Several things were clear at the candidates' forum in East Charlotte on Tuesday night:
• Most of the candidates, Democrat and Republican alike, had figured out the P.C. answers for this crowd, for instance, "I support the streetcar."
The forum Tuesday included all the at-large candidates except Republican Jerry Drye, and all the candidates for districts 1, 4, and 5 except District 4 candidate Gail Helms, a Republican.
Because of the huge line-up of at-large candidates, the format didn't allow much time for extensive answers, which in many ways was a blessing, though it left the audience with precious few specifics from candidates – not that many candidates typically offer them anyway.
Here's a brief rundown:
• All but Libertarian at-large candidate Travis Wheat said they supported a proposed building code ordinance for nonresidential buildings.
• None supported the idea of requiring affordable housing in all developments as a way to ensure that it's spread throughout the city. We have too much "affordable" housing already seemed to be the general sentiment.
• Everyone supported the proposed streetcar from Beatties Ford Road to Eastland Mall except Wheat, Bob Williams (D), Darrin Rankin (D), Craig Nannini (R) and Matthew Ridenhour (R).
• The proposed city landlord registry drew mixed responses with several candidates – Dave Howard (D), Edwin Peacock (R) and Jaye Rao (R) – saying "yes but with some work." Others favored it except for Nannini, Rankin, Ridenhour and Wheat.
• The most fireworks came not from candidates but from the heavens. A torrential thunderstorm briefly knocked out the lights in the Hickory Grove Recreation Center, drawing more gasps from the crowd than any of the politicans' remarks.
• Best slogan: Jaye Rao, trying to help people pronounce her name correctly (It rhymes with pow): "Vote now for Rao – like, wow!"
• Best schtick: Craig Nannini holding up a photo of his newborn son, who's now 11 weeks old, as a way to talk about what's important.
Posts
97 comments:
a full list of candidates would make this easier to grasp...
In my opinion, the race to watch for the primary is Darrell Bonapart vs. Nancy Carter in East Charlotte in District 5.
If Bonapart knocks off Carter in the primary, that will mean that the Obama turnout machine from the last election is back in play. It will likely mean a radical turn to the left in Charlotte's future.
With the Organizing for America folks running the Foxx campaign, the trickle down affect of that could be felt in this primary race.
Based on what I've heard about what OFA has done in other cities, turning on established members of the Democratic party is par for the course if those members don't toe the far left party line.
Never thought I'd say it, but I hope Ms Carter fends off the challenge.
Go to this link to see a full list of the at-large candidates. All were in attendance at this forum except Drye.
http://www.meckboe.org/Candidates.aspx
Ms. Carter's record, or lack thereof, speaks for itself - 10 years of decline and neglect for east Charlotte on her watch. Time for a change. I'm voting for Bonapart!
Bonapart is a self serving opportunist who thinks he has a shot at the moment. He very well might, but let's hope Nancy fends him off. Bonapart would be very bad news for the community.
Nancy Carter has accomplished nothing. Every "accomplishment" I have heard her try to take credit for is not of her doing. She is banking on people who don't know any better taking her word on what she touts as an accomplishment. Bonapart has done more for this community as a volunteer than Carter has as a City Council member.
All anyone has to do is take a drive down N. Sharon Amity, Independence and Albemarle Road, then finish it off with a visit to Eastland, to see how well Nancy Carter's done her job.
In my opinion, your comment on affordable housing is misleading. The candidates are opposed to affordable housing in the Eastland Mall redevelopment plan. This reflects the opinion that there is too much affordable housing in East Charlotte, and affordable housing should be more evenly distributed throughout the city.
"If Bonapart knocks off Carter in the primary, that will mean that the Obama turnout machine from the last election is back in play. It will likely mean a radical turn to the left in Charlotte's future."
They are both democrats...I don't think it gets any more liberla than a flowerchild from the 60's . Nancy Carter is extremely liberal and anyone who has had the opportunity to meet both Carter & Bonapart would not call Bonapart a shift to the left. He is clearly more moderate than Carter. Whoever wrote the comment is quite mis-informed. Carter was
Nancy Carter has been going around telling people she is no longer going to focus on east Charlotte issue, because redistricting has landed her more voters in South Charlotte. She has been telling east Charlotte leaders she will no longer be focusing on the issues of east charlotte and will be redirecting her efforts toward helping south Cahrlotte. Even though she has not lost any territory in east Charlotte... She has always been screwing east Charlotte & everyone knew it & now she's just lauging at us and rubbing it in our face now that she doesn't need our votes to get elected
I am a dedicated liberal Democrat but across the board all our Council members are pretty pathetic and uinspiring.
Meet the new boss.
Same as the old boss.
Nancy may be an idealistic flower child but she is clearly the better choice over Bonapart. Bonapart loves to give speeches and grandstand, but when it comes to doing real work, he is nowhere to be found. I will also add that he is a back stabber and a womanizer who has put himself around some bad company. All he loves is titles and power. He would be a very corrupt influence on the city council. Nancy will eventually have to call it a day, but Bonapart is not a sound replacement for her.
Apparently I hit a nerve with that one...
Bonapart has already run afoul of the sign ordinance (placing campaign signs in illeagal places) and is being investigated for campaign finance violations. Seems he had an illeagal fundraiser and is probably going to have to return all the money that was raised there.
Then there is the whole issue of him not paying his child support and trying to stack the vote when he ran for president of the Mecklenburg Young Democrats.
