North Carolina Now; North Carolina Now Episode from 01/16/1997

It's Thursday January 16th tonight travel back to colonial times in North Carolina now. Hello I'm reading it right thanks for joining us for this Thursday

edition of North Carolina now. Tonight we'll be joined by Congressman Mike McIntyre of the 7th District. He won election to the seat vacated by longtime congressman Charlie Rose. Also tonight will tour one of North Carolina's most historic and most elegant homes as Maria Lundberg travels to New Bern for a visit to try on Palace. But first a profile of one of our state's most colorful and controversial officers of the law. Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Haggerty is thought by many people to be the most controversial sheriff a North Carolina Sheriff Hagi has received criticism from the law enforcement community for his unorthodox approach to fighting crime. But as Shannon Vickrey learned behind all the controversy sheriff Heggie is a man on a mission. You are here. You're so so good for you. He's been so cutthroat for just about every little word from Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Heggie is not your

usual sheriff. He's admittedly flamboyant and outspoken. He drives a $25000 sports car equipped with the latest surveillance equipment and decals on race car to his critics. The car like Heggie is just too extreme. Laughable pitchman is seven feet tall 300 bats break from rushing got in a jam. I'm a tough guy and I think in my job you've got to be Larry Potts agrees. He was elected as chairman of the Davidson County Commission the same year he was elected sheriff. They both are Republicans and share a long history in Davidson County politics. But for the last few months these old allies have almost become in a maze. It is basically his way or no way. And whatever his way is the way the programs only run are no way an attitude that over the past 18 months has turned supporters like Potts into critics while focusing more attention on this rogue sheriff. Thank

you again statewide attention last fall when he staged a roadblock like this one outside a Democratic fundraiser. You know I stopped work got river services at a roadblock that cattle. Like I said a lot of people felt like they should have a check or whatever but a lot of people in Davidson County he would only receive death threats and keeps a loaded machine gun under his desk. But despite his critics Peggy is probably the most famous and most feared man in Davidson County. Famous with him running away and feared by the crooks. If you break the law you got to suffer the consequences. He works at least 18 hours a day but you rarely find him inside his office. Instead he's patrolling the county or investigating a case he likes to work side by side with his deputy sheriff figureheads. Sure source for someone who

are so committed to the county. That's why on this Friday night starting off his weekend working at a roadblock rather than at home unwinding from a busy week and instead of spending Saturday and Sunday on the golf course or fishing. Sure Hadley will be working. In the hopes of a few criminals what happens to the bad guys was a sign of the primary school. I mean you know and for the residents of this Davidson County community that means they can now go outside their homes at night without being harassed by drug dealers. Drugs right in my front door you know and they've dug you know and this one I'm sure

they are so right. Anyone share Peggy does find breaking the law automatically gets a free trip to Hades hotel. Perhaps the toughest jail in the state. Here there are no TVs magazines coffee or cigarettes and the outside work crews must wear the old striped uniforms to show they are criminals. When I came here seven out of 10 people who came to jail and lives in Canada came back. Seven out of Nash lasted a much lighter. No one whether it's a victim here and forehead getting the job done also means a trip to publicize the events where he's often greeted by adoring fans. I don't I don't consider myself a celebrity. I consider myself a lot. But he has produced two posters for the sheriff's office and everywhere he goes

people want one with his autograph. He also sells heavy coffee mugs T-shirts imports. And there's even a song. But despite his newfound celebrity he says fighting crime is his top priority. It just means everything to me. You know if I walk out the door and some guy shoots me back or hit I'm satisfied the Lord has given me everything I have dreamed about and this is one of a dream lives every day from sun up to way past sundown. All of the money raised by the Haiti merchandise goes to the Davidson County DARE program. And it might surprise you to learn that many items have been shipped out of the United States to Belgium Australia Canada and Mexico. Still ahead on North Carolina now a conversation with Congressman Mike McIntyre. But first we turn to Michel Louis for a look at the latest news from around our state. Good evening Mitch. Thanks Zoraida. Good evening everyone. An extension request in the redrawing

