Historically, the JLF has been very responsive to bad policy decisions. If we’re lucky, we’re able to head off these policies before they’re enacted. As our staff has grown, our ability to respond quickly with facts and reason has greatly improved. Michael Sanera‘s initiative to alert taxpayers about municipal-run golf courses has kept local governments on their toes. In this week’s Sanford Herald, an editorial cautioned Sanford City Councilmen to keep their eyes on this revenue-draining boondoggle. Occasionally, our blogs are the primary method of contact with policy makers and concerned citizens. This week, WBT’s Keith Larson talked about Jeff Taylor‘s ironic Meck Deck post about the American Public Transportation Association’s decision to hold its annual meeting in Charlotte in October — just as the transit tax repeal fight is peaking and without the South Blvd. light rail line up and running. Occasionally, when there’s a poor public-policy choice, there’s no need for us to jump in the fray. Take for instance Currituck County’s decision to step away from running an Equestrian Center. Michael played the cheerleader for the Commission, in an editorial to the Daily Advance. Recently, the JLF has moved in a more pro-active direction. A fantastic example is our Issue Guide 2007. Distributed to politicians and those interested in public policy, this hand out anticipates important policy topics and lays out a course of action. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a tidbit on NC public policy and where it’s going.
