Local Government | 2012 Archive

The available research does not support the notion that local-government consolidation is inherently in the public interest.

RALEIGH — Across North Carolina, some county governments are saving money by privatizing services. A recent John Locke Foundation report catalogues privatization practices from 44 counties. Report co-author Dr. Michael Sanera, John Locke Foundation director of research and local government studies, discussed the research with Donna Martinez for Carolina Journal Radio.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill became the first municipality in the nation to issue such a far-reaching ban when the town council enacted the measure March 26 by a 5-4 vote. The law goes into effect June 1. The council had been considering the law for nearly two years.

RALEIGH — Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir, believes the ruling against the General Assembly’s annexation reforms will not survive an appeal. Meantime, Republican leaders could introduce a law that would repeal nine annexations now under way.

The capital city appears unwilling to admit defeat in its efforts to waste tax dollars on a downtown restaurant.

RALEIGH — As of March 28, eight North Carolina counties and 10 municipalities were listed as principals in the North Carolina General Assembly Lobbying Directory. The local governments are sprinkled among more than 660 lobbyists and 700 principals registered to lobby on behalf of businesses, industries, and advocates for and against specific causes and issues.

RALEIGH — A senior official in the North Carolina Department of Commerce launched a scheme in November to direct more than $2 million in federal funds to a small Raleigh-based nonprofit organization that he chaired last year. Henry McKoy failed to disclose the relationship on his statement of economic interest.