|
 JOHN DAVIS
NC FREE
By: John Galles
We were pleased to have John Davis, Executive Director of North
Carolina Forum for Research & Economic Education also known as NC
FREE. Mr. Davis suggested that NC FREE was a business think tank
with a mission to foster a politically educated and involved North
Carolina business community that will play a vital role in the
election of political leaders who will advance and defend the
individual and corporate right to succeed. A membership based
organization based upon corporate operations in North Carolina, dues
range from $350 to $12,500 per year.
NC FREE tracks elections results, trends and statistics regarding
over 200 races on the state and federal level that take place in
North Carolina. Its flagship publication is a 750 page compilation
of facts and figures on each of the 10-member NC Council of State,
170 members of the state legislature, 15-member NC Court of Appeals,
7-member NC Supreme Court and 15-member federal delegation. The
Almanac of North Carolina Politics includes voting records on
business legislation, a listing of PAC contributors and 240 key
demographic and political facts on every legislative and
congressional district.
Mr. Davis’ first prediction based upon all his experience and
research was that while there are 113 Democrats and 105 Republicans
that currently hold office, there would be an equal number of
Democrats and Republicans after the 2004 elections. He said that
this shift from a Democrat majority to a more balanced split of
Democrats and Republicans is largely the result of NC’s population
growth since 1996. He quickly added that most of that growth has
been in the 15 counties that are primarily urban. With 5 million
registered voters, one-half of those voters reside in those 15
counties and the other one-half reside in the other 85 counties. He
emphasized that this growing urbanization of power in North Carolina
would substantially increase the power of urban areas to the benefit
of cities resulting in more “Jim Blacks”, more urban power in the
state legislature and on state committees.
Mr. Davis also commented on the power of voting. He said that
Republican voters have grown from 10% of the state’s voters to 35%
and that counties with a registration of 35% Republican usually
elect Republican politicians. He also said that when voter
registration is at 55% or more for Democrats that Democrats win.
After all that, he still concludes that 60 % of all voters are
ticket splitters. He suggests that most Republican growth has come
from an influx of pro-government Republicans from the Northeast U.S.
NC FREE has also tracked trends in women voters saying that 55% of
all voters are women and that women voters are loyal to women
candidates. He remarked that there was a huge crossover of Democrat
women for Elizabeth Dole in 2002. He went on to say that feminine
first names usually attract feminine voters and that women are
likely winners in statewide races.
His closing remarks also addressed the cost of elections and said
that those costs will only increase with the split of voters between
Democrats and Republicans. As long as there is competition, the
costs of elections will grow dramatically. Mr. Davis took questions
and reminded everyone that they are invited free-of-charge to their
2004 political briefing on March 25 at the Charlotte Chamber of
Commerce from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Head Table:
Katie Tyler, Floyd Davis, John Tabor,
Henry Bostic, Ken Samuelson, Tom Robertson; Invocation: Herb Harriss
Visitors and Guests:
Tony Lathrop; Health & Happiness: Fred Brown; Song: Thomas
Moore
|
Attendance
Record |
|
3/16/04 |
3/18/03 |
| visitors &
guests |
14 |
24 |
| club
members |
192 |
197 |
| total
attendance |
206 |
221 |
| |
|
Wedding
Anniversaries |
23 Amy and Mark Norman
26 Jennifer and Jody Billiard
28 Debbie and Bob Barber |
|
|
New Members | Resignations |
Ken Carter
Michelle Fish
Ed John
Shannon Vaughn |
Mark Schaffner
Ron Vinson
Arnie Webb |
|
| Roaming
Rotarians |
Mark Leggett,
Pawleys Island, SC
Bill Barnhardt,
Pawleys Island, SC | |
| Birthdays and
Birthplaces |
23 Darrel Stephens, Kansas City, MO
24 Jerry Blanchard, Monroe, NC
24 Matt Joyner, Durham, NC
26 Mike Crum, Warren, OH
27 Pete Larson, Charlotte, NC |
|
|
|
 |
|
2003-04
RI
Theme
|
z Robert
& Joan Zimmerman and
Bill Underwood attended the
Southern Spring Home and Garden Show Preview Gala on March 2.
Proceeds benefited the Children’s Law Center. Bill is the
center’s executive director; Robert and Joan run Southern Shows
(parents of David Zimmerman).
z
Baby Charles Welton,
three-week old son of Martin
and
Amy Welton
and grandson of
Rex Welton,
continues to improve. The family is keeping a journal history
that you can monitor by logging
clicking
HERE.
z
Welcome new members
Michelle Fish, Ed John, and
Shannon Vaughn. |
|
|
|
*
* *
|
|
WWII CENTENNIAL PROJECT
Update by Richard Bailey |
We are grateful for the many positive responses
to last week’s update of our club’s Centennial Project, the
Rotary World War II Oral History Archives and television
documentaries in partnership with WTVI. In 1940, our army was
ill equipped. Only one-third had real rifles for training. The
infantry had but 20 medium tanks. And we still relied on horses
and mules as battle equipment. All that would soon change as we
geared-up for war with over 16 million entering the military.
Over 400,000 would give their lives and nearly the same number
was wounded. It has been called the greatest generation.
We need your help in funding the two 60-minute television
documentaries by introducing us to corporate and business
sponsors. Sponsoring these documentaries will give local,
regional, and national exposure to your business. Copies of the
three-minute video are available to show prospective sponsors or
we will be glad to prepare a sponsor proposal. There are six
giving levels that fit corporations, and of course, individual
gifts are needed as well. The sponsorship form is on our
website, under the WW2 link on the menu.
Roster Photographs
If your photo for the Roster needs to be updated, you’re in
luck! David Norman will have his equipment set up in the State
Room on March 23, March 30, and if needed April 6 (11:30 – 12:30
AND 1:30 – 2:30). Reservations are not required….the charge will
be $10 (cash or check please) per person.
District 7680 Conference
April 16-18, 2004 Myrtle Beach, SC
A terrific District Conference has been planned for all District
7680 Rotarians and their families. The District Assembly kicks
off with lunch on Friday and the evening theme is Mardi Gas,
featuring Cajun festivities and band, Sign of the Times. The
Saturday morning session will begin with the parade of club
banners honoring Distinguished Rotarians. After breakout
sessions and lunch, the afternoon can be spent golfing,
shopping, etc. The Saturday evening banquet and Beach Party will
feature the Tams. Registration forms are available on the
District webpage, www.rotarydistrict7680.org. |
|
|
|
