Many Guilford leaders face easy election year
Today's lead editorial.
Bruce Davis, Olga Morgan Wright, Jim Rumley and George Ragsdale -- bless their hearts -- are giving voters more than they'll likely get in return.
They're giving voters a choice in four Guilford County legislative districts by running against an incumbent.
It's very difficult for challengers to unseat state representatives or senators who enjoy advantages in name recognition, fundraising and often in the arrangement of the district.
State Rep. John Blust, a Greensboro Republican, almost apologized for the advantages of incumbency Friday when he saw the noon deadline pass with no one filing to run against him. Not that he would welcome the need to raise money and organize a campaign, but he recognized an unfair system.
If getting elected is hard, so is serving in the General Assembly. The job isn't really part-time as advertised. Guilford County Commissioner Paul Gibson said he dropped thoughts of running for the state Senate when he calculated he couldn't afford to sacrifice the time away from work — several days a week for six months or longer some years.
Local offices are demanding, too. Everyone cares about the school board but few people want to serve on it. Two newcomers — Carlvena Foster in District 1 and Paul Daniels in District 5 — will be elected to their very first public office without opposition. They're credible people, but it's incredible that some school board seats are available for anyone who wants one. That's how gruelling and thankless the job can be.
Incumbents Kris Cooke and Amos Quick will be re-elected without opposition. Only Darlene Garrett faces a challenge, from Mike Stone.
Five candidates filed for the at-large seat that Dot Kearns will vacate, so voters will have a lot to sort out there.
County commissioners races are more competitive. Of those up for re-election, only Mike Winstead will be unopposed.
Guilford voters will decide five contested District Court judge races, but seven incumbents were not challenged. Those include Michelle Fletcher, who was appointed by the governor only a few weeks ago. One judge will retire: veteran Lawrence McSwain, a former chief District Court judge. Highly regarded for his long service, he'll be missed on the local bench.
Looking over the entire field of Guilford County candidates, it seems possible that every current office holder running for re-election will succeed. While Davis, a county commissioner challenging state Sen. Katie Dorsett, might have an even chance, he's a rarity. Most challengers are clear underdogs. But they deserve credit for trying because voters always ought to have a choice.
Besides, no one can win without running.