Final Week of Early Voting: Your Ballot Amendments, Data Centers and the Envelope Rule

Peter Pappas: Before anything else, early voting in Cumberland County ends this Saturday at three in the afternoon. If you haven't voted yet, you've got through Saturday. Three things tonight. The first one's Fayetteville City Council takes up data centers at 6 30 tonight, half an hour from now.

Laura Mussler: Before anything else, early voting in Humble County ends this Saturday at three in the afternoon. If you haven't voted yet, you've got through Saturday. Three things tonight. The first one's Fayetteville City Council takes up data centers at six thirty tonight, half an hour from now.

Peter Pappas: Two, there are three constitutional amendments on your ballot, and I'm a yes on one and a no on two. I'll tell you exactly why. Three, a federal judge just left the new absentee ballot envelope rule in place.

Laura Mussler: Two, there are three constitutional amendments on your ballot, and I'm a yes on one and a no on two. I'll tell you exactly why. Three, a federal judge just left the new absentee ballot envelope rule in place. We ask both sides about it, and you'll hear from both. I'm Peter Pappas. Laura Mussler is with me, and this is the Carolina Cat.

Peter Pappas: We ask both sides about it and you'll hear from both. I'm Peter Pappas. Laura Musler is with me, and this is the Carolina Cabinet. And welcome back to the Carolina Cabin. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, and like I said, I'm in the studio with the lovely Laura Musler. Hello, hello. Welcome, welcome. Thank you. big long weekend. Did you get any rest? no. I spent Saturday going over the Fayetteville Republican Women's Club books to get them

Laura Mussler: And welcome back to the Carolina Cabin. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, and like I said, I'm in the studio with the lovely Laura Mussler. Hello, hello. Welcome, welcome. So big long weekend. Did you get any rest? no.

Peter Pappas: right and polished and ready to go so nobody wears an orange orange jumpsuit. Yeah. Somebody should have been wearing an orange jumpsuit, but I went through and made an amendment. I don't know. I think maybe a white.

Laura Mussler: Right? Polished and ready to go so nobody wears an orange orange jumpsuit? Yeah. Somebody should have been wearing an orange jumpsuit, but I went to remade it and then I don't know, I think maybe a white padded suit on it. It took me from eleven in the morning and then that person that was helping me gave up and left it about five. And then I I went until about nine thirty and finally figured it out. Then I spent another hour doing the updated one and

Peter Pappas: padded suit with the arms on the Okay, whatever. It took me from eleven o'clock in the morning and then the person that was helping me gave up and left at about five. And then I went until about nine thirty and finally figured it out. Then I spent another hour doing the updated one and yeah tomorrow I'm gonna send off.

Laura Mussler: Summer.

Peter Pappas: There you go. Okay. I forgot about it today. I should have sent it off today, but I totally forgot. I yeah, we probably have these things called careers and jobs and stuff. So it's quite a bit. It's gotta be midnight tomorrow. We're we're gonna do a short show this evening and then because I already and we will talk about it, we have already interviewed someone from Common Cause North Carolina, a nonpartisan. and I I did I did the air quotes with him. I like, Yeah, is this nonpartisan or is it nonpartisan they do he and he admitted they lean a little bit, you know, liberal, a little left.

Laura Mussler: Okay. I forgot about it today. You know, we probably have these things called careers and jobs and stuff, so it's it's quite a midnight. We're we're gonna do a short show this evening and then because I already and we will talk about it, we have already interviewed someone from Common Cause North Carolina, a nonpartisan. and I I did I did the air quotes with him, I like, is this nonpartisan or is it nonpartisan you know. they do he he admitted they lean a little bit, you know, liberal. Yeah.

Peter Pappas: But anyway, so we already interviewed Common Cause. so here's where it stands. Let's get to local news. Last Monday in a special meeting, city council voted six to four, two times, twice. One vote set up a public hearing and a moratorium for data centers or a pause, and told staff to write the ordinance first. The other told staff to take the outside attorney's recommendations, fold them into the city zoning rules, and bring them back tonight. So let me be clear about the one thing. As of right now.

Laura Mussler: Anyway, so we already interviewed Comic Cause. so here's where it stands. Let's get to local news. Last Monday in a special meeting, City Council voted six to four, two times, twice. One vote set up a public hearing and a moratorium for data centers or a pause, and told staff to write the ordinance first. The other told staff to take the outside attorney's recommendations, fold them into the city zoning rules, and bring them back tonight. So let me be clear about the one thing. As of right now, the city

Peter Pappas: The city of Fayetteville has not banned anything and has not paused anything. The county has its own moratorium, and that one does run out December 15th. Two different governments, two different clocks. So here's my question for counsel. If

Laura Mussler: has not banned anything and has not paused anything. The county has its own oratorium and that one does run out December 15th. Two different governments, two different clocks. So here's my question for council.

Peter Pappas: you're writing the rules and you're writing a pause at the same time, which are you gonna go for? What are you gonna use? If there's a moratorium on Cumberland County, does that mean the city too? You would think, but

Laura Mussler: you're writing the rules and you're writing a pause at the same time, which are you gonna go for? Which one you use? If there's a moratorium on common county, does that mean the city too? You would think, but

Peter Pappas: The county and the unincorporated areas is what they're covering. Okay. So that would be the small municipality. It is, in fact, in the county. But they have their own zoning it's Okay, I'm just asking.

Laura Mussler: the county and the unincorporated areas is what they're covering. So that would be the small municipality. Is it a city in the county? It is, in fact, in the county. But they have their own zoning. It's a set deal.

Peter Pappas: and honestly, I don't think a data center can go anywhere reasonably in the city. No.

Laura Mussler: And honestly, I don't think the data center can go anywhere reasonably in the city. Well, in the incorporated areas of the city. There's a big parking lot by the courthouse and leave the co leave the month. I will tell you, I was at the courthouse this morning and parking is easy to find if you're not there late. Right. I was there about eight five and I actually got Rockstar parking, right?

Peter Pappas: Well in the incorporated areas of the city. There's a big parking lot in the by the courthouse. Leave the co leave the month. I will tell you, I was at the courthouse this morning and parking is easy to find if you're not there late. Right. I was there about f eight five and I actually got rock star parking like right in front of where I had to be a I've never had a problem either. So you probably never had to be to the courthouse. So I don't know. I was charged with assault. I you know, the city council, there's a lot of

Laura Mussler: front of where I had to walk in. So yeah, they'll probably never have to be there in Courthouse. So I you know the city council there's a lot of there's a lot of conflict about there needs to be moratorium and no there shouldn't be changing the UDOs and it's like the UDO is how we

Peter Pappas: There's a lot of conflict about there needs to be a moratorium and no, they shouldn't be changing the UDOs. And it's like the UDO is how we f

Laura Mussler: regulate what comes here and what it looks like. So we have to change the UDOs. I think there was some energy a few months ago saying no Dino's UDOs. It's like it's not one councilman's UDO, number one, number two. that's how the city works. So hopefully

Peter Pappas: regulate what comes here and what it looks like. So we have to change the UDOs. I think there was some energy a few months ago. Say no to Dino's UDOs. It's like it's not one councilman's UDO, number one. Number two, that's how the city works. So hopefully

Laura Mussler: we're gonna be able to report back next Monday about this. because they're they're dabbling in at six thirty and I am not I've had enough for one day.

