Jack Smith's platform

[Laurie]

From his web site. Think it's based in reality?

Jack Smith's Campaign Platform
People have described my approach to serving as "neighborhood-friendly." I like to agree. I’ve represented District C for three terms, making me the Council’s senior member. I see this experience as a big plus.

A few years ago people overwhelmingly chose to change Cary’s course to slower, more manageable growth. We turned the Town around in a very short time and are now addressing school, road and water needs. In short, we are catching up after a number of years of unprecedented growth -- and it feels good.

The job now is to fine-tune our course while keeping an open ear and an open mind to what people tell us is important to them.

These are my platform issues:

-- Cary should stay its present course and not grow at the expense of our current residents. Growth can be good, but it must pay for itself and not harm our quality of life.

-- Cary taxes should remain as low as possible without forcing us to reduce Town services.

-- Cary should expand its reclaimed water system because it’s economically smart and environmentally friendly.

-- Cary should continue working closely with both the school board and the development community to get more and better schools.

-- Cary must never forget its senior citizens and all they have done to make Cary what it is today, and continue to expand the facilities and programs that serve them.

-- Trees are wonderful things. Cary should do more to preserve the Town’s "open space" and add to its greenways as an ideal way to protect environmentally sensitive areas from encroaching development.

These remain my priorities. They are why I want to continue serving on the Cary Town Council. They will continue to guide me in my next term.

[Laurie]

And this info on his web site isn't even accurate.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11
Polls are open from 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM.

Cary elections are earlier this year. Election Day is October 11th. Until this year, everyone was elected to Town Council in November, based on whoever got the most votes for each seat. Now, a candidate must get more than fifty percent of the votes cast to be elected. If there are more that two candidates in a race and none of those candidates gets more that fifty percent of the votes cast, the two who received the most votes will face off in a run-off election in November.

As there are only two candidates in the District C race, the Election will be decided on October 9.

If do not know where you need to go to vote or if you, want information on absentee voting, or have other questions contact the Wake County Board of Elections at (919) 856-6240.

[Laurie]

It just gets better. Isn't this the same guy who told people to quit contact him? Said that they were harrassing him?

As Cary's "neighborhood-friendly" District C representative on the Town Council, Jack Smith has always welcomed people contacting him to get information, to get help or just to talk.

[Laurie]

"As Cary's District C Council Member, Jack Smith takes seriously the trust the voters have placed in him and he believes that his most important role is that of CITIZEN’S ADVOCATE."

What about the untruths and inaccuracies he tells citizens to back up his positions? What about illegally destroying public records?

[johnb]

Vote for Jack.
He stands for some things sometimes.
He believes some other things, occasionally.
He says things he may or may not believe in.
Or something or another.
Vote for Jack.

[dhyatt]

Jack's website is currently just the one from 4 years ago. He plans on having it updated on 8/15. I'll let him know he should at least correct the election day!

[KMV]

Jack Smith has had only one agenda and the 12 years I've known him and that's to make himself appear important, when otherwise no one would know he existed. For many years he was able to do that by riding on Glen Lang's coattails but most recently he has simply maged to maintain his non-person status by staying below the rader. His continued reelection, while baffling, is a true testament to his ego, the general disinterest of the Cary voting public and a personality so devoid of stimulus as to render him nearly invisible. If someone can cite something of real significance he's done in all the years he's been in office I'd love to hear it.

While it is absolutely true that he has bested both myself and my wife, inasmuch as he has gotten elected (repeatedly,) it 's because he's such a a--kisser he always managed just get just enough people to vote for him. I on the other hand, say what I believe to be the truth and people like that seldom get elected, as Don Frantz and Don Hyatt can probably attest. It's time for a thorough house cleaning and Jack is a great place to start.

By the way, use a current picture Jack. The first rule of running for office is that using a picture that's 5 years old is like lying. Oops, sorry. I forgot I was talking to Jack!

[johnb]

the general disinterest of the Cary voting public and a personality so devoid of stimulus as to render him nearly invisible.

I think I said something like this several months or more ago...."grab the first 100 people that come out of Cary City Center Mall and and them who Jack is..." my bet was that maybe 2 would know....

He's the perfect politician, low profile, anonymous, and he's not done anything to actively offend the majority of his constituents.

[dhyatt]

http://jacksmith.org was apparently updated some time last evening.

[Wuptdo]

AdminH - Thanks for the link!