Wow - I know both candidates far better than the average person. We are all entitled to our opinions and preference for one candidate over another, but the things being said about Bonapart are blatant lies. My suspicion is that this anonymous individual can't come up with anything of substance to support Ms. Carter so they have no choice but to sink to the level of bashing the other candidate. It’s pathetic really, that after 10 years on council they can’t come up with any accomplishments to point to, or any good things to say about Carter, so must tear down her opponent unjustly.
This race has been on my radar since Bonapart announced his candidacy. Not too long after that Carter put up her website. For a long time there was a page entitled "What I've Accomplished" which had no content added to it. For months the site sat clearly unfinished. I just checked again and the site is now finished but the accomplishments page has been removed entirely. Apparently she had nothing to add to it.
Nancy has been a sound councilwoman during her tenure covering East Charlotte. She has always been a strong neighborhood advocate and has always voted with the district in mind. Yes, the Eastside has had many challenges over the last ten years, most beyond Nancy's control, but she has always represented the district well. Darrell, unfortunately has had numerous lapses in his political career and would be a very disturbing presence on the city council. His heart is in the right place, but his head is elsewhere. The Eastside can do better. Keep Nancy in office.
Rick, Darrell is not near as liberal as Nancy. You can bet he will play identity politics though. He's a cut off the Mackey cloth.
"Bonapart loves to give speeches and grandstand, but when it comes to doing real work, he is nowhere to be found."
- Maybe you meant Nancy Carter when you said "Bonapart". She hasn't responded to neighborhood leader's e-mails in years. She even ignores phone calls and e-mails from people who were her biggest supporters. I should know I was one of them years ago. Good luck to Darrell.
Nancy has stood in the way of progress on Independence Blvd. specifically by denying that the city put a transitional setback on independence blvd and refused to support ot LEAD the removal or reduction of the setback for over ten years until overwhelming pressure forced her to support it's reduction recently. She has also refused to support the reform of section 8 even though she is well aware of the disproportionate distribution in her district, and the postive correlation with crime.
"I will also add that he is a back stabber and a womanizer who has put himself around some bad company."
- yeah the democrats
"I will also add that he is a back stabber and a womanizer
who has put himself around some bad company.
All he loves is titles and power."
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Save this garbage for the Enquirer. None of these statements reflect on the multitude of issues that Charlotte East is dealing with. Lets assume Nancy Carter is perfect: In ten years What has she done to dliver results in Charlotte East? Nothing. Darrell has my vote.
Nancy Carter called east Charlotte leaders racist for demanding that the city enforce existing ordinances. Who's the "eastsider" who lives in the all white neighborhood on Providence Rd. What a slap in the face.
I'm telling you, you're gonna be sorry. Darrell is not the answer to East Charlotte's problems. I've seen this guy operate. He is only about one thing, himself. You think the eastside has had it bad over the last few years, with him running around, it's only going to get worse. Trust me, he's bad news, and he will turn on you in a heartbeat.
I wonder if Ed Garber is in bed with Darrell. They're like peas in a pod.
Ask Derrell about the pedophile who advises him on his various campaigns.
I wonder if Ed Garber is in bed with Darrell. They're like peas in a pod.
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How mature. Why can't Nancy's supporters simply cite a reason to vote for her based on her accomplishments, rather than putting down Bonapart on allegations of personal issues. I have not read one accomplishment here from Carter's supporters. After 10 years that's sad. For those spamming with slander rather than real issues that affect East Charlotte it shows where their real moral compass is pointing
Ask Derrell about the pedophile who advises him on his various campaigns.
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How mature. Why can't Nancy's supporters simply cite a reason to vote for her based on her accomplishments, rather than putting down Bonapart on allegations of personal issues. I have not read one accomplishment here from Carter's supporters. After 10 years that's sad. For those spamming with slander rather than real issues that affect East Charlotte it shows where their real moral compass is pointing
I'm telling you, you're gonna be sorry. Darrell is not the answer to East Charlotte's problems. I've seen this guy operate. He is only about one thing, himself. You think the eastside has had it bad over the last few years, with him running around, it's only going to get worse. Trust me, he's bad news, and he will turn on you in a heartbeat.
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We should trust you because you you are anonymous right... That and your vague allegations.
How mature. Why can't Nancy's supporters simply cite a reason to vote for her based on her accomplishments, rather than putting down Bonapart on allegations of personal issues. I have not read one accomplishment here from Carter's supporters. After 10 years that's sad. For those spamming with slander rather than real issues that affect East Charlotte it shows where their real moral compass is pointing
Looks like after 10 years of driving 'results' & 'leadership' (sarc) all Nancy can muster up is a smear campaign on her opponents. At this point I'd vote for someone in a coma before I'd vote for Nancy
Amen! We'd be better off with no district rep than 2 more years of Nancy! As previous posters have said I too used to try and work with her but gave up after years of her failure to even respond to emails. Furthermore, not only has she not helped east Charlotte but she has hurt us by taking an opposing stance on things that could have helped east Charlotte. I can't believe someone called Bonapart a "self-serving opportunist" - that is much more aptly applied to Carter is has conducted herself with complete disregard to the best interests of her constituents!
Nancy saw a large loss of support after she called the very people who *VOTED FOR HER* racist at city council meetings and in person simply for expecting the city to enforce the vending ordinances that apply to everyone. She refused to meet with neihborhood groups on the issue as our blood began boiling. But she met with the vendors who hired a lobbyist. ultimately the ire of the voters was apparent and she caved under pressure. The damage was done for most of the people I know. She really upset a lot of people by taking a leading punch against her own supporters and the interests of east Charlotte because she wanted to appeal to a special intrest group that has been breaking the law. She caused a lot of unecessary turmoil and wasted our time and energy fighting for the interests of an industry that blatantly defied the law and operated without any regard for the comunity or landowers & those that vote & pay taxes. It was a slap in the face on so many levels. But Darrell worked very hard to make sure the city council addressdour concerns. he was influential in pressuring her to vote in the interests of east Charlotte & the very people who had been voting for her for years. I feel like she turned her back on us.
