems like all the money has been spent on Fayetteville Street where white intellectuals like yourself can sit around and drink expensive coffees and talk about how much you care about black folks and have black friends and maybe even a favorite professional black basketball player.


Mitch Silver Bio
Mitchell J. Silver, AICP

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director,

Raleigh, NC, Department of City Planning, July 2005 to present

Hired as Raleigh’s fourth planning director in 2005 to create a vibrant 21st century city. Led the effort to transition Raleigh from a mid-size city to a central city in a fast growing metropolitan region. Responsible for guiding current and long range planning, neighborhood and strategic planning, historic preservation, and the City’s data and urban design center. Within the first year, introduced a new planning and development philosophy, spearheaded zoning changes to allow more residential density downtown, acquainted the city to public realm and streamlined the planning review process to provide greater predictability. Helped reach consensus on key projects including the new Downtown Marriott Hotel, the Hillsborough Street Revitalization plan and the RBC Plaza tower. Led the comprehensive plan update with an emphasis on regional cooperation, innovation and creativity, environmental stewardship and mass transit. Serves as the department’s spokesperson and media contact. In 2007, named one of the 24 most influential people in Downtown Raleigh. In 2008, named “Distinguished Leader of the Year” by the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class.

MEEKER WANTS YOU TO BE COUNTED....

Just not when it comes to voting on a public safety center.

March 5, 2010

OFFICIALS KICK OFF 2010 CENSUS

‘We Can’t Move Forward Until You Mail it Back’

If Raleigh is to continue to grow healthy, it must stand up and be counted as part of the 2010 U.S. Census.

That was the message delivered March 1 as officials from the City of Raleigh, Wake County, the Wake County Complete Count Committee and the U.S. Census Bureau kicked-off the 2010 U.S. Census at a mid morning event at Moore Square Transit Station on Hargett Street.

Octavia Rainey, chair of Outreach for the Wake County Complete Count Committee, led the event. Other participants were Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem James West, Wake County Commissioner Lindy Brown and Bill Baiocchi, manager of the Raleigh Local Census Office.

Ms. Rainey showed car cards promoting Census participation that have been placed in the City’s CAT buses. She also introduced student-volunteers from St. Augustine ’s College and Shaw University , and southeast Raleigh ministers that were in attendance. Ms. Rainey said that, while all minority Americans tend to be under counted, the most egregiously under represented are black males ages 18 to 35.

The 10-question Census form will be mailed to American residents March 15. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wake County had a 71 percent response rate in 2000. The national average is 67 percent. Mr. Baiocchi said that every 1 percent that responds by mail saves the U.S. Treasury $90 million. That is because the Census Bureau has to hire persons to physically go to addresses that have not responded by mail.

The Census Bureau will hire 1,000 persons to conduct the non-response follow-up in Wake County , Mr. Baiocchi said. There will be 92 questionnaire assistance centers that will be staffed 15 hours each week and 18 “Be Counted” centers located throughout the county.

The Census figures will be the basis on which $487 billion in federal funds are distributed annually for essentials such as hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, transportation and public utility infrastructure and emergency services.

Reminder postcards will be sent to every American household on March 22. April 1 is National Census Day, when everyone who has yet to do so is asked to answer the 10 questions and mail the form in the postage-paid envelop provided. Any personal data that is provided is protected under federal law.

The Raleigh Local Census Office is located at 2605 Atlantic Ave. The telephone number is 866-3700. The U.S. Census website is www.2010.census.gov

RALEIGH PD TO USE SOUP CANS TIED TOGETHER WITH STRING AND SIT ON THE FLOOR

It appears that our illustrious Mayor "I really care about law enforcement but instead funded new public art coordinators but not police raises" Meeker has cut over $65 million in costs from the proposed Clarence Lightner Public Safety Center Building.

Don't believe me? Just read this from the Meeker's PR department with the City of Raleigh:

"Now is the time to lead, he said, not stagnate in the sluggish wake of this recession. Now is the time to move on the $140 million Clarence Lightner Public Safety Center ..."

Related Link

Sadly it appears Meeker has cut all but the costs of building the Taj Mahal - once again depriving law enforcement of the resources they need.

