Early Voting Surge, Data Center Debate, and the S-Line: Inside the Carolina Cabinet

Laura Mussler: Well everybody, welcome to the Carolina Cabinet. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, in studio with the lovely Laura Muskler. Good evening, good evening. And how about us? We're on time. It's before six one today. I'm I'm pretty impressed with myself right now. Yeah. Yeah. My mom says expression too, so well I can't be sometimes.

Peter Pappas: Hello everybody, welcome to the Carolina Cabinet. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, in studio with the lovely Laura Musler. Hello, Laura. Good evening. Good evening. And how about us? We're on time. It's before 601 today. I'm pretty impressed with myself right now. Yeah, I'm pretty impressed too. My mom says I'm special too. So well, yeah. I can be sometimes.

Laura Mussler: So I'm glad to see you we're here and we're actually on time. tonight we have

Peter Pappas: So I'm glad to see you. we're here and we're actually on time. tonight we have

Laura Mussler: pretty tight live episode. We have early voting to talk about, data centers, and we have our rapid fire. so let's just dive right in. How about that? Yeah, buddy. So early voting. started Thursday, Cumberland County came out swinging. There was four thousand nine hundred and sixty five people voted on the first day. In twenty two it was about three thousand two forty two. So

Peter Pappas: Pretty tight live episode. We have early voting to talk about, data centers, and we have our rapid fire. so let's just dive right in. How about that? Yeah, buddy. So early voting. started Thursday, Cumberland County came out swinging. There was four thousand nine hundred and sixty-five people voted on the first day. In twenty-two, it was about three thousand two forty-two. So thirty-four or thirty-two versus forty-nine. That's a big jump. Fifty-three percent, in fact.

Laura Mussler: 34 and 32 versus 49. That's a big jump. 53% in fact. Cliffdale Recre Recreation Center alone had eleven hundred and eighty-four eighty-one voters and people waited more than an hour. Statewide though, through Saturday, about five hundred five hundred one thousand ballots. Okay.

Peter Pappas: Cliffdale Recre Recreation Center alone had eleven hundred eighty four vo eighty one voters and people waited more than an hour. Wow. Statewide though, through Saturday, about five hundred five hundred one thousand ballots. Okay. That's thirty eight percent ahead of the same point four years ago. So

Laura Mussler: That's thirty eight percent ahead at the same point for years ago, sounded

Peter Pappas: Nice. think people are fired up. Well, at least the Democrats and the unaffiliated are not so much the Republicans.

Laura Mussler: up. Well, at least the Democrats and affiliated are not so much the Republicans.

Peter Pappas: Right. Well, here's the part I want to talk about. So compared to twenty twenty two, Democrats are up roughly eight thousand. unaffiliated voters are up about sixty five thousand and Republican turnout is down. Down. Forty two hundred fewer in person votes than at this point four years ago. did not follow up with Cumberland County Board of Elections today, but they will be posting their totals later this evening on Facebook. So

Laura Mussler: Well, here's a part I wanna talk about. So compared to twenty twenty two, Democrats are up roughly eight thousand. unaffiliated voters are up about sixty five thousand. And Republican turnout is down. Yeah. Forty two hundred fewer in person votes than at this point four years ago. did not follow up with Cumberland County Board of Elections today, but they will be posting their totals weighted this evening on Facebook. So What's a lot of the Republicans? Well, I guess a lot of Republicans are thinking for years the message was wait until election day, wait until election day and then the party turned around and said, Thank you vote, thank you vote, thank you vote. So which one did people hear? because if Republicans are sitting that part out and that's a lot of eggs to throw in one basket on a Tuesday. I mean if your kids get sick, if you don't feel good, you get flat tired, why wouldn't you go for everything? Right.

Peter Pappas: what's going on with the Republicans? Well, I guess a lot of Republicans are thinking, for years the message was wait until election day, wait until election day, and then the party turned around and said, Bank your vote, bank your vote, bank your vote. So which one did people hear? because if Republicans are sitting that part out, then that's a lot of eggs to throw in one basket on a Tuesday. I mean, if your kids get sick, if you don't feel good, if you get a flat tire, why wouldn't you vote early? Right.

Laura Mussler: the unaffiliated voters, this biggest group of registered voters in this

Peter Pappas: the unaffiliated voters, they're the biggest group of registers voters in this state right now. So and they're up sixty-five thousand votes. They're up. That's good. I think the Democrats overtook the Republicans too, but I think it was by a factor of I think statewide by like six hundred. Right. Yeah, not by much. But whoever's talking to the unaffiliated, that's their win. They're the ones that are winning. And I don't know that it's the Republicans. Well, although

Laura Mussler: state right now. So and they're up sixty five thousand votes. They're up. That's good. I think the Democrats overtook the Republicans too, but I think it was by a factor of and then statewide by like six hundred people. Not by much, but whoever's talking to the unaffiliated that's their win. They're the ones that are winning. And I don't know that it's the Republicans. Well although independents

Peter Pappas: independents do lean Republican,

Laura Mussler: do mean Republicans

Peter Pappas: but yeah. Fortunately, yes, they do. early numbers, listen, they're not outcomes. I mean, the Republicans, we have closed early vote gaps on election day before. but count votes, not vibes. So, you know, we really got to focus on how many people we can get through the door and not how we feel or whatever. But there we were sold

Laura Mussler: Fortunately, yes, they do. early numbers, listen, they're not outcomes. I mean, the Republicans, we have closed early vote gaps on election day before. but no, it's not five. So, you know, we really gotta focus on how many people we can get through the door and not how we feel or whatever. But there we were sold. on the idea of not going to early vote

Peter Pappas: on the idea of not going to early vote.

