Way to go BO!

Tomorrow's Coastland Times will feature a photo the groundbreaking ceremony for Nature's Walk. Ten or twelve community leaders with shovels, marking the first project to be generated by the county's efforts to increase the supply of housing that is affordable for service sector workers (teachers, police officers etc) and other entry level home buyers. It is an important achievement, made even more special (drum roll please Monty) because it is a for-profit project. Local government has waived some fees and revised some rules but the project is being built on spec but a local developer who believes he can make a profit marketing this product. There are some not so free market incentives and protections available for the buyers but the seller has to get the land, build and sell the homes and come out ahead. This bodes well for future projects of this type.
It is a particularly sweet day for one those leaders with shovels. He has made workforce housing the focus of his efforts for the last 10 years or so. Gervas (Bo to his friends) Taylor of Bo Taylor Fine Homes began work on this issue when he was President of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. He led a committee of the chamber that held the first countywide meeting on housing in 2o01. That meeting led directly to the formation of the Outer Banks Community Development Corporation, which has listed Bo as Chairperson since its inception. The OBCDC has been slowly marshaling the resources that led to today's groundbreaking. Bo has been marshaling the marshals all that time. Bo doesn't get all the credit, there are others who have been at his side most of the way and some, like the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners, who made large contributions to the success of this project, but Bo has been the major force behind any progress that has been made.
Congratulations Bo, I don't think this would have happened without you. I know it happened because you knew it needed to. Thanks for all you've done.

Flood insurance for wind damage??

A House committee has voted to expand the federal flood insurance program to include wind damage as well the Miami Herald reports. A similar story appreared in the Va Pilot.
The action stems from claims that insurers refused to pay for damage they claimed was caused by water. This happened in many areas of Mississippi and Louisiana where homeowners did not have flood insurance. The result was many homeowners whose damage was not covered by insurance. The bill would offer an second tier of flood insurance that includes insurance against wind damage, ensuring that any damage would be covered.

Under the bill approved by the House committee, policyholders of the flood insurance program would be able to purchase wind policies as well. The policies wouldn't be available for those exclusively seeking wind coverage.
The multiple-peril residential policy limit would be set at $500,000 for the structure and $150,000 for contents. Maximum coverage for flood insurance policies would rise from $250,000 to $335,000 for residences.

Needless to say the insurance industry sees this as a bad idea. The industry's lobbying arm claims the bill would create a needless duplication of services and that the current mix of state and private wind offerings are sufficient.

According to PCI, the combination of homeowners’ insurance coverage, state wind pools and flood coverage available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) already provide consumers protection from wind and water damage. Moreover, the current system provides consumers the opportunity to purchase coverage at a price that reflects the risk based on the location of the property and the likelihood of a loss.
“State residual market mechanisms provide wind coverage where there is no market, and private insurers provide wind coverage where there is a market,” McKay said. “The Taylor bill simply creates a federal government fund that will compete with existing state funds and potentially with the private sector.”

It strikes me that is more political theater than good public policy. The bill would not require the very people it purports to protect to buy either flood or flood and wind coverage. It was the lack of flood insurance,not wind insurance that caused the problem in the first place.
Accees to wind insurance is a big problem in our area. Most private insurers don't offer wind damage coverage but instead place homeowners in the State's wind pool. Wind pool policies are backed by contributions from the state's insurers using a complex formula based on volume, type and location of the firms policyholders. The state has tried several times to increase the availability of private wind insurance with little effect. The wind pool coverage is limited though within its limits is better than no wind insurance. Florida goes even further and has created a separate state disaster fund to help insurance companies deal with catastrophic events that might otherwise bankrupt them or drive them out of the insurance market.
Its not clear how this new federal program would supplement the existing market, nor is it clear how simply adding wind coverage would help people who didn't buy flood insurance in the first place. It does allow Nancy Pelosi to go to La. and claim "we solved your problem."
We need a more comprehensive approach to the country's disaster response policy. I don't share Monty's view that flood insurance subsidies wealthy ocean front property owners and shouldn't be available at all ocean front properties:

I am 100% opposed to Federal Flood Insurance covering any portion of ocean front development; in fact, I think the Feds should cease to insure anything in a "V" flood zone. If 100% of the cost of V-zone development was borne by the private sector, the size of ocean front homes would diminish, the value of the lots would decrease, and a vicious cycle of bigger homes=bigger rents=bigger lot prices would cease. In that same vein, I would not be opposed to FEMA refusing to help new ocean front construction in eroding areas, and the SBA should think twice about low interest loans to businesses on the ocean front built in the last decade. If nourishment were to occur, I would support a building ban on any "recovered" lots and parcels that are currently un-buildable.

