Carolina Journal
Volume 10, Number 9 - July 2001

In June, Charlotte voters overwhelmingly defeated a proposal to spend $342 million to build a new coliseum for the Charlotte Hornets and supplement several local arts and cultural projects. The Charlotte vote represents a defining moment in the relationship between N.C. governments and major league sports teams. How did it happen, and what will it mean? Page 1

North Carolina:

The John Locke Foundation’s arguments against continued state funding of the Global TransPark in Kinston have renewed debate on the project. Page 4
A sales tax hike could cost North Carolina thousands of jobs, according to a study by the John Locke Foundation. Page 5
Safety zealots finally won passage of a bill requiring children to wear bicycle helmets, but their record on gun control this session has been more mixed. Page 5

Education:

Reading Recovery has found its way into North Carolina public schools despite evidence that it doesn’t work. Page 6
A federal program will provide some North Carolina schools with funds of up to $100,000 to restructure themselves to improve performance. Page 7
Paige Holland summarizes some positive results of private involvement in the public schools. Page 7
Surplus federal computers are winding up in public school classrooms. Page 8
N.C. public schools are finding that getting parents and the community involved in the schools is helping to close the racial achievement gap. Page 9

Higher Education:

In the face of a lawsuit, the UNC Board of Governors voted to end rather than defend a quota-based selection policy. Page 10
Microsoft ruling pleases N.C. State University economist. Page 10
North Carolina research universities rank among the nation’s elite. Page 11
George Leef says state university budgets need more scrutiny. Page 11
Technology aids cheaters and those who want to catch them. Page 12
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling could have a major impact on Title IX implementation on college campuses. Page 13
Another U.S. Supreme Court ruling hurts the cause of race-based preferences in campus admissions. Page 13

Local Government:

The Town of Davidson imposes a harsh land-use policy in an area where residents cannot fight back. Page 14
Counties and cities across North Carolina are raising taxes and fees. Page 15
In some cases, growth pays for itself, say some studies. Page 16
One on one with Pamlico County Commissioner Christine Mele. Page 16
Convention centers, annexation, and property theft concern residents across North Carolina. Page 17

The Learning Curve:

Roy Cordato argues that the Baby Boomer generation has always been self-centered and has never really cared for individual liberty. Page 18
Reviews of Polk’s Folly by William Polk and the new Steven Spielberg film, A.I. Page 19

Opinion:

Editorials on standardized testing and redistricting. Page 20
Editorials on beach renourishment and the Charlotte Hornets. Page 21
Andrew Cline says that Gov. Mike Easley is playing reverse Robin Hood. Page 22
Michael Walden looks at property tax collection in North Carolina. Page 23
Marc Rotterman says a new visitor’s center at the U.S. Capitol is overdue. Page 23

Parting Shot:

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