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Sign up to receive election results via text message from WECT

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer
Saturday, April 21st, 2012, 2:43pm
Sign up to receive election results via text message from WECT

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – It can be tough to decide which candidate to vote for during the upcoming elections.

WECT’s Decision 2012 page can make the decision easier.

You can learn about each candidate—both locally and nationally—and read about the latest political news. You can also watch candidate forums, find out how and where to vote, and keep track of results.

While you’re perusing the page, make sure you sign up to receive election results via text message on the night of the primary election, which is May 8.

All you have to do is enter your mobile phone number on the top of the Decision 2012 page.

Don’t forget, message and data rates may apply. You will receive up to 10 messages per day. Text HELP for help.

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McIntyre: Wilmington Port to benefit from bill

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer
Thursday, April 19th, 2012, 2:02pm
McIntyre: Wilmington Port to benefit from bill

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A bill that will help the Wilmington Port has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a news release from U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre’s Chief of Staff.

McIntyre is a co-sponsor of the Realize America’s Maritime Promise (RAMP) Act, which would make improvements to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).

Between 1998 and 2008, the HMTF, which finances dredging costs, disbursed over $69 million to the Port of Wilmington and over $200 million to the state of North Carolina, according to McIntyre’s office. Reforming the HMTF would “deliver more dollars to the Harbors that finance the fund.”

“This is great news for the Wilmington Port! I am pleased that my colleagues and I were able to approve this measure on a bi-partisan basis so that centers of maritime commerce like the Wilmington Port are able to better maintain the safety and soundness of navigation lanes,” McIntyre stated in a news release. “Reforming the fund will ensure that the Wilmington Port receives the money it deserves from the contributions of its users to the fund.”

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

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One-stop voting begins Thursday, ends May 5

Submitted by Jon Evans, WECT/Fox Wilmington anchor
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012, 4:46pm
One-stop voting begins Thursday, ends May 5

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – One-stop voting begins Thursday, April 19 across North Carolina, and runs through Saturday, May 5. Primary election day is set for May 8.

Voters will be deciding on several state-wide offices, along with seats in Congress and the General Assembly. Many County Commission and School Board races are also on the ballot, along with the question of Amendment One, the proposal to write into the state constitution that marriage is only between one man and one woman.

Here is a list of early voting locations, dates and times in New Hanover County:

Government Center Suite 39 (April 19 – May 5)

Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New Hanover County Senior Resource Center (April 23 – May 5)

Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Main Library Downtown (April 23 – May 5)

Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Northeast Regional Library (April 23 – May 5)

Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

To keep track of all the elections and learn more about the candidates, visit WECT’s Decision 2012 page.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

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Council members talk about issues during breakfast

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012, 10:14am
Council members talk about issues during breakfast

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Wilmington City Council met with State Senator Thom Goolsby, Rep. Danny McComas, and Rep. Susi Hamilton for a breakfast Wednesday to discuss the cities legislative agenda for the upcoming year. While many issues were discussed over breakfast, Mayor Saffo stressed it all comes down to jobs.

Saffo and other members of council praised the work of the state for the continuation of film incentives which helped in the decision to have Iron Man 3 filmed in Wilmington. Sen. Goolsby said some estimates put the Iron Man production spending at roughly 200 million throughout the state.

Transportation issues were also a hot topic at the meeting. City Council reiterated their support for the reconnection of rail lines throughout South East North Carolina. Representative Susi Hamilton said that would the state will likely start an environment review process on the project, but that the cost could prove to be prohibitive.

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City Council discusses budget, taxes and potential job losses

Submitted by Justin West, Assignment Manager
Monday, March 19th, 2012, 12:09pm
City Council discusses budget, taxes and potential job losses

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The City of Wilmington continued the process of setting its budget for next year at Monday morning’s briefing. Last month, council members were told they would be looking at around a $13 million shortfall, but after some elimination of projects that number has fallen to $4.5 million.

The new projections are based on cutting $5.6 million of capital projects and $2.9 million of merit and benefit contributions.

While the reduction in the shortfall number is good news for the Port City, the number still presents problems. City Council is deciding at what rate to set taxes due to the current property revaluation. In order to collect the same amount of tax money as it did during the last budget cycle, the City would have to raise taxes to the revenue neutral rate of 41 cents.

If the City votes to set the tax rate at 41 cents and makes no other changes to its budget, officials will have to find a way to make up the $4.5 million shortfall. Council members were given a look at what a $4.5 million hole would look like for city services. If Council goes with this plan, there could be a reduction of up to 60 jobs, potential fire station closings, as well as other reductions to public safety.

City staff also presented Council with tax rate scenarios of 43 cents and 45 cents. A 45-cent tax rate would equal a $1.1 million reduction to the current service level. Up to 20 positions could be eliminated.

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Check out the Decision 2012 page on WECT.com

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer
Saturday, March 17th, 2012, 4:17am
Check out the Decision 2012 page on WECT.com

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Confused about the local elections? Wondering who to vote for or which politician is in the lead?

WECT.com has a Decision 2012 page with the latest news about the national presidential race, the North Carolina candidates and local contests. There are complete lists of candidates from all of the southeastern North Carolina counties and an interactive GOP primaries map. You can even check out slideshows, watch videos and check your polling places on the page.

Click here to check it out.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

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Protest announced following NHC commissioners’ decision

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, 5:55pm
Protest announced following NHC commissioners’ decision

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - On the heels of New Hanover County Commissioners’ vote Monday not to accept a $9,000 grant to help pay for family planning at the Wilmington Health Department, a protest has been planned to be held Thursday, March 15 at Riverfont Park, according to a release from organizer Amy Schlag.

Speakers reportedly scheduled to be at the event include Rep. Susi Hamilton, Deborah Butler and representatives from both Lillian’s List and Planned Parenthood.

For more information on the event, click here.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

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