Laura Mussler: by Trump in the first go round. I believe even through the Obama years and whatever, I feel like we had some messaging from the Republican Party to ban to vote, but I think now we're understanding that was a mistake and strategy.

Peter Pappas: By Trump in the first go round. I believe even through the Obama years and whatever, I feel like we had some messaging from the Republican Party to bank your vote, but I think now we're understanding that was a mistake in strategy. Are we admitting a mistake? so are you saying we shouldn't ba bank our votes or we should? I think you should vote early, and if it was Chicago, you'd vote often. Right. But I was gonna say I vote as many times as I can. Which is once, because I would never break the law. That's right.

Laura Mussler: So are you saying we shouldn't take our votes or we should? I think you should vote early and if it was Chicago you'd vote often. Right. But or if you can't. Which is once because I would not vote for it. That's right. That's probably

Peter Pappas: That's right, you little lawbreaker. Yeah. So if you're a Republican in Cumberland County and you haven't voted yet, I mean, what what are you waiting for? is Democrats lead early early voting even news or does it run every two years and everybody acts surprised in November? I mean, why are we gonna let run away with it? If you have time, any pla any one of the seven places that's open that says vote here, no matter where you live in the county, you can vote there up until October thirty first. Yep.

Laura Mussler: Yeah. if you're a Republican in Cumberland County and you haven't voted yet, I mean what what are you waiting for? is Democrats lead early early voting into the news or does it run every two years and then everybody acts surprised in November? I mean, why are we gonna let it run away from it? If you have time, any pla any one of the seven places that's open that says vote here, no matter where you live in the county, you can vote there up until October thirty first.

Peter Pappas: So Kiwanis, I I work directly across from the Koanis. There's not a line at all. All day long. Every time I left the office, I saw that there was nobody out there. It's kind of depressing when I think about how many people are in this town

Laura Mussler: I I worked directly across from the twins. There's not a line at all. All day long. Every time I left the office I saw that there was nobody out there.

Peter Pappas: and how many of them don't vote. It's my favorite is how many run their damn mouths and then check their voting reg. Well, I think most people that run their mouths end up voting, in my

Laura Mussler: my favorite is how many run their damn mounts and then check the voting range. Well, I think most people that run the mounts end up voting.

Peter Pappas: opinion. They just may be vote for somebody that I don't agree with. No, that's true. That's true too. Yeah. But we'll never know who they voted for. We just know if they voted. I think people think that we can check ballots. We can't do that. We cannot do that. Yeah, we don't know.

Laura Mussler: that's true. That's true too. But we'll never know who they voted for, we just know if they vote. I think people think that we can check ballots and maybe maybe don't ball.

Peter Pappas: So people that just tuning in, thanks for joining us. So if you have voted, type voted. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? I'm gonna chide you in public. and if you I haven't voted yet. You have not, neither have I. Yeah.

Laura Mussler: So people that just tuning in, thanks for joining us. So if you have voted, type voted. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? I'm gonna try to do in public. and if you haven't voted if you have not neither by yeah. But I do pass koanas every day on my way to work. Yeah, and I sit across from it every day. And they will go, but I'll probably go all my time.

Peter Pappas: But I do pass koanas every day on my every day. Yeah. And I sit across from it every day. And I will get over there, but I'll probably go on like on a Saturday or w or whatever. I just I'm working. I don't have time to stop and I don't know. I think as a regular voter, I would think like, okay, I have to pass the gauntlet of people handing me stuff. But as a someone involved with those processes, it's like, God, I'm gonna see XYZ again. Damn it, I don't deal with them. You know, that's that's my thing. Yeah. Yeah.

Laura Mussler: I don't know. I think as a regular voter I would think like, okay, I have to pass the dot for the people handing me stuff. But as a someone involved with those processes, it's like, god, I'm gonna see X, Y, Z again. Yeah. That's the worst part of it is walking in. Then they ignore you when you walk out. Yeah. I didn't. I thanked everybody for their vote. You know what? I tried. Most people have to change their mind and know them why why?

Peter Pappas: That's the worst part of it is walking in and then they ignore you when you walk out. Yeah. I didn't. I thanked everybody for their vote. You know what's funny is most people aren't gonna change their mind on the way in. Why why bother? I mean s hand out their can hand a card just Yeah. So you know who the Republican and the Democrats are. You're not gonna change my mind. A lot of what we I know we've d had these discussions before, but you know, flipping your ballot over and going from the bottom up

Laura Mussler: Hand out there can't hand a card just yeah. So you know whether you're Republican and Democrats are not going to change your mind. A lot of what we I know we've had these discussions before, but you know, flipping your ballot over and going from the bottom up is probably the most important thing you can do as as a citizen here because the ones that really affect us every day are really the soil and water and the judges and the county commission and the next year and city council. But and then so I had

Peter Pappas: Is probably the most important thing you can do as a c as a citizen here because the ones that really affect us every day are really the soil and water and the judges and the county commission and well next year'll be city council, but and then I so I had

Laura Mussler: Judge Bell on earlier in the recorded segment. you know, and I told him, I said, You're racist, it's not sexy at all. Like nobody cares who the judge is. We just I can't well but nobody knows who these

Peter Pappas: Judge Bell on earlier, he has a recorded segment. you know, and I told him, I said, Your race is not sexy at all. Like nobody cares who the judge is. We just I care. I well but nobody knows who these guys are. Was it was her Arena from Zarutska. Zarutska. Sh she should have cared. She cared. Yeah. Well, there's a whole law written about her now that some judge didn't care. Catch and release up there. Yep. So you should care. Yeah. Well, but it's

Laura Mussler: guys are. She cared. Yeah, well there's a whole lot written about her now that some judge didn't care, that she believes of her. so Yeah. Well but it's

Peter Pappas: they are bound ethically not to it it kind of constrains their campaigns a little bit. Right. They have some seriously boring campaigns, but you know.

