Opinions for week ending: Sunday, May 25 2008

(5.22.08) Video poker gambling
RALEIGH — Turns out, betting on profits from video poker corruption was a bad bet. A federal jury in Asheville has convicted an ex-sheriff there of taking payoffs -- big ones -- to protect illegal gambling. The industry had influence all the way to the state House.

(5.21.08) Time for council to find savings
DURHAM — Over the last three fiscal years in Durham, City Council raised taxes an average of 2 percent per year. So it was a little startling, to hear the City Manager's proposed budget for fiscal year 2008-2009 suggests an 11 percent tax increase.

(5.19.08) State, local agencies join in
GREENSBORO — The Charlotte City Council pledged $4.8 million to strengthen the criminal-justice system locally. It's a dramatic approach to commit city funds to supplement the budgets of state agencies, but Charlotte leaders think the expenditures will help.

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