NC Sen. Jones visits, new town hall moves forward

By Maurice Emery
Editor

State Senator Edward (Ed) Jones attended the monthly Littleton Town Meeting and provided an update on recent state short session legislation. When Mayor Mason Hawfield introduced Jones he said, “I’m very honored to have State Senator Ed Jones with us.”

Jones provided a background of himself and his feelings on what his job is. His background includes being Mayor of Enfield, a NC State Trooper.  His district covers seven counties and takes over two hours travel from one end to the other. He commented that he doesn’t use his title because it is not about the titles it is about the jobs we do. 

Throughout his presentation he commented that he is always accessible, “You can always contact me,” he said several times.  Even as he left the meeting he told the Observer, call me anytime.  The feeling from several people at the meeting was he means just that, he is accessible. 

As Jones explained it every odd year the state legislature meets in a long session and among other things they pass a two year budget.  The short session is designed to update the budget.

“Mental health is a huge problem,” Jones told the meeting.  He said we need a mental health system where you can get help anytime including the evenings.  The present system has normal business ours, but is virtually inaccessible any other time.  Now individuals who should be in the mental health system end up in jail until they can get help.  

One thing he learned when he went to the state legislature that, “No issue is a simple issue.”  He mentioned that issue of teachers having to pay $50 if they were out and a substitute was needed.  This legislation session did away with that requirement. 

When asked about gang violence programs Jones said the funding would be by formula.  He said that a small gang in a small town is just as intrusive as larger gangs in places like Raleigh.

Jones said this session they put most of the money into education. When asked why teachers salaries were always the first place where the state looks to cut if any shortages in available funds.  He replied that they really didn’t take any money away from the teachers.  He revealed that he felt teachers should be paid on performance. 

One of the final comments he made was that democracy is about the back rooms, we all don’t have the big chairs you see Raleigh.  His back room comment was in reference to the place where the town board meets.  The statement had a little more meaning to those at the meeting because prior to the start of the meeting Commissioner Patrick MacRae had to install a new fluorescent light to provide enough light for the meeting.

Cathy Scott of Progressive Resources and Opportunities then presented the USDA Grant application for the new Town Hall.  Mayor Hawfield told the Observer previously that without this federal grant the town could not afford a much needed new town hall. Scott verbally walked the board through the packet of information she provided them in applying for the grant and loan. The town will be applying for $207,781.00 for the renovation of the old Owen Electric building on Main Street. 

Among other things the renovation proposal from Vance Construction in Henderson, calls for the installation of two air condition units and bullet resistant glass. If approved, the town will have 40 years to repay the money with very low interest rates.

The citizen’s concerns portion of the meeting was dominated by a discussion regarding the necessity of having a Privilege License, at a cost of $25 per year.  The discussion got heated at times as to why a license was needed if the owner of the land they were selling from was already licensed. According to the town a license is needed if you don’t already have one for any location where you are selling something and making money.  The only exclusions are non-profit organizations and churches.  One citizen wanted the town to put up a sign advising people that a license was needed.   The Mayor agreed to consider it if the board wanted to bring it up.

Police Sgt. Jenkins let it be known that he will continue to be checking for licenses and if the seller does not have a license they will be asked to leave.

During the commissioners reports Commissioner Willis stated, “Anyone steeling water will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  This was brought on by her report that there was slightly more than one million gallons of water unaccounted for from Jun to Jul.

After a report from Willis the board passed a motion that will require the Post Office pay for the 44,000 gallons of water that Postmaster Sally Smith asked the board to forgive.  Willis said, “If it goes down the drain and you can’t prove it went into the ground - you pay for it.”  The board agreed unanimously. 

The board agreed that next months meeting will be on September 2 at 7:30 p.m. due to the Labor Day Holiday.