Laura Mussler: They are bound ethically not to it kind of constrains their campaigns on the right. They have some serious and boring campaigns, but you know, you you've got to get people up there that are gonna be their things. One of the questions one of the questions I asked him was having a partisan bench, does that hurt or help the voter? And I think we surmise that basically

Peter Pappas: You you've got to get people up there that are gonna do the right thing. One of the questions citizens one of the questions I asked him was having a partisan bench, does that hurt or help the voter? And I think we surmise that basically,

Laura Mussler: Unfortunately here in Human County it hurts our bench because we get the same broken record of folks. but statewide at least you kind of know well if they're Republican or Democrat and you generally know how they are, but then that

Peter Pappas: unfortunately here in Cumberland County, it hurts our bench because we get the same broken record of folks. but statewide at least you kind of know, well, if they're Republican or Democrat, then you generally know how they are, but then that

Laura Mussler: that assumes that they're gonna be a stereotype. I will say that I saw somebody on Facebook, the Senator who said she was upset because of Democrats

Peter Pappas: That assumes that they're gonna be a stereotype. I will say that I saw somebody on Facebook, a senator, by the way, who said she was upset because our Democrat was outwardly supporting a Republican.

Laura Mussler: Outwardly supporting the Republic.

Peter Pappas: And I'm like, it's a nonpartisan race for school board, actually. It was school board. And I'm like, why why can't she? I'm you never cross over lines. Why not? Yeah.

Laura Mussler: non partisan race or school working. Wha why can't you? You never cross over that. Why not? Yeah. Why why w what what's wrong with crossing up being like, hey, I think this person, not their party, is best for the job. I think they care the most or what hold on a minute. School board's not partisan. It is, but she says not partisan doesn't mean anything, you know who the Republican does. So if it if it doesn't mean anything, then why not have been partisan? I don't know. Yeah.

Peter Pappas: Yeah. Wha wh wh what what's wrong with crossing being like, hey, I think this person, not their party, is best for the job. I think they care the most or whatever. Hold on a minute. School board's nonpartisan. It is, but she says nonpartisan doesn't mean anything. We know who the Republicans are. So if it if it doesn't mean anything, then why aren't they partisan? I don't know. Yeah. If they're gonna be if yeah, whatever. And I have it on and I'm still haven't finished sussing this out, but I have it that there's

Laura Mussler: They're gonna be it yeah. So and I have it on and I'm still haven't finished sussing this out, but I have it that there's senators involved with driving some of our school board candidates and even our county commission candidates. So are they trying to project or are they doing what's good in the best interest of this community? They're not doing what's best there's one specific school board candidate that has shown up for everything.

Peter Pappas: senators involved with driving some of our school board candidates and even our county commission candidates. Hmm. So are they trying to project power or are they doing what's good in the best interest of this community? They're not doing what's best interest of the community because there's one specific school board candidate that has shown up for everything. Mm-hmm.

Laura Mussler: Everything that that person can. And I think that that person would be a great addition edition and I'm one shotting the school board and I'm one shotting soil and water because

Peter Pappas: Everything that that person can. And I think that that person would be a great addition. And I'm one shotting the school board and I'm one shotting soil and water too. I can vote for two. Single Single shot. Single shot. So for those of you watching, single shot means you may have three seats to fill. It may say vote for three, but stick with one. Stick the so stick with the one you know. I think I made a comment in this Cumberland County Schools group or whatever the other day.

Laura Mussler: I can vote for two. Single shot. So for those of you watching, single shot means you may have three seats to fill. It may say vote for three, but stick with one. Stick the so stick with the one you know. I think I made a comment of this Cumberland County Schools group or whatever the other day. you remember Michelle Pizarro's, she came on a few weeks ago. I went back and forth with her in a good way, back and forth. but basically it's like, look, if you don't vote, don't vote at all.

Peter Pappas: you remember Michelle Casares, she came on a few weeks ago. I went back and forth with her in a good way, back and forth. but basically it's like, look, if you don't know, don't vote at all.

Laura Mussler: But if you do, then just vote for the one. You don't have to fill out all the votes. You don't have to do that because it's so very competitive it's gonna come down to it come down to ten, twenty, thirty votes. and you could seriously screw your school board up if the wrong people get there. Now there's some

Peter Pappas: But if you do, then just vote for the one. You don't have to fill out all three. Right. You don't have to do that because it's so very competitive. It's gonna come down to it could come down to 10, 20, 30 votes. and you could seriously screw your school board up. Yep. If the wrong people get there. Now there's some

Laura Mussler: my barometers if they're willing to talk. And there are several that one actually told me that they're waiting on their team

Peter Pappas: my barometer is if they're willing to talk. And there are several that one actually told me that they're waiting on their team.

Laura Mussler: to get back with to see if they should come on. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And I well, that's okay. I f was pretty flippant and said, It's your name on the F and ballot, like what team? It's you, man. You know, so I

Peter Pappas: to get back with to see they should come. They have team. Yeah. And I well, it's okay. I was pretty flippant and said, It's your name on the F and ballot. Like what team? It's you, man. You know, so I anyway. But if they're unwilling if they're hiding, what the hell are they hiding from? Yeah. Why wouldn't you want to talk? Yeah. my gosh, I might talk to a Republican and and turn their mind. Yeah. You know, I mean, you know, they expect everybody to learn enough in a so let me see if I can get to the next part here.