Peter Pappas: We're gonna be able to report back next Monday about this. because they're they're gabbling in at six thirty and are you gonna go down there? I am not. I I've had enough for one day with

Laura Mussler: with with government. So it's not like people's been showing up at these meetings since April. My gosh. It's not a real issue. No. Sixty four tells me that the council split almost down the middle.

Peter Pappas: with government. So what you got, Laura? Well, let's talk about the people who've been showing up at these meetings since April. My gosh. Mm-hmm. That's it's not a new issue. No, but six to four tells me that the council is split almost down the middle.

Laura Mussler: So what are the folks living here these sites actually worried about? Are they worried about the water, the power bill, the noise? And do they trust that the rules alone would protect them? You know, I think

Peter Pappas: So what are the folks living near these sites actually worried about? Are they worried about their water, the power bill, the noise? And do they trust that the rules alone will protect them? You know, I think having spoken to some of the people that would live I have one friend that would live directly across from the Fields Road site. There's that one in Eastover. Right. And I mean she lives like that would be her front yard, that data center. And I I think and I don't wanna like

Laura Mussler: having spoken to some of the people that would live I had one friend that we live directly across from the Fields Road site. There's that one in East Over. Right. And I mean she lives like that would be her front yard, that data center. And I I think and I don't want to like pigeonhole her, but you know, I think property value is a big deal to them.

Peter Pappas: pigeonhole her, but I think property value is a big deal to them. that listen, your house is your largest investment, most likely you made in your life. And to have something come in that can be obnoxious or

Laura Mussler: mean that listen, your house is your largest investment most likely you made in your life. And to have something come in that could be obnoxious or

Peter Pappas: create a hazard or whatever. Maybe they build a wall and and make it like an artist that's right. We're against walls. Never mind. Build a wall? No, we'll b we're gonna build the biggest wall, the best wall. But I'm just gonna be a beautiful wall.

Laura Mussler: create a hazard or whatever else. Maybe build a wall and and make it like a an artist that's right we're gonna say build a wall? The best wall. But I'm just saying it's gonna a beautiful wall. But I'm just saying if it's a noise thing or whatever it's all you have to do is build a wall around it or a a l a large. It's funny how that works though, because if you write the proper unified development coordinates from these VDOs just pestly the VDO

Peter Pappas: But I'm just saying if it's a noise thing or whatever, if all you have to do is build a wall around it or a a l a large brick fence. It's funny how that works though, because if you write the proper unified development ordinance, you know, those UDOs, those pesky little UDOs, you might actually be able to say needs wall. Yeah. And how big. And eight foot wall so that it or ten feet, whatever. Department of Transportation, when they build new highways, they build sound walls. Yep. That's what you do.

Laura Mussler: might actually be able to say needs wall. Yeah. And how big. And eight foot wall so that it or ten feet, whatever. Department of Transportation, when they build new highways, they build sound walls. Yep. That's does that still cure that you're living next to a highway though? Yeah. A little bit it does. Yeah. It does. A little bit. It's not quite as bad. but yeah, and then you make it into an art seat and you hire local artists to anything like

Peter Pappas: Does that still cure that you're living next to a highway though? Yeah. A little bit it does. Yeah. It does. A little bit. It's not quite as bad. but yeah, and then you make it into an art piece and you hire local artists to paint the wall. those are local artists? I just thought it graffiti kids. Whatever. Graffiti, local artists. Okay, it's free of charge. Yeah, whatever. so I

Laura Mussler: And it's free in charge. so

Peter Pappas: the other thing is the water and the power, that has not been settled. Now we discussed last week.

Laura Mussler: The other thing is the water and the power that has not been settled. Now we discussed last week.

Peter Pappas: utility commission's gonna have a meeting with the big like Amazons and the Department of Defense, stuff like that, to say what a major user of power is, so that if they are gonna use that, then they have to pay for their own. And but it it gets opaque really quickly. Right. And it's hard to say, well, today is October twenty sixth.

Laura Mussler: utility commission's gonna have a meeting with the big like Amazons and the Department of Defense, stuff like that, to say what a major user of power is, so that if they are gonna use that and they have to pay for their own and but it it gets opaque really quick. Right. And it's hard to say, well, today is October twenty sixth.

Peter Pappas: We're gonna make them pay, but who's watching and making sure that that follows through?

Laura Mussler: we're gonna make them pay, but who's watching and making sure that

Peter Pappas: I don't know. And who pays for the upgrades? That's what I mean. That's the thing. who's gonna pay that extra? And eventually the ratepayer I don't think there's any scenario where the ratepayer doesn't pay more. I I can't see it either. Not not unless we tell them that they've got to provide their own power, which would mean nuclear reactors, which something. But then we'll have people all

Laura Mussler: that follows through? That's the thing. You who's gonna pay that extra and eventually the ratepayer? I don't think there's any scenario where the rate payer doesn't pay more. I I can't see that not unless you tell them that that provide their own car, which we just need their reactor. Yes. Something then we'll have people I've already seen you left to start to put out some some propaganda about that. there was something in Texas I think that they had a trick,

Peter Pappas: I've already seen the left is starting to put out some some propaganda about that. there was something in Texas, I think, that they had a trip

Laura Mussler: turban trip or something, which is what happened in that movie with Jane Farn, I can't remember.

Peter Pappas: turbine trip or something, which is what happened in that movie with Jane Fonda. I can't remember Jesus. What that was an old movie. I don't know. Yeah. I was gonna say I don't watch anything with J J Jane Fonda in it. Neither ever. If you can separate the Marionette version of them, like they're just monkeys that dance to somebody else somebody has somebody else's words coming out of their mouth. Mm-hmm. You can tolerate Hollywood.

Laura Mussler: panel again. But shut the whatever. If you could separate the marionette version of them, like they're just monkeys that dance to somebody else some has somebody else's words coming out of their mouth you can tolerate Hollywood.

Peter Pappas: Right. I cannot tolerate a traitor, but yeah no she's a big time trader.

Laura Mussler: I trader for Yeah, no, she's a big time trader. She's actually come around and said her old day and she's reflected. But that was probably not a great idea. Sit sitting on the tank in the bottom. Giving the social security numbers back to the people that should have free. so if they pass the rules, are they good enough? Why? If we if they pass the rules, they do a need a moratorium. So if they're good enough to pass

Peter Pappas: She's actually come around that said that in her old age she's reflected that that was probably not a great idea. Trader. Sit sitting on the tank in North Vietnam. Right. Giving the Social Security numbers back to the people so that they were beat within an inch of their lives. But what whatever Trader. so if they pass the rules, are they good enough? Why if we if they pass the rules, then do we need a moratorium? So if they're good enough to pass, then why do we need a moratorium?