Nancy took credit for bringing 1000 jobs to east Charlotte. however the person who negotiated the deal at NACA flat out told me that Nancy was not involved in these negotiations at all and only received the press release. They went on to say that NACA intentionally excluded the city council and economic development dept from the negotiations because they believed those groups would never allow the jobs to go to east Charlotte & would have worked very hard to ensure the jobs were diverted to another part of Charlotte. Therefore they worked directly with the Chamber of Commerce & the governors office.
It is interesting that NACA has not received her support for the duration of her 10 year appointment to the city council until now. It is also interesting that they did not trust her or feel comfortable dealing with her when trying to bring jobs to east Charlotte.
From some of the comments she made to one of the people who lives in my neighborhood she has stated that she no longer intends to advocate for east Charlotte if re-elected. I believe what my neighbor told me, as I do not receive responses to my concerns and I see e-mails from other people complaining that she wont respond to them
I don't know where all this hostility is coming from but I know nancy carter has been very attentive and prompt when addressing concerns in my neighborhood. She fast tracked some grass cutting and clean up on some open tracts of land near where I live when I addressed her about it. I've heard similar stories very favorable of her in other areas as well. i'm sorry some people have apparently not seen this side of Nancy, but some of the posts here do not reflect the councilwoman I know. I am voting to re-elect Nancy Carter and I hope others do as well.
Nancy Carter has Fast-tracked some grass cutting so you consider that attentive. Are you serious! Have you been down Independence Blvd & seen the blight. Have you been to Eastland Mall? Albemarle Rd.? Has she led the fight on any issues? Has she fast-racked any of these issues. No. It's been 10 years and they have gotten worse year over year. She has just told everyone to be patient. Has she taken the lead on any of the issues that impact east Charlotte. N. Other council members have and so have citizens like Darrell bonapart. She lives on Providence Rd. safely away from all of the issues that face east Charlotte.
Sounds like Darrell's croneys have an axe to grind. Name me one positive accomplishment Darrell has done for the eastside. I can't think of any except posteuring.
I don't think legitimate grievances are the same as an ax to grind. Let's hope voters are more intelligent than some of what is being said here.
Nancy Carter's list of accomplishments:
At Eastland
1) had an Urban Land Institute plan for future land use and development
2) acquired an option on the Belk land and building
3) acquired an option on the Dillard land and building, thereby earning a seat at the table when decisions were made about Eastland
4) designated $16MM for infrastructure at Eastland
5) rolled nearly $4MM of Central Avenue streetscape funding into the whole concept of Eastland redevelopment
6) bought land for a new fire station at Eastland, soon to break ground
7) had multiple discussions with residents, developers, business people and staff regarding the future of the area.
On Independence
1) nearly finished a city land use plan, lot by lot from Briar Creek to Conference Drive and more general to Sardis Road N, with 127 Eastsiders advising
2) won a battle with NCDOT, not allowing the center lanes to become HOT/HOV lanes, thereby defeating their usurping our decision capacity for light rail on Independence
3) resolved the transitional setback problem on Independence, lessening the setback inside Harris Blvd to 125’ from the center point and so allowing more room for appropriate development
4) revisited all the small city Mayors on MTC to reestablish our coalition for transit support for Charlotte East
5) spoken to MTC and MUMPO regarding Independence, its development and transit on Independence and on Central
6) worked through a myriad of challenges, including a new public road at Amity Gardens Shopping Center and handing our Governor notes regarding environmental and road access problems and working with neighbors to assure quality of life, to remove all city barriers to a new WalMart Super Store
(more in next post)
On Central
1) joined the national Community Streetcar Coalition so that Charlotte East would be engaged in national transit policy decision making and lobbying, participating “on the Hill”
2) approved a city study re financial feasibility for the streetcar
3) established a citizen study group on the streetcar with 3 representatives from Charlotte East, representing our businesses, non-profits and neighborhoods
4) acquired $8MM for planning and design, thereby positioning the streetcar for federal funding, as well as small federal grants for initial steps
5) spoken to AFTA, New Urbanism, the National League of Cities’ Advisory Board and also their Women in Municipal Government, and the fifth International Hydrail Conference on this and related topics to broadcast Charlotte and Charlotte East’s progressive stance nationwide
6) Supported Economic Development’s outreach to small businesses and the Taste of the World
Public Safety
1) supported funding for additional police officers twice in this time period
2) supported the reduction in size of our divisions, thereby making the coverage area more manageable
3) supported our new Police Chief, bringing him first to Charlotte East, 2 days after his arrival
4) continued meeting with our Police Captains and officers and with our neighbors as they pursue Crime Watches and hold events like National Night Out
5) joined Court Watch, to improve our Judicial system by following the court appearances of chronic offenders in our area
6) met with our Chief Justice of our NC Supreme Court with Anthony Foxx to see how we could support her and improve our system
7) lobbied successfully in Raleigh and DC for funding for police efforts, such as Gang of One and Weed and Seed, and for legislation to combat gangs and crime
In general
1) Continued support for neighborhood improvement, curb, guttering, sidewalks, etc., such as in Grove Park, McClintock Woods, etc.
2) Continued storm water action, such as Sherwood Forest, Vernedale, etc.
