Jan 6 2012

New Mayor Speaks Out on Challenges Facing Leland in 2012 and Beyond

Shown here being sworn in as the first female mayor in Leland's History.

In late 2011, The Local News Review talked with Leland’s new Mayor, Brenda Bozeman, who began her first term as a Leland town Councilwoman on December  2008. We asked Bozeman about her perspectives on a variety of issues facing the Town of Leland in 2012, and further into the future.
Why do you believe you ran unopposed in the November election?
I thought about that myself. But people know me, and they know I will do what is best. And people that really know me know that I will have a clear conscience and clean hands and my heart is full of love for Leland. And everybody knows that. I really was surprised that no one ran against me.
What do you believe is the toughest challenge facing you as Mayor?
Right now, clearing our name. I am hoping the SBI investigation finishes up real quick and does not take months and months. I want to get through and clear our name one way or the other. If there are problems, I want them fixed. If there are no problems we will have to face it and handle it the best we can. If the SBI report comes back clean, I understand there are some people will not be happy with.
What would you like to see accomplished personally during your first term as mayor?
One thing I would love to see done is our Cultural Arts Center. I hope we can get it through, get it going where it is thriving because I think it would really be good for our economic development. It will bring people to our area, staying in our hotels, eating breakfast and I think it will help our area prosper.
What would you like to see accomplished by the town Council during your first term as mayor?
I want the Council to work better together as a team for the town. I don’t want any one feeling left out. When one member of counsel knows something, I want all Council members to know the same thing What issues do you feel are the largest issues facing your town that your town has control over?
Bringing businesses into our town and I believe our new flex code will help with that because it will give developers better use of their land. I would really like to see the new flex code put to use on Village Road.
Are you in favor of the Village Road Phase II project as it as it stands right now?
As it stands right now, no. I know it needs improvements; I hate to see the sidewalks stop where they are now, go in and dress it up on down Village Road, but the traffic counts do not warrant spending the money that they want to spend to complete this project. I’m always in favor of improvements, but if it’s not needed, it’s not needed.
The town is about to begin its budget process for 2012. What’s the most important to you?
Maintaining the current level of services or maintaining current tax rates?
A few years ago are tax rate was $.18 per $100 of property value and we went revenue neutral so we would not drop any services while maintaining our revenue. It also depends on how important the services are to the citizens. It also depends on if it is a matter of public safety. That’s really hard, we would have to see what services we can do without or how much of a tax increase it would have to be. You have to look at the overall picture.
During these tough economic times, would you be willing to cut jobs in order to maintain/lower the tax
rate?
I want to say no, but if there was a position that was really no longer needed, we could eliminate it. A couple years ago when things were really tough we cut out the contract work and some of the other services we were paying for in order to keep the good employees we have now.
We all know about the allegations swirling around the Leland Police Department and Police Chief Tim Jayne. We also know that was an external investigation conducted by JJ Lightner, set in motion by town manager Bill Farris.  After taking office and the town has a new manager, would you be willing to publically release the results of that external investigation?
At the time the local news review asked this question Mayor elect Brenda Bozeman could not provide an answer, but she said she would check on it and let me know. Later that evening after the special town Council meeting Bozeman gave me her answer as follows: I checked on what you had asked regarding the JJ Lightner external investigation. This investigation was not paid for by the town of Leland, it was done as a favor to Mr. Bill Farris. Because this investigation does mention other town employees the town attorney has advised that we could not release the results duty personnel issues.
It is also well known fact that there is an ongoing investigation into the Leland Police Department.
once that investigation is complete, will you be willing to release the full results of that investigation?
The State Bureau of Investigation will release a report to the public when the investigation is complete.

by Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com

comments?

mail@theLNR.com

December 6 2011

Leland Town Council (L to R) Jane Crowder, Jon Tait. Mayor Brenda Bozeman, Manager David Hollis, Martha Currie and Pat Batleman .