Laura Mussler: Why do we need a moratorium?

Peter Pappas: And if they're not good enough to pass, then why are we passing I had an exchange over the weekend with someone, I believe Fayel Resistance Coalition or something. It was a nice exchange. It wasn't, you know, I I don't really get that in the people that want to really lose their mind on flying, I just block and right move on. But you know, I I think I said, Look, what does transparency look like to you?

Laura Mussler: If they're not good enough to ask, why are we passing? I had an exchange over the weekend with someone I believe Fable Resistance Coalition or something. It was a nice exchange. It wasn't you know I I don't really get that in people that wanna really lose their mind offline I just block and move on. But you know, I I think I said, Look, what does transparency look like to you?

Peter Pappas: Because we might all have different versions of what transparency is. Now, you know, and there's some of the reasons were well, they they can't

Laura Mussler: Because we might all have different versions of what transparency is. Now, yeah, and there's some of the reasons where well they they can't call a meeting and have it within three days. Can they though? Because the statute says public notice, this much notice, and three. So some of it is transparency, I think, that maybe counts or some of the powers that be.

Peter Pappas: call a meeting and have it within three days. Can they though? Because the statute says public notice, this much notice, and it's legal. So some of it is transparency, I think, that maybe council or someone powers that be play with that and then yeah, okay. Yeah, you're making all that creaky noise.

Laura Mussler: Thank you. It's like spooky season.

Peter Pappas: It's like squeeze I was gonna say season it's Halloween, I can make squeeze. That was her microphone adjusting, not the coffins opening. But yeah, so you know, there's the different view of what transparency looks like. Right. And how many times have I said what what have you done to go to your government? It everybody expects this stuff to like drop down in their lap.

Laura Mussler: It's spooky season. It's home. That was her microphone adjusting, not the coffins open. But yeah, so you know, there's the different view of what transparency looks like. And how many times have I said what what have you done to go to your government? If everybody expects this stuff to like drop down in their lap Or you email from that and go and ask you what what do you think? Exactly. And here's what

Peter Pappas: you mean they don't come knock on your door and ask you what what do you think and and here's what we're gonna do? Yeah.

Laura Mussler: will be request. You know, next Tuesday. Whatever council does tonight, we get our own say in nine days from today. So let's talk about our balance. No, you can actually talk to get say IRP, you just find out what your say is. True. Yeah. that's true. Yeah, we get results. You're right. Fair enough, fair enough. So

Peter Pappas: You have actually go find the information out. next Tuesday, whatever council does tonight, we get our own say in nine days from today. So let's talk about our ballots. Okay. Well, you can actually talk get a say prior to you just find out what your say is in nine days. True. Yeah. that's true. Yeah, we get the results. You're right. Fair enough, fair enough. So I already had my say.

Laura Mussler: Let's see. I did not get the current count. Have you voted? I have actually voted.

Peter Pappas: Let's see. I did not get the current count. Have you voted? I have actually voted.

Laura Mussler: Yes. And I haven't gotten the text or a few left off. I might not vote. Well once once you vote they take you off. Supposedly. Yeah. Well I was getting them and now I'm not. I voted.

Peter Pappas: Yay. And I haven't gotten any texts or I feel left out. Am I not good enough to Well once once you vote, they take you off. Supposedly. Well, I was getting them and now I'm not. I voted, so now I'm not. For people that are running campaigns and they know how to do it, they're dropping you off their lists. Right. So they don't have to waste money trying to reach you. Right. But let's see. So I did not get the updated numbers before today, but

Laura Mussler: For people that are running campaigns and they know how to do it, they're dropping you off their list. Right. So they don't have to waste money trying to reach you. But let's see. So I did not get the updated numbers before today. But over the weekend I did have a number, let's see here. I think statewide, we had up a million votes passed. Yeah, so here it is, statewide. trackers disagree, 1,101,318.

Peter Pappas: Over the weekend I did have a number, let's see here. I think statewide we had like a million votes cast. Really? Yeah. So here it is. Statewide. trackers disagree one million one hundred and one thousand three hundred and eighteen through October twenty second. So that's four days ago. Versus one point two million independent tracker. So neither say if let's see, North Carolina State Board of Elections hasn't been pulled. So we haven't

Laura Mussler: through October twenty second, so that's four days ago, versus one point two million independent traffic or so. Neither say if let's see if I say what election has been. So we haven't compared

Peter Pappas: compare that, but it's at least a million votes. Which we only had 500,000 the week earlier. Right. Well, this was says October 15th, there was four thousand nine

Laura Mussler: that, but it's at least a million hours. Which we only had five hundred thousand the week over. Well this says October fifteenth and four thousand

Peter Pappas: hundred and sixty five ballots in Cumberland County versus three thousand two hundred and forty two on day one in twenty twenty two. So we're up fifty three percent. Mm-hmm. So people are fired up. People are doing what they're supposed to do. I don't have breakdowns on Republican versus Democrat turnout, but I think statewide Democrats are definitely eclipsing

Laura Mussler: So people are fired up. People are doing what they're supposed to do. I don't have breakdowns on Republican versus Democrat turnout, but I think statewide Democrats are definitely flipsing Republicans and of course filiators are flips and Hemocrats. Right. So I have

Peter Pappas: Republicans and of course unaffiliators are eclipsing everybody. Right. So maybe if the Republicans had some good statewide candidates. Yeah. So I have amendments. I have amen we have amendments on the ballot. Now I'm gonna tell you where I stand and then Laura can tell me where I'm wrong. That's what she's good for.

Laura Mussler: Amendments. I have amen we have amendments on the ballot. Now I'm gonna tell you where I stand and then Laura can tell me where I'm wrong. That's what she's good at. She's really good at this. Okay. So amendment one, photo ID, I'm a hundred and twenty percent yes. And here's what a lot of people don't know. You already voted for voter ID in the state constitution twenty.

Peter Pappas: I don't know. Not necessarily wrong. So amendment one, photo ID, I'm 120% yes. And here's what a lot of people don't know. You already voted for voter ID in the state constitution of 2018. Right. And I didn't realize that until I started looking into the Supreme Court overruled it. There were so many, it was flip flop, flip flop, and now it's there. it did pass with about 55%, which that's pretty huge considering that.

Laura Mussler: And I didn't realize that until I started looking into it. Yeah, and then well because we weren't probably there were so many, it was flip-flop, flip-flop, and now it's there. it did pass with about 55%, which that's pretty huge considering that Republicans are not 55%. Right. So that means other parties and unaffiliated is have to chime in. the amendment takes the same requirement and applies it to the absentee and mail it ballot. So that's what we're voting for now. So I call it Amendment 1.