Laura Mussler: But if they're unwilling if they're hiding, what the hell are they hiding from? Yeah. Why wouldn't you talk? Yeah. my gosh, I might talk to a Republican and and turn their mind. You know, I mean, you know, they expect everybody to learn enough and so let me see if I can get to the next part here. But we'll talk about the chamber of candidate channel from last week, but Okay. Well let's move on. All yeah, let's get out of here. Okay. So go vote. That's the moral of the story go vote, especially if you're a Republican Google.

Peter Pappas: But we'll talk about the chamber candidate forum from last week. But Okay. Well let's move on and then go vote. That's the moral of the story is go vote, especially if you're a Republican because we're behind. Yes. So let's get one thing straight first because you're gonna hear it. It's called a ban. It is not. So on October seventh, Duke Energy settled on a new rate for the biggest power users in the state, and that means the data centers. They're the biggest.

Laura Mussler: So let's get one thing straight first because you're going to hear it. It's called a ban. It is not. So on October 7th, Duke Energy settled on a new rate for the biggest powered users in the state, and that means the data centers. If you contract for 50 megawatts or more,

Peter Pappas: If you contract for 50 megawatts or more, you're

Laura Mussler: You're in a different rate class. You'll be billed for at least 75% of the capacity you reserve. The point is simple. If the data center comes in and Duke builds for it, then the data center doesn't use it. The rest of us should get should not get stuck with the bill. So when these places locate, they have to say, I'm going to use X. And in this case, the threshold is now 50 megawatts. If they're going to use over 50, Duke has to bill for it,

Peter Pappas: in a different rate class. You'll be billed for at least 75% of the capacity you reserve. The point is simple. If a data center comes in and Duke builds for it, then the data center doesn't use it. The rest of us should get should not get stuck with the bill. So when these places locate, they have to say, I'm going to use X. And in this case, the threshold is now 50 megawatts. So if they're going to use over 50, Duke has to build for it.

Laura Mussler: and they have to pay for at least 75%. Okay, but who pays the bill for Duke?

Peter Pappas: And they have to pay for at least seventy five percent of it, but who pays the bill for Duke h building it? That is a good question. Hmm. But I do know that Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, they all signed it. So did the Defense Department. it goes to the Utilities Commission next, and that's the North Carolina Utilities Commission. And the Duke it does expect a ruling around the middle of November. Now,

Laura Mussler: That is a good question. But I do know that Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, they all signed it, so the Defense Department. it goes to the Utilities Commission next, and that's the North Carolina Utilities Commission, and do it does expect a rule around the middle of November. Now Full disclosure, I was in the room last Tuesday's chamber form. I was the timekeeper. And I'll tell you more about that in the rapid fire. But here's what the four people running for two at-large seats on our county commission said. Charles Evans is against them. He says they usually end up in poor neighborhoods. And he'd rather recruit high-wage employees. Well, I'd like to know who he wants to import them because the data centers are here. And I don't know what high

Peter Pappas: Full disclosure, I was in the room last Tuesday's chamber form. I was the timekeeper. And I'll tell you more about that in the rapid fire. But here's what the four people running for two at large seats on our county commission said. Charles Evans is against them. He says they usually end up in poor neighborhoods and he'd rather recruit high wage employers. Well, I'd like to know who he wants to import then, because the data centers are here and I don't know what high High what high wage employer is going to come to a tier one school district, but we'll get to that

Laura Mussler: what high-wage employer is going to come to a tier one school district, but we'll get to that. In a minute. Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones appointed to the six-month moratorium that the board passed. Of course, she took full credit for that, which is ridiculous. Ron Ross called them energy hogs. And Greg West called them a narrow piece of the bigger job of bringing jobs here. So out of those four responses, which one do you think has the best

Peter Pappas: in minute. Okay. Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones pointed to the six-month moratorium and the board passed. of course she took full credit for that, which is ridiculous. Ron Ross called them energy hogs. Fair. And Greg West called them a narrow piece of the bigger job of bringing jobs here. So out of those four responses, which one do you think has the best?

Laura Mussler: vision of?

Peter Pappas: vision of well based on those see okay so I'm not taking a side on the data centers because I use data all the time when I drive when I whatever I do I'm always using data everybody's always using data so they have to go somewhere. Well I'm gonna use data centers so I can protest the data centers. Yeah. Of course. Yeah I'm gonna use Chat GPT and have them tell me what to say to protest the data center. Okay. All right that's an aside I was get back. Okay.

Laura Mussler: Well, based on those Okay, so I'm not using a side on the data centers because I use data all the time when I drive, when I whatever I I'm always using data. Everybody's always using data. So they have to go somewhere. Well I'm gonna use data at centers so I can protest the data centers. Yeah. Yeah. That's cool. Yeah, I'm gonna use Chat Epin and tell me what to say to protest the data center. Okay. All right, that's on a side, I was good back. Okay, okay. All i if you want faster internet and more knowledge or whatever, then we have to have data centers. And if we can find a zone that they re recycle their water, do you think about a car wash? They use way more water than a a data center is, but we don't protext car washers. No. well not yet. Amazon, that big old Amazon facility, you don't think

Peter Pappas: All i if you want faster internet and more knowledge or whatever, then we have to have data centers. And if we can find a way that they you recycle their water, you think about a car wash, they use way more water than a a data center is, but we don't protest car washes. No. well not yet. Amazon, that big old Amazon facility. You don't think that's gonna use a ton of power? They're the everything they have there is automated, nobody was

Laura Mussler: gonna use a ton power. There's the everything they have there is automated. Nobody was protesting Amazon. And it's it's y you need to it if the energy companies and the water companies will hold them to higher standards and not pass the fee.

