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Claims Dept: McCrory and light rail
Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on 2008-04-16 16:34
Republican gubernatorial candidate Fred Smith is running a radio ad attacking rival Pat McCrory on a light-rail project in Charlotte, David Ingram reports.
What the ad says: Narrator: "North Carolina taxpayers can’t afford Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. On McCrory's watch as mayor, they overspent the budget for light rail by over $200 million. And it was reported in The Charlotte Observer that McCrory said one attraction of being governor was that he might better aid Charlotte from that office. We need a governor who will work for all of North Carolina." Smith: "I'm Fred Smith, and over the past year, I've had a conversation with you on my 100-county barbecue tour. I know you're tired of corruption in Raleigh, that you want honest and open government. You work hard to put gas in your car and food on the table. State government’s broken. You’re not getting your money’s worth for the $22 billion you send to Raleigh. I promise you I'll make decisions on state government like you make decisions on your family budget. It’s time for a change in leadership. On May 6, I'd appreciate your vote. I’m Fred Smith, candidate for governor, and my campaign sponsored this ad."
The background: The estimated cost of the 9.6-mile Lynx Blue Line between south Charlotte and uptown jumped from $227 million in 1998 to $463 million when it was completed last year.
City officials blamed contractors for much of the overruns and for related design flaws, and the city council replaced Parsons Transportation Group as the construction manager. McCrory, first elected mayor in 1995, was not directly involved in the problems. He called for a complete review of the oversight of the rail line.
The Observer article mentioned in the ad alludes to a comment by McCrory that "one area that's making me evaluate the office" of governor is "the continued lack of respect for Charlotte and other metropolitan areas." He was referring to funding for courts, transportation and other services traditionally provided by state government.
Is the ad accurate? Technically yes, but it leaves out plenty of context.
The ad is precise in saying the cost overruns took place "on McCrory's watch," though it might leave listeners with the incorrect impression that McCrory was directly responsible. The paraphrase of McCrory's quote fails to convey the same meaning that the quote does.
