tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56882220973949035962011-12-24T12:38:51.612-05:00I will be talking about issues that affect the City of Southport, NC and encourage discussion from our citizensKenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-67535116159969008402011-12-24T12:38:00.001-05:002011-12-24T12:38:51.618-05:00

What a long, strange year it has been. Winter has not officially established itself in the Lower Cape Fear region. It was 70 degrees F on the first day of winter and a white Christmas looks like a long shot with the projected high in the mid-60's. Folks always look for a deeper meaning when weather patterns are turned on their head (global warming! it's gonna be a freezing spring, the collards

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-17538169962894540732011-12-04T20:04:00.001-05:002011-12-04T20:28:37.995-05:00

If you're not busy this Thursday evening (Dec. 8), say...around 6:00 PM, I have a suggestion-- if your taste runs toward the absurd. The Southport Board of Aldermen will convene to swear in 3 new board members and conduct a little business. One particular item on the agenda should bring a smile to your face. It is innocently listed as: consideration of and possible action to Amend Chapter 2,

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-71451211285085782912011-11-23T18:15:00.001-05:002011-11-25T15:56:47.453-05:00

Photo by John Muuss, photographic artist My Father imparted these words of wisdom to me at a very young age: "Just because you disagree with someone, it doesn't mean you have the right to be an asshole to them." While I haven't always had the patience and willpower to follow his advice, I do understand that discussions among people who disagree need not be a mud-slinging shriek fest.. During

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-91620988634807953552011-11-14T17:29:00.001-05:002011-11-14T18:08:55.854-05:00

Now that we've been invaded by a pro-port movement--headed by someone from Michigan--it's important to keep everybody updated on what's going on as the Panama Canal widening project gets underway. Here's an item from the Low Country where a fierce battle is being waged over what will be done on the Savannah River. The Port of Savannah wants the river to be deepened so it can handle the larger

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-21567173737913661002011-11-06T19:06:00.003-05:002011-11-06T19:06:31.074-05:00

I must say, it's been quite an experience sitting back and reading all of the campaign rhetoric that's being aimed at the unsuspecting citizens of Southport. Admittedly, I was on the other side of this unhealthy exchange 2 years ago. Now that I've been working as an elected official I can see that some of my words were spoken with very little knowledge of the realities of local government and the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-17737526524973965502011-07-28T17:02:00.000-04:002011-07-28T17:02:19.516-04:00

Don't you hate it when people are quoted saying something silly, irrational, crazy, or just plain dumb and they invoke the time-honored and often abused excuse that "Those ridiculous-seeming comments from me were taken out of context,"? It just happened to me. Here's my excuse...I mean, my side of things. I was seen (hopefully not by many people) saying that Southport merchants have to decide

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-32074951958630008562011-07-28T14:38:00.000-04:002011-07-28T14:38:12.058-04:00

It's clear that I've been a proponent of Southport's recent annexation initiatives because it is the best and most equitable way to establish a stable and adequate tax base for the continued viability of our city. It will also allow Southport to grow and provide even better city services to our community. So, why did I vote to rescind the annexation ordinances at the July 14 Board of Aldermen

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-71435578476809723862011-07-12T17:37:00.000-04:002011-07-12T17:37:11.935-04:00

Consider this situation: you want to move to Southport and build a house. You and your contractor obtain all the necessary permits, follow the local building ordinances, receive passing grades on each mandatory inspection and are ready to receive your final occupancy permit. Suddenly, the building inspector tells you there are several new building ordinances and codes that were not in place when

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-48949436584396904342011-06-15T19:47:00.000-04:002011-06-15T19:47:47.537-04:00

A very dangerous ruling by the Southport Board of Aldermen took place last night at the budget workshop. If you are concerned about this issue it is critically important that you let the city officials know your feelings. The issue: a request by the Southport Rescue Squad to purchase a new primary response vehicle. The current one is a repair sinkhole, has been in an accident, has logged more

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-63093086817721847262011-05-17T15:30:00.001-04:002011-05-17T15:32:14.219-04:00