3) Continued support for our vibrant centers: improvements at Bojangles Coliseum, additions to Galleria II, etc.
4) Championed road improvements (Lawyers Road/Albemarle Road, Milton Road/Harris Blvd/Sharon Amity, Hickory Grove, etc.)
5) Supported community action, such as the Coventry Woods interaction with the City, working for changing the city’s process re tree save and development
6) Supported neighborhoods and area activities by participating in their events (known as one of the most “out there” Council members)
7) Note: Charlotte East has not lost a protested rezoning. Neighbors and elected members have worked effectively with developers to achieve higher quality rezoning (Springfield Apartments won national awards)
8) Supported area schools, speaking at the Hickory Grove 5th grade graduation, helping to plant gardens at Rama Road ES, leading the Remembrance Day/CROP Walk at Idlewild ES, working with CMS Board members
9) Held a free hazardous waste day, centered on the switch to digital televison
10) Holding a free document shredding day (Aug. 29, 9am-noon, Eastland)
11) Working with our legal department to investigate the city’s role in private condominium areas where there are challenges, such as private roads, etc.
"At Eastland"
The ULI Study was one of THREE studies over 10 YEARS that Nancy touted and NEVER BECAME A REALITY.
The ULIU is three yeas old.
After ten years everything Nancy has accomplished are plans for the future... Maybe that would have been ok ten years ago. but here we are still waiting...
I live in Coventry Woods and when we had an ongoing dispute with B.V. Belk where he got all kinds of blatantly crooked subdivision applications approved. Nancy said she had to stay out of it and not take sides. Now we have a barren wasteland that used to be a forest
Yeah I have an ax to grind. Gray newman might think paper shredding is an accomplishment but all you have to do is ride by Eastland Mall, Albemarle Rd., & Independence Blvd. ALL OF THEM looked ten times better before Nancy showed up. And in ten years all we have seen is blight. Just look out your car window and you will see her accomplishments.
Did Eastland look better in 1999? Yes
Did Independence look better in 1999?
Yes
Did Albemarle Rd?
Yes
Was there a Harris Teeter nearby. Yes. Now there are two HT's gone nd numerous other grocery stores gone.
In 1999 did you do all your shoppin in east Charlotte? yes Do you now? No
Did your neighborhood look better and feel safer in 1999. Yes
I go to neighborhood association meetings and watch the FURY in the room when she shows up. 'When I moved to my neighborhood in the 90's it was a nice place to live and now I want to move'
Hey Grey, What has Nancy done to reform Section 8. I'll tell you what besides declaring that it's not a problem, she says there is nothing we can do about it. 'It's racist to regulate section 8' to ensure that it serves the purpose it was intended for.
Please! Just an excuse to do nothing
When I have a neighborhood problem, Nancy ignores me. My state rep doesn't even get a call back from Nancy when they call. When I have a neighborhood problem my state representative takes an interest and Nancy doesn't.
Suprisingly my state rep actually takes action on neighborhood issues even though it seems unusual for the rep to get involved at a local level. My state rep has more pull in the city than Nancy and gets better results than Nancy.
I used to be one of Nancy's biggest supporters. I voted for her in every election she ran in. Over the past few years I have been much more involved in the revitalization of east Charlotte. I found that the more I got involved the more I realized she wan't driving results. She was showing up for neighborhood events but not really backing it up with aggressive policy change. The last election no one ran against her and I felt a little uneasy voting for her. I cannot stand her at this point. She has been going around telling people she is pulling her support of east Charlotte. That's unnacceptable. Darrell has to be better than that.
At Eastland
NANCY CARTER SUPPORTED THE BUS STATION AT EASTLAND WHICH WAS THE NAIL IN THE COFFIN. ALL of the neighborhood leaders were against it. moreover no plan for eastland included an new bus station
John Lassiter is responible for all of the progress made on redeveloping Eastland. He is the chairman of the E.D. Committtee. He is not shy about the fact that he does not agree with Nancy's vision for the future of east Charlotte. He actually keeps her in the dark on what is happening at Eastland because he can't trust her to keep sensitive info out of the public's ears.
The $16MM for infrastructure at Eastland is a plan and has never been funded. It was lead by John Lassiter. Nancy nor anyone else could account for all of the money the city/she claimed was set aside for Eastland and it took 6 months to find out there is no guarantee for this money.
The $4MM is included in the $16MM... The Eastland streetscape funding was taken back and potsponed indefinitely. Nancy supported the postponement of Eastland streetscape improvements based on the premise that the work would be a waste in the short term. But the bus station which was not recommended in any plan she supported even though the exisiting plan at the time recommended demolition of the mall just as the ULI did. But the bus station which was horrible for Eastlands survival wasn't a waste of money?
6) bought land for a new fire station at Eastland, soon to break ground
= A fire station at Eastland Mall is not a solution for east Charlotte's problems
7) had multiple discussions with residents, developers, business people and staff regarding the future of the area.
On Independence
= She denied the city implemented a transitional setback on inependenc at all. She fully believed and supported her belief that the city had every right to encumber land for ten years. She did nothing for en years to remove the setback and restore any vitality to Independence
She never met with the residents who marched on Independence Blvd to have the setback removed. At the march on Indy, she and Becky Carney made false promises to meet with upset residents. She also never secured city money to address the multitude of issues caused by the widening of independence for over ten years.
1) nearly finished a city land use plan, lot by lot from Briar Creek to Conference Drive and more general to Sardis Road N, with 127 Eastsiders advising
= Another plan. With no money to back it and no access roads, new schools, no safe access into and out of businesses
2) won a battle with NCDOT, not allowing the center lanes to become HOT/HOV lanes, thereby defeating their usurping our decision capacity for light rail on Independence
= She is fooling voters into believing there will be light rail on Independence. There will not be period. Just look at the cost of creating the incline of the railbed...
