Board of Education Swears In Fred Goldsmith and Tommy Cabe Re-elects Leadership Recognizes Service of Gary Shields

The Macon County Board of Education met this morning at 9 am.

The first order of business was to swear in Tommy Cabe and Fred Goldsmith to the board. The board then proceeded to re-elect Jim Breedlove as Chairman and Tommy Cabe as Vice Chairman.

The board then presented former board member Gary Shields with a plaque recognizing his service on the school board. Gary Shields did not run for re-election to the board of education and mounted a successful election campaign to join the Macon County Commissioners. He will be sworn into that office at 5:45 pm tonight at the Macon County Courthouse.



Here are a few photos from this morning's meeting:
(You may click the photos to embiggen)

Chairman Jim Breedlove directs meeting via phone

Board member Tommy Cabe sworn in for fourth term

Fred Goldsmith sworn for first term

Departing member Gary Shields recognized for service

Board member Melissa Evans participates in meeting via phone

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NCAE School Board Candidates' Forum

The Macon County chapter of the North carolina Association of Educators sponsored a forum for candidates running for the school board.

Video of the full forum is posted below.

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League of Women Voters Host Candidates for County Commissioner

The Macon County League of Women Voters hosted a forum for candidates for county commissioner Thursday at noon in Tartan Hall. I posted a live play by play on Google Plus and Facebook and recorded the event on video. The video is embedded below so you can see the entire forum and hear word for word the questions and the answers to each.

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WCU Debate Series: Senator Jim Davis faces Jane Hipps

The third debate in the series of debates sponsored by the Public Policy Institute and the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University wrapped up last night with incumbent NC Senator Jim Davis facing Jane Hipps in the new College of Health and Human Sevices Building on Little Savannah Road in Cullowhee, NC. The event was moderated by WLOS-TV Anchor Frank Fraboni. Both candidates were impassioned and forceful in making their points. Candidates were interrupted at times by members of the audience who disagreed with what was being said in the debate.

The candidates will face off again at the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College on October 30th at 7pm.

Video of the full debate is posted below below for those of you who could not attend.

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Candidates for District Attorney Participate in Forum in Canton, NC

On Sunday, September 26, 2014, the candidates running for District Attorney in the 30th Prosecutorial District participated in a forum at the Colonial Theater in Canton, NC. Thomas Amburgey, District Attorney in the 28th District, moderated. The event was sponsored by the WNC Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Drugs in our Midst and hosted by the Town of Canton.

Here is the full video of the forum:


The candidates met one time previously to this in April at a forum hosted by the Macon-Jackson Fraternal Oder of Police Lodge #81. Video of that forum can be seen on Youtube.

Information on the Colonial Theater, built in 1932, can be found on the Town of Canton website.

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Congressman Mark Meadows and Tom Hill Debate at WCU

Western Carolina University’s Public Policy Institute and Department of Political Science and Public Affairs sponsored a debate on the WCU campus between Congressman Mark Meadows and challenger Tom Hill last night and Macon Media was there to record it.

I've posted the full video and then broken it up into bite-sized portions and have posted them below so those of you who were unable to attend or watch online can see first hand what happened and make your own judgement about the proceedings.

I would like to acknowledge the public service of Western Carolina University, the Public Policy Institute and the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, in particular Dr Chris Cooper and Dr Todd Collins for thier work in putting the debate together and Frank Fraboni of WLOS-TV for moderating the debate.

This one of three in a series of debates to be held on the WCU Campus this election season. Find out more about the series on the WCU website.

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Question #1

If elected, what will be the first piece of legislation you will introduce and how will it affect the citizens of the 11th district?

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Question #2

Is income inequality a problem, and what role, if any, should the US Congress play in alleviating the problem?

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Question #3

Would you vote to raise the debt ceiling? Why or why not?

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Question #4

How will you balance the claim of being fiscally responsible with bringing federal dollars to the district?

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Question #5

Directed at Congressman Mark Meadows:

What was your role in the government shutdown?
If you had it to do all over again, is there anything you would change about that action?

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Question #6

Directed at Tom Hill:

Why should the voters elect someone with your lack of experience in elected office and your relatively advanced age?

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Question #7

What role, if any, should the US Congress have in stopping internetional terrorist organizations, such as ISIS?

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Question #8

Is the Ukrainian situation a threat to the USA, if so, how should we respond?

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Question #9

What should the role, if anything, of the US Congress in preventing tragedies and ensuing riots in situations like what recently happened in Ferguson, Missouri?