Peter Pappas: protesting Amazon. Data centers have a bad name for whatever reason. They do. It's it's y you need to i if the energy companies and the water companies will hold them to higher standards and not pass the the expense on to the taxpayers, we need all the data centers we can get. Right. And there is that national security kind of priority too. We need to best the Chinese. We need to best the other countries that

Laura Mussler: expense onto the taxpayers. We need all the data from each week. Right. And there is that national security kind of priority too. We need to best the Chinese. We need to best the other countries that they're for not for nothing, they're evil actors. I mean we need to combat and have we cutting our but now I did read last week, week before that I believe it was open AI

Peter Pappas: They're for not for nothing. They're evil actors. That's exactly right. I mean, we need to combat and have the cutting art. But now, I did read last week, week before, that I believe it was open AI had one of its little agents jump out of the sandbox again and go do nefarious stuff. So we do need a handle on it, but

Laura Mussler: have one of its little agents jump out of the sandbox again and go do the fairy stuff. So we do need a handle on it, but

Peter Pappas: there's gonna be bad actors in everything. I'm sorry. There just is. That's just just the way it is. We just have to hope that ninety eight to ninety nine percent of them

Laura Mussler: There's gonna be bad actors in everything. I'm sorry. There just is. It's just the way it is. We just have to hope that ninety eight to ninety nine percent of them are good actors. That's it. I mean no matter what whether it's the police, whether it's ICE, whether it's data centers, whether it's who knows? You're always gonna have a bad actor. So I've had Representative Wheatley on here, I've had Senator McDennis, I've had Representative Jackson, and I pretty sure we that's across party lines. Right. I think pretty much all of them are in well I

Peter Pappas: are good actors. That's it. I mean no matter what whether it's the police, whether it's ICE, whether it's data centers, whether it's who knows, you're always gonna have a bad actor. So I've had Representative Wheatley on here. I've had Senator McInnes, I've had Representative Jackson, and I'm pretty sure even that's across party lines. Right. I think pretty much all of them are in Who hasn't been here? well I

Laura Mussler: have Charles Smith coming and what else am I missing?

Peter Pappas: have Charles Smith coming and who else am I missing?

Laura Mussler: I feel like I have more, but we have not heard back from Mr. Mike Colvin. We have not heard back from Senator Applewhite. there's a few we haven't heard back from Venus Dela Cruz. stop because we have Paul Taylor and McKenna so that evens that out. I'll have to do a fairness with a lot for you. But out of the four

Peter Pappas: Feel like I have more, but we have not heard back from Mr. Mike Colvin. We have not heard back from Senator Applewhite. there's a few we haven't heard back from Venus Delacruz. God, now you stomp me. Cause we had Paul Taylor and McInnis, so that evens that out. I'll have to do a fairness little right block for you. But out of the four at that forum

Laura Mussler: at that forum. Greg West had it West Antonizing. Well and so I would say the top two would be Charles Evans and Greg West. And Charles kind of let me down with that whole accusation they go to poor neighborhoods because now the consensus among most people is put in an industrial place. An industrial park. That's a good That's where they belong. And that that's what I was getting at with the state, the consensus of the state representatives we have is that let's put in the industrial parks we're already gonna have.

Peter Pappas: Greg West had the the best answer in my opinion. Well, and I so I would say the top two would be Charles Evans and Greg West. And Charles kind of let me down with that whole accusation they go in poor neighborhoods, because now the consensus among most people is put them in an industrial place, an industrial park. That's a good idea. That's where they belong. And that that's what I was getting at with the state, the consensus of the state representatives we have is that man, let's just put them in the industrial parks we're already gonna have. you know, it it's always like

Laura Mussler: you know, it it's always like it's kind of an accusation that the data centers was looking for black neighborhoods. You know, it's like, come on, man. I get it I I'm sorry, I I have the two

Peter Pappas: It's kind of an accusation that the data centers are just looking for black neighborhoods to go get them. You it's like, come on, man. I get i I I'm sorry. I I have fatigue. Mm-hmm. It poor me. Poor me fatigue. Ms. Jones tried to take credit for something that is not solely hers. That's right. Ron Ross, straight out and energy hog, but Greg West at least calling them an arrow piece of a bigger picture, I think, is most important and most forward thinking. good answer.

Laura Mussler: Ms. Jones tried to take credit for something that is not solely hers. That's it. Ron Ross, straight out, and interview hog, but Greg West at least calling them a narrow piece of a bigger picture, I think, is most important and most forward thinking. you know. No the the actual

Peter Pappas: Now do do you actually follow through with that? That might be my only thing. Well, did anything surprise you about

Laura Mussler: final people. Right, right. Well, did anything surprise you about

Peter Pappas: Well, you know. The biggest part that surprised me was that thirty seven percent said allow them. That's a large percentage. But then only if they pay their full cost in energy, water and infrastructure. Twenty nine percent said none at all. And then six percent said bring on.

Laura Mussler: Yeah. The biggest part this cars need is the thirty seven percent said allow them. That's a lot of sense. And then only if they pay their full cost of energy, water and infrastructure. Forty nine percent said none at all. And then six percent said bring along.

Peter Pappas: So is yes if they pay their own way, the real middle hill here and does that

Laura Mussler: So is yes if they pay their own way, the real middle here here and is the real action make them pay their own way or just most of it. Like I said, who's gonna pay the actual building of the if we have to build a new plant, then who the hell's gonna pay for that? That's fair. They should pay for it. They should pay for the whole building. A hundred percent. I don't know if they can do that. No, I don't

Peter Pappas: deal actually make them pay their own way or just most of it. Like I said, who's gonna pay for the actual building of the if we have to build a new plant, then who the hell's gonna pay for that? That's right. They should pay for it. They should pay for the whole building. Hundred percent. I don't know if they can do that though. Not my problem.

