But at least two local bills were introduced, one for Pinebluff and one for Pinehurst, with assistance from the speaker.
In addition, Morgan has conferred with other Moore County officials on subjects ranging from the jail to the make-up of the judicial district.
The Pinebluff Town Board of Commissioners requested a local bill covering issues related to streets and alleys. At the request of Morgan, Rep. William Culpepper, chair of the Rules Committee, introduced the Pinebluff bill on Morgan’s behalf.
After meeting with Pinehurst officials, Morgan asked his staff to find a suitable bill to which a local village issue could be attached. The Pinehurst request sought extension of the assessment period for the Pinehurst dam, increasing the installment period from 10 to 15 years.
The speaker’s staff uncovered Senate Bill 652, introduced by Sen. Stephen Metcalf.
With Metcalf’s agreement, the Pinehurst measure was attached to SB 652.
Morgan conferred with Superior Court Judge James Webb and the district attorney about possible changes in the judicial district of which Moore County is a part.
“I came away with renewed confidence in the way cases are being prosecuted and convinced that proper attention is being given to cases,” Morgan said.
However, Morgan said, he thinks it might be a good idea to change the judicial district to allow Moore County to constitute a district of its own. That would place Webb in the position of serving as resident judge for Moore County.
Morgan said he sees no need to change the prosecutorial district, led by District Attorney Garland Yates.
Earlier in this session of the General Assembly, Morgan announced that he would not proceed with a bill introduced last year that would have banned the practice of hunting deer with dogs. He made the decision on the basis of findings by state wildlife enforcement officers, who reported a smaller number of complaints about the practice.
Although the speaker does not introduce local legislation, Morgan said he remains available to assist Moore Countians with legislative needs and promised to make the necessary arrangements.
The deadline for introduction of local bills has passed for the 2003 session of the General Assembly.
Morgan shares the speakership with Rep. Jim Black of Meck-lenburg County, a Democrat.