Leland Mayor Walter Futch presided over his last Town Council meeting on December 15. The Council room was filled with well-wishers for the outgoing administration, and for the new one that would be installed later in the meeting.
After reports from finance, public works, and the parks and recreation department, the audit committee presented a positive report that was met with applause from the audience. Retiring Town Manager Bill Farris was recognized for his service and dedication to the Town of Leland. Then Futch and outgoing councilman Herb Barnes were recognized for their accomplishments.
New council members, along with new Mayor Brenda Bozeman, were sworn in by North Carolina State Senator Dr. Bill Rabon. Mayor Bozeman was accompanied by her husband, James, and family.  Councilwomen Crowder had her grandchildren, Shelby and Madison Crowder, hold the thirty year old Bible that she chose to use for this ceremony, as her husband, John, looked on.  Councilman Tait was joined by his wife, Kristin as Senator Rabon delivered the oath.   Afterward, the public was invited to join the outgoing and new council members at a reception held in the conference room.
As the meeting resumed, Mayor Bozeman began the task of appointing council members to the various committees.  Those appointments are as follows:
Mayor Pro Tem – Councilwoman Pat Batleman
TAC Representative – Councilman John Tait
Cape Fear Council of Government Representative – Mayor Brenda Bozeman
Code Re-Write Committee – Councilwomen Pat Batleman and Martha Currie
Transportation Oversight – Councilwomen Martha Currie and Jane Crowder
Audit Committee – Councilman John Tait and Councilwoman Jane Crowder
Council Liaison to Parks and Recreation – Councilwoman Jane Crowder
Council Liaison to Planning Board – Councilman John Tait
The Council then approved adopting the rules and procedures for the town council meetings using Roberts Rules of Order.
With the resignation of Jane Crowder from the Parks and Recreation Board, the Town Council approved the nomination of Thomas Charles to fill this position. The council also approved an amendment to chapter two of the code to include a youth representative to the Parks and Recreation Board.
After reports from the staff members, the meeting was adjourned.

