[Durham INC] Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
Melissa Rooney
mmr121570 at yahoo.com
Wed May 23 16:48:15 EDT 2012
Darius, I am not accusing you in any way. Just saying we obviously interpreted things differently.
I understood that the slate of Jacobs, Reckhow and Wilson was initially being proposed for a vote 'by consent' (the way the city council and BOCC votes for things on their agenda without having to have lengthy discussions) and that the other two commissioner slots were going to be discussed by discussing each of the other candidates individually.
After some discussion of the above candidates and Fred Foster, Fred's name was then added to the list of commissioners being endorsed by consent, leaving the other candidates to be discussed individually for endorsement (or not) in the fifth seat.
If this were not the case, then why did we discuss the other candidates for 2-3 hours?
Anyway, I was under the impression that we signed a confidentiality agreement regarding PA endorsement meeting details -- so people could speak freely. As such, I have tried to stick to discussing my individual opinions (and other individuals whom I did not name specifically but with whom I've talked many times on a personal, as opposed to PA, level).
However, I felt it was important to defend my own interpretation of what happened at that meeting, given the tone and assertions of your previous email.
At any rate, this discussion should serve as a reminder to us (and everyone) how the exact same events can result in different interpretations of what is actually going on and that we should alway do our own research and/or be physically present before taking any one person's word for it.
I am going to end this conversation here.
Again, I meant you no offense Darius. By no means did I mean to imply that you had a bad memory or couldn't keep your facts straight. Just that interpretations and memories are subjective.
Melissa
________________________________
From: Darius Mercedes Little <Darius.M.Little at alumni.unc.edu>
To: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>; Darius Little(Self) <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>; inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org; revcwkii at hotmail.com; kjj1bg at yahoo.com
Cc: inc-list at rtpnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, 23 May 2012 3:33 PM
Subject: Re: Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
Melissa,
If I'm accused of anything, by anyone, being off with my facts is never one.
Evidently you were not paying attention, because the 1st order of business in organizing a slate was a recommendation from the floor for a slate of: Wendy Jacobs, Will Wilson and Ellen Reckhow.
Since you've questioned my memory (which is very good), I vividly recall you walking around, 3 rows behind where I was sitting (on the 1st row - Tom Miller's table side) during the exact moment of this discussion.
And that slate was about roll right through until Susan Sewell (spelling) asked to be recognized and stated, specifically: "I have a problem with a lilly white slate, when Durham is 1/2 black and we're supposed to be a progressive organization."
A few folks scolded her, but eventually, Fred Foster's name was suggested. And he was "added."
So again, Melissa, if I am accused of anything, not knowing what I'm talking about isn't one of them. I don't speak a lot in meetings but I am one of the most observant people with whom you will come in contact.
So I don't know if you were being sarcastic or not, but if we were in 2 PA meetings it was because you drifted off to another one.
- Darius
-------------------------
Darius M. Little
Executive Business Consultant and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle
Manta Business Profile/Report:
http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]
________________________________
From: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:26:27 -0700 (PDT)
To: <Darius.M.Little at alumni.unc.edu>; <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>; <inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org>; <revcwkii at hotmail.com>; <kjj1bg at yahoo.com>
Cc: <inc-list at rtpnet.org>
Subject: Re: Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
I did not support Dornfried. I no longer just vote for a slate of candidates, no matter where their endorsements come from.
It sounds like we were at two different PA meetings.
From my perspective, Fred was always on the endorsement list.
In fact, I heard many lamenting that Fred wasn't endorsed by the PA in the last election...
But I will let sleeping dogs lie.
Melissa
________________________________
From: Darius Mercedes Little <Darius.M.Little at alumni.unc.edu>;
To: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>; Darius Little(Self) <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>; <inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org>; <revcwkii at hotmail.com>; <kjj1bg at yahoo.com>;
Cc: <inc-list at rtpnet.org>;
Subject: Re: Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
Sent: Wed, May 23, 2012 7:21:07 PM
Melissa, thanks for your feedback.
I'll respectfully disagree on the endorsement process - as I was in both. The 1st recommended slate in PA was an all white slate. Until Susan Sewell (spelling) expressed concern with that slate - no other recommendations were provided.
I'd ask, Melissa: why did you support Jim Dornfried, if you do not support candidates that you don't know much about?
Dornfried was a registered Republican until a few days before filing. Was this discussed in PA?
Also, why was Dornfried spoken for by PAC leadership via telephone and advocated for, while Hudson was not given an interview of any form? This, despite his extended record of quality service. To the contrary, several members of the DA's Office staff quit their jobs, as a result of working under Dornfried. Yet none of these concerns were
discussed, period.
All I heard was: "Judge Hudson has lost his fire." What kind of fire is a Superior Court Judge supposed to show? If they wanted "fire," they should have supported Bowser for Commissioner....
Tracey Cline's situation showed no legally verified concerns about Hudson - no more than any of the issues we know of already elected folks. Judge Hudson maintained a level of professionalism and calm, throughout the entire process. Hudson dismissed charges which each had connected with them, misleading police information, as well as other, severe issues. Several members expressed the 751 judicial matter as their reason.
My 2-cents.
And as always Melissa: when we disagree, it is all intellectual debate over our respective, perceived set of facts - never personal.
