Editorials

The Charlotte City Council at-large campaign has a deep field with a mix of experience and youth in both parties, which has made for a competitive primary season. In making the following endorsements for the Sept. 15 primary, The Post reviewed the records of incumbents as well as a combination of interviews, candidate forums and stated positions via campaign literature or electronic sources, such as the Internet.
Democrats at large: Susan Burgess, David Howard, Patrick Cannon and Darren Rankin.

Mrs. Burgess is the only incumbent at-large Democrat running for re-election, and we wholeheartedly endorse her nomination. Mrs. Burgess has been a longtime advocate for Charlotte’s politically underrepresented communities and champions causes of particular interest to them. She’s been a good steward of the electorate, and voters have rewarded her work by re-electing her to office.

Mr. Howard is a newcomer as a candidate, but has been a familiar face in Charlotte politics as campaign manager for council member Warren Turner and other candidates. Mr. Howard’s work as an executive with the Charlotte Housing Partnership has given him an outstanding perspective as to issues facing the city’s neighborhoods as well as the inner workings of council. We believe Mr. Howard’s professional and community work make him a fine candidate.

Mr. Cannon, a former council member who dropped out of politics four years ago, is back for another try at an at-large seat. A one-time shoo-in as a mayoral candidate in 2005, Mr. Cannon revealed recently he left politics in part due to tax issues related to his business enterprise. That should raise some concern, but his moderate record as a council member speaks loudly in his favor as a nominee.

Another newcomer, Darren Rankin, has engaged in an aggressive campaign to get his name and platform better known around the city. We’ve been impressed by his passion and message for moving Charlotte forward and are intrigued by his potential.

Republicans at large: Edwin Peacock III, Georgia Belk, Matt Ridenhour and Tariq Scott Bokhari.

Mr. Peacock, who is wrapping up his first term on council, has been a reasoned voice for reasonable development of the city’s economic base despite a difficult economic climate.  With more experience, we believe Mr. Peacock will continue to grow on council and become a greater asset on the council.

Mrs. Belk may be the most ambitious of the candidates in terms of platform. Like her fellow Republicans, Mrs. Belk advocates a zero-based city budget, no property tax increase and law enforcement targeting the city’s top 400 repeat offenders for prosecution.

She’s also stumping for city-led economic programs that would support the recruitment of biotechnology, manufacturing and Fortune 500 companies to Charlotte. Mrs. Belk also advocates a tax credit for small business investors and green initiatives.

Messers Ridenhour and Bokhari, both organizers of Charlotte’s Tea Party movement, cast themselves as fiscal conservatives first and foremost, advocating lowering taxes through zero-based budgeting and less city spending. Mr. Ridenhour, a former Marine, and Mr. Scott, a professional in the financial industry, are young candidates who will bring energy to the campaign. They’ll need it in a city that traditionally leans toward moderates and Democrats on council.

District 1 Democratic primary

Incumbent Patsy Kinsey faces Owen Sutkowski in a classic campaign of experience vs. youth. Mrs. Kinsey has been a moderating influence on council, and we feel offers voters the better option.

District 2 Democratic primary

Another incumbent, James “Smuggie” Mitchell faces Aaron (Fatso) Sanders. Mr. Mitchell is consistent, though understated as an incumbent, and we believe he’s best-positioned to help the district face major development challenges.

District 5 Democratic primary

Incumbent Nancy Carter faces Darrell Bonapart, who ran for and lost a council race two years ago in what may be the most competitive district race in this cycle. Mrs. Carter, a stalwart advocate for the east and central Charlotte district, has been a champion for rebuilding the economic vitality of District 5, including revitalizing the Eastland Mall property to expanding business opportunities along Independence Boulevard.

Mr. Bonapart, a human resource management consultant who lost a previous race for council, has exhibited passion in campaigning for the seat, but Mrs. Carter has proven an effective representative for a community that is just starting to get some long-overdue attention from the city.

Republican mayoral primary
John Lassiter has the experience and leadership capabilties to lead the city during tight economic times. He’ll be a worthy challenger in November.

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