http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=4475

OK let's talk about TIFs (Tax Increment Financing).

Rememebr in 2004 when NC voted for Amendment One which allowed TIFs? This created a way for gov't to do an end around the voter and raise debt without our consent.

Opponents pointed out that if the TIF project failed, taxpayers would be left holding the bag. Proponents of Amendment One replied that all projects would be carefully scrutinized so that wouldn't happen.

Well now we have one of the first major North Carolina TIFs..the Randy Parton Theater. A $23 million boondoggle that was supposed to create a Branson-Missouri-like complex in job deprived Roanoke Rapids.

Somehow Randy Parton, a nobody C&W music performer - with no name recognition outside of being Dolly Parton's brother, convinced the city and state to build him a theater, give him $1.5 million a year salary, buy him a house and a car, give him control of the theater and a $3 million fund.

They then built the theater and, before building any of the other hotels and stores that were needed to drive in business, let it open. Of course attendance was minimal. Parton was the only performer.

When reporters asked to see the books, Parton refused. That's when it should have been raided by state treasury agents. But he was let alone and blew $2.3 mil of the $3 mil fund. The city is still going through his books, but it looks like he spent state funds on trips to Vegas, alcohol and rent for his friend.

Some of the blame for this fiasco falls into Parton's lap, but the main blame goes to city officials, the mayor and mostly to the top elected state official who signed off on this stupid deal, ..the man who is responsible for watching the public's money...state treasurer and gubenatorial candidate Richard Moore.

Was there ever any type of background check on Parton? Did they check to see if he was an alcoholic? Did they check to see that he had zero experience managing any type of entertainment complex? Why was he given so much money for an unproven track record? Is this the type of scrutiny we can expect for these TIF deals?

12/8/2007 10:20:48 PM

Amendment One was a disaster waiting to happen

12/8/2007 11:35:13 PM

TIF is a recipe for corruption wherever it happens. It was an unmitigated disaster in Chicago, where it was used for cushy giveaways and sweetheart deals for well-heeled corporate interests, and basically used to rob Chicago Public Schools. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it's invited the same kind of corruption here.

12/8/2007 11:55:50 PM

Quote :

"but the main blame goes to city officials, the mayor and mostly to ... state treasurer and gubenatorial candidate Richard Moore."

what about the stupid fuckwit citizens of NC who voted for the Amendment?

fuck you guys, you got what you deserve.

Randy Parton

12/9/2007 1:38:41 AM

This sounds like the dumbest idea in the world.

[Edited on December 9, 2007 at 2:28 AM. Reason : new regime]

12/9/2007 2:28:20 AM

TIFs aren't a problem. They are a tool that can spur important economic development if used very carefully and responsibly. TIF isn't the only way public officials can make expensive poor decisions without going to the voters. The irresponsible use of TIFs is a MAJOR problem.

It is important to take local elections seriously, because their decisions can have a significant impact.

12/9/2007 8:30:14 AM

^
TIFs are a problem. They give spending decisions for huge amounts of money to a very small group of politicians. Do you think a nobody huckster like Parton would've been able to pull this off if the voters of NC were able to decide on the deal?

Good intentions may start off a TIF project- but any situation where you have one group (power-hungry politicians) spending someone else's money (NC Taxpayers) on someone else (Roanoke), youare asking for trouble.

12/9/2007 10:52:30 AM

Do you really think TIFs are the only mechanism for politicians to finance projects that doesn't require voter approval?

12/9/2007 11:32:44 AM

Quote :

"Do you really think TIFs are the only mechanism for politicians to finance projects that doesn't require voter approval?"

No, TIFs are not the only mechanism for politicians to finance projects that doesn't require voter approval. However, that doesn't mean we should simply roll over and give them just one more tool to waste the good citizens' money.

12/9/2007 11:52:03 AM

Quote :

"TIFs aren't a problem. They are a tool that can spur important economic development if used very carefully and responsibly. TIF isn't the only way public officials can make expensive poor decisions without going to the voters. The irresponsible use of TIFs is a MAJOR problem."

Here's the problem, though: TIFs basically beg for problems to occur. Yes, yes, they can be used carefully and responsibly - so can a Howitzer. See how many people we trust with those.

TIFs have many features that invite corruption - particularly, opacity (i.e., unlike a bond or a sales tax, the tax hit is invisible - the revenues are gone, meaning that either the city comes back demanding more taxes for its general budget, or other services are short-changed), they are given out on an individual basis to private interests without any real accountability (i.e., it's basically a government handout given exclusively for the sake of getting a private interest to build - can you say, rent-seeking behavior? Not to mention the potential for corruption that simply comes from conflicts of interest, etc), and the accountability issue more broadly - generally speaking, the city doesn't get to collect back taxes if the TIF recipient doesn't live up to their promises.

Hell, even worse is when TIFs are used to keep existing businesses threatening to take flight - a frequent occurrence. in Chicago (such as with the Board of Trade). They don't have to add new jobs, they don't have to expand - even by just threatening to leave they can manage to shake out a TIF deal if they're big enough. Textbook rent-seeking behavior, which TIFs only encourage.

[Edited on December 9, 2007 at 11:58 AM. Reason : .]

12/9/2007 11:57:06 AM

I know all of the city officials in Roanoke Rapids personally, and I know that the majority of them had good intentions for an economically depressed area in the Randy Parton deal. In addition, I believe--and hope--the theater will eventually become financially successful.

The TIF issue aside, RR has taken the first step to making the theater a success: getting rid of Parton. I hate that it had to come to this, but I honestly think it will work out for the best.

12/11/2007 2:00:05 AM

Can someone tell me how that thing is supposed to make money?

[Insert big time country music singer here], will you come do a show in Roanoke Rapids?

Where?!

When that thing came up in idle conversation around the office, it also had a "wtf" attached to it. Seriously, can someone tell me how that thing is supposed to make money?



[Edited on December 11, 2007 at 8:18 AM. Reason : opo]

12/11/2007 8:17:58 AM

^
As Hooksaw states, the project was done with the best of intentions. When I first heard of it, I got a slight wiff of desperation on the city's sake to help the community.

But as I said, no matter what the good intentions were, this Parton thing should never have been done. The voters of NC would have seen through this guy and stopped it cold in a proposition vote.

TIFs are like lobbyists. You have a small group that is highly motivated to lobby politicians for money. The rest of us are busy working and not paying attention. The TIF allows politicians to give these groups money without much attention-getting fanfare.

The next thing you know..you have a Randy Parton spending taxpayer money on booze and gambling.

12/11/2007 10:53:27 AM

In the beginning of this mess, I think the biggest problem was that some RR officials were starstruck--except that Randy Parton is not a star that I or a lot of others had ever heard of. And they built a theater for and around this guy as a part of other economic development surrounding the theater.

First, they never should have built the theater around one performer--or even a big star. Hell, Roanoke Rapids ain't Branson and it never will be. The "WTF" that a lot of people--me included--were expressing concerned the lack of multiple acts in multiple genres being booked at the theater.

Second, the theater is just big enough (1500 seats) to be hard to fill for certain bands and performers and just small enough to be too small for big-time performers. But from what I understand, the house band is excellent and they play a variety of musical genres--they have already started to attract crowds. And the big acts can still perform in the adjacent field, which they have done and continue to do. The new management company is also booking a variety of types of shows--and this leads me to my next point.

Third, RR has taken the first step to making things right: getting rid of Parton. And they ought to change the name of the theater as soon as possible. The idea for a theater was not bad; the idea for the Randy Parton theater was.

Unfortunately, this incident will be used as an example of why TIF is bad. I believe that the new theater will be successful, though. I think some of the critics should pull back on the "I told you so" reigns--for now.

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/11/27/news/news.txt

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/11/breaking_news/breakingnews.txt

And Carolina Crossroads developer Michael Dunlow has said that the other businesses adjacent to the theater are on track. Other businesses--in addition to a thriving theater--will make a huge difference there.

Quote :

"ROANOKE RAPIDS - Carolina Crossroads developer Michael Dunlow says the massive project is moving forward in a positive direction. 'Our vision remains the same which is to develop a first class entertainment destination that will make the citizens of Roanoke Rapids and the state of North Carolina proud,' he said in a press statement. Dunlow outlined several major projects that are under way or preparing to start. These include: € The five-story Hilton Garden Inn is scheduled to open early 2008. € Virginia-based Landmark Hotel Group plans to start construction this summer to build a 125-room upscale hotel in the music and entertainment district. The two hotels combined represent an investment of more than $30 million. € The RV-Resort at Carolina Crossroads is nearing completion. The resort includes pools, playground areas, and a clubhouse for group gatherings. € Billiard sensation Jeanette 'The Black Widow' Lee continues to fine tune plans for a billiard center at Carolina Crossroads. An architect has been retained to develop final concepts. € Plans are also being finalized for construction to begin within 60 days on 25,000-square-feet of retail which will include a 5,000-square-foot steak and seafood restaurant. The restaurant will also include a stage for live entertainment. € The Carolina Crossroads Outdoor Amphitheater will enter into its third season of outdoor shows beginning with Jeff Foxworthy in May, a beach music festival in June, a hot air balloon festival, and numerous other shows and events throughout the summer and fall. Dunlow added that several other major additions are still being negotiated."

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/10/news/news1.txt

[Edited on December 12, 2007 at 2:18 AM. Reason : .]

12/12/2007 2:18:17 AM

Quote :

"And the big acts can still perform in the adjacent field, which they have done and continue to do. "

Name them. Name 5 big acts that have played there. I've googled for 5 minutes and Charlie Daniels Band is the only one I see playing there (or in the field?) any time soon.

12/12/2007 8:31:23 AM

haha

Roanoke Rapids?

12/12/2007 8:35:38 AM

The bands they got at the outdoor arena in a field over the last two summers are:

Charlie Daniels x2
Gretchen Wilson x2
Willie Nelson
Merle Haggard
Hank Williams Jr.
Third Day
Trace Adkins
Clarence Carter

Thats all I can remember for now.

So far since UNICCO has taken over they booked at the indoor theater Charlie Daniels, Califonia Transit Authority, they are looking to book other acts like Bucky Covington, Lonestar, and others.

BTW hooksaw, how do you know the councilmembers? Just curious. I work with one council members wife and anothers daughter.

12/12/2007 9:17:39 AM

Quote :

"Unfortunately, this incident will be used as an example of why TIF is bad. "

Unfortunately? This seems like a fortunate example early on with our experience with TIFs.

We learned early on that we need to be alot more careful with these TIF deals.

If all these ideas like a billiard parlor, an RV camp and an outdoor amphitheater are so good...let private entities build them at their expense. One of the problems with Parton was that he didn't sink one dime of his own money into the project.

State tax money shouldn't be used to loan out to downtrodden cities. It should be used to pay for running gov't services and that's it. If a city can't make it any longer, then it should shut down. (/Scrooge rant)

12/12/2007 10:58:36 AM

Quote :

"RR has taken the first step to making the theater a success: getting rid of Parton. I hate that it had to come to this, but I honestly think it will work out for the best."

Agreed. Randy Parton is a hack. If he were any good, with his name and connections, he wouldn't have been second string for shows at Dollywood for the last decade. Not to mention he came to NC and sings all the same crap from his Dollywood show. From what I've heard over half the songs he does at the RR theater are about Tennessee. Most people said someone needs to let him know he's not in TN anymore.

Quote :

"I know all of the city officials in Roanoke Rapids personally, and I know that the majority of them had good intentions for an economically depressed area in the Randy Parton deal."

Good intentions maybe, but they got totally worked on this deal and they should be ashamed for it. His personal salary is ridiculous even without having to defraud them of more money.

Just about the whole town fell for this hook, line, and sinker. I can't tell you how many ridiculous notions I've heard out of that area. I think "RR will be bigger than Raleigh in 10 years" may have been the most ridiculous thing I heard. Real estate in RR and Lake Gaston has gone up significantly as part of this buzz and now I wonder how they will be affected by all this bad press.

