Governor,
News Briefs |
Rotary Governor to visit KM Club Thursday
. D. "Bill" Lawson III of
Gastonia, Rotary District 7680
will make his official
visit to the Kings Mountain Rotary
Club, at the noon meeting
Thursday.
President Kyle
Smith encour-
ages all
Rotarians to at-
tend the meet-
ing at Holiday
. Inn.
A native
of Jackson,
Fo Ms., Lawson is
LAWSON a graduate of
Davidson College and Wharton
School of Business. He served in
World War II prior to joining T. J.
White & Co. for three years. From
1952-1981 he was associated with
W. D. Lawson & Company and as
president from 1970-81. He is cur-
rently Vice- President of
Hohenberg Brothers, a division of
Cargill Inc.
Lawson is past president of the
American Cotton Exports
Association , the National Cotton
Council and the American Cotton
Shippers Association. He was
Cotton Man of the Year in 1969
and 1976.
Active in Gaston County civic
activities, he is past president of
the Gaston County Chamber of
Commerce and Gastonia Sister
Cities. He is active in the American
Legion and is an elder in Gastonia’
First Presbyterian Church.
CLECO to get
Johnson grant
A $100,000 "Reach Out" grant
from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation has been won by CLE-
CO Primary Care Network, accord-
ing to Denese Stallings, Director of
the Cleveland County Health
Department.
Stallings said the monies will
help to assure basic health care for
the medically underserved in
Cleveland County and its sur-
rounding communities.
Currently, there are CLECO
sites in Lawndale, Kings
Mountain, Boiling Springs and
Shelby. *
Harry receives
award from GOP
GROVER - Charles F. Harry III,
president of Grover Industries and
a former Cleveland County com-
missioner, was one of 16 honorees
selected to receive the North
Carolina Republican Party 11th
District's Golden Elephant Award
recently.
The award is presented every
other year to one representative
from each of the 11th District's 16
counties.
Congressman Charles H. Taylor
made the presentation at a recent
banquet in Asheville for local GOP
leaders. New Hampshire Senator
Bob Smith, national co-chairman
of Senator Phil Gramm's presiden-
tial campaign, was the keynote
speaker.
Harry has been active in the
Republican party for many years.
He is currently chairman of the
Cleveland County GOP. He was
elected to the board of commis-
sioners in 1988 but lost on his bid
for reelection.
KM. Shelby get
recycling grant
A recycling assistance grant
from the state for Kings Mountain
and Shelby in the amount of
$30,000 was accepted by the
county board of commissioners
Tuesday.
Health Department Director
Denese Stallings said the money
will be used to off-set costs for
equipping the Shelby and Kings
Mountain sites. She said county of-
ficials are working with Kings
\¢
Buckle Up
Kings Mountain!
Happy 16th Birthday
Rusty Putnam - Oct. 8th
and
Happy 15th Birthday
_ Andy Leigh - Oct, 27th |
Mountain city officials to locate an
appropriate site.
Cleveland is among 16 counties
targeted for grants this year.
Commissioner Ralph Gilbert
suggested that the health depart-
ment look into avenues of educat-
ing the general public in recycling
by sending out letters to property
owners and cracking down on
those people who throw radios and
other items, many of which are re-
cyclable, with household garbage
at the manned sites.
In a related item and following
lengthy discussion, the board ap-
proved the low bid not to exceed
$78,000 to Joyce Engineering Inc.
of Greensboro for development of
a Subtitle D landfill, commonly
known as the East Site and consist-
ing of 85 acres bordered by Long
Creek and Buffalo Creek. Five
other bidders made proposals in
prices ranging from the low bid to
more than $185,000.
Williams hearing
Tuesday in Shelby
The. county board of commis-
sioners will conduct a hearing
Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in
Commissioners Chambers in
Shelby on the removal of Robert
A. Williams from the Board of
Social Services.
Williams has said that he does
not plan to attend the meeting. He
says the board cannot legally re-
move him from the position until
= LER
WARS
his term expires because he has
broken no laws.
Williams was notified
September 28 in a letter signed by
Chairman Cecil Dickson and asked
to notify the board within five days
of his intentions to appear or to
waive his right to present his rea-
sons why he should remain on the
board after the group that appoint-
ed him asked for his resignation.
Flu vaccinations
slated in county
It's the time of the year to get flu
shots.
A vaccination schedule has
been arranged by the Cleveland
County Health Department for
Cleveland County residents at vari-
ous locations. .
Flu vaccinations are free to per-
sons with Medicare Part B but citi-
zens must take their Medicare
cards with them to the various clin-
ic locations. Adults 55 and older
without Medicare Part B may get
the vaccines for $5 and must pro-
vide a social security number.
Friday, October 13 - Council on
Aging, Senior Center in Shelby,
8:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m.
Thursday, October 26 - Kings
Mountain Senior Center, 8:30-11
a.m.