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Question #10


Please clarify your position on the Affordable Care Act.

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Question #11

What is your stance on fracking and what should the role of the US Congress be in the debate over fracking?

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Question #12

Closing statements by the candidates

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Public Education -- Reform or Decline? Panel Discussion hosted by the League of Women Voters

The Macon County League of Women Voters hosted a panel discussion entitled "Public Education in North Carolina -- Reform or Decline?"
Susan Ervin, the President of the local League of Women Voters, moderated the panel.

Panelists included:


Chris Baldwin - Superintendent of Macon County Schools

Gary Brown - Iotla Valley Elementary Principal

Stephanie Laseter - Parent

Melissa Faetz - Region 8 Teacher of the Year

Tyler Faetz –Franklin High School AP English teacher

John deVille - NCAE local representative

The panelists discussed how budget cuts and their affect on local schools. They also discussed education standards, class size teacher presence and the needs of students. Local elected officials were also allowed to make a brief statement and several members of the audience also added to the discussion. The meeting lasted a little over two hours.

Here is the full video of the panel discussion:




Susan Ervin announced that the next two meetings of the board would be focused on upcoming elections. On September 11th at noon, a forum featuring NC Senator Jim Davis and his opponent Jane Hipps will take place. On October 8th at noon, a forum for candidates for County Commissioner will take place.

Everyone is encouraged to attend these meetings to hear where the candidates stand on the issues.


CROWD FUNDING

I'm still trying to raise money to take this thing to the next level. Visit my Patreon page to find out more at www.patreon.com/MaconMedia 

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A Rally for Public Education 08-13-2014

The local chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators hosted a rally for public education today at noon at the town gazebo in downtown Franklin, NC.

Educators and supporters gathered in parrallel with other rallies across the state to protest the edeucation policies of the North Carolina Legislature and the Governor.

Speakers at the local rally were:

John DeVille, President of the local chapter of the NCAE was the Master of Ceremonies.

Jane Hipps, candidate for the 50th District NC Senate seat, was the keynote speaker.

Tyler Faetz, English teacher at Franklin High School also spoke, reminding attendees of the education forum next Wednesday night at 7pm in Tartan Hall that will be hosted by the League of Women Voters.

The full video and some photos of the local rally are posted below.

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Speeches at the 2014 NCGOP State Convention

This past weekend, a once in a generation political event occurred in western North Carolina...a political party held it's annual state-wide convention here. Over 600 delegates gathered at the Convention Center at Harrah's Cherokee Casino to conduct their annual business, to take workshops to assist them learn how to win elections, and to hear from candidates for public office.

I was credentialed as a member of the press and covered the activities that took place on Saturday. I would have recorded the entire thing, but could only afford the fuel to attend one day, so I chose the day with the most happening.

I recorded several speeches and most of the general session that took place that day, minus part of the morning session.

Here are the speeches that I recorded from lunch onward. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I will post speeches from the District/County Chairman's Annual Breakfast and the activities on the convention floor as viewed from my position in a suite reserved for the press.

I hope this gives you an insight on the political process that I believe it is our civic duty to participate in if we wish to remain a free society.

It is also my belief that this is the most complete and neutral coverage of the convention you'll find anywhere in North Carolina.


LUNCHEON WITH BILL BENNETT

A luncheon was held in the Council Fire Ballroom that featured speeches by Dr William Bennett, former Secretary of Education, and Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana and presumed to be a candidate for President in 2016. The event was sponsored by Congresswoman Renee Ellmers and here are the videos from that event:





SPEECHES DURING THE AFTERNOON SESSION

After delegates had returned from lunch in the convention center, they were welcomed by Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Michell Hicks, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. Jim Snyder, Heather Grant, Ted Alexander and Mark Harris, who ran in the US Senate primary, all gathered on stage and endorsed Thom Tillis, won won the Republican primary. Thom Tillis then spoke. Here are those videos:





DINNER WITH FORMER US SPEAKER DENNIS HASTERT & GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE

At 7pm, delegates and guests gathered in the Council Fire Ballroom in Harrah's Cherokee Hotel to eat and hear Former Governor or Arkansas Mike Huckabee speak. He was a candidate for President in 2008 and there is speculation he could be positioning himself for another run in 2016. Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, spoke last on the program. The videos from this event are below:



Maybe next year, the Democratic Party of North Carolina will hold their convention in Cherokee and I'll get to cover that event, too. They were holding their annual convention this weekend in Raleigh.