Dec 2 2011

Councilwoman-elect Crowder/ Tait Speaks out on Issues Facing Leland

By Mike Leggett  mike@theLNR.com
The Local News Review recently talked with Jane Crowder, who will begin her first term as a Leland town Councilwoman on December 16, 2011. We asked Crowder about her perspective on a variety of issues facing the Town of Leland in 2012, and beyond.
LNR:  What you think the voters elected you Town Councilperson?
Crowder: I think one reason the voters elected me to the Town Council was the fact that I have lived in Leland since 1975.  I was very involved in the formation of the town and have been very active for many years in the activities within the Town of Leland.   I believe a lot of people know me, and that I truly have the best interest of the residents of Leland at heart, and want to do what is right for our community. I am there for them and to listen to their concerns.
LNR: What attributes do you bring to the board that you will feel will be helpful in the decisions you make
going forward?
Crowder: I feel that I am a “people” person, and I will listen to residents’ needs and concerns, and will bring them before the council if necessary.  I am willing to help find the answer to questions that the public may have and get back to them with answers, one way or another.
LNR: What do you feel are the major issues facing your town, for which it has control over?
Crowder: I feel one of the largest issues is the controversy within the Police Department.  I hope that by the first of the year, after all the so-called investigations are done and reported to the council and residents, that the council can begin working on projects that will promote industries, businesses and people to come and reside in Leland.
LNR: What will be your first personal priority, and why?
Crowder: My first personal priority is to unite with the other council members and review all the issues that are up for discussion and review.
LNR: What would you like to see the board accomplish in your first year on the board?
Crowder: I think that my first year will be a learning one.  I would like, though, to see the board begin an effort to involve the public more in the decisions for the town.  I agree that we should meet with the residents of Leland, two Council members at a time, once or twice a month, and get to know them, and get them to know us, and let them tell us what is on their minds, and what they want to see happen in the area.
LNR: In January 2012, your town will begin the budget process. What’s the most important to you?
maintaining the current level of services or maintaining current tax rates?
Crowder: I think that we can maintain or even improve services while maintaining the current tax rate.    The Council needs to look at wasteful and unnecessary spending.  We need to take a very hard look at ways to cut in that area and not in services or raising taxes.
LNR: During these tough economic times, would you be willing to cut jobs in order to maintain or lower the tax rate?
Crowder: No.  I think, from what I see, the town is working with the minimum employees.  As I said before, we’ve got to look at wasteful spending and not cut jobs.
LNR: Are you in favor of the Phase 2 Village Rd. expansion project as presented? Why, or why not?
Crowder: No I am not in favor on the expansion. I have not been shown any traffic counts that warrant any expansions, and I feel that it would really take away from the meaning of the area, Village Road.
LNR: The Town of Leland is about to take on a major capital project in the new town hall. As a project has been presented, the new Town Hall complex will face Old Fayetteville road. Do you favor the location of this project and, if so, why? If not, where would you prefer it be located, and why?
Crowder: Well, at this point, without having to purchase any additional property, facing Old Fayetteville Road is probably the answer.  Yes, I would like to see the Complex face Village Road and keep that road at the main thoroughfare in Leland.  But there is no property at this time that could handle such a large complex.
LNR: What do you think the best use of the Peak Fitness property?
Crowder: I still am not in favor of it being a community center, but since the town has purchased it, and if all the figures come in within reason, the town should use the building as a possible art and media center.  That way, we could have a place where events such as plays, pageants, concerts and more can be held, for a fee, if necessary (to recoup some of the expenses).  Then keep the community center plans on the board, and maybe down the line develop it on the Town Hall Campus along with the park and the new Town Hall Complex.
LNR: There is another major project on the books, the Mallory Creek connector. As a condition of their voluntarily annexation, the developers were to pay for this project. Now, in order to complete this project, it has been proposed to spend Powell Bill money or use General Fund balance. Are you in favor of using these funds or hold the developers feet to the fire to complete this project?
Crowder: Again, I feel that we need to weigh the issues of spending.  If the developer agreed to pay for this project, we need to find out why this is not being done.  Then we need to determine the necessity of this connector and to make sure that it would benefit the residents.  We also need to look hard at the impact this road will have on the residents of Mallory Creek and Brunswick Forest.  We also should look at the safety aspect in respect to fire, rescue as well as police response time now and if the connector were to be done.  If it is determined that the road should be constructed and the developer does not agree to pay for it, then we need to look into Powell Bill money and then the general fund as a last resort.
Tait Discusses Leland
Issues that Will Help Define His Tenure as Town Councilman
On Monday, November 28, 2011 The Local News Review on November 28 talked with Jon Tait, recently elected Leland Town Councilman. Tait discussed his perspective on some of the issues facing the town of Leland during 2012, and beyond.
LNR: Why do you think the voters elected you town councilperson?
Tait: The most frequent response I received from those who came to the campaign events was youth — a new perspective – and the need for someone young on the Council. That was the most common response. But I also think they like the fact that I have a financial background, and that I can analyze dollars in a different way. I also bring a background different from anyone else on the town council, and that is viewed as a plus.
