Jeff L. Thigpen Register of Deeds

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Jeff Thigpen endorses Republican Candidate in Vestal!

Jeff Valent is running for Town Council in Vestal New York. He has my enthusiastic support and encouragement! (Did I say he was my brother in law?)

Jeff has a great mind and he's an overall good guy. Against my better judgement and counsel....he is a Republican. I won't hold that against him. The election is non-partisan and we are both conservative on issues like wasteful inefficient government. He's proven to be a great sport when we fight it out on most holidays around some issue or another. He's reasonable and I have no doubt he'll use sound judgement on the Council. In addition, Jeff cooks a great meal. As you know, lots of change can happen around food so I'd look for immediate change. As a Hendrick Motorsports supporter (Jeff Gordon-24), I'll give him the benefit of the doubt even with my leanings toward Jimmie Johnson-48.

Vestal would have a great asset in Jeff's election and I look forward to following his campaign!

The primary is September 18th.

Valent for Vestal!!!

Monday, May 28, 2007

Remembering a Fallen Marine.

Beth and Michael Belle talk about their son's sacrifice.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Check out the proposed FY 07-08 Guilford County Budget

Here's the proposed budget.

Thanks to Budget Director Michael Halford for helping get it out to the web.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

One Guilford--WHY?

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Friday, May 18, 2007

One Guilford

I've had a variety of perspectives given to me on the event yesterday. I attended and have several thoughts. I've heard statements deconstructed and interpreted, motives questioned, excitement about possibility, and comments about the umbrellas!

Big Thanks to Allen Johnson for our conversation about a week ago regarding the intent of the event and his invitation to our Strategic Alliance core planning committee. While Guilford County elected leadership was not on the panel,(and has been noticed!) there were around 20 Department Directors at the event along with several County Commissioners. Here are some points:

1) High Point University campus facilities are great! Nido, I told you, I'm impressed with the place. I'm a Guilfordian, but the Athletic facility and campus are great. Speakers with music in the trees; Plato quotes in the cement; $21 million in construction and enrollment increases. They are moving in the right direction.

2) The concept of Vision and Leadership for Guilford County. I prefer to call the challenge "Vision-Seeking" for Guilford County. I appreciate the News and Record and Nido for helping convene this event. I really mean it. Over 300 people attended who "influence" the public, private, religious, civic, and political circles of the County. I'm not going to diss it out of principle. I'm also not going to say it's THE TRANSFORMATIVE EVENT ON VISION (out of principle as well). I must admit I'm hungry for these discussions in diverse venues of the County because it is needed.

3)The event symbolized the surface tip of a massive glacier. At times several speakers and audience members dipped their toes beneath the tip into the icey waters. Issues like race, education, economics, district and at-large elected body responsibilies, historic differences were chipped on in that short time. Just enough for a bit of frost bite!

4) I believe the central challenge is to have movement on "Vision-seeking" with not only the those of us who "influence" (represented well yesterday), but the "influenced" (the hard part!) We need these kinds of events, and others, with folks who never get the invitation. We need a process that keeps vision-seeking alive in every corner of the county. If those of us who "influence" are serious, we will need to exercise much effort and sound judgement.

5) There were profound differences on the concept of vision and what that vision should be and unchallenged statements that will have to be challenged in this quest. In addition, what does "the quest" look like? Is it organized or do we just come back next year at a different location? What's the soil for the seeds look like?

6) Relationship building and "knowing an individual's story" is truly essential. We all have strong opinions and strong leadership must have integrity. If it has integrity, there will be challenges to it but the vision seeking process can build a movement in many untapped areas of our community.

7) Guilford County government. I have a belief that the Strategic Alliance can play a major role in transforming service delivery and demonstrate a positive influence on One Guilford. And yes, I include the Guilford County Board of Commissioners in that effort!

8) And don't think this stuff is easy. It is messy and has the capacity to make us very uncomfortable, especially after we get the warm, fuzzy, vision feeling. Guilford County has real needs and many interests that have to be considered. This effort requires a capacity to listen, learn, and grow beyond some safe places.

Effective or not, this discussion will continue in the months ahead!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Remembering Owen Lewis

My friend Owen Lewis passed away Tuesday morning. I was pushing my daughter on her red swing Monday evening and an ambulance came by our house on Howard Street. For some reason thoughts of Owen came to mind. I saw the obituary this morning and my fears were confirmed.

I met Owen when I first ran for County Commissioner. First thing he said to me was that he was supporting the other guy. haha. I appreciated his honesty and candor--an appreciation experienced on quite a few occasions. Later on, Owen became a friend and supporter and I served with him on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. He later chaired the Council and I sought his advice on several issues of concern of the years.

Owen was also a DEMOCRAT! Yes, a DEMOCRAT- with a capital DEMOCRAT. **SMILE** He was always insightful and had a unique sense of humor. I'll miss him and appreciate his years of public service.

Betty, you are in my prayers and thoughts.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

NC Secretary of State E-Commerce Legislation

Here is a new page with a clearinghouse of recent legislation on e-recording and e-notarization with proposed standards.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Guilford County Community Forums!

These meetings are very improtant to let your elected officials hear from the public about your priorities and vision for Guilford Couny government!

COMMUNITY FORUMS

May 7, Monday – 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
District 8 and District 9 – Commissioners Skip Alston and Carolyn Coleman's district will be at Bethel AME Church, 200 Regan Street, Greensboro.

May 8, Tuesday – 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Commissioner Steve Arnold
District 2 and At Large Representatives – Southwest High School Auditorium,
4364 Barrow Road, High Point
Commissioner Linda Shaw
District 3 – Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road, Oak Ridge

May 15, Tuesday – 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Commissioner Kirk Perkins
District 4 – Northeast High School Auditorium, 6700 McLeansville Road,
McLeansville
Commissioner Billy Yow
District 5 – Southern High School Auditorium, 5700 Drake Road, Greensboro
Commissioner Kay Cashion
District 6 – Grimsley High School Auditorium, 801 Westover Terrace, Greensboro

May 22, Tuesday – 7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Commissioner Bruce Davis
District 1 – Andrews High School Auditorium, 1920 McGuinn Drive, High Point
Commissioner Mike Winstead
District 7 – Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road, Greensboro

IMPORTANT NOTE: At-large Commissioners Paul Gibson and John Parks will be having a busy week! They will be roving the County attending multiple forums!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

WFMY does piece on National Deed Company.

Big thanks to Frank Mickens. The story ran at 6 pm. The online video doesn't have the ending where Frank talks more about the company. He did a great job of putting all together.

This scam is happening across the country. Columbia, Norfolk, Consumer Affairs,Springfield,and Oakland.

Goes to show you the forces for good have mobilized to combat this bad deal for consumers.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

National Deed Service Goes After Elderly in Guilford County!

I've had several calls from elderly citizens offering them the opportunity to receive a certified copy of their deeds for the LOW PRICE of $59.50. The company called National Deed Service is offering this deal. These citizens are in a panic and are worried about their property.

ATTN: ALL GUILFORD CITIZENS: Based on our fees designated by NC General Statute----you can recieve your certified copy of your deed for $5 for the 1st page and $2 each additional page. The average deed is about 2-3 pages. Total cost: $9 (maybe).

You save $50.50.

Is this a rip off and a scam? You decide....