I don't think Flood insurance should be used as a land use planning tool. If we want small homes then require smaller homes or don't allow short term rentals ala the Fla. Keys. There are plenty of ways to break the cycle. Flood insurance isn't one of them. The coverage limits already make flood insurance almost irrelevant to large rental properties. Coverage tops out at $250,000. In fact the premiums the large homes pay helps keep everyone's cost down. Remember this is insurance the larger the risk pool the lower the rates. Federal Flood claims are paid by premiums not subsidies and the program reduces damage dramtically:

Flood damage is reduced by nearly $1 billion a year through partnerships with communities, the insurance industry, and the lending industry. Further, buildings constructed in compliance with NFIP building standards suffer approximately 80 percent less damage annually than those not built in compliance. And, every $3 paid in flood insurance claims saves $1 in disaster assistance payments.

Flood insurance claims and all operating expenses of the program are paid for through premiums. None of these costs are paid by taxpayers.

Monty further cites a column from the John Locke Foundation that perpetuates the fallacy of flood insurance subsidies then goes on to some pretty standard coast bashing:

Coastal property owners receive a wealth transfer from taxpayers in general, because the costs of recovery through FEMA are financed by all taxpayers. Benefits go specifically to property owners. If property holders were instead paying a market price for flood or hurricane insurance, it's certain that coastal development in North Carolina would be drastically different than it is today—and almost without doubt, much less extensive. Risk-rated insurance premiums would ensure that those who benefit also bear the costs.

This whole "the coast is the only place that has disasters so we shouldn't live there" just drive me crazy. It ignores every other natural risk that affect the rest of the state and country for that matter. When the feds stop paying for earthquake recovery or tornado damage or ice storms or riverine flooding then I will gladly give up our federal hurricane recovery support including federal flood insurance.
It doesn't make sense for us to cut ourselves off from the rest off the country. We are stronger because we offer support to one another. What we need is a better comprehensive policy on federal disaster response. It needs to include requirements for pre disaster mitigation, reasonable insurance coverage, and fair sharing of the costs, either on a percentage basis or based on the amount of damage. Without such a policy (and the political will to make it stick) we continue arguing about who is making bad development decisions, what is a disaster and who should pay for the recovery.
Keep an eye on this bill. We'll see if Congress wants real reform or political theater. Lets hope for a major overhaul of the system that adds a component of personal responsibility but maintains the safety net but don't be surprised if it is replaced by band aids and sound bites.
Ciao

What is she surfin'

You have to wonder whether Paula, Queen of the Surf Pirates reigns over the waves or the web. She has been writing her surf report for quite a while now. I became a fan as I resumed this blog in April. I enjoy her sense of humor, her reality show style and her absolute honesty. She doesn't pull any punches. Frequent readers know I often link to her blog for the interesting and the important.
Paula has added some new features to her site. Paula had added a separate page for the wonderful surf cam and photos of Kenny Onnufrock. The Sammie's Surf Lounge is the place to check out the waves. Currently this page lists Ronnie @ Outer Banks Real Estate and this site as sponsors. I am very proud to be associated with it. All we need is now is Monty and the list will be complete.
Paula has also opened a Google Forum for the discussion of Outer Banks issues. I have made a post and I encourage all my readers to join and watch the forum. You can get the postings sent via e-mail in a couple of different formats, so its pretty painless to participate.
I'm not sure whether to use the Surfing metaphor or the Pirate pun to close this so stop now and hang ten to the treasure chest at Paula's piecce of paradise on the web

We have a budget

Laura Leslie and other sources indicate that a state budget deal has finally been done. The big news is the authorization of additional local option taxes (sales and land transfer). Both (or either) will require voter approval. Expect Dare to push for both since Dare will be a big loser as the state begins to keep county sales tax revenue in exchange for picking up all Medicare costs from the counties. Unlike most counties Dare has low Medicare costs and high sales tax revenues. I don't have enough info yet but the big losers in this plan could be the towns who lose sales tax revenue but don't get any new taxes. More later.
Ciao

Brief notes

I had planned to close with this since its the only important point in this post I' just say Boycott bigotry!!!