Peter Pappas: Republicans are not fifty five percent. Right. So that means other parties and unaffiliated's had to chime in. the amendment takes the same requirement and applies it to the absentee and mail in ballot. So that's what we're voting for now. So I call it amendment one because it's the first one on the ballot. Right. so that's a yes. Yeah, but my view

Laura Mussler: because it's the first one on the ballot. Right. that's a yes. Yeah, but my view

Peter Pappas: my view, I try to be simple. I thought that the the the amendment was to put it in the constitution as opposed to

Laura Mussler: My view trying to be simple. I thought that they'd the amendment was to put it in the constitution as opposed to just having it a law. In the legislature, having it as administrative use. Right. Yeah. So that takes and that's what our goal was. It's simplest simply we spend enough political capital over fighting are we gonna have voter voter ID or not? The same way we're fighting for abortion, in my opinion.

Peter Pappas: Just having it a lot. In the legislature. Yeah. Right. Having it as administrative rules. Right. Yeah. So that takes and that's where I'm going with this. Simplest simply, we've spent enough political capital over fighting. Are we going to have voter photo ID or not? The same way we fought over abortion, in my opinion, i it's about as good as we're gonna get. So stop wasting the political capital, put it in the constitution, move on. Because it takes photo ID out of contention. I I don't know that you should be

Laura Mussler: It's about as good as we're gonna get. So stop wasting the political capital, put it in the constitution, move on. Because it takes photo ID out of contention. I don't know that you should be like comparing it to abortion. Abortion is a is something that rears its head no matter what the topic du jour is. It always seems to come up and be important, but

Peter Pappas: comparing it to abortion. Abortion is a is something that rears its head no matter what the topic de jour is. It always seems to come up and be important, but it's things we've already negotiated and we've already spent a lot of time working on. Neither side will get a hundred percent of what they want. And that's why that's why I feel focused by these. Yeah, but I I want to keep fighting for what I want. But but I I don't I don't I have yet to hear

Laura Mussler: It's things we've already negotiated and we've already spent a lot of time working on. Neither side will get a hundred percent of what they want. And that's what that's how I feel about these. Yeah, but I I want to do that. And that's fine. And you can. But I I don't I don't I have yet to hear a valid argument as to why you would not want to vote on it. Right. Because if I hear one and I'll go hmm, that's good. I have yet to I I haven't met anybody who doesn't have an ID. Mm-hmm. I can't get one.

Peter Pappas: A valid argument as to why you would not want a voter ID. Right. Because if I hear one, then I'll be like, hmm, that's a good reason. I have yet to I I haven't met anybody that doesn't have an ID. Mm-hmm. I can't get one. So the the I think the deciding point here why people would oppose this part of the amendment is because it applies to absentee and mail in. So you're supposed to send a photo photocopy.

Laura Mussler: So the the I think the deciding point here why people would oppose this part of the amendment is because it applies to absentee amendment. So you're supposed to send a photo photocopy of your ID.

Peter Pappas: Or you write your last four of your social security number. There's ways to identify yourself. Right. And if they don't accept it, you would still have a have a way to cure your ballot. Now, for those of you watching, if you'll watch the segment after with the gentleman from co from common cause, we went over the remedies of well, this is how you fix your ballot. Right. You have five business days now. Not five not three days, but five business days to cure your ballot, which essentially g takes you Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Laura Mussler: There's ways to identify yourself. And if they don't accept it, you would still have a have a way to cure your ballot. Now, for those of you watching, if you'll watch the segment after with the gentleman from com from Common Cause, we went over the remnants of well, this is how you fix your ballot. You have five business days now. Not five not three days, but five business days to cure your ballot, which essentially takes you Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Monday and Tuesday. So it gives you pretty much to the following Tuesday you think so. That's still they have to follow up with you in as many ways as you gave them. So if you give them a phone number, email, it's as easy as you want to make. Okay. So and he we did discuss that that is a pretty much a standard across all hundred counties. That's a state board of elections kind of guidance for each the county boards. So the second amendment, the income tax guide.

Peter Pappas: Monday and Tuesday. So it gives you pretty much to the following Tuesday to fix it. Right. That's how are you notified? as mi they have to follow up with you in as many ways as you gave them. So if you give them a phone number, email, it's as easy as you want to make it. Okay. So and he we did discuss that that is a pretty much a standard across all hundred counties. That it that's a state board of elections kind of guidance for each of the county boards. So the second amendment, the income tax cap.

Laura Mussler: Now

Peter Pappas: Now, I'm a big no. I'll say it up front. I don't want to pay any more taxes. I just don't. Nobody does. Do you want to pay more taxes? Taxation is theft. It's absolutely theft. But this writes a hard ceiling of three and a half percent into the constitution. That means in an emergency, the legislature can't raise revenue, not even temporarily.

Laura Mussler: I'm a big no. I'll say it up front. I don't want to pay any more taxes. I just don't. Nobody does. You want to pay more taxes? It's absolutely that. But this rights are hard ceiling of three and a half percent into the Constitution. That means in an emergency, the legislature can't raise revenue, not even temporarily.

Peter Pappas: Think about Hurricane Helene. Western North Carolina needed money fast to get back on its feet. Under a hard cap, the money comes slower, so the recovery comes slower. Unless they do a bond or something. Maybe.

Laura Mussler: Think about Hurricane Henry. Western North Carolina needed money fast to get back on speed. Under a hard cap, the money comes slower, so the recovery comes slower. Unless it's Maybe. And the mountains well in this case, the mountains run on tourism. So a slower recovery means a slower, weaker tourism economy.

Peter Pappas: There's other ways around it. Well, in this case, the mountains run on tourism. Right. So a slower recovery means a slower, weaker tourism economy. And that means less income tax coming in. That cap ends up shrinking the revenue it's supposed to protect. And it slows so we ended up having to sue the federal government FEMA for Helene to get our money. And luckily, North Carolina had enough surplus to pay for a lot of stuff. That was why we had to sue them, because we had to pay out of pocket essentially.

Laura Mussler: And that means less income tax coming in. That cap ends up shrinking the revenue it's supposed to protect. And it slows so we ended up having to sue the federal government VEMA for Henley to get our money. And luckily North Carolina had enough surplus to pay for a lot of stuff. That was why we had to sue them, because we had to pay out of pocket essentially. And we had to sue them first. So my problem with putting it in the Constitution is that it's an amendment.

Peter Pappas: And we had to sue them to get reimbursed. So my problem with putting it in the Constitution is that it's an amendment. It's there. You can't screw with it. If it's a statute in the legislature, you can temporarily suspend or increase, just like they did with the gas tax. Okay. It just takes that flexibility away. And I'm afraid that we might not always have good stewardship of our of our government budget. You think we're gonna have surpluses if we if we get a blue.