Tuesday, October 31 - Council
on Aging, Shelby Senior Center,
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 16 -
Grover Rescue Squad, 1:30-3:30
BUYING OLD TOYS
from the 60s, 70's & 80's
629-6432
Lapiain
ACTiON
STAR
TREK.
Thursday, October 5, 1995 - THE KINGS MOUNTAIN HERALD - Page 5A
LIONS CLUB PROJECT - Members of the Kings Mountain Lions
Club are offering $1 donation tickets for a Grandmother's Floral
Garden quilt handmade by the wife of Lions President Joe Hardin
with proceeds to club charities. The drawing for the quilt, valued at
$800, will be held at the 47th annual Lions Club Valentine's banquet
February 13, 1996. Hardin, Peggy Hardin, center, and Lion VP
Johnsie Reavis are pictured.
* Merry Christmas....Guaranteed ©
City Council Answer to Financial Crisis
Voted Themselves 1 Month's Pay
Christmas Bonus!
(City Employees get 1 week)
This is a slap in the face to all citizens.
Where Is The Leadership?
Where Is The Example?
Shame! Shame! Shame!
Express your opinion where it counts: Oct. 10, 1995
» Paid for by Gene White
CONTRACT (WITH)/PROMISE (TO) CITIZENS OF KINGS MOUNTAIN
BY GENE WHITE - CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
“In A Democracy, We Get What We Deserve”
Your vote for me is endorsement of the following platform and goals - this does not include everything but butis | 12. EXAMINE THE PAY CLASSIFICATION PLAN
intended to provide the tax payers an outline of short and long term needs. Decision time is October 10, 1995. Put A. The Extremely high employee turnover rate costs the city. Thisis a systems/ management failure.
aside personalities and vote for qualified candidates. 13 INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Who is in charge? What is the story on our water, sewer, and gas allocations? Support local industry but recruit
additional diversified industries.
| will reestablish contact with the N.C, Department of Commerce in Mooresville and Raleigh to promote industry. We
have a good working relationship with both Cleveland and Gaston County Economic Development Commissions. They
provide water, sewer if a solid industry wants to come here.
If you believe this is not important, look to Bessemer City and Cherryville who just lost major industries. A departing
PEER Rad RB FLAVA ASLERRESER ET
| pledge to go the EXTRA mile in cooperation and leadership with city council.
A. Is the proposal justified - best interest of city?
B. What is the cost - long term implications?
C. Who pays - Who benefits?
D. Is it fair to all parties concemed?
E. Open discussion.
v | pledge to work with citizens, business, industry and other groups in defining roles and responsibilities.
RE. | Business and industry are our life blood.
The role between the city, business and industry must be mutually beneficial and fair.
Only taxpayers are legally obligated to make bond payments,
1. REDUCTION OF PAY AND BENEFITS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL
A. Mayor pay $150.00 per month
= B. Council Member pay $100.00 per month
C. Insurance eliminate
D. Christmas Bonus eliminate
There is no justification for provision of insurance and Christmas bonus for Mayor and Council. Financial crisis? Set
the Example!
& Travel for legitimate city business is acceptable. | ask council members and candidates to support this proposal. |
2 | realize that council sets pay and benefits. It is time to reset pay/benefits.
2 | 2. REPEAL THE GAG ORDER FOR CITIZENS
2 A. Sign up in advance for “Regular items” requiring information going to City Council.
B. Allow citizens to sign up fo speak on meeting night.. Citizens know that reasonable limits are necessary.
3. NO CLOSED MEETINGS EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED BY LAW.
4. START THE PROCESS AGGRESSIVELY TO HIRE A PERMANENT CITY MANAGER
We are very fortunate fo have Mr. Hicks as the interim manager. But a permanent manager hired with the help of
an assessment team is a must. We need a target date on this.
5. CHANGE AUDITORS FOR NEXT YEARS AUDIT (1996-1997)
Periodic changes are needed to prevent entrenchment and excessive friendship with one group or the other. |
recommend change of auditors at a minimum of every 3 years. The present auditor has done nothing illegal. The
auditor must be totally above and beyond politics, or the appearance thereof. We need a fresh outside equally
qualified opinion of our financial situation.
6. GET THE BILLING SYSTEM WORKING PROPERLY
Accurately and on time for All Users. NO ADJUSTMENTS should be permitted on Industrial and Commercial utility bills
tEAFEsnks
14. EXAMINE THE 2 TAX INCREASES OF OVER 20% Are they needed? Can anyone understand what the true situation is
at this point? We know that we have a problem, but just how serious is the situation?
15. RESTORE CREDIBILITY
Demand openness, honesty and objectivity by the Political and Administrative Leadership.