3) resolved the transitional setback problem on Independence, lessening the setback inside Harris Blvd to 125’ from the center point and so allowing more room for appropriate development
= She did not lead that by any means and even denied the city implemented a setback at all. She whole heartedly defended the setback & city's right to the land for ten years. She falsely claimed the state implemented the setback and their wasnothing she could do. She worked against it's reduction extremely hard and only entertained the idea when Wal-Mart created a text ammendment to have the setback removed after any road widening where the state or city does not have funding to complete future widening in 18 months. She still refused to support until it was finally brought to vote and she could not risk the fury of the eastside leaders and business owners. She probably could have gotten away with it because most people didn't know about the setback. Wal-Mart's ultimatum to pull out if they didn't receive an assurance that their property would no longer be incumbered put her against the wall and she voted to reduce the setback.
4) revisited all the small city Mayors on MTC to reestablish our coalition for transit support for Charlotte East
5) spoken to MTC and MUMPO regarding Independence, its development and transit on Independence and on Central
6) worked through a myriad of challenges, including a new public road at Amity Gardens Shopping Center and handing our Governor notes regarding environmental and road access problems and working with neighbors to assure quality of life, to remove all city barriers to a new WalMart Super Store
= there is no road being put in at Amity Gardens. She was very upset by what she called politics by Wal-Mart for leveraging control of their own land, which the city had encumbered with a massive transitional setack. but again she denied the setback was even implemented by the city. And had refused to work for the removal of the setback for years despite east Charltote leaders going to city council meetings in droves to ask for it to be removed.
I am just wondering why ya'll are hiding behind the "anonymous" label?
Gray, because it's Darrel Bonapart's little circle of friends are beginning their smear campaign. It's high time that the truth about Darrell come out and it will real soon. Bonapart will run this district into the ground if elected.
For those of you who do not know Darrell Bonapart personally, or by reputation, I would like to present a list of his accomplishments that I am aware of – I am sure there are many more as he has been a tireless advocate for east Charlotte for years. To compare the accomplishments of a private citizen to those of an elected official who has the means, authority and responsibility to do far more is like comparing apples and oranges. No one here has made a personal attack on Ms. Carter the way some have on Bonapart. A public servant’s record is, and should be available for public scrutiny. I think the facts can speak for themselves. Bonapart has always had nothing but east Charlotte’s best interests at heart and has volunteered countless hours to work toward the betterment of our community. I have no doubt that if he is elected he will continue to work even harder, accomplish far more than Carter has or would, and will always put the best interests of his constituents first.
1. Organized and began the Charlotte East Black Tie Gala to showcase the communities and businesses of the region. The first gala in 2007 was a complete sellout with over 220 guests attending.
2. Began the annual Charlotte East cookout, once again bringing many residents together from many communities enhancing the togetherness and network amongst everyone.
3. Orchestrated the creation of Eastside Political Action Committee.
4. Began the process for creating a Business Development Organization so that we will have a business association in Charlotte East.
5. Partnered with EPAC to bring attention to the 175 ft setback deterring businesses from developing. Progress was made in getting a change to the setback so that Walmart could develop.
6. Facilitated the only meeting ever had with the business owners inside Eastland Mall with the Economic Development department in regards to future of their businesses and leases. Our current representative had not ever constructed a meeting with the business owners to discuss what is going to happen to them!
7. Partnered with community leaders and spoke to city council to get enforcement of the Mobile Food Vendor ordinance. There was an issue with trash and vagrancy before we started discussing the matter with council.
8. Helped advocate for better code enforcement and was instrumental in getting an ordinance for parking on the lawn.
9. Created media coverage to bring attention to the blight of abandoned buildings littering our area, and has not stopped keeping that issue at the forefront to be addressed. Our city council has yet to design an ordinance to improve the issue.
10. Met with the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association executive board to address and resolve the issue of realtors steering homebuyers from purchasing in Charlotte East.
11. Coordinated and facilitated many meetings with Park and Rec regarding the need for better facilities. In addition, spent the last 3 years meeting with Park and Rec during the construction of the Eastway Specialty Park first phase. Was asked to be the spokesperson for the neighboring communities to get resolution to issues of the construction, keeping them honest.
12. Helped design the property proposal for Eastland Mall and was a member of the ULI committee.
13. Attended the meetings for the Independence Blvd widening proposal and was the one that brought light to the fact businesses were not being given any financial incentive packages by state or city during the construction project. That is now being reviewed and considered.
14. Organized the event to honor two fallen officers killed while protecting the Charlotte East communities. Media highlighted the community’s positive support of the officers serving us which was a boost in relationship building.
Funny I don't remember meeting anyone named Gray Newman at any city council meetings ever, Eastland Mall meetings, or any other neighborhod activities in east Charlotte and there is no one on the tax record named Gray Newman. yet this person is some big expert on east Charlotte? I don't recall this person ever being mentioned in any conversations I've had. However the fact is the only smear campaign seems to be from Nancy's corner. i.e. all of the personal insults and accusations about Mr. Bonapart's life which you can see evidence of all over this blog. Notice that the people who support Bonapart have stuck to the issues that affect east Charlotte. Any criticism of Nancy's performance or ability is based on an in depth historical knowledge of events by those commenting. That is not a smear campaign.That is people stating facts and opinions on Nancy's accomplishments. I know that this Gray person has not been involved in the historical events he is commenting on and the others commenting have been
You obviously don't know the Darrel I know and I'll bet you a dollar that if he wins, you won't see much of him or be able to reach him afterwards. The Darrell I know has used people for his own personal gain and gets a short temper when people call him out for it. It's strange how I only see his face around when he's running for something.
