Richard Anderson

By Richard Anderson

For the Salisbury Post

The political merry-go-round over the N.C. Research Campus is undeniably causing problems for all involved. It has created public confusion — bickering between individuals and officials and statements being made publicly that are misleading and speculative.

As an elected official of the city of Kannapolis, this is an attempt to set the record straight based upon "factual information."

Every individual has a right to express his personal opinion. The opinion should be based upon facts and not speculation. Mr. David Murdock stated from the beginning he wanted assistance from all governments — federal, state, county and city — to participate to help him build the N.C. Research Campus.

Kannapolis hired bond advisers to determine the dollar amount that was practical and feasible for our city. The figure of $76 million originally included anticipation and hope Cabarrus County would, by agreement, share half of the costs.

The projected revenues (property taxes from the Research Campus only) would pay the annual bond debt with any excess tax dollars the county and city could use for whatever purpose they chose.

During a meeting of the Cabarrus County Commissioners to discuss the issue, Castle & Cooke officials requested commissioners not vote on the issue.

Weeks later, Mr. Murdock met with some of the elected officials from Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. During that meeting, the $76 million figure rose to $160 million. This change has created confusion — bickering and speculation flying all over the city and county. The sad part is all of this has led to derogatory remarks by appointed and elected officials and private citizens. In my opinion, taking such a negative and less desirable road is divisive.

In defense of everyone involved, including Mr. Murdock, private meetings between people (elected, appointed or private citizens) are up to the discretion of each individual. Granted, Mr. Murdock is not your ordinary citizen, and neither was the late Mr. Charles A. Cannon, whom I admired and respected.

Personally, I have met with hundreds of individuals one-on-one or groups of people to discuss the affairs of the city of Kannapolis. I am willing to meet with Mr. Murdock one-on-one or three-on-one because that is part of my responsibility as an elected official. I do not meet with anyone in any manner simply to avoid the "open meeting" laws of the state of North Carolina.

Neither Kannapolis officials, nor anyone else to my knowledge at this time, knows what the dollar amount of the bonds will finally be. Any discussion related to this issue is premature.

The final decision related to the bond amount has to be approved by the Local Government Commission in Raleigh and approved by the Kannapolis City Council.

Until then, any and all speculation is just that. I respect each and every one of you, so please join with me and wait until all the facts come to light before commenting.

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Anderson is a member of the Kannapolis City Council and former mayor of Kannapolis.