I know I've promised to post more frequent entries. However, it's clear that every word I write is scrutinized for any way in which it can be used against me. Paranoia? Hardly. The most recent incident was an unbelievable distortion of the content and intention of my words to conclude that I am a racist. It was presented as a public comment during our April 14 Board of Aldermen meeting. By the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-60880946230358790002011-03-28T17:12:00.000-04:002011-03-28T17:12:45.019-04:00

No excuses for my long absence from this blog ...but I have a few anyway.  Our city manager resigned on February 10 and the trauma from that is finally easing up. Thanks to Regina Alexander (city clerk turned interim city manager), Michele Windham (building inspections clerk turned city clerk), and the rest of our fantastic city employees the city has been working fine & dandy. There are a

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-13341971487355099812011-01-18T18:37:00.005-05:002011-01-18T21:09:39.794-05:00

Politics is full of many things. Replace "many things" in that sentence and you can probably come up with dozens of responses--most of them bad. Irony can run the spectrum from funny to horrifying. By definition it is a little of both and politics is overflowing with ironic episodes. The following 2 items from our last Board of Aldermen meeting do not meet those extremes, but they're good to note

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-77972851005454249502011-01-11T14:59:00.000-05:002011-01-11T14:59:24.280-05:00

Here's a very common scenario in elected representative government; The citizens elect a new official (alderman, mayor, president, whatever). That person (the elected official) goes on to take positions and promote policies that some citizens don't like.  The citizen response is to berate that elected representative in public and threaten them with defeat when re-election time comes.  Now the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-49435881989593721582010-12-16T22:53:00.000-05:002010-12-16T22:53:00.741-05:00

Thursday, December 9, 2010 was the best Board of Aldermen meeting we've had with the current board. There was civility, mutual respect for the opinions of others, and a sense of working together that had been missing from past meetings. We've been saddened by our difficulties in working together and decided to take steps to reverse that trend. I strongly believe the board will continue along this

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-4958048657289154052010-11-24T13:50:00.000-05:002010-11-24T13:50:24.486-05:00

Last evening's special Board of Aldermen should have been very simple. The UDO (our planning and zoning ordinance) had an error in the definition for "Planned Building Groups". This error was confirmed by the consultant who wrote that section of the UDO and it was repeated on the UDO's of 2 other towns whose ordinances he wrote. All "Planned Building Groups" must be apporved by the Planning

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-74327954359575787742010-11-09T19:06:00.000-05:002010-11-09T19:06:13.573-05:00

I'm writing this at San Francisco airport as I wait for my flight home.  I love visiting my daughter here in SF, and the restaurant choices are fabulous, but living in Southport just can't be matched.  Tonight will be my first good night's sleep in a week and I can't wait to soak up the peace and quiet that is a hallmark of our little slice of heaven. Tomorrow's board of aldermen meetings (note

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-49527471796696816662010-10-17T16:23:00.002-04:002010-10-17T16:50:19.441-04:00

Saturday, October 9th was a terrific day to be in Southport.  The Southport Fire Department unveiled their big, new headquarters with a dedication ceremony and a free lunch for everyone.  There were inflatable play areas for the kids to have fun while others received a tour of the beautiful facility.  Despite the fact that the building is costing the city taxpayers a significant amount of cash,

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-3044396877101455682010-09-26T18:10:00.006-04:002010-09-26T18:27:51.956-04:00

New logo for festival (very cool) The Board of Aldermen heard a short report by NC 4th of July Festival Chairman Don Parker at the September 9th meeting.  He gave an overview of the festival's massive logistical challenges, the number of volunteers needed to make the event a success, the positive economic benefit to our region, AND express concern that "some aldermen have a problem with the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-106488715952643152010-09-19T21:45:00.000-04:002010-09-19T21:45:48.241-04:00

The mayor of Southport formed a committee to evaluate both the rules and procedures of the Planning Board and the relationship between that board and city staff (primarily the City Manager, Director of Planning and Building Inspections).  The charge of the committee was to make the Planning Board procedures more efficient, and to institute measures to improve relations between the board and city

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-41283398460112675742010-09-19T17:06:00.000-04:002010-09-19T17:06:58.509-04:00

For those of you who attended the special meeting of the Southport Board of Aldermen on August 23, you certainly remember an episode when I was prevented by the mayor from raising a perfectly legal point-of-order.  When he refused to recognize my point-of-order--which is strictly forbidden by the Rules and Procedures we adopted just a few months ago AND by Roberts Rules of Order--I did what is