If you want a timeline of accomplishments look at Eastland Mall, Independence, Sharon Amity, Albemarle Rd., our schools, and jobs in east Charlotte. Now compare that to 1999. It's time for a change in leadership. I say give Bonapart a chance.
Darrell has only run for something one other time - for City Council at-large several years ago. All of the accomplishments listed took place between now and then. If you haven't "seen his face around" it only proves that you are not involved in east Charlotte and it is you have have not been around.
"It's strange how I only see his face around when he's running for something."
That's probably because you aren't involved in the east Charlotte community. The list of accomplishments mentioned above are not while he was running for office. All of the accomplishments and involvement indicate he will lead with east Charlotte's intersts at heart. Whether or not he does or does not pay child support does not affect east Charlote. Nancy doesn't even live in east Charlotte and her lack of progressive policies is deplorable. She has worked against the efforts of neighborhood leaders on numerous issues. She has often worked behind the scenes to stop neighborhood leaders from achieving postive results only to vote in favor of the policies when brought to a public vote.
This is true for the transitional setback on Independence. Thi is true of the mobile food vendors. This is true for section-8 reform.
She has tried to pacify and make excuses.
Interesting comments and debate!
Those of you discussing the Carter vs. Bonapart candidacies may want to take a look at Mary’s current topic, “What’s wrong with Wright Avenue?” Mary doesn’t reveal it, but unless the boundaries have changed and the city didn’t update the districting map I found online, Wright Avenue (and the political issues it raises) are in District 5 – barely. So how would Bonapart and Carter fare when addressing the homeowners’ problems?
Nancy Carter at least offered an interim solution (see Mary’s current blog topic). Although in an election year if I were a District 5 candidate, I’d be pushing the homeowners’ preference. I wonder what Bonapart would do?
"Whether or not he does or does not pay child support does not affect east Charlote."
I don't know about that. If he's a deatbeat to his family, chances are, he will be a deadbeat to the community.
"Darrell has only run for something one other time - for City Council at-large several years ago."
WRONG! In addition to running at-large for council in 2005, he ran for Jim Black's open seat (where his minions held up signs intimidating Tricia Cotham). He has also run for various boards and commissions and the Young Democrats. So yes, he's around when he thinks something will work in his favor and give him a cushy title to boost his ego. Otherwise, he is very absent and lazy doing nothing at all.
Obviously, Nancy can't please everyone, especially a few disgruntled folks here, but she has been a very clean and transparent councilwoman who has done a lot of good for a lot of people. Of the two, she is by far, a much superior candidate.
No, you will not find a Gray newman on the tax rolls but you will find a William Gray Newman and I would be willing to bet I have lived on this side of town longer than 99% of the people posting here. I moved here in 1967 with my parents and grew up off of Idlewild Road when it was still a two lane road and still in the county. I went to Idlewild Elem, Albemarle Rd Jr. Hi and Independence High School. My children go to Idlewild now, my daughter is a rising 4th grader and my son will be in kindergarten. I went to Amity Presbyterian Church and my father is buried there. I had a Charlotte News paper route in Coventry Woods and learned how to swim at Idlewild Swim Club. While I don't live in the district now (live about 300' from the line) my wife and I bought our first house on Lynmont Dr. So I know the eastside and the problems that have plaqued it and I think Nancy Carter is the best person for the job.
I put my name on my posts so why don't you do the same?
OMG the guy doesn't even live in the district. There is no William Newman involved in any of the issues you are talking about. Period. If you grew up here since 67 you should see how it was teetering in 99 and has headed to the crapper since Carter signed on. And the botom line is there are no tangible results. secured x dollars for... Well nothing is fixed in 10 years and things have gotten worse. You can claim she is the best person for the job. those of us who deal with her on a daily basis and can't get her to support us know where she really stands. She put her thumb on the redevelopment of Independence Blvd. She could have repealed the setback 1n 1999, but she insisted it was legit and blamed it on the state. She should have lead the charge 10 years ago. instead she tried to stop the people who were. It was the city all along and it was Wal-Mart that made her lift her thumb. So don't tell me she helped reduce the setback. She voted the way she did because the court of public opinion was in session. In one breath you say she preserved the opportunity for light rail and that was one tactic. keeping the transitional setback in place at the detriment of landowners, businesses, and neighborhoods. I know one thing you weren't marching on Independence to have the setback removed and either was she. Darrell Bonapart did
In regards to the Spoofers post...I just read that article. Carter's suggestion of re-naming the street is all fine and good, but it doesn't solve the real problem now (of not having a road) or in the future (who will pay for it). It's actually kind of funny you pointed to this because it's just one tiny example of Carter's leadership style...act like she cares and say something to that effect, but offer no real solution and take no initiative to really fix the problem.
"In addition to running at-large for council in 2005, he ran for Jim Black's open seat (where his minions held up signs intimidating Tricia Cotham)"
How ironic you should mention Tricia Cotham, because she has indicated to me that she is endorsing Bonapart.
BTW in the appointment process for district 100 Bonapart's supporters had every right to hold up signs supporting their choice. It is fairly common in the political process...
