Clawson to serve on Local Government Advisory Council
Boone mayor named to position by N.C. governor-elect

By Scott Nicholson

Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson will have N.C. Governor-elect Beverly Perdue’s ear as part of a committee that will share national, state and local concerns.

Clawson was appointed to represent the League of Municipalities on the committee, which held an organizational meeting on Dec. 17. Clawson said the main topic was the impact of the economic-stimulus package and how it could affect tight budgets at every government level.

Clawson also said the committee would offer an opportunity to get regional needs in front of Perdue, as well as cover such broad issues as public-employee collective bargaining and protection of local resources.

“I certainly hope we can get the issues about western North Carolina out there,” Clawson said. “It was very interesting and I was pleased that she (Perdue) was willing to meet with us.”

Six members of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Directors and several other representatives from the N.C. League of Municipalities and the N.C. Metropolitan Coalition met with Perdue to discuss issues of importance to local governments. The meeting is part of a series of issue-oriented “listening” events.

Much of the discussion during the meeting focused on the state budget, which is expected to lead to cuts of at least 10 percent because of revenue shortfalls. Local leaders discussed possible actions to balance the state’s budget deficit that could impact revenues. Local leaders also lobbied Perdue for local-level infrastructure needs if the federal government passes a stimulus package that includes funds to states for infrastructure projects.

A joint statement from the NCACC and League of Municipalities said “Local resources are not keeping pace with a growing backlog of public infrastructure demands, projects that can attract and sustain economic development. Aging and inadequate facilities demand repair or replacement. Rapid population growth demands new construction or expansion. All capital investments face escalated costs for materials and supplies.

“A comprehensive and sizeable public works program could build a lasting foundation for community vitality, while providing hundreds of new jobs for the state’s struggling construction industry.”

During the meeting, Perdue pledged to work with counties on issues of importance during her administration.

“During these tough economic times, it is critically important that we are partners,” Perdue said. “I believe in North Carolina, that we have the people and the resilience to get through anything, and we will do it together. I’m here to ask you to be partners.”

Local leaders also pointed out how their budgets were dependent on state revenues and that shifting service responsibilities to local governments without attendant revenues would lead to lapses in services.

Perdue committed to having regular meetings with city and county officials to address the issues of importance and to enhance the communications between the Governor’s Office and local governments.