16. CODE OF ETHICS POLICY FOR CITY COUNCIL AND CITY EMPLOYEES:
A. Accept no gifts or favors
B. Grant no favors with taxpayers money
C. Give the taxpayer any legitimate benefit of a doubt when dealing with the city.
D. Avoid any appearance of conflict of interest in doing business with city vendors or contractors. We don't need a 4
page letter to tell us that something is a conflict of interest in decision making.
17. PEAK GENERATION
to cut Electrical Power costs. Hydro Plant operation at Moss Lake is NOT FEASIBLE. It is NOT COST EFFECTIVE. The cost of
construction is prohibitive, the payback is very long term if at all and a permit to operate would take years to obtain
due to regulations and basic unsuitability of the site. Peak Generation is very clear, cost effective to install and payback
is short and predictable. City Council and the public need OPEN DISCUSSION on this subject. This should be a top
priority in planning.
18. EXPANSION OF THE GAS SYSTEM
This was an ongoing process but suddenly stopped. We need public discussion on this subject. The RATE STUDY is being
completed now. No action should be taken on future needs/rates until completion.
19. GET THE GARBAGE COLLECTION ON A REGULAR AND EFFECTIVE SCHEDULE.
Should we examine alternatives? Is this a labor shortage problem or a management problem?
20. ENFORCE THE SUBDIVISION AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES
In a Fair manner without favoritism to special interests.
21. RESTORE THE PRIDE IN KINGS MOUNTAIN
A. Cleanup! Get garden clubs involved.
B. Pot Holes and other repairs need to be done as soon as possible after water, sewer, and gas line breaks occur.
C. Pave streets with greatest need without regard to political concerns.
unless approved on Recommendation of the City manager in OPEN COUNCIL MEETING. This should have been D i to beautify and clear up drainage area.
3 done over a year ago. What is the resolution of OVER AND UNDER BILLING OF ACCOUNTS? 22. RECYCLING CENTER
7. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | am opposed to locating 150 feet from the center of Battleground Avenue (Roller Mil Property)
This information should be made available at the END QF EACH MONTH within a reasonable period of time, or in a residential neighborhood. Discussion is needed.
Mrs. Bridges had fo threaten to sue in order to get this information. This is a systems (management) failure. | don’t | 23. CABLE TV FRANCHISE
believe that Mr. Hicks or any other city manager will permit this to occur again. The lack of information causes lack | This is usually automatically renewed without benefit of public input.
of credibility. 24. ADVISORY COMMITTEE
8. ANNEXATION patterned after that of the school system. This would be an actual committee to meet quarterly to receive input from
The city had a chance to start the annexation process in December 1994, but failed to do so. The industrial park various areas and interests of the city.
~d golf course could have been annexed by now with annual income over $50,000. YOUR JOB AS A CITIZEN OF KINGS MOUNTAIN
9. MOSS LAKE Please Do Not Give Me Your Vote Unless
Cur most valuable asset is exploding with growth around its shorefine with all the problems that come with that Ye at
: ] ou are v/illing to stand up and be counted. The mayor does not have a vote - he must rely upon
long term type analysis ; i ; :
growth, The city needs a comprehensive 10 look af concerns affecting the lake such as management skills and the knowledge that citizens will speak up and even come to City Hall ane
Cleveland County landfill, business and exploding residential growth, failing septic tanks, too many boats, pollution : :
and future dam repairs as outlined in the Army Corps of Engineers report. back up their vote, if necessary.
10. UTILITIES COMMITTEE
The utilities committee should * Recommend Approval” of projects to City Council, not approve projects.
A. Tape record all meetings - maintain as permanent record.
B. City Clerk present to take minutes for the record.
C. Make certain that department heads and consultants opinions are provided.
D. Solutions in best interest of ALL PARTIES.
11. GET CITY EMPLOYEES OUT OF POLITICS
Stop beating up on city employees by Council interference and abuse of City employees by a minority of Senior
staff. City employees do the work, go fo church, pay taxes and support the community. They and their families
deserve respect and fair treatment. City Manager should see that this done.
If | am unable to accomplish or start at least a majority of the
| will not stand for re-election.
PERSONAL
DATE OF BIRTH: September 16, 1932 PLACE OF BIRTH: Dunnean Mill Village ¢ No. 16 Taylor St., Greenville, S.C.
EDUCATION: BS in Business Administration, University of S.C. » Municipal Administration, Chapel Hill, N.C. # other too numerous to mention
CIVIC: KM Kiwanis Club - Chairman Pancake Dinner 7 years o Red Cross Board of Directors & Volunteer
MILITARY: U.S. Navy 4 years Korea and Vietnam Veteran CHAIRMAN: Cleveland County Planning Board( Resigned)
CHURCH: Central United Methodist ~~ MARRIED WITH ONE SON AND ONE DAUGHTER
EMPLOYMENT: City of Kings Mountain 23 years LAST POSITION: Planning Director
YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED
Pd For By Gene White