Posts

Email shows McCrory administration was told of GenX contamination and did nothing

By Eleanore Wood / September 6, 2017 / Comments Off on Email shows McCrory administration was told of GenX contamination and did nothing

It’s clear from an email sent in 2016 that the McCrory administration was alerted to the presence of GenX in the Cape Fear River.  Nothing, so far, has been done to help the people of Eastern North Carolina ensure the water they drink every day is safe.  Residents deserve some answers about their water, and…

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From Star News: Trying to make sense of GenX crisis

By Eleanore Wood / September 5, 2017 / Comments Off on From Star News: Trying to make sense of GenX crisis

Since the discovery of the chemical GenX in the Cape Fear River politicians in Raleigh have been using the crisis as a political football.  Citizens have been clear on what they want: clean water NOW!  So far we have seen nothing but stalling tactics and political games like repealing the ban on plastic bags in…

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From WRAL: Last-minute GenX ambush, standard operating procedure for legislature

By Eleanore Wood / September 1, 2017 / Comments Off on From WRAL: Last-minute GenX ambush, standard operating procedure for legislature

Trying to defect blame, and without warning, Republican legislators tied the funding of the GenX research in the Cape Fear River to the repeal of the ban on plastic bags.  And now the EPA is reporting even more potentially dangerous chemicals present in the river, with some saying it is the  most polluted river in…

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The Fayetteville Observer: Our View: Safety, not politics

By Eleanore Wood / August 30, 2017 / Comments Off on The Fayetteville Observer: Our View: Safety, not politics

Last week the republican-led Environmental Review Commission held a public meeting to make decisions on the GenX problem in the Cape Fear River.  After over 3 hours of testimony the public was finally able to make comments, and the message was very clear: “stop playing politics with our water”.  Governor Cooper requested a reasonable $2.6…

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NC Policy Watch: As new school year commences, shortage of basic supplies demonstrates legislature’s failure to invest

By Eleanore Wood / August 30, 2017 / Comments Off on NC Policy Watch: As new school year commences, shortage of basic supplies demonstrates legislature’s failure to invest

Thanks to politicians in Raleigh who continue to give tax breaks to corporations, funding for classroom supplies has dropped over 50%. This year parents and teachers are spending hundreds to provide essentials. Classrooms are lacking even basic items like chairs, paper towels, and bathroom soap. This is a disgrace!  Children in North Carolina deserve a…

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From WRAL: GOP ties GenX funding to plastic bag ban repeal

By Eleanore Wood / August 30, 2017 / Comments Off on From WRAL: GOP ties GenX funding to plastic bag ban repeal

Republicans have finally decided to take action on the GenX problem in the Cape Fear River.  Unfortunately, in order to clean up the water, they want to repeal the ban on plastic bags.  That’s right, if you want clean water well then you have to have a dirty beach.  In addition, they are only granting…

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The Charlotte Observer: Classes are getting smaller for NC’s youngest students. But there are trade-offs.

By Eleanore Wood / August 28, 2017 / Comments Off on The Charlotte Observer: Classes are getting smaller for NC’s youngest students. But there are trade-offs.

Smaller class sizes sound great on the surface, however without the proper funding and space to provide for an increased need for classrooms and teachers this spells cuts to important enrichment programs. From The Charlotte Observer Some North Carolina elementary school families may be in for a surprise when they start a new school year…

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WS Journal: Forsyth County teachers get free supplies to help their classrooms

By Eleanore Wood / August 25, 2017 / Comments Off on WS Journal: Forsyth County teachers get free supplies to help their classrooms

Per student funding for public schools in North Carolina continues to drop even though our economy is recovering. Every year teachers are pressured to purchase more and more of the supplies that used to be provided, things like paper towel and copy paper. This is especially problematic for schools in low income neighborhoods. Teachers are…

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NC Policy Watch: Lawmakers attempt to deflect blame, assail Cooper administration at special GenX hearing

By Eleanore Wood / August 24, 2017 / Comments Off on NC Policy Watch: Lawmakers attempt to deflect blame, assail Cooper administration at special GenX hearing

At a public hearing of the Environmental Review Commission on Wednesday dozens of concerned citizens waited through hours of political posturing to make their comments to lawmakers. While the GOP representatives tried to place blame rather than solve the problem a frustrated public sat waiting.  When finally they were allowed to speak they overwhelmingly demanded funding…

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WRAL: ‘Sham’ maps slammed: Public blasts lawmakers over redistricting

By Eleanore Wood / August 23, 2017 / Comments Off on WRAL: ‘Sham’ maps slammed: Public blasts lawmakers over redistricting

The Republican-led General Assembly gave citizens very little notice, very few locations, and very little space to allow the public to comment on the new proposed maps.  Nevertheless, citizens turned out all over the state by the hundreds to voice their grave concerns about these new maps.  These maps are more of the same undemocratic…

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