PATREON CAMPAIGN

It costs money to do what I do. Please consider helping me out by visiting my Patreon crowd funding page and look at ways you can donate to help me.

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Mike Huckabee and Speaker Dennis Hastert To Keynote 2014 NCGOP Convention in Cherokee, NC

Macon Media will be covering the 2014 Convention of the North Carolina Republican Party since it is happening practically in our backyard in Cherokee, NC on June 7th. The statewide convention of the Democratic Party is happening in Raleigh, NC...too far away for me to cover. It is also occurring on June 7th.

I expect to be receiving my press credentials soon to cover the event, and as part of the process of applying to cover the event, I have started receiving press releases regarding next weekend's event. Here is one regarding the lineup of speakers.

PRESS RELEASE
North Carolina Republican Party


Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Republican Party is pleased to announce that former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be keynote speakers for the 2014 North Carolina Republican Party Convention dinner to be held on Saturday, June 7th in Cherokee, NC.

"It's a great honor to have Speaker Hastert and Governor Huckabee join us at our convention this year,” said North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Claude Pope. “Momentum is steadily building across North Carolina for Thom Tillis, with Republicans organizing the strongest grassroots effort in our state’s history. Speaker Hastert and Governor Huckabee will help make the 2014 NCGOP Convention a strong launching pad for Tillis' general election campaign, with the Republican Party united and energized to defeat liberal Kay Hagan in November."

Dennis Hastert served as the 59th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999-2007. Mike Huckabee served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007 and was a candidate for President in 2008.

The NCGOP Convention will also feature Republican U.S. Senate Nominee Thom Tillis, Governor Pat McCrory, Lt. Governor Dan Forest, Former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett, Congressman Mark Meadows and Dr. Mark Harris.

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Unofficial May 2014 Primary Results for Macon County Sheriff, County Commissioner District I and Register of Deeds

**edit 12:13am** I forgot to add the voter turnout data. 5,005 of the 24,980 registered voters participated in this primary. That makes the voter turnout 20.04%. -Bobby

I only followed three races in Macon County tonight while in the Board of Elections office in the basement of the Macon County Courthouse tonight and here are the results expressed in three precinct maps, then the numbers by precinct:



Robbie Holland cruised to a very easy re-election, garnering over 85% of the vote.

Robbie Holland 2,844...85.74%
Bryan Carpenter 473...14.26%



Commissioner Jim Tate received over 60% of the vote and will face Michael Rogers in November.

Jim Tate     1,999...61.32%
John Shearl 1,261...38.68%



Register of Deeds Todd Raby received over 70% of the votes in the primary today and will face Jamie Cochran in November.

Nicki Tallent     361...22.69%

Todd Raby    1,123...70.58%

Kenneth Blaine 107.....6.73%

Here are the results by precinct in the order in which they came in:



8:03 pm ELLIJAY


REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 25...30.12%
Todd Raby 56...67.47%
Kenneth Blaine 2...2.41%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 142...88.20%
Bryan Carpenter 19...11.80%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 100...64.10%
John Shearl 56...35.90%


8:30 pm NORTH FRANKLIN

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 15...17.24%
Todd Raby 66...75.86%
Kenneth Blaine 6...6.90%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 138...87.90%
Bryan Carpenter 19...12.10%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 97...63.40%
John Shearl 56...36.60%


8:34 pm UNION

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 20...25.64%
Todd Raby 52...66.67%
Kenneth Blaine 6...7.69%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 126...82.89%
Bryan Carpenter 26...17.11%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 86...58.11%
John Shearl 62...41.86%


8:40 pm SOUTH FRANKLIN

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 13...23.21%
Todd Raby 39...69.64%
Kenneth Blaine 4...7.14%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 38...70.37%
Bryan Carpenter 16...29.63%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 32...61.54%
John Shearl 20...38.46%


8:44 pm IOTLA

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 13...20.00%
Todd Raby 50...76.92%
Kenneth Blaine 2...3.08%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 83...90.22%
Bryan Carpenter 9...9.78%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 49...54.44%
John Shearl 41...45.56%



8:49 pm MILLSHOAL

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 14...22.22%
Todd Raby 45...71.43%
Kenneth Blaine 4...6.35%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 122....82.99%
Bryan Carpenter 25...17.01%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 88...61.54%
John Shearl 55...38.46%



8:54 pm EAST FRANKLIN

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 23...29.21%
Todd Raby 56...62.92%
Kenneth Blaine 7...7.87%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 115...83.33%
Bryan Carpenter 23...16.67%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 79...59.40%
John Shearl 54...40.60%