Kevin is right, summer is a tough time to blog. The beach calls, there are lots of photos to take, process and post.
Thanks dear readers for you patience.
Herewith some brief thoughts on things political local, state and national:
Local:

• The filing period for municipal elections is over and Monty was right and I was wrong. Far and away the most interesting race will the Mayoral race in KDH. Incumbent Ray Sturza vs. former Mayor Sherry Rollason. Its not clear what the issues will be though I expect Ray's county employment will be a topic that gets a lot of discussion.
  
• I was wrong when I predicted that only one incumbent Commissioner in Southern Shores would run for reelection. All 3 have filed. This will be another interesting race. We'll see if the voters in TTTWlMGttB really want more of Mayor Don Smith's style of leadership or whether they want to the incumbents who value substance over rhetoric. You have to wonder just how much the Mayor's (and I use that term loosely) call for new blood after a budget defeat motivated the candidates. If this were basketball the coach would have cut out the article and posted it on the bulletin board. Those were fighting words.
  
• Curiously, in Nags Head the incumbents have no challengers. This after the voters rejected the current boards plan to raise taxes for beach nourishment. I guess this shows the political wisdom of holding the referendum. No backlash when the voters know they will have a role in decisions.
  (Disclaimer: I am assistant treasurer for the Committee to elect Bob Oakes.)
  
• By the way, congrats to Nags Head and KDH for their cooperative venture in fire protection. If you haven't followed the story. KDH will build and operate a new fire station on the Nags Head/KDH line. The station's primary response area will include the northern part of Nags Head and southern KDH. The costs will be shared.
  Fire service needs don't always break along political boundaries. Each town needs a station in the area of the new plant. This plan avoids a lot of duplication. Fire stations are expensive to build and even more expensive to staff. Personnel costs can run over a half million for a full crew 24/7/365.
  
• The county board won't walk away from extending water lines on Roanoke Island soI guess I am going to have to answer my puzzler one of these days.
  

Some state and federal notes

• I have been reading a new state blog lately. Its written largely by Laura Leslie of WUNC (NPR in Chapel Hill). Its well written, relatively unbiased and provides a good view of what's happening in Raleigh. Read Friday's post on the budget battle between the House and the Senate w/ Gov. Easley kibitzing.
  
• Saw a good story, but I can't find where I read it. It seems that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sent out an urgent call for his staff and the Democratic National Committee to meet. The urgent topic was the fact that the Senate was running out of futile useless gestures and unless somebody come up witn more meaningless political theater the Senate might actually have to do something meaningful or at least talk about it. I don't know about you but I found the Senate's all nighter on Iraq worse than sophomoric. I found it offensive that our nation's leaders would waste all that time to make a point the entire country knows all to well. They need to start dealing with other issues and they need to do more than just talk. They need to develop and implement solutions for the problems that are facing this county. It is increasingly clear that our system is badly broken and in need of major fixing, yet the only people who can fix it are the one's who benefit from its being broken. (More on this topic another time I hope)
  

Ciao

Revised - Judge orders end of beach driving Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Revised
Ronnie has this story as well. W/ links to the Outer Banks Connection message boards

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On the heels of the closure of Oregon Inlet to protect endangered piping plover hatchlings comes this
VA Pilot story out of Raleigh. It seems a federal judge has decided that the National Park Service doesn't have adequate oversight of beach driving in the park. Not a lot of details about how the case "grew out of a case involving a reckless driving summons issued May 27 near Oregon Inlet". The federal government order the NPS to develop a management plan for beach driving in 1972. Apparently the judge thinks that the current regs aren't adequate.

In his order, Boyle described flyovers by park service and department of interior pilots documenting 1,200 vehicles at Oregon Inlet in an "overwash" area frequented by endangered shorebirds and turtles.

He said it was reasonable to estimate that 2,500 to 5,000 people "crowded onto this narrow, fragile, environmentally sensitive area on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend."

This is a real shame for Superintendent Mike Murray. He has been repairing the tattered relations between the Park Service and the local community. He is easily the best Super. since Tom Hartman who left in the early 90's.