of North Carolina's congressional districts tops our news this evening. Republican House speaker Harold Breaux Baker says the April 1st deadline for the legislature to come up with new districts just isn't enough time. But Democrats who control the Senate say those 60 today deadline set by a three judge federal court provides plenty of time. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the creation of North Carolina's majority black 12th District rely too heavily on race. BREAUX Baker wants to wait until the nation's high court rules in a Georgia redistricting case. He believes that ruling could provide valuable guidance for North Carolina's lawmakers. Governor Jim Hunt is making some cabinet changes for his fourth term. The governor is expected to announce tomorrow that Edgecumbe county state representative Norris Tolson will become North Carolina's commerce secretary. Current deputy secretary Matt Jarvis will be promoted to corrections secretary and Southern Pines pediatrician David Burton will become human resources secretary he'll replace Robin Britt who is expected to become an advisor to hunt on child and family

issues. Allegations of racial bias within the Fayetteville Police Department may be gaining momentum. Personnel files reveal that Officer Gregory Williams was suspended without pay after refusing to name other black officers who complained to him of racial discrimination. Williams and two other officers contend the police department retaliates against officers who make charges of racial bias. The CPS demanding that city officials investigate the allegations. A report from the state auditor's office cites more than $300000 and irregularities at North Carolina into university. Major findings in the report included charges that two officials pocketed money meant for the Greensboro school. The audit also uncovered five separate instances in which a company was awarded bids for computer equipment even though it was not the lowest bidder. Vice Chancellor Charles MacIntyre says the school has already dealt with all the allegations. He calls it three hundred fourteen thousand dollars a blip in the school's one hundred twenty two

million dollar budget. Looking ahead to Friday's forecast extremely cold temperatures are expected across the state. The entire state will be in the 30s with the exception of Boone where it will get only into the mid teens. Sunny and windy conditions are expected everywhere making for a bright but very cold day. In today's business news attorney general Mike Easley says he'll ask the General Assembly to toughen the law banning tobacco sales to minors. He says the state shouldn't wait for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations on the issue. The law makes it illegal to knowingly distribute tobacco to a minor. Proposal would drop the word knowingly which he says makes the law unenforceable. He says he's received widespread support on the proposal from Governor Hunt. Several tobacco manufacturers and health advocates. And now for a look at what happened on Wall Street today. Our guest tonight is one of the three new congressmen elected to represent North Carolina in the

100 fifth session of Congress. Congressman Mike McIntyre serves our state's seventh congressional district that district covers Wilmington and the southernmost corner of our state. Congressman McIntyre welcome. Thank you very much I great to be here. Well I'll be back. We appreciate it I know that you have a very busy schedule so we appreciate you filling us in. Let's talk about a new member of Congress were just sworn in last week what did that feel like. Well it's quite exciting and what was especially exciting is that throughout the last 18 months really from our campaign leading up to the last two months of transition we've had so many people involved from so many different places throughout the district and from all ages and all geographic locations. And those folks came they came to share in that in Washington we had the largest crowd of any new congressman in the nation. In fact we had 300 people at a welcome to Washington party that my sister gave force the night before the inauguration. And then the day of the inauguration we had about 200 of those folks out on the Capitol steps and we had such a large crowd that CNN did a little search feature on our group

from North Carolina which was really special to the people back home who couldn't be with us. And we also had the largest group go to the White House the president invited us to go for a tour that morning and our group was there before dawn and we were the very first group in the nation to be able to go and have the private tour the White House that meant a lot to the folks back home and it was nice to be able to share that special day and quite memorable ways for everyone who was part of it. Sounds exciting. Let's talk a little bit about your political philosophy you are in fact a Democrat but you see yourself as being a conservative Democrat are we going to see Mike McIntyre maybe crossing party lines on some of the votes this session. Well we're going to be faithful to our party there's no doubt about that I've been active in the Democratic Party for the last 26 years since I was a young teenager in high school and been involved at different levels and held leadership positions in the party from high school through college through the Young Democrats and even in the 7th District Democratic Party. But I think it is important that we have an attitude of working together to pass laws that are meaningful to the American population I think if anything America sent a message to Congress in this