There were four candidates, none of whom should feel intimidated by people holding up signs for Bonapart or any other candidate. I am sure that Rep. Cotham had no more reason to feel intimidated than the other two candidates. An endorsement of a candidate in a public place is not and should not be perceived as unethical, a threat, or intimidation tactic. It's standard procedure
Well I stand corrected about how many other times Bonapart may have run for something - I guess I am not the political professional that I am starting to get the feeling you are. My point is still valid however - Bonapart has been in the community, volunteering his time and working for its betterment non-stop, for years – not just at campaign time.
This business was selling drug par. and porn in a *house* in a neighborhood. They had a lit sign in the yard and the building had structural walls removed so it was unsafe. The building also had no change of use permit to be a retail business or a residence. Although it was being used as both. It also did not have plumbing for a residence. Nancy ignored neighbors cries for help for months. She would just forward our e-mails to code enforcement every time. Code enforcement was claiming there was nothing they could do so it was a broken record. Finally Darrell & other former elected officials teamed up together and surveyed the propert. They found 13 legal & code violations that code enforcement, the police, and Nancy ignored. all the while this business operated in a residential neighborhood, allowed minors in, sold drug par. & brought in gang activity. No proactive support from Nancy. Darrell stepped in though & helped get media attention & identify violations. As a result, the BUSINESS IS NO LONGER THERE.
But that wasn't before an outspoken neighbor had their house firebombed and windows broken while they slept. And still no support from Carter after a year of communication with her. Neighborhood advocate? I think not
If the person was a "political professional" they would know how involved Bonapart is. Trust me they aren't. They are a staunch Democrat on the sidelines of policy. Not a doer and have no idea what is going on behind the scenes.
http://www.eastsidepac.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&p=102
http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/east_charlotte_blues/Content?oid=608346
It appears from the bantering it will come down to which side of town can get out the vote!
Let us not forget we have a district 1 incumbent that hasn't performed for east Charlotte. Isn't it time for change? For the health, safely, welfare, redevelopment, revitalization, home values and our quality of life, isn't it time for a change?
District 1 resident.
Yeah i hear ya on didtrict 1. But if you wnat to compare Patsy's performance to Nancy's patsy is by far more attentive and realisitc. nancy is just more flighty and more self-serving in her opinions than Patsy. Patsy isn't the most aggressive person, but she responds to voters e-mails consistently. Nancy does not. Patsy also advocates for the interests of her voters and votes consistent with neighborhood leaders wishes. Nancy on hte other hand is a bit of a rogue councilperson, often putting personal opinions, & personal agendas before the best intrests or wishes of the voters.
So the word on Gray Newman He does not live in district 5. He is on the Board of Directors for the Mecklenburg County Demoocratic Party. ***This is against the Democratic party county rules for a primary election. It is a conflict of interest for him to be on the Board of Directors of the party & actively working on a campaign. He is working on Nancy Carter's campaign*** (is he being paid???) my sources tell me that Joel Ford Chairman of the Dem Party made an exception to the long-standing common-sense rule that a board member cannot serve on a campaign during the primary.
Also Gray Newman is an elected official on the soil & water conservation board but has not actively participated in any activism for of the issues he claims to have first-hand knowledge of.
1) I am not being paid which you can see on Nancy's campaign finance report that was filed on time with the Board of Elections, unlike others who are having a hard time filing a one page statement of organization and are being reported by the Meck Board of elections to the State Board of Elections for not filing this form and the required campaign finance reports this week.
2) I have taken a leave of absence from the Meck Dem Party Board and have not been involved in any decision making since filing.
3) We, myself, wife and kids moved out of the district to move in with my mother to help her out after my father died.
4) I have been to quite a few actions over the years. I prefer to let the people directly affected take the stage but I have been there in support for many years.
You're still an insider with insider connections and insider influence and this STILL stinks of inappropriateness!
"2) I have taken a leave of absence from the Meck Dem Party Board and have not been involved in any decision making since filing."
Notice he says "since the filing" - well Carter was campaigning before the filing date which means he was on the board at that time.
He also says "leave of absence" which means he plans to return after the campaign.
AND, he also says "I prefer to let the people directly affected take the stage" - well you’re not affected since you don't live in D5 so GET OFF THE STAGE!
It sounds like some people will go to no limit to smear Nancy and her supporters. Such a shame. This is a reflection of the tyle of 'leadership' we can expect under Bonapart. His enterage is ruthless and vicious. This type of thugocracy needs to be nipped in the bud come primary day.
Not one un-truth about Nancy has been spoken here. It is Nancy's campaign who immediately sunk to conducting a smear campaign, spouting blatant lies, because they were desperate.
Gary - I just got forwarded an email from you announcing that you were taking a leave of absence from the Board of Elections - you did that this morning because you knew you were about to get exposed, not because it was the right thing from the start. SHAME ON YOU AND SHAME ON CARTER!!!
So Bonapart's real surname is "Anonymous"? Who else but a candidate - or maybe a Nancy Carter stalker - could go into such depth about her?
What lies have been said about Bonapart here? I find none.
So Bonapart's real surname is "Anonymous"? Who else but a candidate - or maybe a Nancy Carter stalker - could go into such depth about her?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Either that or any neighborhood leader that has dealt with her. Facts are facts.
What lies have been said about Bonapart here? I find none.
Well obviously The Democtratic party is biased and has people on the board of Directors running primary races and running a smear campaign. Honestly as a voter I am more concerned about Nancy Carter's ethics than Mr. Bonaparts. None of the garbage being strewn about him is relevant to east Charlotte. Cleraly the criticisms of Mrs Carter are very relevant. But all she and her campaign want to do is act like this an episode of Jerry Springer. After 10 years of service, I would hope that Mrs Carter would have had something stronger to get votes. With all of her experience she can't even find a legitimate community leader to run her campaign. Instead it is some party official crossing ethical boundaries & hacking at her opponent with personal attacks.
