Senator Kinnaird

Received via email, with a sobering prediction as to how Puppet Justice Newby will decide on redistricting.

Dear Friends,

The election is over and the present districts will probably not change for the next ten years. This is because of redistricting and the NC Supreme Court outcome that tilts to the Republican majority with the election of Supreme Court Justice Newby. Justice Newby was supported by hundreds of thousands of dollars from outside the state - most notably Americans for Prosperity, the Koch brothers’ organization which has an office in North Carolina and lobbies daily in the legislature.

Dear Friends,

The last few sessions the legislature has addressed the problem of money and influence in the system. Strong ethics rules have been put in place for legislators regulating donations from lobbyists and limiting gifts from anyone doing business with the state. The ethics laws even extend to citizens who serve on state boards where conflicts of interest might influence their decisions. We used to get piles of gifts, mostly minor, that I gave to the Thrift Shop and even a whole ham that I gave to our Interfaith Council kitchen for the homeless. Last session, ethics rules were extended to local elected officials. The School of Government will provide training and, of course, the media always watches closely for those straying from the straight and narrow. I voted for these measures because I feel that democracy works best when there are strict guidelines and rules to minimize influence and complete transparency.

Dear Friends,

The session June 18, 2011, but not without its costs. Bills were rushed through committee meetings without adequate discussion and bill sometimes called up to be heard when senators couldn’t even find the proper copy of the bill in the pile stacked on our desk. Let me explain.

I get these email updates on activities in General Assembly from my senator, Ellie Kinnaird. I find them interesting and helpful. Hope you do too.