Voter ID trial ends; decision is now up to federal judge – Winston-Salem Journal

The Watch Dog response: This is why I am a Life Fully Paid Member of the NAACP.

In closing arguments Monday, North Carolina’s photo ID requirement was described by attorneys for the North Carolina NAACP as a racially discriminatory law that places unconstitutional burdens on blacks and Hispanics.

Attorneys representing Gov. Pat McCrory and state elections officials called the change in the law a mere inconvenience, saying it would affect a small group of people.

Penda Hair, an attorney for the N.C. NAACP, said evidence presented during the trial clearly shows that the photo ID requirement would make it harder for blacks and Hispanics to cast ballots in this year’s election. It’s undisputed, she said, that blacks disproportionately lack the kinds of photo IDs that they would need to show when they come to the polls. (Source: Read more)

Voter ID trial ends; decision is now up to federal judge – Winston-Salem Journal

The Watch Dog response: This is why I am a Life Fully Paid Member of the NAACP.

In closing arguments Monday, North Carolina’s photo ID requirement was described by attorneys for the North Carolina NAACP as a racially discriminatory law that places unconstitutional burdens on blacks and Hispanics.

Attorneys representing Gov. Pat McCrory and state elections officials called the change in the law a mere inconvenience, saying it would affect a small group of people.

Penda Hair, an attorney for the N.C. NAACP, said evidence presented during the trial clearly shows that the photo ID requirement would make it harder for blacks and Hispanics to cast ballots in this year’s election. It’s undisputed, she said, that blacks disproportionately lack the kinds of photo IDs that they would need to show when they come to the polls. (Source: Read more)

Ned Barnett: State’s new Voter ID rule narrows the right to vote – Winston Salem Journal

The most confounding and misleading part of the new voter ID requirement is the “common sense” defense.

Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger said in a TV ad that requiring a photo ID to vote “prevents fraud and protects the integrity of our elections — it’s common sense.” Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed the requirement into law saying it was part of “common sense reforms.” At a federal trial in Winston-Salem where the requirement is being challenged, it’s being defended as a commonly used and sensible protection.

Proponents of the requirement, which takes effect with the March 15 primary, say a photo ID is needed to cash a check, board an airplane or even to purchase some cold medications, so certainly it should be required for something as important as voting. (Source: Read more)

Rocky Mount NC: Revaluation may not hurt housing market – Rocky Mount Telegram

The Watch Dog response: And the truth be made known but some still will not accept it because they want to see Rocky Mount in the negative. Sad! The realtors have spoken so who you gonna listen to someone up here hiding behind a code name or the professional? When will the ignance end? Oh never! Just like racism but we can call them out though!

With Nash County residents expected to see a significant drop in property values next year, area realtors say it shouldn’t have much effect on the local housing market.

During last month’s Nash County Board of Commissioners’ meeting, commissioners were surprised to learn county property values could undergo an average 10 percent to 15 percent drop in 2017. The new values will be reflected in property tax bills next year.

At the meeting, Bob and Fred Pearson of Pearson’s Appraisal Service indicated high-end homes in Rocky Mount would see a sharp decline in value. A home selling right now for $500,000 will soon be worth $400,000, according to the appraisers.

Mayor David Combs, who also owns Century 21 Combs Co. in Rocky Mount, has a different perspective.

“They don’t go down and appraise every single house,” Combs said. “They do selected type appraisal and it’s kind of based on some subjectivity.” (Source: Read more)