December 13, 2010: My Permit Extension Act Votes

Yes, I changed my mind! I voted along with the past BOC opting out of the permit extensions allowed by the Fourth Year NCGA Permit Extension Act of 2009 because that was going to happen with or without my vote.

I voted with the new BOC to opt back in. It was also apparent that opting back in was going to occur with or without my vote. I offered a softer approach by opting in only for those extensions that might lapse December 31, 2010…ensuring all had at least 1 year extension remaining on their permits. Investors/builders are enduring the same hard times we all are. Any applicant can come in and request extensions when they are needed and I think they would likely receive approval…others certainly have. They all met the criteria in place when their applications were approved and many agreed to additional stipulations that where not required at the time.

The new BOC majority wanted to opt in totally and I went with them. The extension was a Senate proposal and the House only agreed to pass it with the opt out provision. That occurred. Now the Senate and House are controlled by the Republicans and if the extensions are not allowed, I would expect our new legislature to make it mandatory anyway!

Note: Working as a BOC requires a little give and take from all members. You can’t just sit up there and vote against everyone and expect any support for your own proposals. I don’t vote political statements unless it’s a matter I feel very strongly about and we all know that I do occasionally have those strong feelings.

Leadership: The key to being a good commissioner is keeping the citizens who hate you away from those who are undecided! …paraphrase…Casey Stengel (1890-1975)