One week ago, after his complaint against the $1.7 billion school bond referendum was denied by the NC State Board of Elections, former Guilford County Commissioner Alan Branson sounded like that would be the end of the road for his quest to defeat the bond – however, on Wednesday, July 6, a newly energized Branson said it was “likely” that he would continue the challenge in court.
Guilford County voters approved the massive $1.7 billion school bond in the May Primary election; however, it is illegal for Guilford County and Guilford County Schools to use taxpayer money to promote the passage of the bond.
Branson’s contention – along with his team of lawyers – is that Guilford County and the school system did just that: played fast and loose with state law and put out material and information to the public that not only “educated” voters about the bond, but also promoted its passage.
That’s a line Guilford County government has walked very close to – and perhaps crossed – many times in the past, but the county has never been called on the practice until Branson brought his complaint this year, first to the Guilford County Board of Elections, and then, on appeal, to the state board.
In both cases, the votes fell along party lines, which meant that Branson, a Republican, lost by one vote each time.
Branson said that, after the November election, when he expects major Republican wins, the courts may be more open to his suit than the Democratic-majority election boards have been. Branson is the Republican candidate for the at-large seat on the Board of Commissioners.
“We will probably end up heading down that road,” Branson said of a court battle for the giant bond referendum.
Branson has 10 days after he receives a letter stating the decision by the state board of election to file in court. He expected that letter immediately after the NC Board of Elections case in late June, however, he said that, as of Wednesday, July 6, he still had not received the letter.
Branson also sounded more optimistic this week about being able to raise some outside money to help pay for the fight which he has estimated will cost about $25,000.
Leave it alone. The voters have spoken. Majority rule. That is why the electoral college is outdated.
The electoral college has absolutely NOTHING to do with this issue. Mr. Goins do you even pay property taxes? And if so aren’t you concerned how this is going to effect your spending power to buy the everyday items that make the world go around? Do you have any idea how the county tax increase is going to effect people??? Maybe you are independently wealthy but I am not.
Thanks for sticking up for democracy. Most RT readers seem to embrace ignorance as default state as soon as they’re asked to pay for it, but they’ll throw Branson a donatoin to pay his legal fees.
Electoral college is a balance and compromise to ensure the bare majority does not run over the minority. It gives a touch of popular vote and ensures states other than California and New York have a voice. And the suit makes some sense. Imagine an election where only one candidate could speak in public.
It’s just slightly worse than having only two, govt approved, crappy ssdd parties. Jackass and elephant dung. Seems like only one gang of govcrims runs things around here anyway!
Ernest T? If you’re all about the voters have spoken, be sure to bring a PHOTO ID when you head out to vote in NC! Remember, the voters have spoken. Funny how the left loves to govern from the bench until it’s their agenda headed to court, then it’s” leave it alone,” the “people” have spoken. Voter ID! The voters have spoken!
Have you not heard? Liberals are hypocrites. Liberals change the rules at will.
The Founding Fathers were brilliant. Liberals have been messing with the Constitution for years. Senators were chosen by states’ legislature until the 17th Amendment. The 16 Amendment allowed for Congress to levy an income tax.
If an amendment were required to levy an income tax, then a tax on a person’s labor was never considered by the Founding Fathers. Citizens have been constrained by income taxes since 1913.
The 16th Amendment should be eliminated rather the electoral college, which protects the country from majority rule.
Count me in!
Seems no matter the amount it’s never enough because we now have multiple bonds on the ballot for this month’s election.
Keep going Mr. Branson, we support you all the way!! Thank you for fighting for us!!
Good man, Branson.
The dumb part about this and how Branson will lose is because he was on the County Commissioners when the School Board did the same thing with the 2020, 300 million bond.
It wasn’t an issue then but it is now. He’s gonna lose in Nov and needs headlines
Maybe 2020 is the reason Mr. Branson is taking his current position. We learn from our mistakes.
Red wave coming in November; unfortunately, ignorant voters in Guilford County & Greensboro will vote for the same morons, so no red wave here.
Yes this is true
Not if the same “morons” have an epiphany and see that the responsible vote to free the City of Greensboro from its current Council is to vote for write-in candidate, Chris Meadows, and Katie Rossabi, at-large.
Many of us want more accountability for government officials. Best of luck to Branson!