Laura Mussler: It's there. You can't screw with it. If it's a statute in the legislature, you can temporarily suspend or increase, just like we did with the gas tax. Mm-hmm. It just takes that flexibility away, and I'm afraid that we might not always have good stewardship of our of our government budget. Do you think we're gonna have surpluses if we if we get a blue legislature? No. Hell no. Absolutely.

Peter Pappas: Blue legislature? No. Hell no. Absolutely not. I I saw something on Facebook that was like the best description of the difference between a Republican and a Democrat. We all want the same thing. Or women don't have penises,

Laura Mussler: I I saw something on Facebook. It was the best description of the difference between a Republican and a Democrat. We all want the same thing.

Peter Pappas: but what anyway, yeah. I mean, we all want prosperity. We want to be able to afford our groceries. And the only difference is we don't agree on how to get there. Yeah. Me, if we have a a flood.

Laura Mussler: Anyway, we all want prosperity, we want to be able to afford our groceries. The only difference is we don't agree on how to get there. Me, if we have a a flood, as a Republican, I say, What can you do? How can we help? If you want to get money, great. If you want to give time, great. If you want to send letters, great. If want to that's great, 'cause if you don't want to help, that's fine too. As a Democrat though, if they want a government program, let's put in a new government program which is forcing me now.

Peter Pappas: As a Republican, I say, what can you do? How can you help? Yes. C you want to give money? Great. If you want to give your time, great. If you want to send letters, great. If you want to even that's great, because if you don't want to help, that's fine too. As a Democrat, though, they want a government program. Let's put in a new government program, which is forcing me now to participate the way you want me to participate. That's the only difference that I think.

Laura Mussler: To participate the way you want me to participate. That's the only difference. Well, as Senator McGinnis very affectionately referred to it. Planting flowers in front of the courthouse. Yeah. Which is a nice way of saying government wasteful spinning. That's right. there's another argument though for amendment two, and we'll move on, I thought. Companies won't come to North Carolina if we have an income tax. I feel I feel like that's a false. I heard that they were being away with income tax altogether. They are.

Peter Pappas: Yeah. Which is a nice way of saying government wasteful spending. That's right. there's another argument though for amendment two, and then we'll move on, I promise. So companies won't come to North Carolina if we have an income tax. I feel I feel like that's a false. I heard that they were doing away with the income tax altogether. So yeah. So our rate is already low. We're not the highest, even if we have one. But think about this. Be a comp be in a company's shoes, you're putting millions, billions of dollars into a plant here. And

Laura Mussler: So our rate is already low. We're not the highest, even if we have one. But think about this. Be in a company's shoes, you're putting millions, billions of dollars into a plant here. And you're looking at our schools, our quality of life, and just whether people want to live here, keep their workers healthy, right? So if they're making money, the companies, a few points of income tax, I don't think, is going to scare them off. And I don't think they're sitting around saying,

Peter Pappas: you're looking at our schools, our quality of life, and just whether people want to live here, keep their workers happy, right? So if they're making money, the companies, a few points of income tax I don't think, is going to scare them off. And I don't think they're sitting around saying, well, you know, we would have gone to North Carolina except for that four percent or whatever it is, income tax. I think if they're making money, they're gonna be very happy to pay it. Second of all, they have tax departments that know exactly how to keep that bill down.

Laura Mussler: Well, we would have gone to North Carolina except for that four percent or whatever it is income tax. I think if they're making money, they're gonna be very happy to pay it. Second of all, they have tax departments. They know exactly how to keep that good amount. That's

Peter Pappas: That's right. They're not stupid. And the state corporate income tax is already two percent this year. And under current law it goes to zero in twenty thirty. So

Laura Mussler: true. They're not stupid. And the state corporate income tax is already two percent this year. And then the current law goes to zero in twenty thirty. So

Peter Pappas: the cap mostly lands on you and me than it does the corporations. Right. And the I the idea that the cap look like I said, I was under the impression that they were gonna do away with income tax all the way when we start putting it into the constitution. Well now it's gonna be there. It's gonna be there. Yeah.

Laura Mussler: The cap mostly lands on you and me than it does the corporations. Right. And the I the idea that the caps lo like I said, I was under the impression that they were going to do waiver income tax all day long and start limiting the contribution and now It's gonna be there. It's gonna be there. Yeah. And especially if there's certain kinds of government they're gonna be like, we can charge and have to say we're gonna charge it regardless of whether we need or not.

Peter Pappas: And especially if there's certain kind of government, they're gonna be like, we can charge three and a half percent. We're gonna charge three and a half percent, regardless of whether we need it or not, or we're gonna find a way to spend it. Yep. Well, that brings me to amendment three. This one's the kicker. So I'm a big no on this and I know I'm I'm gonna upset a lot of my Republican friends, but I want you all to remember back to a simpler time when the Affordable Care Act was being pushed through and we kept saying we wanna read the bill, what's in it.

Laura Mussler: We're gonna find a way to extend it. Yeah, well that brings me to Amendment 3. This one's a kicker, so I'm a big no on this, and I know I'm I'm gonna upset a lot of my Republican friends, but I want you all to remember back to center tonight when the Affordable Care Act was being pushed through and we kept saying, We want to read the bill, what's in it? Speaker Pelosi very adamantly you gotta pass it to find out what's in it.

Peter Pappas: Speaker Pelosi very You gotta pass it. You gotta pass it to find out what's in it. Yeah. So to me, that's this amendment reworked. It doesn't set a limit, it doesn't name a number about property tax percent limits. It gives the legislature more power to limit what your county and city can levy, and then they're gonna write the details later. So

Laura Mussler: So to me that's this amendment rework. It doesn't set a limit. It doesn't name a number about property tax percent limits. It gives the legislature more power to limit what your county and city can wrapping. And then they're gonna write the details later. So

Peter Pappas: I don't like that at all. I think it turns into a cap on how much your property tax can go up year over year,

Laura Mussler: I don't I think it turns into a cap on how much your property cap can go up year over year.

Peter Pappas: but that's not what people think they're voting for. And there's ways around it. Okay. So your your tax rate can only go up one percent, but we're gonna price your house, your your twelve hundred square foot house. It's now worth we're gonna say a million dollars.

Laura Mussler: But that's not what people think they're voting for. There's ways around it. Okay. So your your tax rate can only go up one percent. We're gonna price your house, your your twelve hundred square house is now go two hundred a million dollars.

Peter Pappas: Well, I do have to say, okay, about the valuations, again, I'm in real estate. That is they are using market data that we got

Laura Mussler: Well, I do have to say that okay, about the valuations again. I'm in real estate, that is they are using market data that we got. Everybody got screwed this cycle because of the COVID pricing and everything bought. Okay. Because now it's stuff coming down. Right. Now it's still coming way down. Way down. So that means our next valuation you're probably gonna see values drop. Which they do. Well But how long have we been on next valuation for?

