Opinions for week ending: Sunday, January 25 2009

(1.23.09) City market has great potential
The Clinton City Market has the potential to be a remarkable venue for local farmers, and while it has gone often unused in the four years since it was constructed, we continue to believe that the investment and its potential are as strong today as they have ever been. While the market, which was built through grants and donations as a investment in the downtown, is used for special events, such as the All-America City celebration and during the annual Downtown Court Square Festival, it hasn’t been the farm venue city leaders had hoped it would be.

(1.23.09) Make it work, or flush the system
Comforting, isn't it, that to make up for delays in getting water and sewer bills to you, the utility authority will bill you at an accelerated rateuntil it gets caught up?New Hanover County Commissioner Bobby Greer noted recently that the billing glitches have been "a thorn in our side for too long." Should he really be that surprised, seeing as he and his fellow commissioners, along with the Wilmington City Council, appointed a public utility authority that has no direct accountability to the public? The two elected boards bear some of the responsibility for what has been a rocky start to a consolidated water and sewer system.

(1.23.09) Experience matters in town hall
To be honest, we thought more people would have applied to become Smithfield’s next town manager. Smithfield, after all, is a county seat and a retail center. It is also home to a community college and a hospital surrounded by doctor offices. But perhaps Selma Town Manager Richard Douglas is right. Maybe the demand for town managers is always greater than the supply. And maybe Mr. Douglas is right about another thing: Town councils almost always choose the candidate with the most experience.

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