Quote :

"The bands they got at the outdoor arena in a field over the last two summers are: Charlie Daniels x2 Gretchen Wilson x2 Willie Nelson Merle Haggard Hank Williams Jr. Third Day Trace Adkins Clarence Carter"

How many concerts does that actually represent? I'm thinking maybe 5 total? Willie and Merle played together at one show. I know Hank Jr. and Gretchen Wilson played together on one bill.

12/12/2007 1:04:46 PM

this story, quite possibly, is the greatest story to come out of eastern nc in 30 years

12/12/2007 2:26:20 PM

I refuse to read anything linked to the Civitas institute.

I also love how Civitas tries to blame Richard Moore he never said the Randy Parton theatre would work, only that Roanoke Rapids had the ability to pay. Why isn't Civitas lobbing bombs at Les Merit? After all, he is also on the commission that granted approval

[Edited on December 12, 2007 at 2:36 PM. Reason : .]

12/12/2007 2:29:52 PM

this picture needs to be here

12/12/2007 2:38:04 PM

To EarthDogg: I hear what you're saying. But I can't condemn TIF simply because RR officials hired an alleged drunkard.

To Skack:

Quote :

"RR will be bigger than Raleigh might be as big as Rocky Mount in 10 20 years"

Fixed.

Quote :

"BTW hooksaw, how do you know the councilmembers? Just curious. I work with one council members wife and anothers daughter."

Nighthawk

I lived there since I was ten--but I've been living in Raleigh for about eight years now. And my family has been politically active in Halifax County for about three decades.

[Edited on December 12, 2007 at 5:18 PM. Reason : .]

12/12/2007 5:13:03 PM

hes a drunkard. every time i have seen him around RR he has been throwing it down or preparing to throw it down. One Sunday just after church, I saw him at lowe's foods with a cart carrying about 6 12 pks of coronas. he was obviously hungover and was wearing a tattered UNC shirt with the strutting ram logo that spanned from the collar to his waist.

Also, he was at my family reunion thing last summer, his daughter(mightve been his niece) was pushing her baby around with a gallon of jack daniels in the stroller while chugging on some marlboros.

top quality dude

12/12/2007 7:09:13 PM

^

Quote :

"wearing a tattered UNC shirt"

He's dead to me.

12/12/2007 8:06:36 PM

Quote :

"Dolly Speaks Out to Support Brother Roanoke Rapids City Council hires outside attorney on theater matter By Don Carrington, December 12, 2007 ROANOKE RAPIDS — Dolly Parton released a statement Tuesday saying her brother Randy is “being crucified in the press” and has become a “scapegoat” for the city’s troubled theater project. Meanwhile, the Roanoke Rapids City Council on Tuesday approved a motion to hire the Raleigh law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice to represent its interests in resolving differences with Randy Parton. Parton’s earlier problems... Last week was not the first time Randy Parton has had problems involving alcohol. According to a story in The Mountain Press of Sevierville, Tenn., Parton was stopped in September 1991 by a Gatlinburg police officer who observed Parton driving erratically. The officer testified that Parton took a swing at him and that he had to push Parton to the ground to subdue him. Parton claimed that he failed a field sobriety test because a knee injury received during the scuffle with the officer made him appear drunk. The paper also reported that “included in the evidence against Parton was a mug shot of Parton taken at the Sevier County Jail that showed him making an obscene gesture at a jailer.” Parton was charged with driving under the influence but pleaded not guilty, and the case went to a jury two years later. The jury convicted him. Four years later, in January 1995, while an employee of Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Parton ran afoul of the park’s management. A letter obtained by CJ outlines the park’s concern with Parton’s behavior. “You will never again be on Dollywood property in an intoxicated condition,” Dollywood Vice President of Entertainment Patricia Morinelli wrote to Parton. “I cautioned you on one incident and there have been others which have come to my attention after the fact. Any further incident will result in immediate dismissal whether or not you are on the clock.” Morinelli also warned Parton to refrain from “verbal abuse of any Dollywood employee working with you on any project and this includes your abuse to me personally, and to other Dollywood management. This abuse includes bad language and sexually harassing remarks and gestures.” "

http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=4485

So no one on the gov't commission seemed to bother checking if Parton was a alcoholic with a violent and abusive nature? Is this the kind of finiancial stewardship we can expect from a "Governor Moore?" Beverly Perdue should be hammering him with this fiasco.

