Update 1: Doug Clark at the N&R blogs about how this is so like Greensboro, so I asked why HE (that is, the Editorial Page of the N&R) wasn’t asking the very questions he says aren’t being asked. Doug’s reply: Fair questioins [sic, probably typo]. We will. My reply: ‘Bout time, too.
Update 2: Jordan Green at Yes! Weekly’s blog shows us that Deena Hayes’s interests aren’t necessarily about “the movement.” Could be related to that live-in (building contractor) friend of hers. I’m sure this fits into the category of “developing.”
–original post–
I’m not the first to post about Mike Weaver and Dennis Quaintance’s request for release of public documents and threat to sue if they’re not disclosed. Just when our community felt like it could relax over a job so well done (finally) after a long struggle with the International Civil Rights Museum set to open and a letter from President Obama in today’s paper, we learn that ME! ME! ME! should be the city’s new motto (screw “Greensboro Connects”). The threat-like Alston comment to Mike Weaver (of ALL people) proves to me that he hasn’t learned a thing; but worse, neither have we.
“He (Alston) said, ‘I’m really concerned about the effect your opposition to the stimulus funding, or your questioning of it, might have on the civil rights museum,” Weaver said. “I said, ‘I don’t understand.’ And he said, ‘There are a bunch of citizens who are talking about a civil rights march in front of the museum.’”
“I said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ And he said, ‘You can stop it (the march).’”
Alston said a protest rally at the museum opening would be bad for downtown and the city as a whole, so “I said why don’t you just have it at our hotel?” Weaver said. [note: that was the money quote; you go, Mike!]
Skip Alston: it’s always about him, his money and his power grab; he’s doomed to be a 22-caliber player on a 357-magnum gameboard [note: that's a partial quote from The West Wing - see the episode to understand the quote]. Deena Hayes [click for email] – same malignant narcissism with an ever-present race card in her purse that should have a much longer fuse and saved for real racism (of which there is plenty).
I would think by now that the N&R editorial pages would use its pulpit to question Alston’s machinations on this project and in many other arenas. I cannot comprehend why the editorial section is giving him such a huge pass.
Still unanswered questions: As for Hayes, what exactly is her role in this fiasco? Using the favored Faux News methodology: Could she be getting financial reward from this project? Does she have any sub-contractors involved? (Just askin’) And one more time: What is the Ole Asheboro Neighborhood’s gain from this project and how and why are they involved in a downtown hotel complex structure?
It will be interesting to see if Skip allows the march to take place. I don’t expect Quaintance to back down, and he shouldn’t.
I can see why Ole Asheboro Group wants to be involved because it is the belief of some that this hotel will increase property value.
What I want to know is why is Skip and Chisolm letting Deena and co. potentially ruin this deal for them?
Prediction: there will be no “march.” It’s all talk.
I may have an answer for your question, Sue: http://yesweeklyblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-movement-is-about.html
Looks like my Q&A has a possible answer. From Jordan’s blog post,
Is this the same relationship that reared its head during some GCS construction shenanigans a while ago?
Yes. See http://greensboro.rhinotimes.com/Articles-i-2007-08-30-161529.112113-CoMor_Has_Inside_Track_On_Contracts.html
Although I think having an “intimate relationship” with someone is not really what matters here. Whether the two are maintaining a household together is more relevant to Ms. Hayes’ financial interests.
[...] C.C. Lamberth of CoMor Corporation was more or less acting in that role. Jordan Green did some more digging and produced the 2007 Rhino article noting that CoMor’s construction manager was none other [...]
[...] C.C. Lamberth of CoMor Corporation was more or less acting in that role. Jordan Green did some more digging and produced the 2007 Rhino article noting that CoMor’s construction manager was none other [...]
Sue: This is a good post. I’ve spent the evening reading your links. Thanks.
You and I agree…… History has been made. I applaud you foe writing this post.
For, for, for… I applaud you for writing this post.