Optimism remains on reaching schools deal

Optimism remains on reaching schools deal

Optimism remains on reaching schools dealOfficials say it's possible but unlikely they would ask voters for funds

CARRIE LEVINE, ANN DOSS HELMS PETER SMOLOWITZ
Staff Writers

Mecklenburg County commissioners continued high-stakes negotiations over school construction money Thursday, and board members said they must approve money this year.
A majority of commissioners and school board members said they won't rule out asking voters for the money on the November ballot as a last resort but sounded optimistic about a possible compromise that wouldn't require voter approval.
"
I think it's hard to tell which direction is out, but there is a way out," said Jennifer Roberts, a Democrat.

The school construction saga has gripped the county since voters rejected a $427 million school construction plan last November. That prompted months of official soul-searching, and the county and school boards appointed a 35-member committee to find a solution.
But on Tuesday, the county board rejected the committee's stopgap proposal to borrow $172 million, along with a Republican alternative. Since then, amid accusations of election-year politics, leaders have struggled to broker a truce.

Republican Dan Bishop said he has been speaking to Democrats. "It's in everybody's interests to take a deep breath and work towards a compromise," Bishop said, suggesting a bond referendum "ratchets up the risk enormously."

But all declined to give details, saying there was much to work out. Commissioners said they have received dozens of e-mails from constituents, most urging them to strike a deal.
One resident, Brandon Gurley, said he hopes commissioners find a solution to "a major problem." Other e-mails were short and sweet: "Quit %$#@! around and build some schools!"

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