Nutsmacker wants to take some heat off of Richard Moore saying the State Treasurer only OK'd the fact that RR could pay back the loan. Yes the city/county might be able to pay it back..but they will have to do it by socking the taxpayers with higher sales and property taxes.

And it seems Moore got some fund-raising money from green-lighting the Parton project.

Quote :

"Moore Knew of Parton Annual Fee State Treasurer Richard Moore was aware of $1.5 million annual fee By Don Carrington, July 16, 2007 RALEIGH — Staff members of State Treasurer Richard Moore acknowledged Tuesday that Moore knew about Randy Parton’s annual $1.5 million “artist fee” but disputed as irrelevant a key contention of a feasibility study regarding the arrangement to build with public funds a theater in Roanoke Rapids named after the entertainer. For more than two months Moore and his staff have avoided answering questions about the project. Moore is chairman of the Local Government Commission, which gave final approval on Feb. 6 for Roanoke Rapids to borrow $21.5 million to finance the Randy Parton Theatre. The commission, whose staff is housed in the treasurer’s office, must approve all city and county plans to borrow money. It determines whether a local government can afford to pay the money back. Deputy Treasurer Vance Holloman and Debt Management Director Tim Romocki, Moore staff members involved in the Parton Theatre approval process, acknowledged, when asked by Carolina Journal, that Moore specifically knew about Parton’s annual fee before approving the project. CJ also asked them whether Moore was aware of a feasibility study that required 200,000 square feet of retail space and two hotels to first be in place for the theater to succeed. Holloman and Romocki would not answer the question and suggested the requirement was irrelevant. The theater is scheduled to open July 26, but only one hotel is under construction, and none of the retail space has been started. The 35,000-square-foot theater was completed and turned over to Parton in March. It is to be the cornerstone of the Carolina Crossroads Entertainment District, located along Interstate 95. According to his agreement with the city, Parton has almost total control of theater operations and is responsible for making monthly payments to cover the city’s loan on the project. A lot was riding on Moore’s approval of the project. If the public financing had not been approved, the private developer, B&C Roanoke LLC, would have had to obtain private funds for the long-term financing of the facility. Roanoke Rapids officials are planning for ticket sales and other theater revenues to raise enough funds to pay the debt service and Parton’s $1.5 million annual fee. If those funds are not enough, local sales or property taxes will have to be used. Feasibility study The fund-raiser... Moore, a Democrat, said May 22 that he will be a candidate for governor in the 2008 election. Roanoke Rapids area supporters sponsored a fundraiser for him June 11 at the home of Halifax County Commissioner Gene Minton. Minton is also a board member of the Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau. The bureau is a government agency, and board members are chosen by the county commissioners. Tickets to the fundraiser were $100 per person, with Patrons, Sponsors and Hosts paying $500, $1,000 and $2,000 respectively. Listed at the top of the invitation, apparently designated as hosts, were people with close ties to the theater. Included were Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewry Beale, Carolina Crossroads developer Michael Dunlow, theater employees Cathy and Mike Scott, and State Rep. Michael Wray, who helped secure state funds to promote the project. Documents obtained by CJ show that the bureau’s executive director, Lori R. Medlin, used her government e-mail account the day of the fundraiser to solicit attendees. “Subject: Fundraiser for Richard Moore,” the e-mail said. “Please review the attached invitation. It is not too late to decide to attend. You may arrive at the event this evening and check in with Gene.” Medlin sent the e-mail to an undisclosed list of recipients. A copy of the invitation was provided as an e-mail attachment. Medlin did not return phone messages seeking comment about her work for the Moore campaign. Two years ago the General Assembly appropriated $500,000 to promote the Parton Theatre and surrounding Carolina Crossroads Entertainment District. Medlin’s bureau is managing those funds. "

http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=4182

12/12/2007 9:07:33 PM

Why doesn't it show how RR had a fundraiser for every other fucking candidate.