Here is the operative section of the Judge's ruling:

By executive order, President Nixon required that the Department of the Interior publish regulations defining specific trails and areas for the use of off-road vehicles "(ORV"). Exec.
Order No. 11,644,37 C.F.R. 5 2877 (1972), as amended by Exec. Order No. 11,898,42 Fed. Reg. 26,959 (May 24,2977). The regulations to designate which areas are open to ORV traffic must promote safety for all users, minimize damage to public lands and wildlife, and take into consideration endangered or threatened species. 43 C.F.R 5 8342.1, The designation process must include public participation, and include local landowners and other interested parties. Id. 5 8342.2. Once a plan is approved, areas and trails must be clearly identified so that the public will be aware of the applicable limitations. Id Operating a motor vehicle is prohibited except where
the Park Service has specifically designated that ORV use is permitted, in accordance with the aforementioned regulations. 30 C.F.R. 4 4.10; 1 8 U.S.C. 5 357 1. Thus, where the Park Service fails to create a plan for ORV use, ORV is prohibited.

More as it develops.

Red lights and Insurance Rates

Two articles caught my eye last week. The NC Supreme Court decided that revenues from red-light enforcement cameras had to go to local school boards while a struggle between the folks at FEMA and the state Building Code Council threatens to drive up flood insurance rates. Both issues feature struggles between government agencies and both prove the adage the good public policies often come into conflict^*. I was going to write about the recent developments in affordable housing but Ronnie at Outer Banks Real Estate has covered that topic quite well.
Red-light cameras have been increasingly popular around the state. They offer a dual benefit. They have a long track record of reducing red-light running and the associated side impact crashes. They also have been free or even better provided a revenue stream that governments could use to further improve traffic safety. The programs use an innovative financing method where a private company installs and operates the camera, providing the city with a list of violators for approval and enforcement action. In return the company keeps a share of the revenue from the enforcement fines.
The controversy arises from a clause in the state constitution that requires all "fines and forfeitures" to be used to fund public schools. When the legislature began authorizing the use of cameras they dodged this issue, allowing towns to operate under the model described above. The towns position was that the share of the revenue going to the private firms represented "costs of collection". The courts have historically allowed governments to deduct costs of collection from fees before passing them on to local school boards. Historically the costs have been capped at 10%. The town of Winstion-Salem was challenged by a motorist who claimed the ticket he got for running a red light was part of an unconstitutional program. The school board, seeing a major potential revenue source quickly agreed and joined the suit. The case made its way to the Supreme Court which ruled last week that the 10% limit applied and the revenue would have to be turned over to the BOEs.
The windfall for education comes at a price for public safety. The cameras are expensive to install and operate without the support of the revenue they generate. Don't expect to see new cameras anytime soon despite their proven benefits. Towns can't afford them and it would take a constitutional amendment (read statewide referendum) to change to court's position. The constitutional constraint on the keeping the revenue serves broadly to keep local governments from using law enforcement as a revenue tool rather than to maintain public safety. You can't lower property taxes or raise police salaries by running speed traps, the money goes to the school board. Funding education is good public policy as is enforcement for the right reasons. Increasing traffic safety and saving lives at low cost is good public policy. Good policies conflict the Wilimington Star News has an opinion, what do you think?
The second issue gets even more convoluted (if thats possible). FEMA manages the Federal Flood Insurance Program (FFIP). Local governments must meet certain minimum standards before coverage can be extended to homes in the area. The program encourages communities to go beyond the minimum by offering discounted rates for cities that adopt good flood prevention programs. The savings can be quite significant. At one point the savings in Nags Head equaled a penny on the tax rate. The ratepayers in Wilmington currently get a 25% discount as do several Dare towns.
Several years ago FFIP announced that the program would limit discounts in areas that didn't adopt stringent building code requirements, makes sense strong buildings should equal reduced flood damage, except the specific code provisions FFIP wanted to require involved protection from wind borne debris. Many localities around the country cried foul, how could a flood insurance agency justify requiring protection against wind related damage, damage that wouldn't be covered under their policies. The battle was joined and FFIP held firm in their position - Build better buildings or pay more for insurance simple.
Ah, would that it were that simple. In our state building codes are established by the North Carolina Building Code Council. As you would expect this group is dominated by the builders, largely by homebuilders. Local governments have little sway. Like the Utilities Commission, the Building Code Council protects its turf. Example, Nags Head can't require additional fire protection measures in homes used as rental property, even though it might save lives and similar standards exist for other commercial rental property. Why? because the Building Code Council controls building codes and Nag Head is preempted from adopting stronger standards by the provisions of the State Constitution that say when state regulates an issue the locals can't.
The Building Code Council has balked at adopting the revised wind-borne debris standards. They have several good policy reasons for resisting, foremost among them is the lack of any demonstrated benefit from the new standards. There is little data to prove the changes would save more than they would cost, and don't kid yourself they would cost. In fact cost is the council's second reason. They argue that the new standards would make already expensive coastal homes even less accessible to low and middle income families (remember I told you I wanted to write about affordable housing).
Currently we are at a stand off. The FFIP says it won't bend and Building Code Council says no changes in the wind-borne debris standards. Who wins - both boards will get what they want. Who loses - You do if you have flood insurance in a community with a decent rate discount. That discount will drop to 5% in the fall. You pay so new homeowners don't have to. Welcome to good government FEMA and Building Code Council style.
Which should it be safer buildings or more affordable homes? Both are good policy. What's your choice?

