Primary thinking
We went with the "voters want change" angle in our lead editorial today. When the voter turnout is only 7.2 percent, however, that doesn't necessarily mean "Greensboro residents want change." But, guess what. In elections, only voters count.
It seems to be conventional wisdom that Yvonne Johnson will easily defeat Milton Kern in the mayor's race. Yesterday's primary voting should force a reconsideration, as candidates seen as City Council outsiders fared well. Kern hasn't done much to distinguish himself from Johnson on the issues, though, instead just promising a more aggressive leadership style. It probably will take a more aggressive campaign style for him to win, but I don't think Johnson can afford to relax, either.
Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade, former Republican county commissioners, had big days yesterday. There's no doubt they'll upset the status quo on City Council if they win in November. Which leads some observers to wonder what was so good about the county commissioners that Greensboro City Council needs. Three years ago, voters ousted Rakestraw and Wade from their county seats, although Wade hung on through a long legal challenge. Mike Barber lost his commissioner seat then, too, then won a City Council seat the next year. Who will be next, Skip Alston for mayor in 2009?
For a long time, commissioners had a habit of getting rid of county managers regularly. It didn't exactly promote stability in government. Now, several candidates are critical of City Manager Mitch Johnson's handling of former police Chief David Wray's departure. Depending on election outcomes in November, Johnson could find himself in an uncomfortable position. Or, I should say, more uncomfortable. But, at least so far, he's had the strong support of his council.
T. Dianne Bellamy-Small's victory in District 1 is less than it appears. She received considerably fewer votes yesterday than she did in staving off a recall attempt on Aug. 21. Sixty-three percent of the District 1 vote went against her yesterday. She has her work cut out for her to reach 50 percent support in November.
Robbie Perkins was third in yesterday's at-large voting, but the old distance runner and veteran campaigner was pacing himself. It's a long race, he said, and he aims to peak on Election Day in November.
Other candidates didn't have that luxury. Some had to pour everything they could into the primary campaign in the effort to make the cut. Now they have to hope they can reload and pick up the pace.
With so many candidates on yesterday's ballot, it was inevitable that most had to lose. I found many of them to be really terrific people, with a lot to offer. At the risk of leaving some out, I did want to mention "nice guys" Luther Falls Jr., Janet Wallace, Sidney Gray, Charles Coffey, Cyndy Hayworth, Donna Riechmann and Greg Woodard, all of whom I enjoyed getting to know, or know better.
Despite the low turnout, 11 at-large candidates received more than 1,000 votes. That's a great accomplishment. Congratulations to all.
Comments (7)
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I can surmise to think that this primary election, the citizens voice of "change," has changed nothing.
Noting that the three top vote getters in the At-
Large race, is comprised of a realtor, a contractor, and a developer. Sounds like a "rub-a-dub-dub,
three-men-in-a-tub." How much of a change is that? Considering, you have a re-electee, a re-elector, and re-instater. We've seen them before in their previous roles. Like a soap opera, with a new twist and an old script.
We must think outside of the commonality of a
the "re", and consider the "we," when we look for
strong leadership in the At-Large race. Because
when you think, that the top three vote getters
are linked to "building, developing, and selling".
How come this city looks like it's been renovated,
rather than innovated?
In District One; it is still "RECALL!" Luther Falls, Jr., should be congratulated in staging off a coup
d'e tat, of the Bellamy-Smalls, "I Have Accomplish-
ed All of This," for my district act. Should Mr.
Falls, had not been on this ballot, Bellamy-Smalls
and her regime continues to segregate this
district, instead of unifying the people whom
Bellamy-Smalls claims she represents. Because
in truth, she doesn't represent ALL the people in
her district.
Tonya Clinkscale's, second runner-up, and Miss
Congenialty demeanor, deserves the nod of this
district without hesitation. She may not have had
any PAC support, or large contributors from the
27408 zip code or the blessings of churches; but she has the heart to encourage unification of this district, and audible strength to fill the people's
compassion to grow economically, through infra-
structure and development.
