HB2 vote reflects political reality

On Thursday, the General Assembly sent to Roy Cooper’s desk HB142, an effort to rollback some of the more contentious provisions of the infamous HB2. It is clear that the General Assembly finally succumbed to economic pressures, with some figures suggesting billions of dollars in potential profits left on the table because of the law, and lucrative sporting events moving to other states.

Many have decried the deal struck between Republicans and the governor, with numerous liberal groups suggesting that the new law is still discriminatory. Too quickly, though, these factions forget the healthy margins with which the GOP controls both chambers in Raleigh. Instead of rallying against the governor, the focus should remain on electing more Democrats. It is too easy for the legislators, many hailing from safe districts, to slide into aggressively partisan stances, completely divesting themselves of compromise. This measure that Governor Cooper signed is an inch, and liberals wanted a mile. It is not realistic to expect the same legislators that wrote HB2 to rescind it entirely.

Clearly, the discriminatory law tanked Pat McCrory’s re-election campaign, and Roy Cooper is only able to work with what legislators propose. With this new bill, the governor is fulfilling the key promise that got him elected. Those opposing the measure have an inauspicious desire for legislation more Carrboro than China Grove. It is not realistic with the current climate in Raleigh, and compromise, though necessary and in short supply, always leaves both parties unsatisfied. Per the governor, “It wasn’t a perfect deal or my preferred solution, but an important first step for our state.”

— Kirk Kovach

Salisbury

2014 stats distort Spencer’s image

Last Saturday’s Post had a front-page article pertaining to gangs and violent crime. Salisbury Police Chief Jerry Stokes chose to compare crime in Salisbury to much smaller towns on a per-capita basis. This type of comparison is very misleading.

One of the towns used was Spencer, where I am an alderman as well as a citizen. Chief Stokes chose to use crime stats for 2014, and sadly that year Spencer saw three murders. One was a result of domestic violence with a man stabbing his wife.  The other two were drug-related at a known drug house which was being investigated. The individuals charged were from Salisbury and were quickly arrested.  Yet the article fails to mention this information.

I’m sure Chief Stokes meant no malice towards Spencer, but his decision to use only the statistics for one year was and is very reckless. That leads people to think that Spencer is a town suffering with violent crime year after year, where exactly the opposite is true.

Spencer has crime, as does any city or town; however, the crime is not severely violent and it is minimal in occurrence. Spencer has unjustly suffered from being labeled as violent, with North High School also falling into that negative connotation.

I personally am very disappointed in Chief Stokes’ choice to use Spencer for his comparison. I can only conclude that his comparison was intended to lessen the gang perception in Salisbury.  I have received numerous complaints and concerns from Spencer citizens about this negative portrayal of our town.

Prior to moving here after leaving the military, I heard nothing but negative descriptions of Spencer. Let’s simply say, I’m glad I ignored them, formed my own opinion, and have enjoyed living in what is a very quaint small town with much to offer.

— Howard J. White

Spencer

Waiting for action after dog attack

Last week a horse was killed in the Sedgefield Acres neighborhood by dogs, which were apparently pit bulls. The horse had either escaped its pen on Laurel Street or had been driven out by the dogs.

This bloody incident was not covered by the Post and worried neighbors have not received any official statement from the city of Salisbury. The Salisbury Police Department responded to the disturbance but did not capture or kill the dogs.

Dog owners have a responsibility not only to care for their pets but also to be good neighbors. Leash ordinances are routinely ignored in the neighborhood and Animal Control has not responded to calls. If these dogs can kill a horse, imagine what they can do to a child or elderly adult. The residents of Sedgefield Acres deserve action from the city of Salisbury.

— Esther K. Mobley

Salisbury

‘Point Blank’ is powerful drama

“Point Blank,” at Lee Street Theater, is incredible.  I​t is unnerving, deeply moving and critical to understand racism in Salisbury. Kudos to the Human Relations Council for sponsoring such a dynamic production. These are voices from the margin and must be heard.

— Kim Porter

Salisbury