As Ron White says "I told you that story so I can tell you this one" Writing this takes me back to a post on the Outer Banks Republic blog. The post mused about an independent arbiter coming to the county to make the correct; the right decision about issues like replacing the Bonner bridge. Its a wonderfully appealing concept. You put all the facts on the table and come up with the right answer, should be simple. But public policy it isn't that simple and it shouldn't be. Legitimate policy goals conflict; traffic safety versus education. Safer homes vs. cheaper homes. The list is endless. The job of elected officials is to sift through the competing values and find the right balance. Its never easy and often involves compromise, compromise that single issue advocates call cowardice or pandering or worse. Advocates have the freedom to care about only one issue - global warming, free trade, public access ot our beautiful beaches, the list is endless. Elected leaders don't have that freedom. They have to address all the issues as fairly as they can. Remember that the next time government gores your sacred cow, maybe it wasn't a mistake but a choice of competing policies. Ask yourself if the outcome has benefits you don't value highly but others might. If you still don't like the choices remember municipal filing ends in a week. You have a chance to be the one making those choices. try it, you might like it.
Thanks for staying til the end.
Ciao

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^* If you spend much time thinking about public policy issues you quickly realize that policies that seem sound when considered individually often impact other policies that are equally beneficial. Simple example the use of ethanol as a fuel additive reduces our reliance on fossil fuels at the same time requiring its diverts grain that could be used to feed the hungry and will drive up food prices as the market Which policy is more important solving world hunger or reducing our use of oil?
This type of choice occurs whenever policy decisions are made and its why honorable and honest people can disagree about solutions without either side being "wrong".

New accesses in SoNag

Nags Head has finished work on two new beach access facilities in south Nags Head (hereinafter reffered to as SoNag in honor of Uncle Jack Sandburg whom we shall call He who Stays away for the summer or HwSafts for short). The addition of the accesses at June St. and Indigo St. pads Nags Head's comfortable lead over Southern Shores also known as "TTTWlMGttB" . The June St. access is a traditional access but Indigo has a handicapped accessible ramp as you can see in the lower photo. Both of these accesses should open onto beaches that aren't too crowded unless Sammy decides that this is were the best break is. Stop by and check them out.
Ciao

Revised Turtle Nest at Town Hall

This post has been revised with additional links and information.(see note below)
While walking the beach this morning I happened into a marvelous scene. A Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST) volunteer had noticed a turtle crawl. A loggerhead turtle had come up the beach and laid eggs in the sand. The turtle then crawled around and headed back down the beach and out to sea. You can see the U shaped track of the crawl in the photo. The nest area is on the left side of the picture, in the middle going top to bottom. The nest is located about 50 yards south of the Town Hall beach access Milepost 14 in Nags Head. The eggs will probably have to be moved since the nest is so close to the ocean. As the lower photo shows the nest has been moved higher on the dune line. Hopefully this will keep the eggs from being washed away.
I was told that this was a loggerhead nest as opposed to a green turtle nest because the flipper tracks on the beach are parallel to each other rather than offset. This has been a good year for turtle nests. There is another recent nest in the vicinity of Ida St. in SoNag (South Nags Head for the uninitiated). Additional nests have been located in Corolla and just north of Coquina Beach. That makes this a good year for turtle nests.
NEST volunteers ride the entire beach every day looking for crawl signs. The Town of Nags Head has a contract with NEST that provides the group with an ATV every few years and some financial support. The group also performs services for the town checking for turtle nests when such a check is required for CAMA permitting. Monticello (hereinafter known as The Locoolest Local Blogger or TLLB for short; sorry Ronnie and Paula!) wrote a nice piece about NEST just last week.

