Who really needs to understand the ballot measures, anyway?

Here’s a question that’s on the minds of many Charlotte-area voters: Why is the sales tax referendum written in such vague language on the ballot? Shouldn’t voters be made aware in the voting booth that they are voting for funds to be allocated to parks, arts and education?

In 2007 legislation passed by the N.C. General Assembly gave to counties a local-option, quarter-cent sales tax (G.S. 105-535), which must be approved by voters in a referendum before it can be adopted by a county. However, “a county may not stipulate the use of the money on the ballot,” and “legislation specifies how the question must be presented on the ballot.” Well, we here at The Biscuit think that’s … how do we say … really, really dumb. So, we imagined what that ballot writing session must have been like. Watch the video.

Here’s what the ballot measure looks like. Remember: You’ll be voting FOR or against a quarter-cent sales tax increase to be used for arts, parks and education. The Biscuit team is voting FOR this measure. Whichever way you vote, we encourage you TO vote.

This video was created with Charlotte Star Room.

Here at The Biscuit, we love noticing the little things that often go unnoticed … because it’s the little details that make a city special. Creative spaces, like the offices of the creative agency, BOLTGROUP, dedicated to “designing brands, products and experiences that people love,” are often jam-packed with small details. The BOLTGROUP crew took us on a little tour of their offices, sharing little stories along the way. Now, you can take the tour, too.

Charlotte’s Three Bone Theatre is producing the world premiere of Protective Custody PRISONER 34042 (running 11/1 to 11/3 and 11/7 to 11/9), a brand new stage play based on the memoir of Dr. Susan Cernyak-Spatz. It’s written by a local playwright (Charles LaBorde) and features an all-star Charlotte creative team including Leslie Giles and Paula Baldwin under the direction of Dennis Delamar and original costumes by Magda Guichard.

Mounting a production of this caliber takes an abundance of talent and guts, so we decided to help prepare the fearless Director Dennis by asking him Five Ridiculous Questions…

What incredibly common thing have you never done?
Until two months ago, I had never loaded and operated a dishwasher! Because I never owned one. Big fan now of how clean my cups, forks and plates get, although I admit it is something I still could live without.

What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation?
The significance and impact Ned E. Delamar Jr. had on me and the world in his 93 years. He was a decorated World War II veteran, two-time Purple Heart recipient, former NC state representative, a gifted tenor, an amateur ventriloquist, an occasional magician, a beloved humorist and a loving father of three. 20 minutes wouldn’t be enough, but I would enjoy trying.

What was your favorite toy as a kid?
Got him for Christmas when I was seven. In his green suit and red bow-tie, with plastic orangish-red hair and big eyes permanently looking stage left, that favorite toy would be my ventriloquist dummy, Jerry Mahoney. You pulled his string under his jacket in the back and his mouth moved like he was talking. Do I still have him? Yes indeed. Jerry has been watching me with those shifty eyes for sixty years now…

What song would be played on a loop in your own personal hell?
“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy. I can hear that once during the holiday season, and it brings a familiar chuckle. But only once! On a loop in hell however? No explanation needed. Right?

Finish this sentence: “Hi, I’m Dennis, and most people think I’m _____________.”
Hi, I’m Dennis, and most people think I’m enthusiastic about sharing and celebrating “the good” in others. And, I like to make my own Christmas cards.

Faerie Sighting Uptown

Who needs “Carnival Row” on Amazon Prime when you can spot a winged wonder strolling on Tryon Street Uptown? This incredible photo was snapped by Richard Israel earlier this month. View more photos of this Faerie exploring the Center City.

Halloween is just like the last monster in a Scarowind’s haunted house; it’s just around the corner, ready to jump out at you and before you know it, the whole experience will be over until next year. To maximize the spookiness of this Halloween season, Porter Metzler, our token millennial, headed to #OGClt treasure, VisArt Video to get their picks for best Halloween horror flicks. Check out their picks.

“Beware; for I am hungry and therefore need a seat at the bar and a basket of fried pickles.” That is our best guess to what Frankenstein’s Monster would’ve said if he made his way to Pinky’s Westside Grill. With Halloween fast approaching, we had to take a picture of the Monster lurking behind the burger joint that has graced the FreeMoreWest neighborhood since 2010. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but we’d suggest the Corn Dog Shrimp (and Guy Fieri would, too). And be sure to watch out for that sneaky little Dracula hiding in the shadows!

This Queen City exploration is powered by OrthoCarolina.

Don’t go around hungry, y’all. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you. Click here to dig in, y’all.

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