Kissing Bruton Smith’s Butt

Article By Writer Michael Kraft Author: Michael Kraft
Published: October 25, 2007
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Pucker up wimps!

Well financial war was announced against the town of Concord and Mayor Scott Padgett made like the French.

After telling Bruton Smith, owner of the Concord Speedway that he could not build a drag strip in Concord due to the noise and zoning problems for residents, Smith then said he would close and move the speedway if not given his way.

Scott Padgett then fell to his knees and cried like a schoolgirl.
“”We all make mistakes,” Padgett said, “and I am sorry for all the misunderstanding this has caused. I’m truly sorry about that.”

It’s nice to know that elected officials have this kind of backbone and integrity.

Andy Cagle Nicely puts it this way:
“have come to the conclusion that the folks on the Concord City Council are anatomical marvels. They are all fully functioning adults who got that way despite the fact that they were born without backbones.”

Now that’s funny.

Maybe he is just smart and trying to what’s best for everyone, and not a “crying schoolgirl” being blackmailed by Smith?
Maybe his lack of spine doesn’t go for everyone in the county government?

“The Cabarras County Convention and Visitors Bureau ….sent up a plane flying a banner that reads, “We (heart) you Bruton. Stay in Concord. SaveLMS.com””

Oops! guess it’s not just the mayor that fell to his knees like a coward in the face of a threat.

Well, maybe it was just a few isolated incidents of cowardice, and soon all will be forgotten?
Doesn’t seem that way when we will all have to drive down the street named after the thug issuing threats against Concord.

You got it, a business owner lays threats against local government and they name a street after him.

Bruton Smith Boulevard has been proposed as the new name for Speedway Blvd in Concord.

Give him his dragstrip, ok, it’s best for everyone perhaps, but the sucking up is pretty sad.
Remember that you working at that hotel, restaurant, campground or even by the mall. It was your job, home and income being threatened as well.

Every time the County officials or Mayor visit the track they can be reminded of who owns them, of who really runs their town…..of who the man behind the curtain is.

“In hindsight, Concord Mayor Scott Padgett said, he wished the City Council’s vote banning a drag strip at Lowe’s Motor Speedway had never happened.”

It seems the vote has helped us see the true character of one local businessman and the lack of spine of allot of local government. I understand the tough position the mayor was put in. I understand that the Concord City Council and the Cabarrus Board of County Commissioners had to make sure this all worked itself out, and perhaps in the end it will be the best thing for the residents.

I have to wonder though, after such displays of weakness how can a voter ever pull those levers again?

Embarrassing, sad, and pathetic describes all people involved on both sides of this issue.

Bruton Smith's ass is well kissed by the concord mayor