Laura Mussler: pay for But why should I pay for it? No, I don't wanna pay for it either. I just I don't know what regulations and what laws we have in place that we can make them.

Peter Pappas: But why should I pay for it? No, I don't want to pay for it either. I just I don't know what regulations and what laws we have in place that we can make them do. No, but if you want to come, you then you need to foot the bill. Look, if they want to come, I say bring some nuclear reactors, call it a day. And let us let us have some access of that. But I I agree. Nuclear is the best in my you

Laura Mussler: No, but if wanna come, then you need to put the day. If they wanna come, I'd say it brings to me for the reactors, call it a day. And let us let us have some access to that. I I do the best in my

Peter Pappas: know, whatever. Anyway. Well, let's see. Ron Ross, the Republican and Charles Evans, the Democrat, they did agree on this one.

Laura Mussler: Well, let's see. Ron Ross, the Republican, and Charles Edmunds the Democrat, they did agree on this one. when the Grace Creek activist and the former Democratic chair are on the same size, who's left making the Johnstays?

Peter Pappas: when the Grace Creek activist and the former Democratic chair are on the same size, who's left making the jobs case? No. I mean, I didn't hear anything from Vice Chairwoman Jones. It's pretty sad. But I did hear it from Mr. West. So just but there's not that many jobs. You know, the the the wires and all that. No, the data center will not bring jobs, but what it

Laura Mussler: I didn't hear anything from Vice Chairwoman Jones. But I but I did hear it from Mr. West. So that's there's not that many jobs. So here's the data center I mean building it maybe. You know, the the the wires all No, the data center will not bring jobs. Well but it it will have the construction stuff and the administration might be ten people. It's not lot. but it's more jobs than I know.

Peter Pappas: it will have the construction stuff and the administration might be ten people. It's not a lot. it's ten more jobs than we have now. It is ten more jobs. And also based on the city council going to Loudoun County, Virginia, I believe, they were surprised. I think the consensus was they were surprised and impressed at how much they've integrated into the community and how much tax base those things bring. Yeah. So every time that the data center pays a dollar in tax is one

Laura Mussler: It is ten more jobs and also based on the city council going to Loudon County, Virginia, I believe, they were surprised. I think the consensus was they were surprised and impressed at how much they've integrated into the community and how much tax base those things were. Yeah. So every time that the data center pays a dollar in tax, it's one there's

Peter Pappas: There's not a kid in the classroom eating the benefit.

Laura Mussler: not a kid in the classroom eating the benefit.

Peter Pappas: There you go. So we're just getting essentially free money from these guys. Yeah. So bring on. So all right. Stop all these no data center signs, whatever. Just calm down, sit down. so well, now it's time for rapid fire. We only have three stories tonight, one take each, and we're gonna keep it moving. So

Laura Mussler: So we're just getting essentially free money from these labs. So all right, well just calm down, sit down. so well now it's time for rapid fire. We only have three stories tonight, one take each and we're gonna keep it moving. So

Peter Pappas: full disclosure, last year I chaired the chairman chambers government relations committee and I moderated the forum last year for city council races.

Laura Mussler: Full disclosure, last year I chaired the chairman chamber's government relations committee and I moderated the form last year for city council races. This year yes, that I was. This year I was the timekeeper sitting next to the moderator across from the moderator, Tyler Patton, and he did an excellent job, by the way. We worked really well together. somebody said he's the future board breeze, which means he did a really good job. He did better than I could have thought. So from from my chair though, I can tell you one candidate commit consistently went over the time.

Peter Pappas: You were demoted. Yes, the I was. This year I was the timekeeper sitting next to the moderator across from the moderator, Tyler Patton, and he did an excellent job, by the way. We worked really well together. somebody said he's the future George Brees, which means he did a really good job. He did better than I could have thought to do. So from from my chair though, I can tell you one candidate con then consistently went over the time,

Laura Mussler: And that was our very own permissions by Steronica Jennings. I don't know if you could see red

Peter Pappas: and that was our very own commission's vice chair, Veronica Jones. I don't know if she can see red.

Laura Mussler: or whatever, but I was shaking the part at her why didn't you stop?

Peter Pappas: Or whatever, but I was shaking the card at her, like, would you stop? They should they should cut the microphone. Yeah, well, for the record, we here, the cabinet, invited Commissioner Jones to come on the show four times by email, July twenty-fourth, August sixth, August eleventh, and August twenty fourth. She hasn't even given me the courtesy of a response. And this part's my opinion and it's only mine. she loves to hear herself speak, and I don't think she's a quality candidate. I don't think she should sit in that seat. She's too focused on her

Laura Mussler: Yeah, well, for the record, we here the Cabinet invited Commissioner Jones to come on the show four times by email july twenty fourth, august sixth, august eleventh, and august twenty fourth. She hasn't even given me the courtesy of a response. And this part's my opinion and it's only mine. she loves to hear herself speak and I don't think she's a quality candidate. I don't think she should stay in that seat. She's too focused on her her sex, her race and her disability, and she's a pitiable candidate.