If that's not the case, Meeker's PR machine at town hall might want to be more truthful in their write-ups.

WHEN RALEIGH GETS A NEW MAYOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF TARBORO ROAD AND BRAGG STREET RESIDENTS SHOULD START IMPROVING

"A mention of human rights led Mayor Charles Meeker to say America's human rights record should start improving now that Obama is replacing Bush."

(N&O 12/6/08)

Maybe when somebody replaces Meeker the human rights and public safety of residents around Tarboro Road and Bragg Street will start improving.

Pot meet kettle Mr. Meeker.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

It pains this Carolina grad to give props, but kudos to Duke Student Abby Alger for rightly pointing out how Durham will dump millions into DPAC while neglecting true problems and the lower class in downtown Durham.

It's the same frustration we feel with "Downtown First" Mayor Meeker's virtual neglect of anything beyond livable streets. Not much bragging that Raleigh can do on Bragg Street or Tarboro Road.

I guess Meeks is not up to making Bragg Street and Tarboro Road "livable."

Thanks Abby.

SPEAK UP WAKEUP!

Growth Matters has an excellent post on the latest move by the NC Association of County Commissioners.

The NC Association of County Commissioners, in their failed efforts to impose transfer taxes on an already tough real estate market, now wants to bypass voters. They will push to allow county governing bodies to impose all sorts of new taxes without seeking voter approval.

In essence Meeker has followed this principle with the array of downtown projects and the millions in debt he has saddled Raleigh residents. Raleigh residents were not allowed to voice their opinion on the Convention Center, City Plaza or the Fayetteville Street makeover. The latest? $226 million for a public safety center that he is now trying to hand off the costs to the federal government.

SO WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE WAKEUP? ARE YOU FOR STRIPPING CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT?

IS THIS CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN?

SPEAK UP WAKEUP!

CRITICAL? THESE ARE A FEW OF MAYOR MEEKER'S FAVORITE THINGS.

Cue the music.

If Raleigh was putting forward a bond package for this spring, would any of this make the list? Of course Mayor Meeker could put the Public Safety Center up for a vote, but that would be out of fashion for him. Meeks is at least smart enough to know that City Plazas, Convention Centers and Fayetteville Street makeovers would all be resoundingly rejected in light of real needs for Raleigh.

Go ahead and throw the Ferris Wheel in as well. It's all a waste of money.

__________________________________

Prepared by and for more information: Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs Department, 996-3000

December 16, 2008

RALEIGH IDENTIFIES PROJECTS
FIT FOR FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING

The City of Raleigh has real projects that could be addressed immediately to create jobs with aid from the financial stimulus plan being crafted by President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team.

At a press conference today in City Hall, Mayor Charles Meeker said that the City of Raleigh is actively seeking its share of the stimulus package to improve its infrastructure, environment and economy. He said that 44 projects have been identified as designed, permitted and ready to implement in six to 12 months.

While the Mayor said the amount of the new administration’s proposed stimulus package has not been announced, it must be significant if it is to improve the severe economic situation. “Raleigh has one-tenth of one percent of the nation’s population,” he said. “Given that, our portion of the stimulus package should be significant.”

What is known is that the Obama transition team is seeking to mold a package that tracks the incoming administration’s policy ideas, puts people to work immediately, enhances sustainability and includes long-term benefits to the nation.

Mayor Meeker pointed out that, not only will these projects bring immediate economic stimulus and benefit to the residents, they fill the Obama Administration’s priorities.

Mayor Meeker featured four sustainability projects plus the $226 million Clarence E. Lightner Public Safety Center project that is being designed for LEED gold certification. The energy savings designed into the 16-story, 305,000- square-foot facility come to 15 percent or $600,000 annually. The facility will be designed in the fall of 2009.

The four sustainability projects total $4,725,179. A solar LED lighting project would upgrade the illumination in seven City facilities, including the Avery Upchurch Government Complex Parking Deck and perimeter, the Performing Arts Center Deck and perimeter, Cedar Hills Park, Lions Park, Walnut Creek Softball Complex, Millbrook Exchange Park and Marsh Creek lower lot. The project can be implemented in the next six to 12 months at a total cost $1,258,300.