Carolina Journal is the most biased piece of shit out there.

12/12/2007 9:13:22 PM

^
Sure they're biased. But can you disprove any of the reporting?

Can you provide any evidence that, say the RR mayor, donated any money to Moore's challenger?

You also disparage State Auditor Les Merritt- insinuating that he was a supporter of the Parton/Watson deal.

The Daily Advance ran this OP-ED:

Quote :

"April 16, 2006 Editorial: Audit Reveals Greed and Incompetence Two words leap out of State Auditor Les Merritt's audit report on the operations of the Northeast Partnership and Northeastern N.C. Regional Economic Development Commission. One is "greed"; the other is "incompetence." Unfortunately for the state's taxpayers, both greed and incompetence were in abundant supply at what was supposed to be the northeast region's premier job generator but in fact was nothing more than a private slush fund for a privileged few. As Merritt's report makes crystal clear, the primary focus of the Northeast Partnership in recent years hasn't been on bringing jobs to one of the poorest regions of the state. It's instead been on enriching the Partnership's own employees and contractors. The Commission, meanwhile, has been just as focused – on looking the other way or not looking at all while the thievery was running rampant. Much of what went wrong at the Partnership and Commission that Merritt documents in his audit report is, of course, laid at the feet of Rick Watson, the Partnership and Commission's recently departed president and CEO. It was Watson's call, according to Merritt's report, to pay himself $240,350 in total bonuses on top of the $503,413 he made in annual salary over the past three years. That's $743,736 in total compensation over three years – about 19 percent of the $4.1 million in state funds the entire agency received for that period. It was also Watson's decision to pay another $377,134 in bonuses to the Partnership's other 11 employees and contractors on top of what they made in salary or fees. The Partnership didn't have any rules or procedures for making these excessive bonuses, Merritt's report confirms; Watson's say-so was all that was needed. It's also a safe assumption Watson was behind the Partnership's decision to sign contracts that Merritt described as potentially harmful to the agency. Merritt found that in 11 of 15 cases, the Partnership had signed agreements with employees or contractors that obligated the agency to pay them the equivalent of their annual salaries or retainer fees even when there was a good reason for firing them. Watson himself benefited from this sweetheart arrangement: the Partnership and Commission were forced to pay him $165,000 last month just to get him out the door. Finally, Merritt's report also dismisses Watson's and other Partnership officials' contention that his financial involvement with an agency client – Randy Parton's Carolina Crossroads theater project – wasn't a conflict of interest. According to Merritt, Watson's involvement in the Parton project was a clear conflict of interest and violation of the Partnership's ethics policies. But it's also clear from reading Merritt's report that the Commission, whose 19 members are appointed by the governor, House speaker and Senate president, are just as culpable, if not more so, for the public fleecing that's been allowed to go on at the Partnership. As Merritt points out, the state auditor's office "saw little evidence of in-depth discussion or very little action taken (by the Commission) in regards to some major outlays and operational issues." As a result of this lack of oversight, Watson was allowed free rein to engage in the Parton conflict of interest; most board members had no clue who the Partnership's contractors were, why they were chosen, how much they were paid or why; and few board members knew how much Partnership employees were paid, why they received bonuses or that most couldn't be fired without large financial hits to the agency's bank account. Merritt's report also notes that the Commission's laziness – nearly all of the agency's work was left up to Watson and small executive board – could have dire consequences for how the public views the agency, how the state decides to fund it, and how businesses trust it in the future. Based on Merritt's findings, we don't see why anyone – the state, the public or businesses – should trust the Partnership and Commission with another dime of taxpayer money – at least not the way it's currently organized, operated and led. The problems go much deeper than just one individual and they won't be resolved until more than one individual departs. The Commission immediately needs to dissolve the Partnership and retake control of the agency's resources. It also needs to demand the resignation of the Partnership's vice president, Vann Rogerson. Rogerson, a state Department of Commerce employee, didn't just know what was going on, he benefited from it – pulling in more than $101,000 in bonus pay over the past three years. The Commission also needs to shed itself of Cathy Scott, a consultant and close adviser to Watson. Scott raked in $87,450 in bonus pay over the past three years despite not being an official employee of the Partnership. Finally, the Commission needs to demand the immediate resignations of its executive board. It was this tiny cabal – that includes the board chairman Jack Runion, past chairman Bob Spivey, treasurer O.S. "Buck" Suiter and secretary Fred Yates – that either didn't know what Watson was spending on himself and the rest of his staff or they did know and indulged it. Either way, they shouldn't spend another day directing economic development efforts in our region. They definitely shouldn't be anywhere near the process of choosing Watson's replacement. No one will probably go to jail for the financial shenanigans at the Partnership. But that doesn't mean there shouldn't be stiff penalties. Until there are, the public should have zero faith that its money is safe with this organization. "

