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Join us in Raleigh for the meeting of the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee on March 9!
The Hyde County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution last March opposing new or increased "ferry taxes" and we've partnered with neighboring counties and lobbyists Joe and Henri McClees to assist us with our opposition.
This marks the first email update to  keep citizens informed. Look for one each business day.
An informational meeting to discuss opposition will be held tomorrow (Thursday, March 1) at 5:30 at the Ocracoke Community Center. Our message is simple: NO FERRY TAX.
THANK YOU, Governor Beverly Perdue, for declaring a moratorium on the "ferry tax!"
For us, this is great news. There is an internal argument however about whether she can legally accomplish this by Executive Order. Whatever the result, Gov. Perdue has bought valuable time for us to work with the NC General Assembly to abolish the ferry tax. Those who wish to thank her in your own words can call, write a brief message, or email her at: Governor Perdue: 116 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603; (800) 662-7952 or (919) 733-2391; governor.office@nc.gov.
YES, we are still going to Raleigh on Friday, March 9, 2012
Even though our governor supports our efforts, it is important to continue to voice opposition. The good news is our rumblings have reached the Legislature and our supporters are ready to help. Senator Bill Rabon has agreed to meet with us in a large room, ready to hear our speakers and give us a forum to express our grievances. Also, our lobbyist is working with legislators to set an afternoon meeting so Ocracoke citizens can get there more easily. Therefore, the exact time on March 9 and the exact room location will be announced later. Sen. Rabon may hold the hearing as an Appropriations meeting after the Transportation meeting.
IT'S TIME TO PUT A FACE ON THE PAIN!
WE MUST DEMONSTRATE BY OUR NUMBERS THE COMMITMENT TO "NO FERRY TAX."
TRANSPORTATION
We are working out the logistics of bus transportation for citizens who wish to attend this meeting in Raleigh. It is imperative that you email or call Megan Shaw, Hyde County Public Information Officer and "Transportation Coordinator" for this important trip whether you ride the bus or choose to drive or carpool. We must have this information so that we can obtain a parade permit, notice State Capital Police about our plans, and also let you know where to park and where to meet up with the group. The Transportation Coordinator will provide you an official event sticker/name badge, a Capitol Area map, agenda, and contact information. To do this, we must know who you are and have an email address with which to contact you. Please advise your county's Transportation Coordinator:
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
A petition will be distributed at Thursday's meeting in Ocracoke, but direct letters, calls and emails are much more effective. Senator Rabon is a co-chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Transportation. He is ALSO a co-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Call or email Senator Bill Rabon to thank him in advance for his support. He needs to hear from you. His legislative office telephone is (919) 733-5963 and his email address isbill.rabon@ncleg.net.
Write, email, and call the NC Speaker of the House Thom Tillis and President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Our lobbyist is requesting meetings with them to discuss the economic necessity to protect citizens of Beaufort, Hyde, and Pamlico counties.
- NC Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, (919) 733-3451; thom.tillis@ncleg.net, 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
- NC Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, (919) 733-5708; phil.berger@ncleg.net, 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
It is still important for you to send correspondence to legislators. We must bombard them with contacts to let them know the serious and urgent nature of our complaints. These leaders keep count of how many telephone calls and emails they receive on any important issue. They must hear from as many citizens as possible. Please include your name, physical address, and a simple message: NO FERRY TAX.
Here are some things to keep in mind when communicating with legislators:
- The message must be simple and in the person's own words with the message "NO FERRY TAX "in the message headline.
- Tell the legislator about the personal financial hardship a tax would cause. Two or three sentences will be fine.
- Be sure to include your name and physical address.
- No sarcasm, no criticism, no profanity, no vulgarity, no threats, no attempts at humor.
- www.ncleg.net is the website for the NC General Assembly. All Senators and House members are listed there, with office address, tel. #, and email.
- http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Committees/Committees.asp?sAction=ViewCommittee&sActionDetails=Non-Standing_468 This is the website of the Joint Oversight Committee on Transportation. It contains list of all members. Please note that Senator Kathy Harrington is the new chairman, although the website does not yet show this appointment.
- Actual communication:
- Email if possible. Use NO FERRY TAX as the subject matter on every email.
- Call (919) 733-4111, the general telephone number for NC General Assembly. The operator can direct the call to any legislator.
- Write a letter this week and mail it immediately.
- If you can only write one letter, address it to Senator Bill Rabon, 2108 Legislative Building, Raleigh, NC 27601-2808. Ask him to please protect the citizens of your county from a FERRY TAX. Add details of the financial hardships of the people in your county.
- Please note that petitions are okay, but direct calls, emails, and letters are the most effective. A petition will be distributed at Thursday's meeting in Ocracoke. Sign it, but please consider direct communications too.
- Communicate NOW. We only have NINE days to go.
North Carolina is not known for having earthquakes, but we need to make sure this rumble is felt all the way from Ocracoke to Raleigh!
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