last election that we need to be in Washington getting the business done we were sent there to do. And that means being able to bring together the extremes of the left and the right to come together to forge some bipartisan legislation that will be meaningful to the people back home. We saw that with welfare reform last year and President Clinton signing that that had to become a bipartisan cooperation. We saw that with the minimum wage being passed that took bipartisan cooperation. I think we're going to have to see some of that this year as we look at important issues and programs that are going to be up for review. Things like interstate highway funding that's very important to our district beach renourishment. Those are issues that you need to have Republicans and Democrats working together. Things like the balanced budget you know these are issues that cross party lines support for our military support for our farmers. Concern about law enforcement and safety. And then of course the paramount concern about education. Those are issues that I'm concerned about that I've just mentioned. Those are issues that I think are going to take a cooperative effort.

Let's talk about a couple of those issues and you talked about the bipartisan cooperation one of those issues deals with the balanced budget amendment and I know that you were original co-sponsor of that bill and that was a very bipartisan proposal co-write that was in fact even within our own party the Democratic Party we had folks from the left and the right in the center of our own party co-sponsor of that bill together. So it wasn't just one faction of Democrats we had Charlie Stenholm who's in the Blue Dog Democratic coalition. We had Tim Roemer from the New Democrat Network which is a more moderate part of our party. We had Joe Kennedy who's from the left side of the party of Massachusetts. Those three came together to work together in the Democratic Party. And then of course we had those on the Republican side. And we brought together co-sponsors from both parties because we realize this is the type of thing that is important to all the American people whatever their particular personal philosophy might be. Talk about that blue dog committee you are a member of that committee the coalition that you know illusion and there is a tax taskforce within that dealing with transportation issues

explain to our viewers what that's all about. Sure. Well just today in fact it was announced about my appointment to that transportation task force. The Blue Dog Democratic coalition is a group of Democrats not just from the south we do have several Southern Democrats but Democrats from across the country who together are pro-family pro agriculture pro small business and are concerned about issues that affect working families. Part of that concerns looking at positive reform last year or in the last session of Congress the Blue Dog budget that was proposed in being endorsed by 24 major newspapers across the country received a lot of praise in terms of trying to bring together again the left and the right to work together for what we need for mainstream America. The Blue Dogs want to have some positive policy making input into legislation so that the thought process that goes behind this type of legislation comes across in a thoughtful productive way that the legislation can meet the needs again of the mainstream American family. So what we're looking at here in

transportation we all know the devastation wrought by hurricanes Fran and Bertha in our area. We know how that's affected our beaches and how we need Beach for nourishment. We know that a 74 is a new interstate that will cut through the heartland of our district in southeastern North Carolina that's a new interstate highway being developed. Of course we already have two other interstates in our district. Forty nine ninety five. So this year will be the year that interstate highway funding is reauthorized and we're very concerned about making sure we get maximum return on the dollar. North Carolina is considered a donor or state which means that more of our money is kept by the federal government then returned in a proportionate share compared to some other states. And you'll try to see to it that that is just rude right. At one point we were around 76 cents now about 82 cents on the dollar we would like to see it be 95 cents on the dollar. And that is going to be a cooperative effort for some reform in terms of highway funding that we can get maximum return on our dollars for highways right here in North Carolina rather than going and being

sent off to be used to highways and other states. Well Congressman unfortunately we're just out of time but we'd love to have you back again in the near future and maybe talk about some of these issues and has it out how it progresses through Congress. Right it was good to be here and we look forward to that. All right thank you sir. Yes ma'am thank you. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live like a king you may be surprised to learn that you can find out right here in North Carolina tonight producer Maria Lundberg takes us to New Bern to receive the royal treatment.