[Edited on December 12, 2007 at 9:22 PM. Reason : .]

12/12/2007 9:22:21 PM

Let's see, merritt signed off on the deal.

secondly, I don't see what is so incriminating to have one elected official donate money to another elected official, I'm sure if we look deep enough, we'll see that the RR mayor also donated to Wicker back in 2000.

12/12/2007 9:25:19 PM

Looks like Perdue is taking my advice

Perdue Lobs Randy Parton at Moore
http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdue_lobs_randy_parton_at_moore

Quote :

"A spokeswoman for Moore's office said Monday the commission's role has been to "assess a local government's ability to pay, not to second guess the decisions made by local elected officials." Sara Lang, communications director for Moore's office, wrote in a statement that Moore believes the commission should have the ability to do a more comprehensive evaluation of projects it considers. In her statement, Lang said Moore would create a task force to help Roanoke Rapids fix the problems with the project. "

Seems like it was a task force that got them into this mess in the first place.

The State Treasurer, the Secretary of Revenue, the Secretary of State and the State Auditor all signed off on this mess. They didn't show any type of public stewardship in handing over $23 million to the Parton project. If it failed, the taxpayer would be stuck paying for it.

They should all resign.

Anything that the taxpayer could be stuck paying for should be examined a hell of lot closer than the Parton deal.

[Edited on December 12, 2007 at 10:45 PM. Reason : .]

12/12/2007 10:44:27 PM

I guess you don't understand what the task force is there to do. It is there to say whether or not the city/town can pay back the debt. That is all. Do you want the State to run like a tyranny and say, "no you can't do that." when there is no reason other than your hatred of TIFs?

12/12/2007 10:46:09 PM

Quote :

"The State and Local Government Finance Division provides the State Treasurer and the Local Government Commission, which is chaired by the State Treasurer, with assistance in fulfilling their statutory obligations with regard to State and local government finance. The Debt Management Section counsels and assists local governments in determining the feasibility of a project, the size of the financing, and the most expedient form of financing. Upon approval by the Local Government Commission, the Division handles the sale and delivery of the debt and monitors its repayment. Additionally, all State debt is issued and monitored by this Division. "

The feasibility study was basically ignored by the commission.

Now, assuming you will ignore this information from the State website. If this commission had no responsibility for the Parton fiasco, then who, in your mind, was ultimately responsible for the proper task saying no to Roanoke on this loan?

12/12/2007 11:20:32 PM

Where was it ignored?

And the finaly solution to something liek this is for the citizens of RR to say no or the town council to say no.

For chrissakes, the town wanted to do something, they asked the State if they could and the state answered in the only manner they are allowed to, they said yes. If RR isn't able to pay off the debt then the council would have said no, but they had the ability.

so quit quoting carolina journal.

12/12/2007 11:25:24 PM

Steve that chick with the baby is Randy's daughter Tevor. She's a loose ho who is banging Drew Lane. Apparently she follows in daddy's footsteps, as she's got a kid by some guy, has a drug/alcohol problem, and is by all acounts a classy lady.

