I dub thee judge ... oops

IS HE OR ISN'T HE? Governor Mike Easley named Johnston County prosecutor Dale Stubbs to a district judgeship Friday -- then took it back two hours later.

Stubbs is a former assistant district attorney who lost a bid for district attorney in November.

Easley said in a news release that Stubbs "brings more than two decades of trial experience to the bench. His legal knowledge and training will be a great addition to the District Court."

Easley's press office said the news release was sent in error. More judgeships will be released next week, but it's not clear whether Stubbs will be one of them. He couldn't be reached for comment Friday.

KEEPING AN EYE ON 'A': Raleigh voters don't go to the polls till June, but City Council races are already taking shape.

One potential newcomer is Nancy McFarlane, president of the Greystone Village homeowners association, who is thinking about a run in North Raleigh's District A.

That seat is held by Tommy Craven, who won it in 2005 by narrowly defeating Paul Anderson.

Greystone Village, off Sawmill Road, has paid more than $160,000 to maintain its lakes, including pulling muck that has run off from upstream development.

Growth and its impact on the city's quality of life are the central reasons McFarlane is considering a run.

OVERRATED: Cary resident Joe Ciulla has a gripe with Money Magazine's calling his town one of the best places to live.

So he's trying to spark a letter writing campaign to try to get the magazine to "take another look" at his hometown.

His gripe: A school system that shuffles kids around and will force some to attend year-round schools.

"I believe my letter to Money Magazine was one of the first," he wrote in recent e-mail. "I have spoken with several others who thought this initiative was gaining momentum, but can't tell you who started it or how many people have participated."

THE MEEKER SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH: Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker makes his annual State of the City address Monday.

This year, Meeker will highlight the need for on-street parking reform downtown and building a greenway along the Neuse River.

Meeker is pushing for a friendlier, more efficient parking system, and will form a citizens group to address it.

He also will ask the Wake County Board of Commissioners to help with a greenway running from Falls Lake to Johnston County, using state and federal grants to help pay. Meeker also plans to call for a park bonds election this fall to build the greenway and pay for projects approved in 2003 that have gone unfinished.

More recreation in northeast Raleigh also will get a spot in Meeker's speech.

His address is at noon at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Lunch will be served for $10.