Peter Pappas: Everybody got screwed this cycle because of the COVID pricing and then when everything went bumping. Right. Okay. Because now stuff's coming down. Right. Now stuff's coming way down. Way down. So that means our next valuation, you're probably going to see values drop, which they do. The taxes will go up. But how long until we get our next valuation? How many years? It's supposed to be well, okay. We were on an eight year cycle. And I believe our county commission changed us to a six year.

Laura Mussler: It's supposed to be, well, okay, we were on an eight-year cycle, and I believe our kind of condition changes to a six-year.

Peter Pappas: Mm. So we gotta pay these exorbitant amounts for six years. All that means is that we're gonna have less sticker shock every six years. Doesn't mean it gets better. Right. We just don't see some of the bills that we saw. Now, this is my other problem with amendment

Laura Mussler: All that means is that we're gonna have less sticker shock every six years. Doesn't mean it gets better. We just don't see some of the bills that we saw. Now, this is my other problem with me.

Peter Pappas: three.

Laura Mussler: I know these blue Saskole counties, Wake, Mecklenburg, Guiltford, Forsyth, local leaders have been taxing the people to death. And s as Senator put it, planting flowers in front of the courthouse. I can't get another circuit again. So I I think there's a lot of grift, waste, and abuse in that spending in these counties. But fixing a few counties with a one size fits all limit on all hundred counties, I think, is overkill. Do you want to know how to fix the county?

Peter Pappas: I know these blue Cesspool counties, Wake, Mecklenburg, Guildford, Forsythe, local leaders have been taxing the people to death. And s as Senator put it, planting flowers in front of the courthouse. I can't get enough of Senator McKinnon. So I I think there's a lot of grift, waste, and abuse in that spending in these counties, but fixing a few counties with a one size fits all limit on all hundred counties, I think, is overkill. Do you want to know how to fix the counties? Stop voting blue.

Laura Mussler: Stop voting blue. Stop voting the same people. Have you seen anything about the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system? No. Holy crap. It's unprecedented some of the crap they're getting away with. It's superintendent's husband has a company that's given consulting and it's the grip is so out in the open, it's like how could you not get a conviction on some of this stuff? But in my opinion, the genesis of this came from

Peter Pappas: Stop voting the same people. Have you seen anything about the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system? Nope. Holy crap. It's unprecedented some of the crap they're getting away with. The superintendent's husband has a company that's getting consulting and it's v the grift is so out in the open. It's like how could you not get a conviction on some of this stuff? But in my opinion, the genesis of this came from the

Laura Mussler: the the five bad counties that are acting a band fool waste all kinds of money. Yeah. But the good thing is that general statute, I had to look this one 153A-149 already caps county property tax rates for most purposes at a dollar fifty per $100 in value. So it's already in there, but now that only counts for certain things, but it can still levy taxes for other new stuff.

Peter Pappas: The five bad counties that are acting the damn fool. Well, there's another ninety-five counties out there. Yeah. But the good thing is that general statute, I had to look this one up. 153A dash one four nine already caps county property tax rates for most purposes at a dollar fifty per hundred dollars of value. So it's already in there, but now that only counts for certain things. They can still levy taxes for other new stuff. But for

Laura Mussler: But for for the general stuff they could only reflect it. Okay. So all right. So one last thing on the absentees and I'll shut the hell up. Okay. because it's happening right now. and this has to do with what I discussed with common cause.

Peter Pappas: For the general stuff, they can only get a buck fifty. Okay. So all right. Let's see. We're moving right along here. Yeah. Goodness. Okay. So one last thing on the absentees, and I'll shut the hell up. Okay. because it's happening right now. and this has to do with what I discussed with common cause. In September, the state board of elections changed the rule. Now let's think about what September is. That's pretty much right before we start sending absentee ballots out. So that's pretty much 11th hour.

Laura Mussler: In September, the State Board of Elections changed the rule. Now let's think about what's September, because that's pretty much right before we start sending absentee ballots out. So that's pretty much 11,000. The rule was that if the inner envelope comes back unsealed

Peter Pappas: The rule was that if the inner envelope comes back unsealed, the ballot is spoiled, and the voter gets a new one or can vote in person. So last Monday, a federal judge, Thomas Schroeder, refused to block it. Now, before anybody gets their pennies in a wad, Mr. Schroeder is a Bush appointee from I believe 2007. and he is in the federal court, which is where people take lawsuits if it vi if they think the state is violating federal law. So

Laura Mussler: The ballot is spoiled and the voter gets a new one or can vote in person. So last Monday, a federal judge, Thomas Schroeder, refused to block it. Now, before anybody gets their pennies in a lot, Mr. Schroeder is a Bush appointee from I believe 2007, and he is in the federal court, which is where people take lawsuits if they buy if they think the state violated federal law. So his policy's ruling was

Peter Pappas: His let me see what his ruling was. Let's see. I he essentially was like, look, the the instructions are clear, but consistent rules for absentee ballots are essential to preventing irregularities. so they just kicked it down. They're w they're it's gonna hold for right now. The rule is gonna hold for this election cycle. Hmm. Because an open envelope on the inside

Laura Mussler: He essentially was like, look, the the instructions are clear, but the system rules for absentee ballots are essential to preventing irregularities. they just get you down. But they're it's gonna hold for right now. The rule is gonna hold for this election side. Because I'm open envelope on the inside.

Peter Pappas: is Okay. So the North

Laura Mussler: So

Peter Pappas: Carolina Republican Party strongly supports common sense election security measures that protect the integrity of every ballot and ensures voters can have confidence in our elections. Just as we have fought for common sense voter ID, we believe clear, consistent rules for absentee ballots are essential to preventing irregularities and ensuring every vote is handled properly. We applaud the court's decision to leave this important safeguard in place and think

Laura Mussler: Election security measures that protect the integrity of every ballot and ensure voters can have compensation on the elections. Just as we have thought the common sense voter ID, we believe clear, consistent rules for acts and key ballots are essential to preventing irregularity and ensuring every vote is never popular. We applaud the court's decision, believe it's an important safe public way to make speed.

Peter Pappas: Steve or State Auditor S Dave Bullock for his leadership and oversight of North Carolina's election process. North Carolinians deserve elections that are secure,

Laura Mussler: State auditors they bullet for his leadership and oversight for North Carolina's election process. North Carolina needs to observe elections, elections.

Peter Pappas: transparent, and accountable. And republics will continue fighting to protect the integrity of ballots. Okay, now I do have something to say. well, let's just acknowledge that that I did reach out to the North Carolina Republican Party and that was their statement they issued back to me. So go ahead. Okay. I like rules. Yeah, we know.

Laura Mussler: Okay, now I do that so well let's just acknowledge that that I did three jobs in the North Carolina Republican Party and that was their step money they issued back to me. I like rules. Yeah, we know. I don't think there's a lot of blurry in the rules. So if the rule is you have to seal your own voice, let's just keep across the board the same all the all the semantic, yes. But you know what?