I was born in Charlotte and lived there all my life until I left for schooling and a better career opportunity in Atlanta, but, my family lives in East Charlotte (as I did) and it has suffered greatly. I have kept my boyhood home my Dad built in 1948 and actually he did the brick work on many neighborhoods in East Charlotte. I spent a lot of money renovating the home and
landscaping, continuing to maintain it and have been involved in the neighborhood and CECP off and on as I could with a connection I have to maintain with Atlanta presently. I have talked with both candidates on issues and worked with Darrell with CECP issues. There is such an obvious disparity in the dedication to East Charlotte between the two candidates with Darrell having a sincere stake in the community and Nancy somewhere between disinterested and placating concerns of her constituents that there is truly no comparison. This I have experienced first hand and I agree that Nancy Carter is depending on a smear campaign to hang in there and we may be facing a continued lack of leadership for our district in Charlotte if she is successful. As many have pointed out, just look at what has transpired in East Charlotte, and although she is just one Councilwoman, she has not stood by us on many issues that would improve or begin the improvement of East Charlotte.
I am a physician, and want to strengthen our city side for I have continued to support East Charlotte in anyway I can, at the same time keeping our diversity strong. Darrell is our ONLY hope in this particular race for time is running out to convince all the city fathers that we need a shift in leadership and East Charlotte issues.
Yeah. I'd love to know who they are too. I have a very good idea about a couple of them but I'd love to confirm. Come out come out wherever you are!
From the looks of it there is only one person suporting nancy on here. All of the personal insults about Bonapart are anonymous.
Considering the acusations are made by an "anonymous" person. It is intesting that this person Gray Newman is only interested in identifying those who do not support Carter. Interesting.
I wonder if Gray might be the person making all of the anonymous personal attacks about Bonapart.
it would be really unethical if someone in Gray's position was making such acusations while serving on a primary campaign and the board of Directors of the party. It is kind of concerning. So show your face...
Gray's not alone here.
Gray's not alone here.
-signed Anonymous
And you're not Anonymous?
The votes are in!
Carter, 1; Bonapart, 1.
YAWNNNNnnnnnnn!!!!
Who the heck is "Trica" (Tricia?) Cotham, and why should we care whether or nor she sent someone a note?
Some of you people need to use the Personal section of the Observer classified ads.
I don't know about using the classifieds but apparently you do not stay nformed regarding your government.
Not a good start for Bonapart...
Elections officials said Tuesday they've reported two candidates – Democrats Raphael Basisa and Darrell Bonapart – to the state board of elections for failing to file earlier reports on time.
Everyone should just stop playing into the "mind game" of "anonymous"! The bottom line is that the majority of the "Anonymous" postings are Ed Garber. He will never use his real name unless it is for his personal gain in future "political" and "media exposure". He does the same thing on his EPAC Website. He will not except any valid debate, though he tries to put any unfavorable comments about an opposing Candidate as the other person is playing unfairly. The bottom line is that it is useless and a waste of anyone's time to get into a war of words with him. Not because he can debate on any level, but more like a child who will twist and turn any fact into a half factual statement to fit his needs. Who is the better Candidate for District 5? Lets hope that the majority of the Registered Democrats and Independents will be better informed by other means than the meanderings of Ed Garber and the other "anonymous" writers on both sides of the Campaign. I, personally would not vote for someone who has to have Ed fight his fights because this is a light into how a particular Candidates Term would be if elected. Very childish,very secretive and dishonest. Ever remember having one kid when you were growing up that if he didn't get his way would "pick up his ball and say to all of the Neighborhood Kids, "well if you aren't going to play the way I want to then I am just going to take my ball and go home"? Well this is Ed Garber in a nutshell!
Elaine
Everyone should just stop playing into the "mind game" of "anonymous"! The bottom line is that the majority of the "Anonymous" postings are Ed Garber. He will never use his real name unless it is for his personal gain in future "political" and "media exposure". He does the same thing on his EPAC Website. He will not except any valid debate, though he tries to put any unfavorable comments about an opposing Candidate as the other person is playing unfairly. The bottom line is that it is useless and a waste of anyone's time to get into a war of words with him. Not because he can debate on any level, but more like a child who will twist and turn any fact into a half factual statement to fit his needs. Who is the better Candidate for District 5? Lets hope that the majority of the Registered Democrats and Independents will be better informed by other means than the meanderings of Ed Garber and the other "anonymous" writers on both sides of the Campaign. I, personally would not vote for someone who has to have Ed fight his fights because this is a light into how a particular Candidates Term would be if elected. Very childish,very secretive and dishonest. Ever remember having one kid when you were growing up that if he didn't get his way would "pick up his ball and say to all of the Neighborhood Kids, "well if you aren't going to play the way I want to then I am just going to take my ball and go home"? Well this is Ed Garber in a nutshell!
Elaine
I read this debate and there was some juicy stuff in it but the ending was quite comical. An *anonymous person using two different names* (Carolyn and Elaine) called out Ed Gerber in duplicate posts for making anonymous comments.
The anonymous person who used two different first names and gave no last name called the guy out for not using his real name.
The same anonymous person accused him of being sneaky and playing mind games after they posted he same thing twice under two different anonymous names.
Said he had to have the last word in a debate when they had the last word and threw a month after the last post on the site.
I guess it wasn't to their political advantage to identify themselves after trying to hang the guy out to dry. Somehow the very strongly worded but vague accusations don't seem credible.
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