Another of the sustainability initiatives would put solar thermal water heating into 11 City facilities at a cost of $466,879. The project could be started in the first quarter of 2009 and completed within four to six months.

The third sustainable offering is the Photo Voltaic Solar Array Project at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant that would generate renewable energy at a cost of $2.5 million. The City is evaluating three separate proposals from private developers that have been submitted to Progress Energy and the City for renewable energy. The project would produce from one to three megawatts of renewable energy. It would be located on City-owned land at the wastewater treatment plant and would be in support of Progress Energy’s efforts to meet its Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio requirements through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

The fourth sustainable project featured by Mayor Meeker was a green house gases inventory and emissions reduction strategy for a cost of up to $500,000.

Mayor Meeker said that the City of Raleigh has been placing the highest priority on sustainability for the past several years and these projects would further its effort to be the South’s most sustainable city. The Mayor referred to being the world’s first LED city, silver LEED certification for the training building at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Raleigh Convention Center, and the conversion of the City’s fleet to hybrids, plug-ins or alternative fuel vehicles as but a few examples of Raleigh’s abiding commitment to sustainability.

The 39 other projects listed are more traditional such as the construction of facilities, greenway extensions, and park, transportation, sewer, stormwater and technology improvements.

For a listing and descriptions of all of the proposed projects, visit the City of Raleigh website at www.raleighnc.gov.

QUESTION FOR MAYOR MEEKER ON THE MOVE

Mayor Meeker:

As you seem to be moving with fevered intensity to impose increased sales taxes and vehicles registration fees on Raleigh residents to buy more buses, quick question:

HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE MASS TRANSIT? IN FACT HOW OFTEN DO THE OTHER MASS TRANSIT CHEERLEADERS ON THE RALEIGH CITY COUNCIL USE MASS TRANSIT? WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOU NOT ONLY BELIEVE IN MASS TRANSIT RELIGION BUT ALSO EXERCISE YOUR FAITH AS WELL.

Here's a great place where you could keep us informed.

OUR DING-A-LING

RELATED STORY

WHAT WILL SOLVE THE ATTRITION OF RALEIGH POLICE OFFICERS?

Chris Hayes at Red Clay Citizen has an excellent post on the issue of Raleigh law enforcement and the turnover facing the department.

You can tell a lot about the priorities of Boylan Mayor Meeker by looking at where his enthusiasm lies.

How will this problem be solved? Only by a rash of crimes to hit Fayetteville Street that threaten the crown jewel of Meeker & Co.

You see, Boylan Mayor Meeker believes in a livable street. Unfortunately that leaves out those seeking a livable city to fend for themselves by hiring security firms for their local neighborhoods.

THIS WEEK - RALEIGH RESIDENTS: 0, WAKE/DOWNTOWN RALEIGH ELITE: 2

SO FAR (JUST THIS WEEK):

David King, head of the Triangle Transit Authority, proposes yet another regressive sales tax increase for area residents.

Boylan Mayor Meeker proposes a very regressive 50% surcharge on Raleigh water users.

Also let's not forget that Gordon Smith and the downtown Raleigh elite also want to raise your taxes through the property revaluation process.

I'm sure this is just beginning. Raleigh's City Council (Meeker & Co.) will also use the bonds passed last fall to raise property taxes as well.

Look soon for the "it's just a cup of coffee daily for the children, etc." lobbying effort. We've long since gone past the cup of coffee. We've already taxed the whole breakfast meal and are moving on to lunch and dinner.

RALEIGH'S NEW CONVENTION CENTER WILL CREATE 1000 NEW JOBS

Well, not the new one, but the old one planners wanted to build in 1992 when Raleigh voters said no by a 58% to 42% margin. Though given the scale of the new building and the massive public spending spent over the last several years in downtown Raleigh, one would assume 1000 new jobs would be a floor and not a ceiling for job creation.

From the RALEIGH MEANS BUSINESS COMMITTEE:

"A new Raleigh convention center is a sound economic investment. It will create 1,000 new jobs, generate more than $50 million a year in new visitor spending and $3 million in new tax revenues."

Job creation is welcome. We welcome you working here. Our Mayor and Councillors Koopman, Stephenson and McFarlane would prefer you find somewhere else to live however.