THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 6, 1995 TAG: 9508040233
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 54 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
Let me begin by thanking everyone who visisted the Dock of the Bay Cafe booth on July 26 at the Pirate's Cove Sunset Festival. You all made us feel quite welcome, and we were excited to be part of this great fund-raising event for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group. To our new ``friends,'' whom we helped discover that fried green tomatoes are more than a movie title - we were honored to be a part of it.
Unfortunately, this was our one and only appearance at this weekly fund-raiser. As a result of our outspoken opposition to that portion of North Carolina Senate Bill 57, which would have allowed only one restaurant within the town limits of Manteo to begin serving mixed alcoholic beverages (i.e. liquor by the drink), we have been banned from participating in the festivals.
Whether we agree with the selling of mixed beverages within the town of Manteo or not was never at issue. The right of citizens to govern their own community was at stake. The voters of Manteo have repeatedly defeated the proposition of liquor by the drink sales being allowed in their town. We could not quietly stand by and allow their decisions to be overrun for the benefit of one group. Therefore we, along with several other restaurateurs and community leaders, expressed our opposition to this new law.
We are quite flattered that the powers that be at Pirate's Cove feel we were able to have such an impact on our state legislature. We do, however, believe that at the request of the Manteo Town Commissioners, Sen. Marc Basnight and Rep. William Culpepper did what they were originally elected to do, and that was represent the will of the people. They effectively had this unfair piece of legislation rescinded. We have been taught that one characteristic of a good leader is his or her ability and willingness to change their mind. Sen. Basnight and Rep. Culpepper have exhibited that they possess this quality, and we are grateful.
We regret that we will no longer be allowed to participate in any future community events held at Pirate's Cove, but we do not ask to be forgiven for exercising our constitutional right to freedom of speech. It is certainly the prerogative of the decision makers at Pirate's Cove to bar us from their property, and we will graciously but sadly accept their ruling.
To the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group: We in no way wish to jeopardize the effectiveness of the Sunset Festivals as a fund-raiser for you and we will continue to support you in other endeavors and wish you all the best.
Paige A. Beshens
Dock of the Bay Cafe
Manteo Thanks, Sen. Basnight
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Sen. Marc Basnight for his sucessful efforts to retain small-county supplemental funds for the Currituck County Schools. Sen. Basnight has worked dilligently since March 1994 to ensure the continued allotment of the $538,000 the Currituck County Schools receive as a small district.
During the many months of working on this matter, Sen. Basnight was highly accessible, ensured his staff maintained constant communication with school and county officials, and adroitly maneuvered the ever-changing political winds swirling within the General Assembly during the recently concluded session.
Small-county supplemental funds provide 17 school-based positions within our district. The individuals filling these positions interact daily with students. Loss of this funding would have greatly diminished the instructional and support services provided our students.
It should be noted that while the changes in the legislation initiated by Sen. Basnight will benefit Currituck County most immediately, the revisions were drawn in a manner which will better serve all small school districts, many of which are located in northeastern North Carolina.
Sen. Basnight's efforts will result in additional revenues of $1.5 million to $2 million for our schools over the next three years. We are most grateful for his unflinching commitment to our students, staff and community.
William R. Capps, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Currituck County by CNB