Peter Pappas: her sex, her race, and her disability, and she's a pitiable candidate. Most of the candidates I talked to afterward, they like the format of the chamber thing. One or two told me the questions were a little too hard for the time we gave them. that's fair. We gave them a a minute thirty. So you got a minute thirty to answer and then you could have thirty sec it was thirty second rebuttals

Laura Mussler: Most of the candidates I talked to afterward, they liked the format of the chamber thing. One or two told me the questions were a little too hard for the time we gave them. that's fair. We gave them a minute 30. So you got a minute 30 to answer, and then you can have 30 seconds, it was 30 second rebuttals. opponents could respond, and then if they mentioned the name, then they can you can have another 30 seconds to clean up yours.

Peter Pappas: Opponents could respond and then if they mentioned the name, then they could ha you could have another thirty seconds to clean up yours.

Laura Mussler: but I'd rather the candidates run out of time on the hard questions than post on it and so I like the challenges guys. That's what I feel like we're here for. It's a challenge then. we're not gonna BS them, they're not gonna let them BS us. But I think that's what a lot of their fears are, is that they can't handle a cross-examination and they can't handle hard questions. So get out of the fish. So there you go.

Peter Pappas: but I'd rather the candidates run out of time on the hard questions than coast on an easy one. So I like to challenge these guys. That's what I feel like we're here for, is to challenge them. we're not gonna BS them and we're not gonna let BS us. But I think that's what a lot of their fears are, is that they can't handle a a cross examination and they can't handle tough questions. So get out of the kitchen. Very good. So there go.

Laura Mussler: Starting January first, more than seven hundred thousand art calendar meters.

Peter Pappas: Starting January first, more than 700,000 North Carolinians on Medicaid expansion must document 80 hours a month of work, school, or service, and re-verify twice a year. The governor's office office estimates that 250,000 plus people could lose coverage. The legislature rejected Governor Sign's request to fund the county's extra administrative costs.

Laura Mussler: eighteen hours a month of work, school, or service, and re-verify twice a year. The governor's office office estimates that two hundred and fifty thousand plus people can lose coverage. The legislature rejected governor sign's request to fund the county's extra administrative costs, which the state estimated of $4.4 million plus $0.5 million.

Peter Pappas: Which the state estimated at forty four million dollars plus six point five million implementation. Stein held a round table in Fayetteville last week. His letter to the North Carolina congressional delegate is dated October thirteenth. So twenty hours a week of work,

Laura Mussler: implementation. Sign held a round table in Federal last week. His letter to the most go on. Directional Belgate is dated October thirteenth. So twenty hours a week work on I think it's fair. If we have to work fifty hours a week for you to have it then you can work twenty. I I think so. It's right if you're able. I mean if you're disabled that's one thing.

Peter Pappas: I think it's fair. If we have to work fifty hours a week for you to have it, then you can work twenty. I th I think so. Especially if you're able. I mean, if you're disabled, that's one thing.

Laura Mussler: But if you're able, why not? I I I don't think Well and I I I like the the sad, you know, could lose coverage. Well you could. Or you can go get a job. Right. Or volunteer or do something. I think help the community. What w what yeah, the the the service. You can go volunteer and help the community. They're helping you. You know, you can give beneficial.

Peter Pappas: But if you're able, why not? I I I don't think I I I like the the sad, you know, could lose coverage. Well you could. Or you can go get a job. Right. Or volunteer or do something. I think it helps. Help the community. But what wha what yeah, the the the service. You can go volunteer and help your community. They're helping you. Mm-hmm. You know, you can give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Yep.

Laura Mussler: Well I I think even today in the restaurant somebody said that he always comes back and sees us when he's in town because he retired and moved, but he still has his house here. And I said, Well, you know, it's my home. I'm not going anywhere. And he says, That's my home too, but I'm just sick of name your you know issue and his was homelessness. And I'm like, Yeah, well, the better we do for this population, the worse it gets. That's the true and that's another conversation, but

Peter Pappas: Teach me Welsh. I I think even today in the restaurant, somebody said that he always comes back and sees us when he's in town because he retired and moved, but he still has his house here. And I said, Well, you know, Faye was my home. I'm not going anywhere. He says, No, it's my home too, but I'm just sick of name your, you know, issue. And his was homelessness. And I'm Yeah, well, the better we do for this population, the worse it gets. That's the truth. And any that's another conversation. But anyway, so

Laura Mussler: Anyway, so twenty hours will be busy. I don't think that much. I put twenty hours in Four hours a day, mumble to cover. I mean I I go to work at seven thirty and I don't leave you until at least six thirty at night. So you could do that with two days if we really wanted to. But now you did have a note. Most people who use coverage lose it to paperwork, not to refusal work. So I wonder if we can if there's a system we improved with that.

Peter Pappas: Twenty hours a week isn't bad. I don't think that's much. I put twenty hours in I mean, I I go to work at seven thirty and I don't leave usually till at least six thirty at night. So you can do that in two days if you really wanted to. But now you did have a note. Most people who lose coverage lose at the paperwork, not to refusing work. So I wonder if we can if there's a system to be improved with that.

Laura Mussler: 'Cause it does say that BSS is gonna be the one with the brunt of filling all this crap out. I wonder if we're ready for that. I don't I I do see that I'm kind of up to when I was looking for a job, they they're constantly ironing the VFS, they're always they certainly don't call anybody that's blind though, but that's decided one. yeah. let's talk about something five. Okay. The S line.

Peter Pappas: It's 'cause it does say that DSS is gonna be the one with the brunt of filling all this crap out. So I wonder if we're ready for that. I don't know. I I I do see that on the county website when I was looking for a job, they they're constantly hiring at DSS. They're always they certainly don't call anybody that's applying though, but that's beside the point. yeah. No no idea. let's talk about something fun. Okay. The S line. Five hundred and fifty million dollars.