LNR: What attributes do you bring to the board that you will feel will be helpful in the decisions you make
going forward?
Tait: My main background is in analysis of companies. That’s what I started doing when I joined Raymond James back in 2001. I believe I can help analyze the town budget so as we grow. We are going to grow expenses as we add more people to the town and, as we add those expenses, I feel I can look at the numbers and see where we might be able to do better in cutting costs.
LNR: What do you feel are the major issues facing Leland over which the town may have control?
Tait: One of the things is what is going to happen with the (Peek Fitness) building, how much money are we going to spend on it, what will it be used for, and who will benefit from it. Those are all question we will have to answer very quickly. I feel like we have been sitting on that building for a long period of time now, much longer than we thought we would, without anything being done to it. The other things we will be facing shortly are the police issues, the SBI investigation, and how that will end up. The outcome of that investigation will determine what the Council does next. And so, I think it’s good we have a plan for “What if,” but there’s no way to know until we get the results of the investigation from the SBI.
LNR: What will be your first personal priority, and why?
Tait: I would like to set up some informal meetings at town hall where people can come in (or they can e-mail me their questions in advance) and talk to me for 15 minutes about whatever is on their minds. These meetings would take place an hour on Friday the week before the town Council meeting, or on Friday of the week following the town Council meeting. People can come in and voice their concerns, which is what I would like to see done. I would prefer that people to come and voice their concerns the week before the town Council meeting so we can get some of these ideas out there before the meeting.
LNR: What would you like to see the board accomplish in your first year on it?
Tait: That’s a good question. I guess it goes back to some of the unfinished projects we have. Those include improving some of the town roads before we get to some of the other road projects that I think are important. One of those being the connector between state Highway 133 and U.S. 17 that will run through Mallory Creek and connect to Brunswick Forest. I would really like to see that connector get done. But I don’t think we can do that until we get some of those other road projects we have scheduled to be completed in Leland.
LNR: In January 2012, your town will begin the budget process. What is most important to you?
Maintaining the current level of services or maintaining current tax rates?
Tait: Wow, that’s really an issue for the town. It depends on the cost of the services the town provides. If more of those services were to increase in a way that was no longer feasible for the town to provide, I would want to continue that. I think there has to be a mixture of both. I don’t’ think you can look at one over the other without exception. I think the services we are providing for the town of Leland are important, but I wouldn’t take that over maintaining a flat budget every year.
LNR: During these tough economic times, would you be willing to cut jobs in order to maintain or lower the tax rate?
Tait:  Well, that would sacrifice one or more people for the “greater good” of the town, and I guess it would depend on who it was and how much money we would be saving. Unless an employee’s job has been marginalized by technology, laying somebody off it is passing the buck on down the road. I’d rather keep the employees.
LNR: Are you in favor of the Phase 2 Village Road expansion project as presented? Why or why not?
Tait: There is no way I can favor that project when it is competing for the same dollars as expansion of the causeway (U.S. 74/76 into Wilmington). I will vote for expansion of the causeway every single time. It is a much more needed project to complete. If they were not competing for the same dollars and we could accomplish both, then I would think about supporting Village Road Phase 2, but I can’t vote for that now because I feel the causeway is much more important.
LNR: The Town of Leland is about to take on a major capital project in the new town hall. As a project has been presented, the new Town Hall complex will face Old Fayetteville road. Do you favor the location of this project, and, if so, why? If not, where would you prefer it be located, and why?
Tait: I didn’t really get involved with the town until May of this year.  From the town meetings I have attended with the engineers and the architects, it seems to be too far along to pick this project up and move it somewhere else. But if it looks like some thing better and we can make changes that will not cost the taxpayers’ money, I don’t see a problem with that.
LNR: What do you think is the best use of the Peak Fitness property?
Tait: I think the most efficient use of that property is to complete at least one half of that building in a way that we can get the largest number of people into it.  I think we need to move ahead because Leland does not have a facility to host a large number of people. We do not have a place to assemble and come together and gather a large number of people. The building is already there. It will not take a lot of work of work to fit that purpose. Look at the Hannah Block Building in Wilmington. If we had something like that in Leland, I think people would jump at the chance. We could easily piggyback off of the productions in Wilmington and bring them to Leland and that is something I believe the residents of our town would enjoy.
LNR: There is another major project on the books, the Mallory Creek connector.  As a condition of the development’s voluntarily annexation, the developers were to pay for this project.  Now, in order to complete this project, it has been proposed to spend Powell Bill money or use the general fund balance. Are you in favor of using these funds? Or should Leland insist that the developers adhere to the original plan to pay for completion of this project?
Tait: if we can get it done with Powell Bill money, I think that would be the best. According to the Leland Police Department, This connector could reduce the need for two officers and save us on annual salaries, health benefits and everything that goes along with hiring two extra officers. I think that would be the best plan.