Political observers frequently describe North Carolina’s political leanings in terms of a rural-urban divide. The metro regions break heavily for Democrats, the rural areas side with Republicans. That split makes North Carolina a key swing state in statewide and national races. But a new analysis from Duke University — written by Duke professor Mac McCorkle...
RALEIGH – A North Carolina municipal broadband network has made the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s “Dirty Dozen” — 12 high-profile taxpayer-funded internet projects that have cost the public more than $2 billion. The North Carolina network is MI-Connection, which provides broadband service to the Charlotte suburbs of Mooresville and Davidson. MI-Connection —$80 million in debt and has an annual...
DAVIDSON — Residents of Davidson and Mooresville have been staggered in recent days by news that the $92.5 million cable TV and broadband system the towns own jointly will require an additional $6.4 million subsidy from taxpayers next year. The need for additional funding follows a recent $576,000 cash call on the towns from M-I Connection to keep the system operating for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
CHARLOTTE — A number of North Carolina towns and counties are taking to steps to restrict growth in response to rapid development in the area north of Charlotte. An unusual aspect of many of the municipal rezoning efforts is their quest to preserve open space outside town borders while simultaneously they attempt to encourage growth along future transit corridors. A burgeoning population helps to explain the trend: Huntersville’s population went from just over 3,000 in 1990 to nearly 27,000 in 2001.