Laura Mussler: Five hundred and fifty million dollars Raleigh to Richmond. So october fifteenth, the Federal Railroad Administration committed half a million dollars, five hundred and fifty million in federal money to the S line passenger route between Raleigh and Richmond, part of a nearly one point one billion dollar grant awarded under the Biden administration with a twenty percent match from Amtrak and NCDOT.

Peter Pappas: Dollars Raleigh to Richmond. So October fifteenth, the Federal Railroad Administration committed half a billion dollars, five hundred and fifty million in federal money, to the S line passenger route between Raleigh and Richmond, part of a nearly one point one billion dollar grant awarded under the Biden administration with a twenty percent match from Amtrak and N C D O T. That's a mouthful. So the promise was up to ninety minutes faster, stretch some stretches up to a hundred and ten miles per hour. Wow.

Laura Mussler: So the promise was up to ninety minutes faster, stretch some stretches up to 110 miles per hour. Wow. no it but here it is. Welcome to election season. No total cost, ridership estimate or service start date was published. So we need all three before we write the next chance as taxpayers. I mean

Peter Pappas: no d but here it is. Welcome to election season. No total cost, ridership estimate or service start date was published. So we need all three before we write the next check as taxpayers. I mean, but it will take pressure off of I ninety five, I forty, and the freight lines in the states in the state everybody's moving to. So I mean, we are a popular state. We need more, but what

Laura Mussler: But it will take pressure off of I ninety five, I forty and the freight lines and states and the state everybody's moving too. So I mean we are a popular state. We need more, but what why can we do stuff like this? If you go to Richmond, where do you go from Richmond? Like is that s supposed to help the Washington DC? I totally think so. I took the train to D C that was the five five, the best sort of travel. So when you get to DC to the training. Right. but Richmond can be.

Peter Pappas: Why do they do stuff like this? If you go to Richmond, where do you go from Richmond? Like is that s supposed to help the Washington, DC train? I tell you, I took so I took the train to D C. It that was the by far the best way to travel ever. 'Cause when you get to D C you can take a train anywhere. So but Richmond, Virginia isn't quite that far. But I mean Well, it's three hours by car. And if they're saying it's gonna be

Laura Mussler: Well, it's three hours, my call. And if they're saying it's gonna

Peter Pappas: Ninety minutes faster. I already go a hundred and ten miles an hour. Yeah, not everybody has a left foot like you do. Damn it. so you know, this is here's something I guess I love about this, if I can say I love it. It's a Biden grant, a Trump transportation department, and a Democratic governor all standing in front of the same train taking credit.

Laura Mussler: be ninety minutes faster. Well, yeah, not everybody has a left foot like we do. so, you know, this is here's something I guess I love about this, if I can say I love it. It's a Biden grant, a Trump transportation department, and a Democratic governor all standing in front of the same train taking credit. Second Transportation Secretary Duffy says it's gonna make passenger rail grade again. And I'll believe it when somebody publishes a ridership number.

Peter Pappas: Second transportation secretary Duffy says it's gonna make passenger rail great again. And I'll believe it when somebody publishes a leadership number.

Laura Mussler: A a a train nowhere like they didn't train the property. Let's hope not. All the track they built and all the track. They haven't completed hard many. They well they I saw some. Not much. It's like not much. Yeah. You can take a train from here to where you could cross the street. Yeah, yeah.

Peter Pappas: A a a train to nowhere like they did in in California? That's still let's hope not. All the track they built and All the track. They haven't completed hardly any. They well I they I saw some. Not much. It's like not much. Yeah. You can take a train from here to where you could cross the street. Yeah, yeah. It's yeah, it really is a train. Well that thing that turned into a billions and billions of dollars of yeah. So I hope this that's not this. Let's hope it's not the big dig in Boston either.

Laura Mussler: It's yeah, it really is a train. Well that thing that turned into a millions and billions of dollars. Yes. So I hope this that's not this. Mm. That's hope it's not big, big and boss to do. Something to come to Well,

Peter Pappas: Right. Something to come to complete. So well,

Laura Mussler: Everybody watching, that's the live block. Here's what's behind the door. Earlier tonight, I sat down with Judge George Cooper Bell, who's running for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, C2, and his opponent, Judge Toby Hamson, has already been on the show, and that conversation is already up at the website. Right after this, I'm yes, there's lots of stuff on the website. So well I'm sitting down with Rob Hasty tonight, who's running for Superior Court right here in Cumberland County.

Peter Pappas: everybody watching, that's the live block. Here's what's behind the door. Earlier tonight, I sat down with Judge George Cooper Bell, who's running for the North Carolina Court of Appeals, C2, and his opponent, Judge Toby Hampson, has already been on the show, and that conversation is already up at the website. Right after this, I'm yes, there's lots of stuff on the website. So well, I'm sitting down with Rob Hasty tonight, who's running for Superior Court right here in Cumberland County.

Laura Mussler: Both of your conversations that'll go up this week at the Carolina Cabinet.com. I asked him the question.

Peter Pappas: Both are new conversations that'll go up this week at the Carolina Cabinet dot com. I ask them the questions

Laura Mussler: you'd ask and then I shut up and let them answer. That's what I do. It's free, it takes four seconds. Please like the page, follow us on Facebook, subscribe to the YouTube, newsletters at the website, doors are open. You'll see on the other side. For Laura Mussler, I'm Peter Pappas. Argue with us better from the cow.

Peter Pappas: you'd ask, and then I shut up and let them answer. That's what I do. It's free. It takes four seconds. Please like the page. Follow us on Facebook. Subscribe to the YouTube. Newsletters at the website. The doors are open. We'll see you on the other side. For Laura Musler, I'm Peter Pappas. Argue with us better, Cumberland County.