I first thought! OMG, who the hell took that picture. Here is my 2 cents Jack, get a "professional" picture, add a little make-up, put on a coat or wear suspenders, and take off the glasses. :D

Wuptdo B-)

[johnb]

This guy needs a serious image consultant.

When a candidate has subject headings such as

"Jack Smith's Campaign Platform"

It sounds as if the individual is speaking in the third person. It sounds stupid.

One thing is for sure, Cary has a bumper crop of amatuers, neophytes, and chumps running for public office. It's great, it's humorous, I'm LMAO.

[Cathy]

I have made that point also johnb.

When Cary was a small town, they could get away with having elected officials who were running the Town like an amateur HOA.

Cary is a grown up Town now and needs serious grown-ups running it.

(Oh.. and BTW...political maturity is not measured by how corruptible one can be)

Cathy

[dhyatt]

I have made that point also johnb.

When Cary was a small town, they could get away with having elected officials who were running the Town like an amateur HOA.

Cary is a grown up Town now and needs serious grown-ups running it.

(Oh.. and BTW...political maturity is not measured by how corruptible one can be)

Cathy

Unfortunately, when the children all band together, it can make it pretty darn difficult for adults to make it through the door...

[bobo]

From Jack Smith website:

-- Cary should stay its present course and not grow at the expense of our current residents.

Right Jack, let the growth be at the expense of Cary's neighbors. :x

[Rono]

JACK SMITH’S HISTORY ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?

With the most recent exception of the Summers Tract (please don’t forget that Jack was well aware of the impending election season) here is.

THE TRUTH!!

JACK HAS NEVER MET A GROWTH HE DOES NOT LIKE, REGARDLESS OF POTENTIAL COST OR HOW THE SURRONDING CITIZENS FEEL!

When I e-mailed Jack, questioning the quietly moving forward 2003 ETJ process (this was just before Cary used the weapon of mass annexation tool to beat Holly Springs into submission and enrage those of us who were pawns in this game), his response was as follows:

E-Mail Dated October 18th 2003

Thank you for writing and sharing your concerns.

Designating an ETJ area ensures – if and when development occurs – that it be to the highest standards protecting the environment, ensuring traffic/safety mitigation and availability of school seats for children.

As a matter of current policy and practice, Cary annexes only on a voluntary basis – when the property owner requests to become part of the Town. (unless your name is Summers and election season is coming)

Developing city density with county standards has proven to be a disaster (county guidelines are too lax and intended for very low density use only). Many developments built to county standards are in serious trouble, primarily with failed septic systems. (Of ocurse no mention here of major sewer system failures of the Town of Cary!)

The state legislatures/county commissioners (who you vote for) actually created the concept of ‘ETJ” as a means of ensuring good planning. It is there laws that enable cities such as Holly Springs and Cary to plan for the inevitable growth.

ONCE AGAIN, ANNEXATION IS NOT DONE ON AN INVOLUNTARY BASIS – IT HAPPENS ONLY WHEN THE PROPERTY OWNER REQUESTS TO BECOME PART OF THE CITY. If your development is in good shape (functioning water/sewer, etc.) then you will remain in the county

Hope this explanation helps alleviate some of your concerns. Thanks again for writing.

Jack Smith

BUT, 37 DAYS LATER…

November, 24th 2003 as a part of 5 others,

JACK VOTES FOR INVOLUNTARY ANNEXATION!!!
A RESOLUTION STATING THE INTENT OF THE TOWN OF CARY TO CONSIDER ANNEXATION OF THE AREAS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND FIXING THE DATES OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS AND THE DATE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE QUESTION OF ANNEXATION
On December 11th, Jack continues his aggression. He did not vote to remove area 20, Dutchman Downs. It was clear that this area did not set the boundary that this whole annexation was supposed to accomplish. But Jack voted to continue to take it anyway

HE COULD HAVE SIDED WITH THE PEOPLE AND LOGIC THAT AREA 20 WAS NOT NEEDED

ACTION: Ms. Dorrel made a motion that Area 20 be taken from intent to annex and placed under consideration to annex in the future. Mrs. Robison provided the second.

BUT NO, HERE IS HOW HE VOTED.

ACTION: Vote was called for on Ms. Dorrel’s motion. Ms. Dorrel, Mrs. Robison and Mr. Joyce voted “aye.” Mr. Roseland, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Mayor McAlister and Mrs. Robinson voted “no.” The motion failed for lack of majority vote.
ACTION: Mr. Roseland made a motion, pursuant to G.S. 160A-47, that the town council approve the annexation report and plan of services. Mrs. Robinson provided the second. Mr. Joyce voted “no.” All others voted “aye.” The motion carried by majority vote.

ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE, he
RESCINDED THE INVOLUNTARY ANNEXATION on December 19th 2005.

BUT 24 DAYS LATER ON JANUARY 22, 2005
JACK VOTES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SOUTHEAST ETJ!!

During the Spring and Summer of 2004, JACKS VOTES FOR several voluntary ANNEXATIONS WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE NEEDS to find a solution to the many concerns of the existing unincorporated area residents. Issues such as the impact on the roads and environment fell on his deaf ears. Around Christmas, there is an auto accident in his family on the very roads he has ignores. Still no effort to address the negative impacts of the surrounding residents safety and quality of life!
On August 12th 2004 relating to the Southwest area plan, JACK SUPPORTS MORE GROWTH with no comment or concern of the cost
ACTION: Mrs. Robinson made a motion to approve the southwest area plan with the additional notes made by staff as well as the staff recommendations regarding the Southerland property and the Jenkins property. Mrs. Robison provided the second.

ACTION: Vote was called for on the motion. Mr. Joyce voted “no;” all others voted “aye.” The motion carried by majority vote.

Then again on September 9th 2004, WITHIN HIS OWN DISTRICT (and which includes the Swift Creek area he denies a request for later on in 2005 as it gets close to election season), JACK SUPPORTS MORE GROWTH RELATED PLANS WITH NO COMMENT OR CONCERN OF THE COSTACTION: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SOUTHEAST PLAN, with the exception of item #8, which is the Ravenstone connection. He stated his motion includes Area 5 and the staff recommendations. Mr. Roseland provided the second. Council granted unanimous approval.


Then on January 13th of this year, public outcry about the Turner Creek development has councilors wanting to continue the hearing to the nest meeting.
ACTION: Mrs. Robison moved to continue the public hearing to the next council meeting. Mrs. Robinson provided the second.

JACKS RESPONSE TO GIVING THE PUBLIC MORE TIME TO SPEAK? Read it verbatim…

um, I think if we continue it, I think we have to be very clear that if we extend the public hearing, it is not for a filibuster. I’ve heard about 5 germane points and I heard them repeated over and over again and one of the things we request is not to repeat things. Yah know we don’t need to hear it ten times…so… we got your message. I GOT YOUR POINT. I UNDERSTAND IT. I DON’T NEED TO HEAR IT TEN TIMES.”

So after saying this he votes this way
ACTION: Vote was called for on the motion to continue the public hearing. Mrs. Robison, Mrs. Robinson and Mr. Roseland voted “aye.” All others voted “no.” The motion failed for lack of majority vote.

JACKS RECORD IS CLEAR!
[b]GROW WITHOUT CONCERN OF CITIZENS OR COST!!

[johnb]

Ron sez:

JACK HAS NEVER MET A GROWTH HE DOES NOT LIKE

Hmm, yes well, that's fine, that's fine. So, um, excuse me, I'm going to leave the room and throw up over something completely different.

[Rono]

As to questions from New Hill. here are copies of Jacks return e-mail to the inquiring person.

Is the fact that he won't answer a simple direct question (for which he knows the answer) a sign of "neighborhood friendliness?"

It's Election Time, It's Time to Let the People Decide!

This property has been purchased by the Western Wake Partnership and
the entire approval process has shifted over to the State. They will hold public hearings and you will have the right to share your beliefs and concerns regarding the data. If the Partnership has mishandled this analysis in any manner, shape or form, it will be declared null and void.

Sincerely,
Jack Smith
Cary Town Council



Dear Mr. Smith,

Just so I am clear: was the property purchased or was it condemned?

Thank you,


You can get that information from Town Hall - the Town Managers office
469.4002.

Regards,

Jack Smith - CTC

[bobo]

dhyatt wrote:

Unfortunately, when the children all band together, it can make it pretty darn difficult for adults to make it through the door...


How true! :wink:

[Rono]

Today, August 28th 2005

As I have posted in the past, it is clear that I have questioned Councilor Jack Smith’s decisions. I have done so representing MY view and have expressed MY take on his actions.

While I am not exactly retracting what I have typed in previous posts, I will say that such posts were on some assumptions that today Jack honorably proved wrong.

For this, I publicly apologize on this board to Jack.

Jack willfully came to our Dutchman Downs Neighborhood group today and took the time to not only speak to our small but interested group, but he listened to their concerns as well. His opponent, John Harvilla came and did the same

I can truly say that I assumed that Jack would not do such, and I assumed he had written us off as just another area to conquer and take over.