The words royal palace probably evoke images of elegant buildings in foreign cities but you don't have to leave the country or even the state to see an authentic royal residence here in Newbern Tryon Palace was the home of the Royal English governor during colonial times. And today visitors who pass through these gates experience North Carolina's history as it vividly comes to life on the eve of the American Revolution. This Georgian mansion became the new residence of royal governor William trying on and his family called the most beautiful building in the colonies. The palace was home to two colonial and four state governors before fire destroyed it in 1798. But the palace was rebuilt and open to the public in the 150 years to come right. The marble floored entrance hall

is adorned with statues representing the four corners of the world in 1770 Africa Europe Asia and America. Above the doorway are the rich colors of the Kings coat of arms. But Hilary Hicks director of interpretation says try on palace is much more than just a pretty building. I think the most important thing about it is that it was the first permanent capital of the colony of North Carolina as well as the royal governor's residence. The most important room in the palace is the council chamber where a very special host greets visitors. I wish to speak with you today so I'm going to point to the present. There's a little back in this room the Royal Council and colonial Assembly met to discuss affairs of the colony and later of the state of North Carolina. All furnishings in the palace are original 18th century pieces similar to those owned by Governor try on the elegant dining room hosted dignitaries around the mahogany Chippendale dining table under an elaborate cut glass

chandelier. Guests were served with fine crystal china and silver reflections of European grace and cultivation. They dined under the gaze of Queen Anne's portrait which dominates one for Wall ladies and satin gown and gentleman and powdered wigs danced by candlelight in the parlor the break front cabinet on the far wall contains a duplication of Governor try on his vast collection of books in this room. Mrs. Tryon loved to play the Spanish for her guests as they enjoyed a cup of tea. Twenty years later President George Washington attended a ball here in his honor. The carved mahogany staircase lit by a skylight leads up stairs to the family's private quarters. Good day my friends. We are delighted to have you with us. Bedrooms like this one contain beautiful canopy beds silken damask draperies delicately upholstered furniture and fine needlework. The governor's bedroom

reflects the taste of a refined upper class Englishman like the Chippendale bed with antique French bedspread. His nine year old daughter's room had all the trappings of a royal childhood. The little lady of the house had many playthings to fill her time but it certainly wasn't playtime in the kitchen located in the East Wing it was the center of constant activity preparing for numerous visiting dignitaries. Food was cooked in large ovens and huge copper kettles desserts included raspberry tarts pound cake and sugar tots. Next door the blacksmith demonstrates his trade molten iron into nails or farm tools. Our work is found throughout the palace from Grow work on a lamp post to intricate scrolled Gates. The original iron railings in the courtyard were pulled down by American patriots and melted to make bullets for the

revolutionary cause. Nearby the West Wing houses the stables. The only original building which was not destroyed by fire. Both East and West Wings are connected to the main building by a stately colony and a visit to the palace isn't complete without a stroll through the gardens from formal sculptured cemetery to a tranquil secluded alcove. This palace complex is a living reminder of North Carolina's royal connection with North Carolina's heritage understanding of what life was like in that very critical time of moving from a colony and being part of the British Empire. It's been said that try on palace has one of the best collections of 18th and 19th century decorative art on the East Coast that includes furniture crystal silver and ceramic

art. If you're interested in visiting try on Palace tours are given seven days a week. Ours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for students preschool age children get in free. There will be limited tours and a reduced admission fees due to some renovation work that will be taking place during the month of January. But then in February the full schedule should resume. If you would like more information you can call 1 800 7 6 7 1 5 6 0. That's about all we have time for tonight. Please join us tomorrow night. And Shannon Vicary takes a look at our state's moonshine industry. Well it's changed a lot from the old days you may be surprised to learn that is still quite a lucrative business. And Maria Lundberg has another of her installments on her series on teaching in North Carolina. She'll introduce us to a teacher who's staying in a profession that many are abandoning. And our guest will be scientist Joseph Califano doctor began it was making

remarkable strides in his cancer research. All that and more on tomorrow's program. Hope you'll join us then. Good night.