Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / April 15, 2004, edition 1 / Page 2
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mmmfi 2A NEWS/tIP(e Ctatlotti Thursday, April 15, 2004 Budget shorUal spits debate into 2 camps Cut services or raise taxes, fees Continued from page 1A pace increases. Mitchell believes the stakes are highest for low-income residents who are most likely to need the county^s help. “What they’re doing is gut ting county services,” he said. “I’m disgusted. They’re pass ing it on to those who can least afford it.” Samuelson, who is running for an at-large seat this year, said the coimty should look carefully at cutting costs without slicing services. As property values — and the accompanying tax bill - rise, the county should take steps to keep Mecklenburg affordable. “It’s not just a Republican philosophy,” she said. “It’s a matter of middle class families moving to Cabarrus or Union County.” The county’s standard of living will suffer without maintenance of current services, Mitchell argues. Keeping the status quo will require a tax hike sooner or later. “If they keep going this way, it’ll take between a 5-7 cent tax hike just to maintain Woodard what we have,” he said. “We’ve gotten accustomed to living in Charlotte and Mecklenburg where people expect a standard (of living) but we’re doing the moonwalk on this one,” Woodard said. “We’re going backward.” Either way, the county will have to make the bottom line work. Samuelson contends it can be done without hurting lower-income people. “I’m not saying yank services from the low est of the low,” she said. “I’m ■ not looking to be a cold, heart less Republican and hurt peo ple. I’m saying let’s look at other areas.” Although Republicans hold a 5-4 advantage, Democrats are hoping to sway one vote over to their column. The most likely candidate is Mitchell Chairman Ibm Cox, who is leaving the board in November and has demonstrated a willing ness to buck his fellow conservatives. “If they’re willing to come back with a bud get that wiU continue to dismantle coimty ser vices, I can’t support it,” Mitchell said. “Tbm will have to be the one to rescue county gov ernment because the rest of them aren’t going to do it. I’ve told him he doesn’t want his lega cy to be the chairman who let Mecklenburg County go down.” COMMUNITY NOTES Precinct meeting at East Stonewall Garden Park/Northwood Park/Northwood Hills neighborhood Association will sponsor a precinct meeting at East Stonewall AME Zion Church, 1729 Griers Grove Road at 7 p.m. today. For information, call Mary GiU at (704) 394- 5928. • Mecklenburg Department of Social Services will sponsor a foster/adoptive parent rally Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m at Southview Recreation Center, 1720 VUma St. Rally sponsors from Youth and Family Services want to give potential adoptive and foster families the opportunity to learn about children awaiting adoption and foster care. The rally wiU include speakers, games, enter tainment and food. • Loving Care Adult Day Care and Health Center is hosting a black-tie fundraiser April 24 at 7917-D Moores Chapel Road. The black-tie gala starts at 8 p.m. and includes free food and live entertainment with Middle Class Band. Admission is $10 and setups will be sold. For information, call (704) 391-2776. With Time Warner Cable’s Digital Video Recorder (DVR) you can record any program, then pause, rewind and fast-forward at the touch of a button so you never miss a big play again. Get Time Warner Digital Cable with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for only $44.95 a month for 3 monthsi TIME WARNER CABLE Now QT^thingspossible 704-973-5380 www.twcarolina.com/dvr No contract required. Offer valid for new residential Digital Cable customers only. Digital Cable offer includes Standard Cable, l DVR w/ remote. 1 digital programming tier and Navigator. $44.95 price applies to one DVR and does not Include applicable taxes & fees. Equipment charges apply for additional outlets. Discounted rate applies to first 3 months of service: regular price takes effect in4th month. Monthly non-promotkmal rates: Digital Cable w/one programming tier$59.00. plus$6.95 for DVR. Special installation & custom winng charges may apply. Some services not available in all areas. Offer ends 4/25/04: other restrictions may apply. "foHarris Teeter WEEKLY
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
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April 15, 2004, edition 1
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