“I’m not concerned. This is what we go through every year.”

dirtRecently Mayor Pro Tem, Ted Mohn, warned fellow city council members of what he considered to be an “apocalyptic” budget shortfall that was rapidly approaching.  Apparently, Fayetteville’s tax revenue is decreasing while spending is increasing.  No surprise there:  our local economy is fairly stagnant, we are adding multi-million dollar projects to our budget, and the cost of everything is rising.

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Will Environment Matter in 2018?

For the first time in my memory, Cumberland County residents are coming face to face with the environmental impacts of industrial expansion.  The two making headlines are the GenEx disaster and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. cape fear

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline has drawn major criticism in this County, which prompted industry leaders to change to route of the pipe further to the east across the river.  Presumably, this would cause fewer interactions with residential areas.  Still, the pipe is on its way, angry landowners are losing property to make way for the pipe, and environmental groups are holding demonstrations.  Governor Cooper is taking heat for his apparent support, among other things.

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