For Jack to face the people for whom his decisions rest, I previously thought that this not a possibility. Jack appearance today proved that wrong.

Because of my past assumptions, I also felt that dialog was impossible with him when decisions surrounding our area were pending. Jack appearance today once again proved that wrong.

I hope that Jack saw that as the President of the Homeowners Association, my interest was and is, in the fairness of everyone being heard, and with opinions to be formed by individuals and not pushed by myself or our homeowners group.

Jack, I truly did not think you were interested in listening to us. Today, you showed that you can be. If you are re-elected, I hope we can continue to bridge that gap and keep such open dialog. I hope further, that your record and actions, if you are re elected, are consistent with the concerns you raised in your conversations today.

Once again Jack, I apologize and thank you for you attendance today.

Sincerely

Ron Thoreson
President, Dutchman Downs Homeowners Association

[bobo]

Rono wrote:

If you are re-elected

Could the "If" be why he met with you? Public officials often act out of character around election/re-election time. :-?

[Rono]

Could the "If" be why he met with you? Public officials often act out of character around election/re-election time.

Today I speak as what is today. Tomorrow and beyond is up to alot of things. That is why I wrote this as well

I hope further, that your record and actions, if you are re elected, are consistent with the concerns you raised in your conversations today.

The truth of the matter is two fold. On one hand people can be and are willing to be, very forgiving. On the other, if deceived or outright lied to, they almost always never forget. It is a rule of politics. The ole fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.

Remember BoBo, the public really wants to trust. Only time will tell if trust makes a difference. Today is a beginning of tomorrows proof, one way or another.

Rono

[dhyatt]

[snip]

I can truly say that I assumed that Jack would not do such, and I assumed he had written us off as just another area to conquer and take over.

[snip]


I had wanted to come by but time just wouldn't allow. (besides I wouldn't want to upstage anybody ;-) ) You said Jack Smith & John Harvilla were there. Did any other candidates show up? Were they all invited?

[bobo]

Rono wrote:

Only time will tell if trust makes a difference. Today is a beginning of tomorrows proof, one way or another.


I can relate to that, especially when your choices are limited. Sometimes your forced to trust against your better judgement.

I'll never understand why God or evolution (whichever you choose to believe in) didn't give us one eye in front of our head and the other in back of our head. The one in front could be used to guide us on our journey and the rear eye used to watch for broken promises by those that would hinder our journey. The real trick would be to learn how to use both eyes simultaneously so you could see a screwing coming before it got to you. :-D

[Rono]

I had wanted to come by but time just wouldn't allow. (besides I wouldn't want to upstage anybody ) You said Jack Smith & John Harvilla were there. Did any other candidates show up? Were they all invited?

DonH

It was a very good turn out for candidates and a poor turn out for homeowners! Without great detail, our HOA has no teeth and in fact is a volunteer organization. When we set up a “bring your own” picnic to HOA meeting, (we don’t have much reserve money to sponsor a picnic,) I and several others had hoped it would be a social event with higher attendance. Perhaps the time on a Sunday was not good, who knows. The disappointing fact is that our resident turn out was only about 50 overall (10%) and when the candidates were there only about 15. None the less, they who were there were pleased that the candidates came and they all got something out of the very good presentations and question and answers.

The Following attended:

Jack Smith
John Harvilla

Julie Robison
Mike Curran

Ed Yerha

Mike Joyce

Also invited were Tom McCuiston, (although I still cannot find a phone number to contact him outside of his office or get on his web site, so I only could include him in a public invitation e-mail sent to all) Jennifer, Nels, Marla, and Ernie were also invited.

The candidates that did show up do understand that we are paying attention out here. While the small physical turn out of our people may not have looked like it, I have already gotten 11 e-mails form those who were not in attendance stating that they were pleased to hear about the candidate turn out. (At our HOA meeting after the candidates left we encouraged our street captains to call around their neighborhood to, along with several other things, report on what happened as explained by those who were there) So on this flip side, I didn’t expect so much quick feed back by e-mail. Life therefore, is good!

All in all, the Cary political races are IMHO, very respectable. All the candidates that appeared are formidable. They all should bring on and bring out some healthy debate.

Rono

[kellyc]

Hey Rono

It took courage to post that about Jack. I am sure he appreciates it.

I am sure that in an election as small as this, word of mouth by citizens has much more impact than any advertising could possibly attempt.