Saying 'a lot' vs. saying nothing at all

Last week I urged my State Representative to call on his fellow Democrat, Rep. Thomas Wright, to resign from the State House. The News & Observer printed his response to me: "There's going to be a lot of things said by my opponent on this issue."

Actually I'm saying just one thing: Rep. Wright should resign now, and my own State Rep. should publicly say whether he agrees. After all, is own Democrat leaders in the State House have uncovered what they call "breathtakingly massive" fraud by Rep. Wright.

In his effort to protect Rep. Wright my opponent first claimed he couldn't say anything "until all of the information come[s] out". But now that it has, his new reason to not call for Wright's resignation is that "due process" prevents him from commenting.

In reality, the media is reporting today that House Democrats plan to hold a special caucus meeting ahead of the legislative session to discuss Wright's expulsion. My opponent, the Caucus Secretary, says he doesn't know what's on the meeting's agenda. Media reports say they will discuss a censure motion instead of expelling Rep. Wright. Certainly, they need to discuss the best way - politically - to handle this public relations nightmare. So much for due process.

If my opponent believes in open government (this week is "Sunshine Week") and really wants due process, then he will either open his caucus meeting to the public or release detailed minutes after the meeting - verified by an impartial observer.

Don't hold your breath though, he's still keeping secret the audit results from the scholarship scandal in which donor contributions were used for scholarships for caucus members' families.

Bryan Gossage

At a banquet on Tuesday, February 26, honoring hundreds of citizens who volunteer to help with Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) programs each year, the Town of Cary announced the winners of ten special annual awards for outstanding service.

• Shawn Griffin: recipient of The Don Smith Award, which recognizes a volunteer in the Town's athletics programs who demonstrates leadership as well as promotes skill development, sportsmanship, participation and fun.

• Pat Tuttle: recipient of the Distinguished New Coach Award, which recognizes a person who has coached less than five years with the Town of Cary. The recipient demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with players, parents, and staff, brings in new ideas, and promotes the Athletics Division philosophy.

• Sunny Su and Wesley Lo: recipients of The Teen Award, awarded to two deserving members of Cary's Teen Council who demonstrate leadership and a strong interest in community service. One award went to a member of the Middle School Teen Council (grades 6-8) – Su –and the other was awarded to Lo, a member of the High School Teen Council (grades 9-12).

• David Lindquist: recipient of The Cultural Arts Award, which is presented to an individual who lends leadership and support to all aspects of the Town's arts programs, including literacy, performance, and visual arts.

• Lizette Cruz-Watko: recipient of The Multi-Cultural Arts Award, given to an individual who is resourceful in promoting the arts and appreciation of other cultures.

• Patricia L. Fish: recipient of the History & Heritage Award, which recognizes leadership in preserving and promoting appreciation of Cary’s history and heritage.

• John Fitzpatrick: recipient of The Senior Award, presented to an individual with a strong interest and participation in senior activities.

• Leta Huntsinger: recipient of The Environmental & Trails Award, which recognizes leadership and effectiveness in advocating environmental conservation as well as the improvement and development of the Town's greenways, trails, and open spaces.

• Marla Dorrel: recipient of The Herb Young Award, which is given to a volunteer with overall outstanding service, leadership, and support for and of the staff and programs of Cary's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department.