Peter Pappas: I don't think there's a lot of gray area when you have rules. So if the rule is you have to seal your envelope, let's just keep it across the board the same all all it's semantics, yes. But you know what? If your vote is not right if your vote's important to you, follow the instructions. That's right. All right. Let's keep the rules, let's g keep it consistent. That way you can't be like, Well, this one was open, this one was cracked, this one nope. If it's open, it's open.

Laura Mussler: If your vote is not right. If your vote's important to you, follow the instructions. Let's keep the rules, let's get keep it consistent. That way you can't be like, Well this one was open, this one was cracked, this one no. If it's open, it's open. Well, I gave my guest, Mr. Brooks Fuller, plenty of latitude when we were discussing because I didn't we didn't crack or anything. And we were just talking like, Well, do you know how many ballots were spoiled because of the unlit you know envelope? And it's like, nope, we we ended up thinking one. It could be and this could be a s a solution without a problem.

Peter Pappas: Well, I gave my guest, Mr. Brooks Fuller plenty of l latitude when we were discussing because I didn't we didn't prep him or anything. And we were just talking like, well, do you know how many ballots were spoiled because of the unlicked inner envelope? And it's like, nope, the we ended up. It could have been. we and this could be a s a solution without a problem. Right. It very well could be. And it might be much ado about nothing, but the county

Laura Mussler: It very well could be. And it might be much to do about nothing. But the county level boards don't track why they spoiled it. They just spoil it. They should check it. I believe they sh if they're gonna pass rules like that, then they should because we should. We you need to know how our lo electors are being affected. Every time we put a rule on elections. Or maybe you saw the cyclop episode where he he had the fiance lick all the envelopes and then she died of some weird chemical whatever. But

Peter Pappas: level boards don't track why they spoil it. They just spoil it. They should track it. I believe they sh if they're gonna pass rules like that, then they should because they should we need we need to know how our la elections are being affected. Every time we put a rule if I have a dry mouth I want to know that my Or maybe you saw the Seinfeld episode where he he had the fiance lick all the envelopes and then she died of some weird chemical whatever. But you know, how many rules are we putting in place and every rule we put

Laura Mussler: how many rules are we putting in place and every rule we put is an unnecessary impediment. Right. So we need to make sure we have a streamlined, easy way to vote and vote safe and secure. So you just vote with your own party how to put it nine days before the election?

Peter Pappas: is an unnecessary impediment. Right. So we need to make sure we have a streamlined, easy way to vote and vote safely and securely. Yeah. So but well you just broke with your own party on two out of the three, nine days before the election. So on amendment two, Republicans in Raleigh will say a constitutional cap is the only way to stop future legislation from coming back for more of your paycheck. How come you don't trust that?

Laura Mussler: So an amendment to Republicans and Rally is late as it was the only way to have future legislation to come back for a more more future.

Peter Pappas: And on amendment three, if you're a retiree on a fixed income in Hope Mills and your bill jumps after a reevaluation, this sounds like protection. What do you say to her or him? And on photo ID, what do you say to a soldier from Fort Bragg who deploys overseas who's ballot mailing his ballot home?

Laura Mussler: If you're a retiree on a fixed income and hotel to your bill jumps after a revaluation, this sounds like protection. What do you just say to her, a poor family? And on photo ID, what do you say to a soldier who put Brad who declose overseas who's gone and mailing his ballot type? So the biggest one I have problem with is the the forebrag forg scenario. I don't know if I don't think necessarily every soldier that's deployed is gonna have access to photocopier

Peter Pappas: So the biggest one I have a problem with is the the Fort Bragg Fort Bragg scenario. I don't know if I don't think necessarily every soldier that's deployed is gonna have access to a photocopier.

Laura Mussler: or a Kinkos. So That's why you can have your last board which are security. I believe there are other ways to prove your identity and there's also the contact information and let's be honest, most of the soldiers have icons now.

Peter Pappas: or a Kinkos. So that's why you can write your last four of your social security number. I believe there are other ways to prove your identity. And there's also the contact information and well let's be honest. Most of these soldiers have iPhones now. So they can always take a picture and send it through email. Well you know, I am a member of Active Duty Votes. I'd love to have active duty votes come here because the the low the local people that are not

Laura Mussler: So they can always take a picture and send it to what you know, I am a member of active beauty. I'd love to have active duty work in here because the mo for local people that are not

Peter Pappas: from here that live here now should be voting here. They can register to vote here, absolutely. They sure can. So let's go back to amendment two. why don't I trust a constitutional cap? It's not that I don't trust it. It's more that income tax and the other taxes that we levy should be more appropriate for the current situation that's going on. And if you codify something into the Constitution as an amendment, you take away the immediacy of a greater need.

Laura Mussler: Making registered vote in the absolute. So let's go back to amendment two. why don't I trust a constitutional cap? It's not that I don't trust it, it's more that income tax and the other taxes that we levy should be more appropriate for the current situation that's going on. If you codify something to the constitution as an amendment, you take away the immediacy of a greater need.

Peter Pappas: And I I don't want to pay taxes, but

Laura Mussler: And I I don't wanna pay taxes. But if we have to, we have to. Sometimes you gotta eat your vegetables. I don't wanna pay taxes either, but I like my food. Yeah. And I like food. And I wanna get rid of these people. But yes, and the the test not all taxes are bad. But I think that we cannot rely on

Peter Pappas: If we have to, we have to. Sometimes you gotta eat your vegetables. I don't wanna pay taxes either, but I like nice roads. Yeah. And I like schools. And I wanna get rid of these kids out of my house all day long, you know. I'm just joking. I don't have any small kids. I that was a total joke. But yes, I the the test n not all taxes are bad, but I think that there's not a lot of accountability

Laura Mussler: Absolutely. Well, let's go to amendment three. So if for the tiree somebody says, you know,

Peter Pappas: on where our tax dollars are. Let's go to amendment three. So if the retiree somebody says, you know

Laura Mussler: that sounds like protection, what do I say to them? Well, first of all, you voting for this amendment is reactionary to something you may not understand. Because it's very ambiguous. To me it's as ambiguous as the the deal in our prostitution where every child is guaranteed a sound, basic education.

Peter Pappas: That sounds like protection. What do I say to them? Well, first of all, you voting for this amendment is reactionary to something you may not understand. Right. Because it's very ambiguous. It to me it's as ambiguous as the the deal in our constitution where every child is guaranteed a sound, basic education.

Laura Mussler: Where do we define all that?

Peter Pappas: Where do we define all that? I don't know. Okay. It's it's intentionally vague and it leaves too much. Again, it reminds me of the the ACA. Pass it so you can see what it's gonna be like. so I hope the photo ID is put to bed, truly. but the other two I think we have work to do. Very good.

Laura Mussler: Okay, it's it's intentionally vague and it leaves too much again it reminds me of the the ACA assays if you can see where it's gonna do that. so I hope the photo ID is put in bed to relate but the other two I think we have to

Peter Pappas: So that's your ballot. Now let's go fast. Rapid fire it is. Only three today. Only three. That's right.