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-48520756796361096952010-09-07T22:12:00.001-04:002010-09-07T22:14:30.048-04:00

It's been made very clear to me by a few individuals involved with our City's government that this blog will be scrutinized to be sure that I don't write anything that could be construed as negative towards any person, board or committee.  It almost makes me want to close down this blog. Almost. The Planning Board of your city has spent over 30 minutes each at 2 different meetings discussing

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-2421429660413286202010-08-30T21:13:00.005-04:002010-08-30T21:32:53.947-04:00

It's been a while since I wrote in this space.  There's been a lot going on and this blog has been part of the action.  The purpose of this blog is to give you my take on what is going on in Southport government.  After a rocky start I feel that I've managed to avoid saying anything that damages the character of anybody in Southport--and beyond.  I may disagree with the actions and words of

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-27598210376257396022010-07-18T17:41:00.000-04:002010-07-18T17:41:17.097-04:00

Since last we spoke the situation regarding sidewalk obstruction regulation has gone nuclear.  Please read my July 10 post for an overview of the situation. Before I continue, I want to give a shout out to an avid reader of this blog: Dale McPherson, a member of Southport's Planning Board.  I had no idea that Dale was such a fan until the most recent Planning Board meeting.  Dale mentioned a

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-78750403575008839102010-07-10T16:55:00.001-04:002010-07-10T16:56:52.183-04:00

Merchants were startled (as was I) about a letter sent to them by the City Manager regarding the new ordinance that allows A-frame signs in front of businesses with some restrictions (for safety and ADA compliance).  The letter also contained information about an existing city ordinance which prohibits placing anything on the city (or state) sidewalks.  Neither the aldermen or the Mayor knew

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-60568783776705239712010-06-15T17:59:00.000-04:002010-06-15T17:59:33.427-04:00

The Board of Aldermen voted for a resolution on June 10, 2010 to oppose the construction and operation of the proposed North Carolina International Terminal near Southport.  Myself and Aldermen Ed Boguskie and Alderman Mary Ellen Poole voted in favor, Alderman Nelson Adams voted against it, and Alderman Jwantana Frink did not vote (which is officially taken as a vote in favor).  Alderman Donnie

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-49846290494786260442010-06-15T15:18:00.002-04:002010-06-15T15:29:36.120-04:00

It's been too long since my last post but things have been humming in the city gubment.  Your humble alderman will endeavor to get out a blog per week from this point forward.  If I don't it means I'm working--not that I have nothing to say.  If I ever have nothing to say watch out for that flying pig. Some good things are happening: Lowe-White Park is now open.  It has new tennis courts,

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-91599295099412546332010-05-09T22:01:00.058-04:002010-05-13T13:12:15.032-04:00

I'm writing this on the day of the aldermen meeting, but I'll follow up with events from tonights gathering soon afterwards.                            Clarice (R) and Isabelle doing what they do best. Job 1 for the aldermen and the city manager over the next month and 1/2 is the city budget.  I just received it yesterday and it's too early to give you my impressions of it.  I do know that

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-54107298209243714962010-04-08T16:49:00.003-04:002010-04-11T16:58:17.959-04:00

I think urban chickens are a terrific idea under very specific circumstances.  I'm a big fan of food that's local, fresh and natural.  Chickens for eggs (and later for meat, if you can handle that--and you should if you're a true locavore) is a good way to eat local and save money.  I especially encourage folks in poor communities to use chickens and (if their lot is not large enough) develop a

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-25956144610175487312010-04-04T18:26:00.008-04:002010-04-04T18:34:44.568-04:00

x Since last we met a number of issues have passed through the Board of Aldermen.  This is a brief update on those likely to be of interest to you.  The board held a special meeting on March 2 concerning business signs--primarily the use of A-frame signs along the state highway right-of-way and the rest of the business districts.  The mayor appointed a task force composed of 3 downtown

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-87746908876494022122010-03-01T16:42:00.003-05:002010-03-01T16:51:01.363-05:00

