Guest Author's blog

Guest Post by Terri Buckner

According to the News & Observer, under a new proposal, each county would have the choice of opting into the state lottery. The details aren't provided in a newspaper article that I can link to but on the State of Things on May 11, it was stated that once 25 counties voted to participate in the lottery, the lottery would be implemented statewide with 25% of all revenues going to the schools.

According to the State of Things, those of us who are against the lottery are social conservatives. I'm against it because it's a regressive tax plan. What do others think? Should Orange make this a county referendum? What are the benefits/drawbacks to a lottery here in Orange Co?

Guest Post by Sally Greene

Congratulations to Ruby! Orangepolitics.org was named by the Independent Weekly today as "Best Blog" in their "Best of the Triangle."

Our own pick for Best Blog is a site that demonstrates how effective the
medium can be as a civic forum: Orangepolitics.org, created by activist
and techie Ruby Sinreich, is a buzzing site full of news about every
conceivable issue: school merger, town'gown relations, traffic, you name
it. Local politicians, activists and commentators often contribute guest
posts, and the message boards host some very lively debate. The site is
elegantly designed and constantly updated, despite being ad-free and
non-commercial. We wish every community in the Triangle had an online
venue like this one.

Sally Greene is a member of the Chapel Hill Town Council. She can be reached at sally AT ibiblio DOT org.

Guest Post by Blaise Strenn

North Carolina will have a Presidential preference county caucus on April 17th. Participation in this caucus will be for Democrats only. You must be registered as a Democrat by April 9th to vote in this caucus.

There is an updated form available at the State Board of Election site: www.app.sboe.state.nc.us Click on voter registration, Changing your Information, then North Carolina Voter Registration Application/Change of Information Form.

This will open a PDF file you can print out. You must get this form to your county's Board of Elections by the end of Friday; postmarked on Friday will not work. If you plan handing the form in on Friday, please call to check their hours for it is Good Friday.

It is very important to not use an old form, it will not be accepted. You must use the updated form from this website or the new form you would get at the county BOE office.

For caucus sites state wide see: www.ncdp.org Registered Democrats can vote in any county in North Carolina.