Record #:

7117

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Geary discusses the election of Jerry Meek as the new chairman of the Democratic State Party at the party's executive committee meeting in February 2005. Meek, a Fayetteville trial lawyer, prevailed over Governor Mike Easley's choice, Raleigh attorney-lobbyist Ed Turlington. Geary discusses what Meek's election might mean to the future direction of the party.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 22 Issue 8, Feb 2005, p11, 13, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina Democratic Party

Record #:

8041

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Until 1888, there were no ballot-access laws in the nation. Many vigorous third parties existed, like the Farmers Party, which sought to advance the interests of the common folks or some subset of them. Those parties are gone now because the Republican and Democratic parties have enacted laws to prevent them from getting onto the ballot. North Carolina's ballot requirements are among the most stringent in the nation. Geary discusses the work of the North Carolina Open Elections Coalition, which seeks to open elections to more parties through passage of House Bill 88.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 23 Issue 26, June 2006, p13 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Third parties (United States politics)

Record #:

8398

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Dorothea Dix Hospital, which stands on a high hill overlooking the city of Raleigh, was the state's first hospital to treat mental illness. The North Carolina General Assembly approved appropriations for the hospital on December 23, 1848. Today much of the land has been deeded away by the State of North Carolina, but a core section, dotted with dozens of interesting and historical buildings, remains. This core section is up for grabs, and the legislature is reviewing proposals of what to do with it. The problem facing Raleigh is whether the 306-acre Dix tract should become a great city park complete with gardens and meadows and an exhibition hall or two, or a lovely greensward that sits at the foot of a new and taxpaying urban neighborhood.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 23 Issue 48, Nov 2006, p43-46, il, map Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Dorothea Dix Hospital (Raleigh); Land use--Planning--Raleigh

Record #:

10526

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

There are around 4,000 trailer parks in North Carolina with fifteen percent of the state's population living in almost 600,000 mobile homes. In the world of real estate those who live in trailer parks are considered second-class citizens. They do not own the land; they are not considered property owners; their homes depreciate; they have few legal rights. When the park owner decides to raise the rent or sell the property to a developer, residents have only the choice of paying the increase or moving. Geary discusses parks in the Raleigh area that are dealing with rezoning issues.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 25 Issue 28, July 2008, p14-15, 17-19, il, map Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Mobile homes

Record #:

12025

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

The new majority on the Wake County School Board is pushing for neighborhood schools and the abolition of the diversity policy. Geary discusses how this would affect magnet schools and the system's racial balance. Maps illustrating diversity zoning and zoning for neighborhood schools are included. School board member John Tedesco presents his plan for school assignments.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 27 Issue 3, Jan 2010, p16-19, map Periodical Website

Subject(s):

School boards--Wake County

Record #:

13925

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Geary discusses the qualifications of the new superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, Anthony Tata, a retired army Brigadier-General.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 1, Jan 2011, p7, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

School superintendents--Wake County

Record #:

13929

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

In the November 2010 state elections, Republicans gained control of the two houses of the North Carolina General Assembly. Geary discusses what effect this could have on the state's public school system.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 4, Jan 2011, p7, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Public schools

Record #:

13933

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

The 1995 General Assembly passed legislation authorizing charter schools, or schools operated by a private, non-profit organization. Of the state's ninety-nine charter schools, almost 20 percent of them are located in Wake and Durham Counties. Republicans want more or them; Democrats worry that they are a form of segregation. Geary discusses the consequences of raising the cap on the number of schools.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 7, Feb 2011, p9, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Charter schools

Record #:

13934

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Since a new school board controls the Wake County Schools, changes are being considered in how students are assigned to schools. The old plan fostered diversity in the schools. Recently the new Wake County Choice plan was unveiled. Geary evaluates the school reassignment plan.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 7, Feb 2011, p9 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

School boards--Wake County

Record #:

13937

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Progress Energy and Duke Energy are proposed to merge. Progress Energy has a nuclear plant at its Shearon Harris site in Wake County and is considering building more reactors there. Duke Energy, meanwhile, is in preconstruction of a nuclear plant in South Carolina which would supply power to both states. The company is seeking permission to invest more money. If the plant gets built, total cost would be $11 billion. Consumers express concerns about rate increases from this proposed construction.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 11, Mar 2011, p7, 9, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Nuclear power plants

Record #:

13938

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

In the 1960s, President Johnson declared war on poverty in the country. In North Carolina the poverty level has dropped from a high of 40 percent in the late 1950s to slightly over 16 percent in 2009. However, the same facts show different truths about what it is to be poor in the state.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 13, Mar 2011, p5, 9, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Poverty

Record #:

14013

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Jimmy Creech of Raleigh, a former Methodist minister, recounts his struggles against anti-gay religious discrimination in the Methodist Church. In Adam's Gift, Creech's book published in 2011, he tells the story of his fight again the church's stand on gays and lesbians.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 16, Apr 2011, p23, por Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Gay rights--North Carolina--Religious aspects--Methodists

Record #:

14029

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Geary discusses Raleigh's new Contemporary Art Museum and what it means to the city.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 17, Apr 2011, p15, 17, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Museums--Raleigh

Record #:

15540

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

Seth Keel, a 17 year-old senior at Middle Creek High School, has started campaigning for the Raleigh mayor position despite being too young to hold office. His motivation is to raise awareness about issues of poverty and inequality, while also proving that youthful voices can contribute to the political realm.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 40, Oct 2011, p8, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Political activists

Record #:

15546

Author(s):

Geary, Bob

Abstract:

The passing of Senate Bill 514, a measure to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage, will now appear during the primary election in May instead of November, on the same ballot as the presidential election. The issue of same-sex marriage is becoming a contentious matter between parties and critics believe Republicans are using voters' emotions to garner support.

Source:

Independent Weekly (NoCar Oversize AP 2 .I57 [volumes 13 - 23 on microfilm]), Vol. 28 Issue 37, Sept 2011, p7, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Same-sex marriage--Laws and legislation