It's a shame, that because a person is married to a retired police officer, Sandy Carmany's oppo-
nent, should harp on a bandwagon without a con-
ductor. At least Sandy Carmany knows that this
city is in dire need for more police officers. The only problem I have with Trudy Wade's candidacy, is due to the egostistical legal battle,
she had trying to keep John Parks from taking his
seat on the County Commission. Her manly voice, may command the four legged creatures that she assists. But I don't think it will help the
voters in her district, even though she uses rubber
gloves.
Zack Matheny. What can I say, but CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve to represent
District Three. Just be your own person in thought and spirit. You've worked very hard, and you will need big shoes to walk with.
Like I have said before to my friends. Just because I may support candidates in other districts, other than the one I live in. I believe in
this City of Greensboro. The city that is called
the "Gate City." I just pray that voters, on Novem-
ber 9th, makes sure that it doesn't become the
"Gated City."
There's more to come. Let's see where these
candidates are going to take us, as we enter our
200th year of exsistence.
Posted on October 10, 2007 10:24 AM
I quote from President George H.W. Bush after his loss to President Clinton ...."America's Majesty has spoken." Thank you for your nice words. My wife Ricki and I will now go celebrate. Sidney
Posted on October 10, 2007 10:25 AM
Edward, I enjoyed meeting you last night. Thanks for taking the time to add your views. We need a whole lot more people like you studying the issues and speaking out.
Sidney, you're first class. Thanks for getting out there, for attending our "town hall" meetings and for your thoughtful approach to the issues.
Posted on October 10, 2007 1:21 PM
President George Washington envisioned situations where the Constitution could be compromised (such as the Heart of the Triad project) when he said, "Cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People and to usurp for themselves the reins of Government, destroying the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion".
The Heart of the Triad is a scandalous corporate plan to confiscate private property. Seven local governments approved Resolutions to continue participation in a plan that allowed BB&T, Time Warner, Duke Energy and the Piedmont Triad Partnership to buy votes for a mere $50,000 to control landuse and transportation planning. Public/private partnerships;(merging of state and business leadership) is an aspect of Corporatism wherein business wants the protection afforded by government's legalized force and a government that needs the money and power of business. Corporatism refers to a political and economic system in which power is given to industrial or professional groups that promote interests of private corporations over the interests of the public.
Planning should protect interests of present communities, also ensuring that development does not compromise the fate of future generations. The objectives in the Guilford County Comprehensive Plan should have been the guiding document for planners, supporting retention of agricultural areas, protection of forests and water resources while promoting land stewardship and conservation.
Ethics reforms were recently passed by the NC House of Representatives to ensure government officials serve the public honestly and openly and to punish those who betray the public trust. Ethical reform is needed at the local level. Greensboro residents should study the Heart of the Triad plans at www.partnc.org to decide if you want to live under the corporate control and unified ownership planned for the future homeless in the Heart of the Triad.
Our Constitution is the only barrier to this tyranny and greed.
Posted on October 10, 2007 8:00 PM
When the voter turnout is only 7.2 percent, however, that doesn't necessarily mean "Greensboro residents want change." But, guess what. In elections, only voters count.* Doug
I don't think voters count anymore Doug. It appears that you are not up to speed about those electronic voting machines really counting those 7.2 % voters.
Posted on October 10, 2007 10:25 PM
Could be the voters are sick and tired of politics as usual at City Hall and voted their displeasure by giving a no-confidence vote for Carmany and the other incumbent by going with Wade and Rakestraw.
People are upset that this water issue thing with the Randleman Dam thing isn't going anywhere. In many respects this is a crisis with this drought and City Council seems to be more concerned that someone's feelings or rights were abused with this police controversy than with matters that impact our lives on a daily basis.
The turnout may not have been great, but in my opinion a strong message was sent to the incumbents as well as the rest of the GSO City Council members. Start performing your duties that we elected you to or we're going to vote you out.
Posted on October 11, 2007 10:14 AM
Thanks for comments, Jon.
It's kind of a mixed bag. No incumbents actually were eliminated Tuesday, but at the same time some potential change agents did quite well. I guess the voters will deliver their final report Nov. 6.
Posted on October 11, 2007 10:40 AM