8:54 pm CARTOOGECHAYE

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 16...22.54%
Todd Raby 49...69.01%
Kenneth Blaine 6...8.45%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 145...77.96%
Bryan Carpenter 41...22.04%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 99...54.70%
John Shearl 82...45.30%


8:58 pm FLATS

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 4...23.53%
Todd Raby 12...70.59%
Kenneth Blaine 1...5.88%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 46...74.19%
Bryan Carpenter 16...25.81%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 37...59.68%
John Shearl 25...40.32%


9:03 pm HIGHLANDS

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 23...26.44%
Todd Raby 56...64.37%
Kenneth Blaine 8...9.20%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 226...91.87%
Bryan Carpenter 20.8.13%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 221...81.78%
John Shearl 47...18.22%


9:05 pm SUGARFORK

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 5...33.33%
Todd Raby 8...53.33%
Kenneth Blaine 2...13.33%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 64...94.12%
Bryan Carpenter 4...5.88%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 44...65.67%
John Shearl 23...34.33%



9:09 pm COWEE

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

Nicki Tallent 7...7.14%
Todd Raby 84...85.71%
Kenneth Blaine 7...7.14%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 137...85.09%
Bryan Carpenter 24...14.91%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 95...60.90
John Shearl 61...39.10%


9:11 pm NANTAHALA

REGISTER OF DEEDS
Nicki Tallent 7...43.75%
Todd Raby 6...37.50%
Kenneth Blaine 3...18.75%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 45...76.27%
Bryan Carpenter 14...23.73%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 32...59.26%
John Shearl 22...40.74%


9:18 pm BURNINGTOWN

REGISTER OF DEEDS
Nicki Tallent 6...24.00%
Todd Raby 18...72.00%
Kenneth Blaine 1...4.00%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 68...73.91%
Bryan Carpenter 24...26.09%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 50...56.18%
John Shearl 39...43.82%


9:44 pm SMITHBRIDGE

REGISTER OF DEEDS
Nicki Tallent 27...30.00%
Todd Raby 53...58.89%
Kenneth Blaine 10...11.11%

SHERIFF

Robbie Holland 139...79.43%
Bryan Carpenter 36...20.57%

DISTRICT I COMMISSIONER

Jim Tate 82...47.67%
John Shearl 90...52.33%

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The Last Minute Voter's Guide to Macon County Candidates

**note** This post has been changed to correct some minor spelling/grammar errors and to reflect the correct number of terms the Sheriff has served. -Bobby

If you haven't been paying attention or done your homework for tomorrow's primary election, here is some material for you to use to cram at the last minute using all the videos I have taken at the various forums of candidates who have a primary race sorted by the seat they are seeking:

MACON COUNTY SHERIFF

Robbie Holland is running for a third fourth term as the Sheriff of Macon County and Bryan Carpenter is challenging him. Who ever wins this race will be the Sheriff for the next four years because Democrats did not put forward a candidate.

Here are a few videos of both candidates at various forums over the past few weeks.







CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTED BY FOP LODGE #81

This forum includes candidates for District Attorney, another important race




DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE 30TH PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICT

This seat has been opened up by the impending retirement of Mike Bonfoey, who has served in this position since April 2003. Vying for the seat are Assistant DAs Jim Moore and Ashley Welch. I have more video of Ashley because Jim Moore did not attend all the forums.





MACON COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT I

Jim Tate has served in this position since he was appointed by the Republican Party in December 2011 to replace Brain McClellan, who resigned. He won an unopposed reelection in 2012 to complete the term to which he had been appointed. Challenging him is John Shearl, who currently serves on the Macon County Planning Board. Here are the videos I have of these two candidates:



The following forum includes some candidates who did not have a primary, and I apologize for not having the time or resources to cut this video up into just the segments that involve those running in the primary.



REGISTER OF DEEDS

This is another local race that involves Todd Raby, who is running for a third term, and challengers Kenneth Blaine and Nicki Tallent.









NC SENATE DISTRICT 50
This seat is currently held by Jim Davis, who is a Republican. He has no primary challengers, but there are two Democrats facing each other for the opportunity to run against him in the fall. Jane Hipps and Ron Robinson are the candidates. Ron Robinson did not attend one of the forums is the reason there are more videos of Jane Hipps than there are of him.




