NOVEMBER 4. 2009 | THE MEREDITH HERALD • Educating Women to Excel \ VOL XXVI • ISSUE IX Time to Get “Corny” (see page 7) INSIDE GayiMamagein Kenya' >-.A'Hlgh PrioB for a Degree Pdge3 ; Release of.lnmatesCausp‘ Concern' Page 4- Local.Fbocf In the Triangle - As Seeri on TV vfJageS; :•' - ^Bface Yourselves -.What We'Love B ■dnesdiy,^^‘ Page 6^ ^ - Player of Pag©>, Time to^get^o?^ Whines Page 8 What Meredith s Wi Political IVIudslinging Aleigha Page Staff Writer Politicians are known for nasty mudslihging during campaign season, but what happens when the elected officials step into office and have not cleaned off their mud? Politicians of late have been in major trouble for not fully reporting fund donations, accept ing gifts of value, and for having others benefit from patrons. Here in North Carolina, several elected officials have been caught in the act of abusing of their power. Ty Harrell of the North Caro lina General Assembly resigned from office on September 22, 2009. He attributes the reasons to turbulence in his personal life. However, his fiscal documents are going under review because his expenditures from the campaign fund have been unusually high for a non-election year. It is absolute ly crucial that a politician carefully record every expenditure involved in their careers so that donors are aware of what their money is supporting. It is also necessary that politicians prove donors are not funneling in “gifts" in return for favors. North Carolina requires that gifts of at least $200 be re corded and that no one may give a politician more than $4,000 in Harrell is not alone in his examination: former Presidential nominee John Edwards has been caught in a dirty situation which October 25,2009. Easley is being reviewed for using funding in inap propriate manners. An $11,000 bill for repairs to the Governor’s Photo courtesy httpr/Afvww.bankforeclosuressale.cbm/images/mike^easley.jpg could possibly end his career. Edwards is currently under review for his extramarital affair with Hunter Rielle, and for Rielle’s child, who many believe Edwards fathered. There is speculation that Rielle was paid “hush money" by patrons of the Edwards campaign. Photo courtesy http://ietu$talk.flies.wordpress.com/2008/07/john-edwards.jpg Mansion is under review. Easley supposedly used campaign funds to pay for the repairs. Former Governor Easley has been ac cused of not properly recording flights he took during his term as governor and for taking flights and not recording them. The aircraft company who flew Easley reported there was an $87,895 bill over a five year period. Two lies which intertwined have now come together. How could Easley ever have known all this would catch up to him? Many people also believe that Governor Easley's wife, Mary Easley, was given a position at NC State IJniversity that was created especially for her. When asked about her feelings about the issue of politicians abus ing tax money, Meredith College freshman Karen Chung replied, “i think it is a complete disgrace to the politicians and very disappoint ing that they do not hold them selves to a high standard.” a given political year. Candidates can be fined for accepting overly generous gifts or making extreme mistakes in their record keeping. Harrell’s report includes various tabs for restaurants with little or vague explanations, $235 spent in children’s clothing store, and $191 spent in a luggage store. Aside from monetary gifts, she Was given a BMW and a large home as Incentive to keep quiet about the affair and the child.. Former Governor Mike Eas ley is also under speculation for abusing powers while in office. The hearings for Easley have been ongoing during the week of Green Tip for the Week of November 4 Save trips out by complete jng all your errands in one round. Also try seeing if a neighbor needs anything while you are out and have them do their errands along with yours^

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