- Darius
-------------------------
Darius M. Little
Executive Business
Consultant and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle
Manta Business Profile/Report:
http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]
________________________________
From: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:11:14 -0700 (PDT)
To: <Darius.M.Little at alumni.unc.edu>; <inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org>; <revcwkii at hotmail.com>; <kjj1bg at yahoo.com>; <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>
Cc: <inc-list at rtpnet.org>
Subject: Re: Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
" But, since he did not allow Judge Abernathy to remain on the 751 case, but instead went next in the rotation to Henry Hight (a VERY respected Judge), PA supporters even went so far as to make a 751 judicial endorsement. Beyond all reason - and community interest at-large. "
I think Darius jumps to a big conclusion here. I also attended the PA endorsement meeting and didn't come away with a feeling that Hudson was not endorsed due to the
Abernathy replacement or the judicial scenario surrounding the 751 project. Tracey Cline did reveal some considerable concerns regarding Hudson, regardless of her own situation.
As for the rest of Darius's email, I agree with it, for the most part.
However, I was proud of the PA for not endorsing someone simply because they were black or due to the apparent need to pander to the
Committee, as I see this as a form of racism and think it is insulting to the candidates, whether they are black, white, or purple.
I certainly did not want to endorse a candidate I didn't really know- I have made that mistake before and dint plan to do it again. As Darius's comments regarding the other candidates indicate, most of the other candidates' interview/questionnaire answers were vague at best. I did not support Page because of the way he handled people who disagreed with him, a phenomenon that has come to be known as 'Page Rage.' I have personally been a victim (the video of the meeting is available on the BOCC website), and I know of many who previously avid supporters of Page who have changed their minds due to his treatment of them once they didn't agree with everything he thought.
As for Howerton, in addition to the 751 issue (as a previous SWCD board member, she should have at least shown
substantial interest in the affects on Jordan Lake, and she showed little to none), too many times she prolonged meetings by having staff spoon-feed her information that she should have read in her packet prior to the meeting. She took a lot of trips and padded her resume as a result, IMHO she should have been concentrating on her role as commissioner in Durham, rather than spending our taxpayer money elsewhere.
Melissa
________________________________
From: Darius Mercedes Little <Darius.M.Little at alumni.unc.edu>;
To: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>; <inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org>; <revcwkii at hotmail.com>; <kjj1bg at yahoo.com>; Darius Little(Self) <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>;
Cc: <inc-list at rtpnet.org>;
Subject: Foster's Durham Committee Interview:
Sent: Wed, May 23, 2012 6:31:33 PM
Carl, I'll address the interviews.
As one who believes that it is important to understand the opinions of as many constituencies as possible, I am an active member of The Durham Committee and the People's Alliance. This does not exude being a "sellout" it in my opinion demonstrates my level of maturity. I want to hear from, listen to, and analyze the thinking, behavior and expectations of all Durham Citizens.
As such, I attended the interview processes of ALL candidates that ran for office (locally and Statewide).
Of the County Commissioner Challengers, Fred Foster (along with Wendy Jacobs) was very specific as it relates to his opinion on 751. He repeated, in a packed Durham Committee Interview: this is the wrong project, in the wrong location, at the wrong time.
Whether one agreed with him or not, his conviction
was clear and
unlike the other candidates, Foster was respected.
As such, the Durham Committee showed Political Maturity (which I feel was not shown in the People's Alliance), by not endorsing a slate 'solely' based upon the emotion in the room for, or against, 751. The endorsement of Jim Dornfried was even Political, as he has absolutely no Judicial experience, yet was endorsed over a man who has respectfully represented Durham on a Superior Court bench for over 20 years. One who is highly rated. But, since he did not allow Judge Abernathy to remain on the 751 case, but instead went next in the rotation to Henry Hight (a VERY respected Judge), PA supporters even went so far as to make a 751 judicial endorsement. Beyond all reason - and community interest at-large.
The Durham Committee endorsed someone who was against 751. Why? Because Fred has an extensive track record of community support.
As I
spoke for
Fred at the DCABP Endorsement I shared with the Political Committe about a call I received from Fred one Saturday AM at around 7:15. Fred called and notified me he was out of town, at a conference with Rev. Barber. He'd received a voice message from a lady in Walltown whose husband needed an emergency amputation and who had no money for anything - including food. Fred said he needed someone reliable that would handle that for him, out of their own pocket and that he'd heard reports of me helping folks, so he was wondering could I help. I did so with no problem - and stocked-up the family's refrigerator with food.
I did this because I believe in Fred and the NAACP. His service is from the heart and I respect people who do more than hold positions on boards. I serve on all kinds of boards, but my true experience comes from direct interaction with people. Fred has been in the trenches. In the
churches. In
the homes, schools and participated in a diverse coalition of Durham organizations.
That is what we need on the Board of Commissioners.
Fred has not straddled the issues at all, so I have no idea how that conversation could even be initiated. Anyone who participates in the Durham Committee knows beyond any doubt that Foster was one of the few, understandable interviews.
With all due respect, most of the other challengers couldn't even answer basic questions. Most importantly, besides "being on boards," those who did understand how "some" of the government operated, were absolutely clueless when it came to them answering questions which required individual creativity and problem solving skills.
In Romans 10, verse 1, the Apostle Paul opens by saying: "My heart's desire and prayer for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness, that they have a zeal for God, but not
according to
knowledge."
Nothing rings more true in my ears than these words. The challengers have zeal, but when it comes to service, I've not crossed paths with many of them in this community.
And frankly, that's just, well, odd......
- Darius
-------------------------
Darius M. Little
Executive Business Consultant and
Strategic Marketing Analyst
(web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle
Manta Business Profile/Report:
http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." [Matt 21:22]
-----Original Message-----
From: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>
Sender: inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 11:06:53
To: <revcwkii at hotmail.com>; <kjj1bg at yahoo.com>; <darius.m.little at alumni.unc.edu>
Cc: <inc-list-bounces at rtpnet.org>; <inc-list at rtpnet.org>
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] BOCC replacement, take 2
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