Its happening here, and could be happening there too!

If nothing else, bonds are a seductive way to coerce the public
into adding debt. This approach is used successfully time and
again to advance projects outside normal budgeting.

Wake County, NC depended on an $800 million school bond to
meet the demand of the county's growth, now over 1 million
residents.

We were fortunate the Wake County Taxpayers successfully
challenged the original request of over $1.5 billion. They
reported the school had $350 million on hand. something
the public had little knowledge of.

In Cary, our town council takes the cake with its creative
spending efforts! It decided to have citizens vote on an
$80 million bond for "roads and parks", which normally
is paid by our taxes.

And, the reason? The town decided to use property taxes
to purchase a hotel and movie theater! No, I'm not kidding!

This is not to say bonds do not have a purpose, but too
often political "slight of hand" is used, rather than have
an honest discussion so voters are fully made knowledgeable.

In the case of "NC Connect", the $2 billion bond, we are
being hit with a double barreled sales pitch.

The N&O is doing its part, reporting years of neglect
that necessitates this multi-billion investment, inferring
but not actually saying, UNC failed to plan for the future!

The paper reports the UNC medical school is using furniture
going back to the 70s! Think about this. The school is using
furniture in its medical school almost as old as its basketball
icon, Michael Jordan!

Additionally, we learn the school has not kept pace with
the demands in the medical field.  Again, almost $1 billion
of the bond will go to UNC because it failed to foresee the
needs of what is now the 9th largest state in the nation!.

Its reasonable to wonder how many others schools at UNC
are not "keeping pace", this cannot be an isolated incident!
Perhaps, more bonds are on the horizon for UNC.

But, while it appear UNC failed to plan for the "business"
of educating, it sure took care of its staff.

The school did have the foresight to insure its administration
received competitive salaries. I doubt anyone on staff is making
what the school paid in the 70s!  Many are paid handsomely,
some much more than our governor!

And, the Dean Dome ain't to shabby or are of the ancillary
non-education facilities on campus.

As voters, especially in Wake County, we should ponder
whether or not to support another bond based on recent
repayments of debt and bonds previously approved, as
well as what is on the horizon.

First, NC took more than three years to repay the Federal
govt. $2.5 billion it received for extending unemployment
benefits.  And, now are sitting on a surplus.

Second, Wake voters will be asked to approve another
$800 million school bond, the other half which we are told
is still required.

Third, homes were reappraised last year leading to an
increase in most homes value and a tax rate increase.

Its time the public stops learning of such actions piecemeal.
Politicians to their credit work diligently to proclaim they
are reducing taxes, yet still increase spending depending
on financial vehicles such as bonds and even toll roads!

Asking voters to pass this bond without telling them what,
if any, remedies have been taken to insure failing to plan
does not cost taxpayers, is unacceptable.

Think carefully before adding another $2 billion in debt.

Stay informed!