All by BJ Murphy

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...again

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...again

BJ Murphy
Columns, Local News, Politics

At the October 5th Kinston City Council meeting, the elected members unanimously approved two motions allowing city employees new vacation days for June 19 and Election Day. With roughly less than five minutes of discussion, both motions passed.

The City of Kinston has 378 positions on payroll and have about 350 positions filled at this time. Let’s assume all 350 are eligible to vote. If 70% take the time to vote, that will equate to approximately 245 employees exercising that right. Since 61.2% have already cast their ballots in our area, it would mean about 214 employees have already done so.

Based on historical numbers, the cost per vote on Election Day (31) is roughly $1,729, plus time and a half for our police, fire and other essential employees.

BJ Murphy: North Carolina - Trump and Cooper’s Races to Lose

BJ Murphy: North Carolina - Trump and Cooper’s Races to Lose

BJ Murphy
Coronavirus, Columns, Politics

While reporters and TV talking heads continue to refer to North Carolina as a swing state, they are largely mistaken. We do not “swing” between Republicans and Democrats for president and governor much to the media’s chagrin. Our selection of US Senators, however, would qualify for that designation. The reality is that NC tends to vote for Republican presidents, Democratic governors, and flip flops on US Senators.

BJ Murphy: School Board decision paves way for more diversity

BJ Murphy: School Board decision paves way for more diversity

BJ Murphy
Columns, Education

The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected everyone in 2020 and will affect us for years to come. I will leave some of the national debate about the economic stress, masks, hydroxychloroquine, or other issues to the pundits. On a local level, the recent potential 18-week decision by the Lenoir County School Board exposed a servant leadership deficit catching parents, teachers and even administrators by surprise.

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...

BJ Murphy
Columns

Have you ever had something gnaw at you long enough that you finally had to address it?

Last month the City of Kinston requested that Neuse News run a Public Notice informing the community of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. Having served for eight years as mayor, I know the budget process and numbers well. Glaring to me was the proposed $26,100 increase in the mayor and council’s salary line item. Surely that was a mistake. Surely in a time like this that would not be on the table.

BJ Murphy: I call "BS"

BJ Murphy: I call "BS"

BJ Murphy
Columns, Coronavirus

We often hear about the Consumer Confidence Index, which is down drastically, but what about the confidence of Small Business Owners? We’re often touted with support in political campaign ads and yet the federal government has overpromised and severely undelivered. Without Small Business Owners’ willingness to take risks, the costs to our economy could dwarf the EIDL and PPP investments.

BJ Murphy: One Year Later

BJ Murphy: One Year Later

BJ Murphy
Columns

A year ago, a few friends set out to take something we’ve all been used to – daily news publication – and conform it to what the market is really saying…and do it with zero cost to the consumer. Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy looks back at milestones in the development of Neuse News, where it is now, and what’s ahead.