I have posted more photos to a larger slide show at my Picasa Web Album. You can see all the pictures and at my Photo Blog .
Boy this is a great place to live.
Ciao!

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NOTE:I didn't have time to flesh out this post yesterday. I wanted to get the photos up but didn't really have time to do it justice. Hope this is better.

Turtle Nest at Town Hall

This post has been revised
Ciao!

NYT - Wealthy Stake $25 Million in a War With the Sea

nantucket house cliff pano originally uploaded by yacht_boy

From the New York Times this morning an article about a familiar subject . Not to detailed in terms of the debate but much of it sounds oh so familiar.
Offered without comment, it needs none.

Who's a local

Ronnie over at Outer Banks Real Estate tipped me to a recent post on the Village Realty blog about how to talk like a local. Among the tips on how to get around the Outer Banks and pronounce Hatteras (think hat tress with the emphasis on the first syllable) I found this interesting comment:

It takes about 10 years for you to be considered a true "local". I have been here since 1972 so I qualify.

Now I probably should leave this topic to our resident expert in all things local Monticello at Outer Banks Republic (hereinafter known as TJ or Monticello for short). He has pontificated prodigiously on the problems, pleasures and profound meaning of all things local. There are rumors he has an OBX logo tattooed on his left cheek (I'm not saying which left cheek). This rumor was started by another local blogger (spelled lokal in surfer speak) Paula, Queen of the Surf Pirates. Paula has the ultimate local job of renting vacation homes. There is one other lokal who might want to opine on this topic if he weren't so busy shooting great wavesailing video (if for some reason you haven't seen this video stop right now and go look at it. It is the best local stuff I have ever seen) Bill of OBX Beach Life even shares his favorite local surf spots once in a while. Of course Kevin Schwartz at Dog's Life is a lapsed local but he knows what its like to lie awake at night listening to fireworks all night (whether you want to or not). He understands what it takes to make it on the beach as well.

Ok here's the question: How long does it take to become a local? Let me back up a little for those of you who read this blog somewhere other than Dare County. On the Outer Banks there are three basic types of people

• Natives - Simple you were born here. You can't be one unless you are one. Its in your genes.
• Locals - You've made this place your home and adapted to its many unique challenges and garnered its wonderful rewards.
• Tourist - Anybody else.

Now there are some permutations and variations on these themes but these are the 3 basic groupings and they are universal terms understood by everyone who lives here. People take great pride in claiming to have made the transition from Tourist to Local. Locals are hip, they know what's happening and presumably are better able to enjoy the myriad pleasures allowed by living in paradise full time. The truth is a little more nuanced but that's for later.
I first started wondering about the precise definition of a local many years ago. I was in the legendary locals watering hole Lance's. This was a bar that really didn't cater to tourists, at all. It was locals and natives almost exclusively. It had cultivated a rather rough and seedy reputation in an effort to keep the place "pure". You just didn't send tourists to Lance's, if a few wandered in they usually were driven out but the rough language and general antics of the regular patrons.
Now you have to understand that I helped stain the beams in the building when it was built. i was in Lance's at least twice a week most of the time it was open. I was as apt as any of the regular patrons to play the "Chicken Dance" on the juke box (Yeah that's right, Lance's had what Lance claimed was the oringinal Casino juke box. It had tons of beach music and oldies and it featured the Chicken Dance which got played several times on a Friday night prompting about half the patrons to gather in the middle of the floor and do the Chicken Dance. As I said it was a unique place). I even won a few drinks betting the odd visitor that I could roll a nickel the length of the S shaped bar (the bar was slightly warped in a manner that allowed this feat to be performed it you understood the trick).
But I digress. One evening I was sitting at the bar when I heard a young female patron exclaim to one of the rogues trying to pick her up "I'm a local, I've lived here all summer!" I chuckled when I heard the remark but it got me wondering how long does it take to become a bona fide local. One who is qualified to call the Outer Banks their home.
My answer is that you have to have lived through 2 summers and 2 winters without a break of more than a couple of weeks to get away. Your not a local if you summer in Nags Head and winter in Negril. You forfeit local status if you favor the coast of Maine for summer swims to the beach at Junco street (actually if you swim in the ocean in Maine anytime of the year your probably tough enough that I won't be arguing with you about what status on the local scale. Your either tough enough or dumb enough it won't matter).
If you have made it through 2 summers you've seen the beach at its best and worst. You fought the traffic and learned to understand enough Russian (substitute the language de jour) to check out at Food Lion. You probably even managed to park at the KDH Post Office without getting hit. If you make it through 2 winters then you survived the Outer Banks at its best and worst. You found a place where you could stay warm, you found way to keep food on the table without the generosity of our guests and you found out how great the beach is in the fall and early winter the waterfowl arrive and the snowbirds leave and how cold and lonely it is in February and March when even the geese fly away. If after 2 full cycles of boom and bust you still love the place and you still are able to live here in peace then you've made it in my book, you can call yourself a local.
Over the course of those 2 years there are a number things you will probably acquire.
You will have found most of the following - a local church, a local bar, employment of some permanence, a way to get around (probably a car but not necessarily), a mailing address, a few good friends and a lot of really good memories.
You may not have acquired a house, a tan or a southern accent (unless you came with one) but you will have acquired a new respect for the beauty of the area and the resiliency of the people who live here full time - the locals; they're a pretty special bunch. I know I'm proud to be called one.
Ciao