After a hiatus to regroup, I'm back at the blog and ready to update on a regular basis. As you may know, my blog was a subject of controversy at our Southport Aldermen's retreat back in January.  I stopped doing my blog and deleted the offending post so I could find a perspective that would be insightful without being alienating to my fellow board members.  I decided to stick with stating my

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-15526662563767271902010-01-23T16:39:00.000-05:002010-01-23T16:39:43.514-05:00

The current situation in Haiti has saddened me deeply.  I spent about 6 months there dubbing a movie I made in the US into Haitian creole and producing a Haitian movie entitled La Rebelle.  I kept a blog while I was there and it can be found at http://movieinhaiti.blogspot.com I developed a profound admiration and respect for the Haitian people while I was there.  Haitians are strong and

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-1180307973111559032009-12-12T16:00:00.002-05:002009-12-16T21:05:39.760-05:00

I've just survived my first Board of Aldermen meeting and I'm already being fitted for a noose. The first order of business was to elect a Mayor Pro Tem who takes the mayor's place when he is absent or incapacitated.  It is a job with a great deal of responsibility and I took that into consideration with my vote.  The Mayor, 2 citizens and County Commissioner Charles Warren put in strong words

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-71805170547567475322009-11-29T18:11:00.013-05:002009-11-29T18:30:15.070-05:00

I'll be officially sworn in on December 10 at the regular Board of Aldermen meeting at 7:30 PM at City Hall.  The first portion of the meeting will be the old board doing old business. Be sure to come to the meeting and express your opinion on the plan for Ft. Johnston! A typical Southport sunset Alderman Paul Fisher wants the outgoing board to adopt the so-called "plan" for Ft.

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-45367275226137166242009-11-18T12:52:00.002-05:002009-11-18T12:59:29.541-05:00

It has taken me a full 2 weeks to get my head around the fact that I am Alderman-elect for the City of Southport.  Election day was filled with turbulent emotions.  Sally and I arrived at the polls at 6:15 AM only to find that the other candidates had already put up their signs the night before.  We managed to locate a few spots for some signs that were visible to passing cars and those walking

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-16216041508348818132009-11-02T12:23:00.004-05:002009-11-02T12:34:21.455-05:00

You're probably tired of hearing that a particular election is critical, but the fact is just about every election (local, state or federal) is important.  It is the only time when the citizens themselves can directly effect change in their government.  Since local government has the most direct impact on our lives, and this is a local election, all signs point towards getting your tail to the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-9550625350169813022009-10-16T13:49:00.005-04:002009-10-17T12:21:15.929-04:00

The photo to the above is the wetland area on the Cape Fear River side of the proposed port property.  What you see here will be destroyed if the port terminal is built.  The NC State Ports Authority will "mitigate" this destruction by purchasing wetlands elsewhere (sometimes in another state!) and placing a conservation easement on them.  That doesn't do much for our Cape Fear River, but

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-27712690604332445052009-10-16T12:20:00.010-04:002009-10-16T12:33:20.164-04:00

Campaign slogans, signs, ads, speeches, one-on-one chats, the word of friends, your gut feeling--all of these and more are >>  Ken, Isabelle & Clarice at Waterfront Park >> considered by the voting public before an election.  Which is the most reliable indicator of a candidate's worthiness?  The answer is all of them...and none of them.  If this sounds confusing to you, you're in very good

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-68591714891451318152009-10-07T13:28:00.001-04:002009-10-07T13:32:00.016-04:00

Last night I attended a candidates forum in The Landing, a Southport neighborhood bordered by East Moore Street, Ferry Road and the Cape Fear River.  The turnout was good, the opportunity for me and the other candidates to state our positions was excellent, and the questions from the residents were incisive and well thought out. This was my first ever event of this type and I found it to be both

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688222097394903596.post-37607856920777422812009-09-23T14:00:00.002-04:002009-09-23T14:06:33.126-04:00

Dearest Residents of Southport: While not all of Southport's citizens have access to the internet, for those who do this is a first for our city.  Never before have you had the opportunity to express your concerns and ideas directly to an elected official of Southport, short of meeting him/her on the street.  Of course, I'm not an elected official as yet, but even if I do not win a seat on the

Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14864097640712666432noreply@blogger.com0