Laura Mussler: So that's your ballot. Now let's go fast. Rapid fire it is. Only three three. like three, that's right. Yeah, it's enough.

Peter Pappas: You just wanted me to say three. Yeah. Say that three. Yeah. So the Gulf drawdown for Bragg watching. if you live in this county, you know a headline from the Gulf doesn't really stay in the Gulf. It shows up on post and it shows up at the pump. The state gas high gas tax holiday runs through November thirtieth. What the Gulf does to the price of oil is the part Raleigh cannot fix. Did you see the president today? I think he mentioned that we might have a piece with State Hormoses Open.

Laura Mussler: So the Gulf drawdown for brag watching. if you live in this county, you know a headline from the Gulf doesn't really stay in the Gulf. It shows up on post and it shows up at the pump. The state gas hi gas tax holiday runs through November thirtieth. What the Gulf does to the price of oil is the part Raw they cannot fix. Did you see the present day? I think you convention that we might have a piece of swing when we're so

Peter Pappas: I stayed away from national news today because I I I just listened to the news. It's kind of in the background of my office. I I hear

Laura Mussler: I stayed away from National News Day because I I guess you listen to the new back run in the office at that time.

Peter Pappas: things and I'm like, what did I think? What effect would that have on the election if he actually can get oil prices down by like a dollar a gallon in the next week? I think red wave? I wouldn't say that because we don't have really great candidates. That's part of the problem. Yeah. Well, Fort Bragg doesn't get to watch this one on TV. So see what happens.

Laura Mussler: Well what effect does that have on the election if we actually can all prices down by like a dollar a gallon in the next week? red red wave? I wouldn't say that if we don't have really great people. Well Fort Bride doesn't get to watch this one on TV, so let's see what happens. Well one of three kids will do is quite accent.

Peter Pappas: Well, one in three kids in the county was chronically absent last year. At Douglas Bird, it's nearly two in every three students. Software can send the letter home. It can't drive the kids to school. I hope it works and I want to see the numbers because Cumberland County Schools approve over two years roughly two hundred thousand dollar school status attend contract to automate attendance

Laura Mussler: Soft year and send a letter home. It can't drive against the school. I hope it works and I want to see the network because we approved over two years of the $200,000 school status append contract to automate the funding.

Peter Pappas: notices.

Laura Mussler: How would they take any how would they take any style?

Peter Pappas: how are they taking how are they taking attendance now? did they make like a NFC card or something? I don't know. I remember when I was in school they'd call your name, check, check, check, and then if you weren't there, somebody went and called your parents. If these poor teachers can't even take proper attendance because they're dealing with behavioral issues. That's going to the state of

Laura Mussler: Making a NFC card or something? I don't know. I remember when I was in school they'd call your name, check, check, check, and then if you weren't there somebody went and called your parents. If these poor teachers still need to take proper attendance because of your behavioral issues. That's going to the state of parents that are not responsible for their children. It ain't the kids because the kids have no way to go other than the parents that we're saying. Well ask for those hundreds.

Peter Pappas: Parents that are not responsible for their children. I agree. I mean it ain't the kids because the kids have no way to go other than what their parents are directing them. So we'll ask for those numbers a year from now. Sounds good. So we told you we'd watch this one. The people running this election are still fighting each other, and the referee just said, We'll get to it after the game. So State Board of Elections did hear the complaint against Cumberland County Board Member Irene Grimes on October eighth.

Laura Mussler: So we told you we'd watch this one. The people running the selection are still fighting each other, and the referee just said, we'll get to it after the game. So State Board of Elections did hear the complaint against Humber County Board Member Irene Brimes on October 8th, and then they tabled it to November 24th, three weeks after election date. Ms. Grimes remains on the board, and Vicky Hilburn is serving as interim director for now. you know

Peter Pappas: And then they tabled it to November twenty-fourth, three weeks after election day. Ms. Grimes remains on the board, and Vicky Hilburn is serving as interim director for now. you know, there is a I had this discussion with somebody and I said, Look, I have a problem with citizen appointment boards getting involved with HR. I agree. And I will maintain that until the day I die. and

Laura Mussler: There's a I had this discussion with somebody I see what I have a problem with citizen appointment boards getting involved with HR. I do. And I will maintain that until the day I die. and Definitely I feel like we've seen some subjective behavior from the state to an election for our local board that was more partisan than it was run. I agree. And I don't think that the our our public boards can have any say in an employee.

Peter Pappas: Definitely I feel like we've seen some subjective behavior from the state board of election for our local board that was more partisan than it was right. I agree. And I don't think that the our our appointed boards should have any say in an employee whatsoever. None. Zero zilch. Not to interview and not to fire. Now, if they want to file a complaint, if they to be investigated by somebody else, that's fine. Right. But to have direct control over it, not

Laura Mussler: What forever? Not zero to vote? Not to intervene and not to fire. Now if they want to file a complaint, if they to be investigated by somebody else, that's fine. Right. But to have direct control over it, not not in the slightest, because we depend on our government employees to be there year to year. Think about somebody on the Board of Elections. They have one main event a year or two if they have a plan. Every day they go to work, Monday through Friday, nine to five, culminates in like two days a year.

Peter Pappas: Not in the slightest, because we depend on our government employees to be there year to year. Think about somebody on the Board of Elections. They have one main event a year or two if they have a primary. Every day they go to work, Monday through Friday, nine to five, culminates in like two days a year. What

Laura Mussler: What kind of stress? they have a lot going on, but imagine that the most public part of your career, everybody sees it. And if you screw up, everybody sees it. But we asked them to return you over here.

Peter Pappas: kind of stress? I mean, they have a lot going on, but imagine the the most public part of your career. Yeah. Everybody sees it. And if you screw up, everybody sees it. But we ask them to return year over year.

Laura Mussler: But look, people vote anyway, we're gonna be watching account. And that's the lifeline.

Peter Pappas: But look, people, vote anyway. We're going to be watching the count. And that's the live block. Here's what's behind the door. Brooks Fuller, the policy director at Common Cause North Carolina on the absentee envelope rule. Why his side says it costs lawful voters their ballots nine days before an election. I told him to his face where I think he's wrong. And then I shut up and I let him answer. That's what the show is for. It's free. It takes four seconds. Like the page, follow us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, the newsletter's at the website. Doors are open. We'll see you in.

Laura Mussler: Here's what's behind the door. Bert Sfuller, the policy director at Common Cause North Carolina on the absentee envelope rule. Why his side says it costs lawful voters their ballots nine days before an election. I told him you was face where I think he's wrong, then I shut up and I let him answer. That's what the show is for. It's free, it takes four seconds. Like the page, follow us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, the newsletter's at the website. Doors are open. See you and Google.

Peter Pappas: Have a good evening.