Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Dear High Point Mayor Bernita Sims,

Hi how are you?
Thanks for your letter to the editor of the High Point Enterprise addressed "to the citizens of High Point:". I've decided to write you back on my blog, which I figure will be equally successful in reaching its target audience.

According to WFMY NEWS 2 and the High Point Enterprise, you've apparently had the following financial issues:

1. An SBI investigation of a bad $7000 check you wrote to a family member.

2. You owed over $500 for four months of unpaid utility bills. (Now paid)

3. You owe over $5500 for overdue state income taxes.

Wow. 

Apparently five out of nine council members would like you to step down. All is not lost! At least council member Foster Douglas supports you. No matter that he has owed the city $32000 for ten years...

I noticed in your letter that you did not deny any of these issues and do not plan to step down based on the other council members' letters or motions. Nor did you in last Sunday's interview. I am glad you finally paid your utility bill. 

You did write that "my personal life is my personal life." I don't agree. Your personal finance issues are a reflection of your capabilities in a public position as mayor. After all, if you can't manage your personal finance how can you successfully manage a city? I no longer have confidence this is possible.

You also wrote that "As a true believer in Jesus Christ, these adversities that I face will only make me stronger. There will be glory after this."

Uh. 
You mean glory to God, right?
As a true believer, you are probably familiar with Jesus saying in Matthew 22:21 "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

I think that means pay your taxes and give glory to God.

Anyhow, if you have to go away awhile for that bad check or unpaid taxes please keep in touch! Write us at: citizens of High Point c/o editor, High Point Enterprise.






Saturday, September 7, 2013

aaand...never run errands again

Ok, say actually running errands isn't your thing. Heck if outside isn't your thing you can run all your errands indoors. On the internets. On the toilet.

Take a picture of your check and deposit it to your bank while you do your other deposit. Pro tip: place check on bathroom tile floor, brace iPhone on knees to steady your shot, don't strain.

Never go to the library again. After all, that's where the homeless hang out and there are boogers in ALL the books. You can borrow free digital copies online. The boogers on your iPad screen are your own problem...

Tired of getting charged extra because you forgot to return your redbox movie? Or getting scratched up DVDs? Take your pick. Tons of companies to download rental movies.

And of course you can order every possible product online and never have to step into another store. Delivered right to your doorstep. How you get it from the doorstep to your throne room when your legs are numb is your problem.

Bam. Another quality post in the can. From the can. Pass the tp. I can't get up.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Running Errands

No seriously, actually RUN* errands.

* ok you can jog, walk or shuffle if you want to.

If you are within a mile or two of a grocery, bank, post office, library, drug store, video rental, you can literally run your errands. As much as i like to drive it seems wasteful to start up Rusty to go a mile or two down the street. It may save a little wear on your car and gas, but more importantly you get a little side benefit of outdoor exercise. 

1. Plan your route.
As a directionally challenged individual (my inner compass got demagnetized) this is pretty important for me. Several factors I look for: shortest route, least amount of traffic, sidewalks. Remember to run against traffic!

2. Carry on.
If I'm carrying small items like a letter, checks, DVD's, I'll just hand carry. If I'm returning or checking out books I'll bring a small backpack that will hug my back as well as cinch the gear against my back. If your stuff or pack is loose it will be annoying even for a mile or two. If I'm coming back with a heavy load I'll walk. If I'm coming back with groceries I'll bring two reusable or shopping bags in my pack and walk back with the loads balanced in each arm.

3. Dress to impress.
No reason to shop or browse the library while sweat-soaked. Wear non-cotton clothing that will wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly.