Bill Graham Speaks on Open Government, Infrastructure and Health Issues

Bill Graham campaigning for North Carolina Governor 2008, graciously accepted our invitation to answer your questions.

March 6, 2008

COUNTY NC NEWS -- Mr. Bill Graham campaigning for North Carolina Governor 2008, graciously responded to our invitation to answer your questions concerning North Carolina open government, infrastructure and health issues. Furthermore, Mr. Graham responded with clear concise answers.

The questions compiled from County NC News readers were sent via email to Bill Graham's campaign staff on Friday, February 28, 2008, at approximately 2:00 P.M. Mr. Graham, as with all GOP candidates, was given the choice to answer the questions in text or video. We asked that Bill Graham keep his answers brief (8 minutes). To read the combined News article click here

Please note that the Graham Staff did offer a face-to-face interview. I declined due to travel and time constraints, to get this information to as many citizens as possible before the primary election on May 6, 2008. Furthermore, Mr. Graham and staff are encouraged to add information to this site for you at anytime, before, during, and after the November 4, 2008 North Carolina election.

The following answers to your questions were received March 5, 2008:

Currently, many North Carolina County local government officials ignore sections of NC Statue 143-318.9 Public Meeting Law. The average citizen cannot take action against these violations do to the high legal costs of pursing such a legal endeavor.

QUESTION:
Mr. Graham, if elected Governor, what could you do to assist individuals in enforcing this State statue, NC Statue 143-318.9 Public Meeting Law? Would you be willing to address this issue?

ANSWER:
Yes, we must strengthen our laws in regard to openness to the public and ethics in government. I have advocated streaming video on the internet of legislative hearings so the public can witness the proceedings at home.

County NC News has been conducting a study across North Carolina on whether County Governments are complying with the North Carolina General Statue, 132 Public Records Law. Thus far, we have found several counties, including Washington County, which have a policy NOT to release Public Meeting Draft Minutes.

QUESTION:
Mr. Graham, if elected Governor, what would you do to rectify this issue of compliance with NC Statue?

ANSWER:
We need more openness in government and I will work to see that our public records law is strictly enforced.

QUESTION:
Mr. Graham, if elected Governor, would you continue to use internet technologies to deliver timely press releases? Would you release News on a daily basis?

Yes. It is vital that the citizens of North Carolina are kept informed about the happenings in state government in a timely fashion and internet technology is the most efficient and cost effective method.

QUESTION:
North Carolina faces severe problems in financing its transportation, water, sewer and other infrastructure needs. To what extent do you think that privatization of these publicly owned systems could fulfill the state's long-term needs? Would improved planning of new infrastructure to accommodate growth be a more responsible solution?

ANSWER:
Privatization is something that should be studied and discussed in some specific situations. Yes, we must have a long term plan to conserve water, and prepare for current needs and growth.

The North Carolina Psychiatric Association has stated that it is clear that Mental Health Reform has not achieved the promised reductions in state hospital admissions of children, adolescents and adults. Yet NC continues to divest public sector clinicians and reduce the number of state hospital beds available. It is not unusual for severely mentally ill patients to sit in the Emergency Department for several DAYS waiting for a bed to open in a state psychiatric facility.

QUESTION:
Mr. Graham, what are your thoughts about the effectiveness of North Carolina's attempt at mental health reform, and how do you propose to ensure that the state's population of severely and persistently mentally ill receive appropriate and prompt treatment?

ANSWER:
North Carolina's attempt to reform mental health has failed miserably. An emergency room setting is not where you want to hold, care or treat someone for a mental defect or disease. Due to the growing population in North Carolina, I would strongly argue that we maintain a state psychiatric facility to accommodate those in need.

We would like to give special thanks to Ms. Suzanne Everett, Marty Ryall and the "Graham for Governor" campaign staff and volunteers for taking time to arrange for Mr. Graham to answer your questions.

Finally, we wish Mr. Bill Graham campaigning for North Carolina Governor 2008, the best of luck in the up and coming primary election. In addition to indulging our reader's questions concerning North Carolina open government, infrastructure and health issues.