US HOUSE NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 11

This seat is also currently held by a Republican, Mark Meadows. The Democrats seeking to replace him are Tom Hill and Keith Ruehl. Keith Ruehl did not show at any event in Macon County and Tom Hill at only one, so I just have the one video of Tom Hill.


So, for those of you who watched the videos, I hope you feel better informed on what your choices are tomorrow. Now, go out and be a good citizen and vote. If you do not vote, you are giving your stamp of approval on whoever wins tomorrow.


PATREON CAMPAIGN

Macon Media is a community-supported news source focusing on public affairs at the local level, along with local weather and public safety news and I am in need of assistance so that I can continue doing this thing and take it to the next level with a better website and newer equipment. If you are interested, please know that even a dollar a month would be greatly appreciated. Visit Patreon for more information on how you can help.

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Early Voting in Macon County A Statistical Primer of the Macon 2014 Primary

The early voting, or One-Stop, period from April 24th through 1 pm on May 3rd is over and some preliminary statistics are available.

2,031 out the 24,977 registered voters participated, making the turn out 8.13% or one in twelve of registered voters took the opportunity to vote early.

VOTERS BY REGISTRATION

Registration	# Voters	% Turnout	% by Party Registration
Republicans	958	47.17	9.73
Democrats	578	28.46	7.63
Unaffiliateds	493	24.27	6.59
Libertarians	2	0.09	2.78

EARLY VOTERS BY AGE

The average age of the early voter was 62. Only 20 people under the age of 21 voted and 41 people aged 90 and over voted. In fact, the older generation dominated the early voting with 1,070, or 52.68% of the turnout, were aged 65 and older. The table below shows more information:

AGE BLOCK (YEARS)	# VOTING	% VOTING
18-44	340	16.74
45-64	621	30.58
65 +	1,070	52.68

TOMORROW'S TURNOUT

How does all this translate into the turnout for tomorrow and the primary overall?

I am thinking the turnout will be around 18% and would be surprised if it exceeded 23% based on the turnout figures from previous election cycles.

I will be in the big courtroom monitoring the votes as they come in and will be posted a live play by play on Facebook at Macon Media and a wrap up at MaconMedia.com shortly after the results come in.

In order to assist me in continuing to provide this kind of live coverage, please consider pledging at least a dollar a month to my crowd funding campaign at Patreon.

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Macon County Democratic Men's Club hold forum for candidates

The Macon County Democratic Men's Club hosted a forum for candidates running in the Democratic Party primary. I attended and recorded video of the candidate speeches. The full video of the event is below, and below that, are the individual speeches separated out by candidate, with the exception of Vic Perry, who is running unopposed for Clerk of Superior Court of Macon County. His was the first speech and was only 28 seconds long. It's no wonder he is running unopposed.

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Macon County Democratic Men's Club Forum

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Micheal David Rogers, a candidate running for Macon County Commissioner in District I

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Commissioner Ronnie Beale candidate running for Macon County Commissioner in District II

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Nikki Tallent, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Kenneth Blaine, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Todd Raby, a candidate running for the Register of Deeds of Macon County

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Jane Hipps, candidate for NC Senate in the 50th District

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Ron Robinson, candidate for NC Senate in the 50th District

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PATREON CAMPAIGN

I'd appreciate any help you can provide so that I can continue to provide complete video coverage of local government meetings. Check out http://www.patreon.com/maconmedia for more information. A dollar a month would mean great deal to me and help me obtain better equipment and cover more meetings and advance to the next stage in my plans for a digital news platform for Macon County.

Key Election Dates in the North Carolina 2014 Primary

Thursday, April 24, 2014
One-Stop early voting begins for May 6 Primary. For locations, check with your county elections office.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Last day to request absentee ballots by mail

Saturday, May 3 2014
One-Stop early voting ends at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Primary Day (polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.)
Last day to return absentee ballots by mail (by 5:00 p.m.)

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Macon County Republicans Hold 2014 Convention

On Saturday, the Macon County Republican Party held it's annual convention (video excerpts are posted below) at the Community Facilities Building on the Georgia Road. Some 160 people attended the event, socializing and meeting with candidates for various local and state offices. The musical group Blue Ridge performed a couple of songs in tribute of America and Congressman Mark Meadows and the Seniro Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court spoke to the standing room only crowd. The party recognized Richard and Kate Robb for their contributions of a life of service to the country and to the party.

During the precinct meetings, a record 68 people signed up to become delegates to the district and state conventions (there are only 40 allotted slots).

