City Speaks – Even if it was less than 30% of Eligible Voters
There were some bright spots in the Municipal elections yesterday.
Two new people were elected to council — Martha Stowe and Ron Foulk. One incumbent, Charlie Flowers returned to office.
|
Belmont Council |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| * Martha S. Stowe | 852 | 20 % | |
| * Ron Foulk | 710 | 17 % | |
| * Charles Flowers | 556 | 13 % | |
| Richard Turner | 517 | 12 % | |
| Curtis Gaston | 509 | 12 % | |
| Irl Dixon | 501 | 12 % | |
| Becky Burch | 361 | 8 % | |
| Dennis Boyce | 230 | 5 % | |
| Karen Valentine | 56 | 1 % | |
| Write-in | 8 | 0 % | |
Congratulations to the new and returning council members. However, the dynamic does not change al that much.
Becky Burch was replaced by an ally in Ron Foulk. His positions on growth management are still fuzzy and we wonder if his job responsibilities may interfer with his ability to be an effective member of council. He is a vert smart and articulate administrator and that pleases all of us, because he will take the time to read and research issues that come before council – not blindly vote as directed by others. As a community, we encourage you to watch Mr. Foulk carefully on issues such as city personnel and public safety, strategic planning, view points on annexation-related services and timelines. A person can do a lot of damage in 4 years.
Charlie Flowers’ support has diminished in this election, earning only 556 votes this time around. The overall turnout and number of candidates certainly contributed to the number. We hope that he would have promised to stay awake through the council meetings and work sessions in return for his re-election bid, but he didn’t offer that to the voters. It is difficult to see if he will still carry his chip on the shoulder towards newcomers to the community or if he will embrace the positives that come with planned growth and management.
The new triumvirate will line up with Flowers, Foulk, and Martin setting the tone and quite possibly fighting the manager’s and mayor’s overall strategic comprehensive growth agenda. Basically, this election result guarantees that we will see at least two more years of personal agendas over what is best for the community.
Martha Stowe brings a good mind and energy to the council. We hope that she will remain even-handed in this public role. She is certainly articulate and will speak her mind.
All are supporters of parks and recreation plans. That is a good thing. With the approval of the Bond, the Parks and Recreation Department can seriously begin work on their master plan of 2003.
| Belmont Park and Rec. Bond – $12,000,000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| * Yes | 1,046 | 69 % |
| No | 477 | 31 % |
We certainly expect that Mr. Dixon and his 100-year family legacy will be back for either another run for council or to challenge as Mayor. That will bear watching the next two years.
Again, we will support — and watch carefully — as the new council members are seated and begin their term.
Bonds, City Council big draws for Belmont voters
By Daniel Jackson
November 6, 2007 – 11:55AM
Voting got off to a busy start at Belmont Central Elementary School with only a few minor mix-ups, said Barbara Parker, the chief judge of that voting precinct.
“It started shortly after the polls opened and it’s been a steady stream ever since,” Parker said. Parker said volunteers at the other two voting precincts in Belmont sounded like they were busy, as well.
A few voters showed up that were not registered to vote at the school, but poll workers helped them find the correct precinct, she said.
“We were able to figure out where they needed to be,” Parker said.
Parker said she doesn’t know what the turnout will be like compared to previous years, but she expects more participation this year because of the school and recreation bonds on the ballot.
As of about 10 a.m., voters trickled in a few at a time. Parker said the precinct had a line early this morning, when people stopped on their way to work. She said she expects things to pick up again at lunch time and after people get off work tonight.
“We’re just crossing our fingers that the rest of the day goes the way this morning did,” Parker said.
Check back at http://www.gastongazette.com for updates on today’s voting.
Will finishes strong in State 3A Cross Country Championships
Junior X-Girl, Elyse Will of South Point finished in 17th place on Saturday in the NC State 3A cross country championships at Tanglewood Park in Winston-Salem.
Will finished strong with a time of 20:30.17 for the 5K run. There were 126 runners in this year’s championship. TC Roberson of Skyland, NC won the overall team championships with 31 points, placing 5 of their runners in the top 10.
Congratulations Miss Will on a great cross country season!
The Belmont Front Porch 