The Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization and Rowan County Chamber of Commerce have both endorsed a multi-billion dollar bond proposal proposed by Gov. Pat McCrory.

The Cabarrus-Rowan MPO Transportation Advisory Committee last month passed a resolution endorsing the bond proposal last month. The Rowan Chamber of Commerce has also endorsed McCrory’s Connect NC bond initiative for placement on November’s ballot. They are just two of the many entities, government or not, that have pledged support for the bond package.

The Cabarrus-Rowan MPO’s resolution states: “Interest rates are at historical lows and it has never been less expensive to make long-term investments.”

The proposal includes two bonds of approximately $1.5 billion each — one for roads and another for for infrastructure. Rowan’s most financially significant project in McCrory’s initiative is $15 million for the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer. The $15 million would be used for completing phase two of the museum’s power building renovations, building an outdoor events space, building offices, constructing a hands-on children’s exhibit, a playground and floor replacements.

Both organizations call for the General Assembly to place the Connect NC bond initiative on the November 2015 ballot.

In response to the MPO endorsement, McCrory said: “Local planning organization leaders understand that long-term investments in our state’s transportation infrastructure translates to jobs, economic development and improved quality of life for future generations. I applaud these organizations for their call to let the voters decide on these important investments.”

In response to the chamber endorsement, McCrory said business leaders understand that long-term investments in education and transportation are vital to the state’s competitiveness.

Kannapolis has also passed a resolution in support of the bond proposal.

McCrory visited the N.C. Transportation Museum on April 30 to tout the bond package with other state officials, including Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz.

Adams releases statement on passage of magistrate bill

Following the veto override of a bill that would allow magistrates to be recused from marriage ceremonies, Congresswoman Alma Adams, D-12, harshly criticized the North Carolina legislature’s actions.

The bill allows magistrates and staff in register of deeds offices to be recused from issuing marriage licenses for a period of six months. Some legislators have tied the bill’s purpose directly to the legalization of same-sex marriage. Gov. Pat McCrory vetoed Senate Bill 2 on May 28 after it passed both houses of the General Assembly. The General Assembly took its final vote to override the veto on Thursday. It passed both the Senate and House.

In her statement about the bill’s passage, Adams said: “This is a sad day for North Carolinians and a sad day for our state’s history. I am thoroughly disappointed in the North Carolina General Assembly’s decision to override a veto of a bill that would allow court officials to blatantly discriminate on the bases of sexual orientation. I commend the governor for vetoing the bill and agree that court officials shouldn’t be exempt from doing their jobs because of their personal beliefs. Several decades ago, countless Americans were denied the right to marry because of the color of their skin. As someone who fought hard against racism and discrimination for years, I am appalled by this shameful attack on North Carolinians because of who they choose to love. This law could open doors for even more discriminatory practices to take place. Equality for all is a right upheld by the United States constitution. Today’s decision proves just how far North Carolina has to go to overcome long-standing biases. I will remain an advocate for equality and will keep fighting against bigotry and oppression.”

Tillis talks improving VA with department secretary

Two months after U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., drafted a list of recommendations for improving the Department of Veterans Affairs, he met with the agency’s director this week to create a long-term plan.

Tillis’ April letter outlines best business practices to improve delivery of care at the VA. The meeting between Tillis and VA Secretary Robert McDonald was Wednesday.

After the meeting, Tillis issued a statement saying: “The VA system faces unacceptable and persistent problems, and Secretary McDonald and I agree that the VA is in desperate need of a long-term strategic roadmap that completely rethinks the way the VA delivers care to the brave men and women who have served our nation. A collaborative effort between veterans, the VA, Congress, and leaders from our outstanding medical and business communities can help play a key role in implementing a strategic vision to make the VA more efficient and provide our veterans with the timely, quality care they deserve.”

Bush, Clinton lead presidential race in NC

The most recent projection by North Carolina based Public Policy Polling puts presidential hopeful Jeb Bush at the top of the Republican race for the White House.

The group’s recent poll found Bush sitting at 19 percent. Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Scott Walker were tied at 12 percent each. The remaining candidates in order were: Ted Cruz at 11 percent, Mike Huckabee at 10 percent, Ben Carson at 9 percent, Chris Christie at 8 percent and Carly Fiorina at 2 percent. Bush also led our most recent surveys in Florida and South Carolina.

For Democrats, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has a monumental lead in North Caorolina at 62 percent. to be as dominant as ever. Remaining candidates were: Bernie Sanders at 14 percent, Jim Webb 5 percent and 4 percent for both Lincoln Chafee and Martin O’Malley.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.