Fairness among issues raised at candidate forum

BY NANCY WYKLE

nwykle@heraldsun.com; 419-6644

DURHAM -- Members of the audience at a candidate forum Sunday wanted answers about investment in communities near downtown and how the council has handled a property owner's request for a $175,000 revitalization grant.

Some of the sharpest exchanges occurred when questions arose about the council's recent decision to delay a vote on property owner Mozella McLaughlin's grant request. The request has pitted her against tenant Bruce Bridges, who owns the Know Book Store & Restaurant and says the plans cherry-pick the most profitable parts of his business.

Ward 1 candidate Donald Hughes said he supports McLaughlin's receiving the grant because it would help the Fayetteville Street corridor. He said the situation seemed to change when Bridges brought vocal opponents of the grant to a council meeting. "Cora [Cole-McFadden] needed more time to think on it, suddenly," he said.

The incumbent councilwoman did not attend Sunday's forum, nor did Ward 1 candidate John Tarantino.

Ward 2 candidate Darius Little said he has been "a zealous advocate" for McLaughlin, noting the council has been willing to allocate funds for projects such as Rolling Hills and a skatepark. "Look at where they're putting the money, and look at where they're not," he said.

But Ward 2 incumbent Howard Clement said the council is doing due diligence on the project, and that has led to the delay. "No one has attacked this council or Howard Clement for being unfair," he said.

In a follow-up question about the fairness in the handling of the grant request, Ward 2 opponent Sylvester Williams cited examples of the council's handling of issues, including the East End Connector, that he thought were unfair. "We've got people that tell us one thing, who get in front of the cameras and say something else."

In response to a question about the vision for inner-city communities around downtown, the candidates offered different thoughts.

N.C. Central University's involvement in discussions about what happens along the Fayetteville Street corridor is critical, Clement said. "It's going to take parties working together, that's not happening. There's been friction" between the university and neighborhoods.

Ward 2 candidate Sandra Howell said she saw affordable housing as a key issue, along with street repair and economic development.

When Melvin Whitley, Clement's campaign manager, asked candidates how much they know about City Hall, and to name four departments and four department heads, Clement's Ward 2 opponents bristled.

Williams said he would not answer the question, and went on to say that the point he is making is that there needs to be change.

Howell also opted not to answer, but said, "I'm running because the departments don't seem to be doing their jobs."

Ward 2 candidate Matt Drew, who told the crowd he's a Libertarian, said he thinks the city could do with fewer departments.

Sunday's forum, which drew more than two dozen people, was sponsored by Unity in the Community for Progress.

Neither Alan Polak nor incumbent Mike Woodard from the Ward 3 race attended.

The primary election is Oct. 6. Early voting is taking place now.