For some, a vote in the Fayetteville City Council elections in wards 1, 2 and 4 will seem easy to cast, thanks in large part to Matthew Petty.
His name isn't on the ballot, but it was Petty who decided to pursue what's become known as Fayetteville's civil rights administrator ordinance, known as Ordinance 119 or Chapter 119. That measure sharply divided the town and led to a petition drive for a referendum on the measure, now set for Dec. 9.
News of Petty's effort broke in July, just a couple of weeks before the filing period opened for four City Council races. In Ward 4, the end result was seven candidates for a seat with no incumbent running, and the ordinance has been a major topic every candidate has had to address.
The issue of 119 may be the Obamacare of Fayetteville, and its timing right before campaign season placed a disproportionate amount of attention on it. But a seat on the City Council is a four-year responsibility, one that normally deals with matters far more directly connected to municipal government. A vote on 119 should not be a litmus test. For those who will use it as such, the endorsements found below will be meaningless. Happy voting.
We tend to take the broader perspective, looking at an incumbent's overall performance or a hopeful's potential and preparation. With that in mind, today we offer these recommendations for Fayetteville City Council.
Ward 1
Adella Gray has represented Ward 1 in Position 1 for two terms and has done well by the people she represents. She's not the most vocal of aldermen, but experience tells us having the biggest mouth is not always the best measure of effectiveness. She's been an advocate for the acquisition of Mount Kessler, for expansion of Gulley Park, for supporting the Walton Arts Center and the city parking deck to be built next to it and the streamside protection ordinance. While her two opponents may connect with people of strong political persuasions, Gray appears better positioned to find common ground. And there's scant reason to throw away her experience.
Ward 2
Mark Kinion gets our nod in his effort to continue representing Ward 2 in Position 1. He's a smartly analytical alderman who likes to examine issues from a less emotional perspective than some of his colleagues. Kinion says the position is far more work than most anyone realizes, but he embraces the role of alderman with reason and enthusiasm. His roots in the community matter, and he's willing to do the important but not very sexy parts of the job (chairman, water and sewer committee).
In both wards 1 and 2, we also like that Gray and Kinion offer different approaches than the wards' other aldermen, Sarah Marsh and Petty. The city needs diversity of thought.
Ward 4
In this crowded field of six candidates to replace Alderman Rhonda Adams, Craig Honchell has demonstrated a commitment to Fayetteville. He ran and lost to Sarah Lewis in 2008, but sought out an appointment to the Planning Commission the next year and has served admirably. He's been active in the community, is interested in promoting stronger neighborhoods and working to diminish the notion Fayetteville isn't friendly to businesses. He's put in the time and energy to help already, and has positioned himself through that service to be a great fit for the work of the City Council.
Commentary on 10/21/2014