Party Chairman Carla Miller reminded everyone of the candidate forum that will be held in the community facilities building on Saturday, March 29th at 2pm and the grand opening of the new Republican party headquarters at 555 Depot Street at noon on April 1st.

Other events on the calendar are:

GEM Country Republican Women's Club Luncheon
Tuesday, March 18th at 11:15AM
Speaker: NC Court of Appeals Judge Donna Stroud

District 11 GOP Convention
Saturday, April 26th
Lunch: 11:00AM
Convention: 1:00PM
Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC

North Carolina State GOP Convention
June 6th and 7th
Harrah's Casino, Cherokee, NC

Here are video excerpts of the convention:

I Introduction, Invocation and Musical Tribute to America



II Recognition of Richard and Kate Robb



III Remarks by Congressman Mark Meadows




MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media (me)
The Franklin Press (a reporter AND a photographer)

The other media outlets were absent from this event.

The Macon County Democratic Party will be holding their annual convention on Saturday, April 5th at 11am in the Macon County Courthouse. Macon Media plans on being their to cover this event also.

I have decided to start selling DVDs of events again in an effort to raise funds so I can replace aging and borrowed equipment that I use to record and process videos of the various meetings and events.

DVDs of this event are available. 

Please send a check or money order for $10 to:

Robert Coggins, Jr
39 Phillips Street, Suite #2
Franklin, NC 28734

Please indicate "Macon GOP 2014" in the memo section of the check or money order and I will send you a DVD in the mail.

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Victor Drummond Withdraws Challenge to Gary Shields Candidacy

**UPDATE** 11:53AM

Victor Drummond is withdrawing his challenge to the candidacy of Gary Shields, candidate for one of the two seats in the District II County Commissioner race.

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Challenge to Haven's Candidacy Fails

The Macon County Board of Elections met yesterday to consider a challenge to the eligibility of Macon County Commissioner Ron Haven to run in the District II race for county commissioner issued by Charles "Scoon" Nichols.

After the hearing, the board voted 3-0 that Ron Haven did indeed maintain a domicile in the district. A brief video of just the decision is below:


)
Full video of the entire proceeding and a copy of the paperwork filed by Nichols is below:


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Ron Haven Residency Challenge by Thunder Pig

A similar hearing will be held this coming Tuesday, March 18th, in Courtroom 4A on the fourth floor of the Macon County Courthouse to hear a challenge issued by Victor Drummond to the candidacy of Gary Shields to run in the same district. A second hearing relating to the challenge issued by Charles nichols against Ron Haven has been scheduled immediately thereafter. I will post the official notice when it becomes available from the Macon County Board of Elections.

**UPDATE** 11:53AM 

Victor Drummond is withdrawing his challenge to the candidacy of Gary Shields, candidate for one of the two seats in the District II County Commissioner race. 

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Macon County Board of Education 01-09-2014

The Macon County Board of Education had a special called meeting yesterday afternoon. They voted 5-0, after a lengthy discussion, to join the North Carolina School Board Association lawsuit against vouchers. Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin provided an update on Caital Outlay priorities for the coming budget discussion for the 2014-2015 budget.

There was a prolonged dicussion on "Flexibility of Testing" and ramifications of opting out on certain testing would have on future student performance on future tests and the potential imapct on the careers of teachers. The board also discussing the merit pay program for 25% of teachers. All of them are opposed to the idea and the board spent a good deal of time criticizing the NC Legislature.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be at 6pm on Monday, January 27th at the same location. Dr Baldwin and the Finance Officer have been invited to the January 21st meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners.

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Videos of the Macon County NCAE town hall State of Public Education in North Carolina

Monday night, at 6pm on the campus of Franklin High School, the Macon County chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) hosted the kickoff of a statewide political campaign by a coalition of progressive groups that are speaking out against the education budget that has been passed into law by the Republican-dominated North Carolina General Assembly and signed by the Republican Governor Pat McCrory.

The groups involved are the North Carolina Association of Educators [WEBSITE], Public Schools First in North Carolina [WEBSITE] and Progress NC [WEBSITE].

I have the full video of the town hall  plus I have broken it up by speaker for those who want to watch a particular speaker.





By segment:

PART 1: PATSY KEEVER



PART 2: DR. CHRIS BALDWIN



PART 3: DR. MICHAEL MURRAY



PART 4: JIM BREEDLOVE


PART 5: MELISSA FAETZ


PART 6: RENA SUTTON


PART 7: Q&A SESSION


PART 8: RODNEY ELLIS

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