Pat McCrory for Governor
By Sheila Cottringer
              
Mayor Pat McCrory was welcomed to Charlotte Rotary with a standing ovation after his introduction by John Lassiter. Mayor McCrory made history in December of 2007 as he was sworn in for his seventh term.
 
McCrory explained to the group that he started his campaign by immediately breaking four cardinal political rules.
 
He believes he has run the shortest campaign in the history of the state because he announced a week prior to filing in February that he planned to run for Governor. McCrory believes that campaigns should be short. Most are too long and too expensive in his opinion.
 
McCrory stated he also believes he has proven that one does not have to be a millionaire in order to run for a statewide office. He believes one can be competitive running within a reasonable amount of time with a reasonable budget. He went on to explain that he would run the governor's office in the same manner.
 
His third broken rule was that he has not run one negative campaign ad in this race. McCrory believes the people are tired of negative ads and are looking for someone with a positive message. He said he simply will not go negative.
 
The fourth rule broken was the rule that the governor of North Carolina must be from the eastern part of the sate. Pat McCrory is proud to call Charlotte his home.
 
The message Pat McCrory said he wants to leave with Charlotte Rotary is that he wants to change the culture of secrecy, inefficiencies and corruption in state government. Key issues of focus will be with the Department of Transportation, safety and the criminal justice system, mental health care, the economy, energy independence and education. For and in depth look at the key issues, visit http://www.patmccrory.com.
 
We were told that the state budget doesn't look good for next year. The next governor will have to make some hard decisions. "It's time for the state to live within our means," McCrory said.
 
Mayor Pat McCrory closed the program by telling us it has been an honor to serve as Mayor of Charlotte and he appreciated our help and support in his run for governor.
    
  
Head Table: Edwin Peacock, Natalie English, Mac McCarley, John Lassiter, Mike Wilkinson, Joni Davis;
Invocation: Phil Volponi;
Visitors & Guests: John Shell; Song: Alan Barnhardt; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Benton Bragg introduced Dave Zimmer as the newest member of Charlotte Rotary. Dave is senior vice president with CDM, a consulting, engineering, construction and operations firm that provides environmental, civil and infrastructure services. An interesting note is Dave's daughter, Anna, was one of the club's outbound exchange students. Contact Dave at zimmerdt@cdm.com.
    
• The Observer did a "catching up with Luther Fincher" since his retirement as Fire Chief. As you would expect, Luther is still busy serving the needs of others - but on HIS schedule; Trent Merchant was named partner at Coleman Lew & Associates, Inc.; Greer and Walker (Charlie Greer) have formed an investment-banking venture to focus on management succession and wealth transfer for closely held businesses.
       
VOLUNTEER ITEMS

• BizTown: BizTown is the outstanding Junior Achievement (JA) program for 4th and 5th graders to get hands on learning about the free enterprise system. Charlotte Rotary supports JA both financially and with volunteers at BizTown. The next volunteer day is 8:30 - 1:00 on Thursday, December 4th. Bob Webb (bwebb@myers-chapman.com) is coordinating this effort. Contact Bob for questions or to volunteer.
 
• Crisis Assistance Ministry: Warm clothing, hats, gloves, blankets, will be collected during the month of November. Jim Adams has arranged drop-off tables at the McDowell St. and 3rd St. entrances in the hotel parking deck.
 
• Second Harvest Food Bank: Shay Merritt and Carol Jordan are coordinating a collection of canned foods during the month of November. Items needed: canned food, fruit, soup, vegetables, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, cereal. Look for the collection barrel at the entry of the meeting room each week.
 
• Host Dinners: Henry and Ann Bostic will host the November 15th dinner and they need one more couple. Check the club's website for the schedule or to sign up.
       
CALENDAR ITEMS
     
• November 4, 2008: Flu Shots will be given before and after Rotary (11:30 to 2:00) on Tuesday, November 4th. The cost is $38.40 (cash or check). Medicare will be accepted and they will file a person's insurance. OK to bring your spouse.
     
• November 10, 2008:  Rotary Foundation Banquet. Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Convention Center (just down from Concord Mills); Reception at 6:00; dinner at 7:00. Speakers: Carolyn Jones, first female elected to the Foundation Board will share her experience as a volunteer in Russia helping children affected by the Chernobyl disaster and Shai Tamari, Rotary World Peace Fellow who is searching to find a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. $40 per person.
     
• December 16, 2008:  Excellence in Leadership Award.  Rotary Club of Charlotte, Charlotte Business Journal and the Charlotte Chamber will present the 21st winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award on December 16th. Nominations for the award may be submitted to the Rotary office by November 17th. Criteria for the award is available by clicking here.