Outraged: part whatever!

There are times when I wish I wasn't quite so prescient. No, not because the thugs in Vegas threatened me about my predictions in the Independence Day event but because sometimes I predict that bad things will happen. When those predictions come true I feel that I didn't do enough to help.

I'm outraged that Don Smith would rather provide political theater than good government to Southern Shores.
Mayor Smith didn't vote to adopt the budget last year and my bet is he won't support the budget this year. He will leave the heavy lifting to the rest of his board. Good budgeting makes for good government but good budgeting is hard work. It's a lot easier to be outraged.

Yeah that's pretty much what happened in Southern Shores this budget season. Actually it only begins to describe the scene. The board struggled for nearly 2 months with the Manager's recommended budget. A budget that called for a tax hike. A budget that is $200,000 smaller than last year's budget. At the public hearing the board heard from a number of taxpayers who called for the board to raise taxes to maintain the service levels. In particular the board was struggling with funding the popular chipping program. This program helps residents dispose of yard waste (tree limbs and brush) in an environmentally sound method. Without it residents either have to stuff the wood in their trash (illegal and impractical) or use private contractors to haul the waste away (expensive). The public wanted the service but the board couldn't keep it without a tax increase.
After a number of workshops the board voted 3-2 to raise taxes. Mayor Smith voted against the increase and then did something even more outrageous. He call publicly for voters to throw out the majority of his board that voted for the increase.
The Coastland Times reports that

He [Mayor Smith] pointed out that the three council members who supported the tax increase are facing reelection this year and issued a call for recruits to replace them "Please join me" he said, "and make November 6th, 2007 our town's second Independence Day when we take back our town from these tax and waste politicians."

Gutsy stuff. Great theater. Bad Government. The ineffective leader lashes out at the people he has to work with for the next several months. That always makes for a good working environment (NOT). Here's another prediction, only one of the three incumbents will seek reelection. Nobody needs the kind of abuse that Mayor Smith makes his board endure. Remember that these commissioners voted for the increase knowing they had to face the voters, do you really think they would have voted for it if they didn't believe it was necessary? The one incumbent who files will win and be joined by 2 inexperienced commissioners. By next year revenues will have increased enough to hold the line on taxes, if the board doesn't try to implement a Capital Improvements Plan. The manager recommends a tax neutral budget and Smith calls for a tax cut. Same battle, same rhetoric. Smith doesn't get the stage if he works with the majority of the board, he only gets the spotlight when he can be the Lone Ranger. He will argue against long range planning for the facility needs of his town and he may win. If he does that bill will get bigger and more expensive and the needs will grow until they can't be ignored anymore. The big losers in all this are the residents and property owners of Southern Shores they deserve much better. They ought to be outraged.