12/13/2007 6:53:06 PM

i dont doubt that the RR council had the best intentions.

but it sounds like they are as stupid as randy parton is drunk.

the let this hack clown con them out of millions of tax dollars without having a single dime of his own investment? he doesnt even have any fucking EXPERIENCE?

good lord.

nice people yeh, im sure, but damn should they be controlling state tax money?

12/14/2007 1:23:23 AM

^ The RR officials are not "stupid" people. I think some of them just got starstruck--kind of like if Sean Penn introduced you to Hugo Chavez, you know, schmoe?

And Parton actually did have experience. He had performed these types of shows at Dollywood for years, and from what I understand, he had actually put together some decent shows. But the low attendance and allegations of alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement were just too much for RR officials to deal with.

[Edited on December 14, 2007 at 1:30 AM. Reason : .]

12/14/2007 1:29:58 AM

Quote :

"He had performed"

performing second string country gigs with a mediocre sessions band on the pity stage because you have a famous sister ... is totally just like managing and promoting a $23M complex

and if I ever met Sean Penn, I'd bust his nuts for making that stupid ass "Mystic River" movie. wtf was he thinking? Hugo Chavez? please. i'd give that pudgy runt a wedgie then flush his head in the toilet.



wait wait wait. i just saw this:

Quote :

"some of them got starstruck"

starstruck?

by Randy Parton?

bwahahah









[Edited on December 14, 2007 at 2:07 AM. Reason : ]

12/14/2007 2:01:12 AM

^

Quote :

"In the beginning of this mess, I think the biggest problem was that some RR officials were starstruck--except that Randy Parton is not a star that I or a lot of others had ever heard of."

hooksaw

If you would do yourself the favor of reading this one-page thread, you wouldn't look so ill-informed.

hooksaw: Lived in the area for over thirty years and personally knows all the parties involved with the theater--except Parton.

joe_schmoe: One more Left Coast loudmouth. STFU.

12/14/2007 2:48:13 AM

Baird: City kept close watch on theater, reacted to failings

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/14/news/news4.txt

Attendance up at Partonless theater

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/14/news/news5.txt

FYI.

12/14/2007 10:02:54 PM

didnt see it posted, but this interview is something you should watch:

http://wral.com/news/local/page/2156407/?navkeyword=parton

its under WRAL EXCLUSIVE.

I can't say I blame randy at all. he may not be the best quality of person, but he has been made the scapegoat for the city's mistake. "is that smell the paper mill or the politics?"

12/15/2007 8:58:14 AM

^^
Sounds like they got rid of Parton in the nick of time. Hopefully they can salvage the project and spare the taxpayers an increase.

12/15/2007 10:31:21 AM

Parton in breach?

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/20/news/news.txt

Charlie Daniels Band fills and rocks the RPT

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/20/front/front.txt

12/21/2007 2:45:34 AM

drove past the joint yesterday on the way to chesapeake, va

looked nice from the outside

12/21/2007 9:46:21 AM

^ Yeah, it's a really attractive building.

12/21/2007 1:20:38 PM

Documents reveal Parton, advisers expected the city to market the theater

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2007/12/21/news/news.txt

12/21/2007 9:58:12 PM

-

[Edited on December 23, 2007 at 8:50 PM. Reason : -]

12/23/2007 8:49:33 PM

my ex-gf's dad sold some of his land to the randy parton folks to make this happen

12/23/2007 9:38:08 PM

Quote :

"Yeah, it's a really attractive building."

i took a look inside the other day for the first time--pretty swank, especially with all the christmas decorations. that whole area should be pretty nice once they finish the hotel and get the shops built.

[Edited on December 24, 2007 at 1:54 AM. Reason : eh]

12/24/2007 1:54:00 AM

Parton name abandoned

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2008/01/09/front/front.txt

1/9/2008 2:33:46 PM

best idea they've had yet.

too bad that drunk hillbilly is gonna sue them, now.

1/9/2008 2:46:10 PM