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Noted: Don Smith's call for candidates isn't the only sign that filing for municipal elections are drawing near. Kill Devil Hills Mayor Ray Sturza announced his intention to seek reelection. I have been told that former Mayor Sherry Rollason plans to run against Sturza, setting up a battle between 2 strong forces in KDH politics. They are smart leaders and I have worked with both over the years. I think a great deal of both. Expect Sturza's role as a County employee to be an important issue. I can't call this one yet but it will be interesting.
Filing opened yesterday and continues until July 20th at noon.

Hot Dog, an update!

I just got back from Vegas. They made me fly out to explain how I was able to successfully predict the outcome of the Battle on the Beach, the epicurean epic, the only story that counts: "Man Bites Dog". Yeah they wanted to know who tipped me when I penned this prognostication:

I'm betting that Chestnut will be up to the task and that Koby will show but go down to defeat when Chestnut breaks the magic 60 HDB barrier.

Of course its history now. Joey Chestnut downed 66 Hot Dogs and Buns (HDB) while the reigning champ, 6 time winner Takeru "The Tsunami" Kobayashi "only" ate 64. The folks in Vegas got burned bad and they blame me for letting the mustard out of the jar. No way to get the ketchup back in the bottle once you squeeze it out. They told me to stay away from serious sports wagering for while if I wanted to blog with both hands.
For any of you who missed the grand gala you can get a live blog account at gothamist These folks really know their stuff. They even have a video replay cam. This will have to do until I get the full coverage from Gersh Kuntzman who is the foremost competitive eating writer in the nation (no, you could look it up … on Wikipedia!).
'til then remember "Don't burn your buns"
Ciao

CBS Morning Show coming to Festival Park

Breaking news:

Festival Park: Calendar of Events: "CBS News'The Early Show
July 12 at 6:00 a.m.
Outdoor Pavilion
Roanoke Island Festival Park has been chosen as the location for the CBS News’ The Early Show on Thursday, July 12. The popular morning news program is coming to Roanoke Island as part of the network’s Great American Vacation series and one lucky recipient will be awarded with a week-long trip to the Caribbean! This is a wonderful opportunity for your school or organization to gain free national exposure and demonstrate your spirit and pride! Visitors are encouraged to come to the live broadcast at Roanoke Island Festival Park’s Outdoor Pavilion and welcome CBS and greet the world with homemade signs and merriment. Bring the family and be part of this national spotlight that will be seen by millions! The show airs live from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m."

I will admit that I am a Today Show guy. Even though Katie jumped ship and went over to CBS, my morning coffee is stirred by Matt, Merideth, Al and the gang. Still this is big news and should be a lot of fun. A few years ago the Today Show did a segment from the Village Beach Club in Nags Head. The scene was bedlam, lots of people and signs. This should be good fun. Get there early (gates open at 6 am) bring a sign, a camera, autograph book and some patience. These things take a little time to develop.

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You can see some my NY photos over at my photoblog.

Support Responsible Commenting

Karma is an amazing thing. I came across this site while returning a visit to dgthekneelo, a blogger who I expect found me through links on the Queen of the Surf Pirates blog.
It seems Ze'ev Rozov of New Media Sport and Community also saw the reports of bloggers being harassed. His response to to create Support Responsible Commenting. This site promotes responsible dialog and encourages bloggers to stand up to harassment and support others in the same efforts. I have added their attractive logo to my sidebar and I encourage any and all bloggers to blog roll this site and/or add the graphic link. This cause is to immediate, to important and to personal to ignore.

Serious stufff on Sunday morning

Not sure why this always seems to happen on Sunday morning. Please read these posts before you continue.
Queen of the Surf Pirates
Outer Banks Real Estate
I support Paula and Ronnie in this crusade. There is a very real attempt to intimidate bloggers on the Outer Banks and it must stop. I will not be intimidated and I will not allow this site to be used for bullying anyone I will continue to enforce my Code of Conduct and I will continue to post comments that I choose not to accept to the deleted posts blog. I will support any local blogger who feels threatened for expressing their opinion or for not bowing in the face of pressure and threats. Our ability to expresses ourselves freely and without fear demands nothing less.

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Now a message to the author of Outer Banks Republic. You are not responsible for this problem. The bully is. I suspect that your first response will be to stop blogging feeling this will make the problem for Paula and Ronnie go away. Your wrong, it won't, the bully will simply find new focus and continue his mean spirited campaign. If you stop blogging you let him win. I hope you won't do that and I know that it is not what Paula or Ronnie want to see either. Beat the bullies by blogging not backing out.