Winston-Salem is at a crossroads, with pressure to fill the Dell computer plant after the company closes it in January and to bring the downtown baseball stadium to completion. For that reason, and because the city council oversees everything from public safety to garbage pickup, citizens owe it to themselves to reverse years of low turnout and vote today.
It's already certain that the council will be markedly different -- and that every vote is crucial.
In a surprise win in the Sept. 15 Democratic primary in the East Ward, Winston-Salem State University student Derwin Montgomery defeated longtime incumbent Joycelyn Johnson. No Republican filed to run for the seat, but it's possible that he could face write-in competition.
James Taylor defeated one-term incumbent Evelyn Terry in a Democratic primary runoff race in the Southeast Ward in October. He faces Republican Chuck Woolard, whom the local Republican Party withdrew support for after news that he has misdemeanor convictions of forgery and possession of marijuana.
Nelson Malloy, who's been a strong voice for social justice as the North Ward councilman for 20 years, is stepping down because of his health and to spend more time with his family. He's endorsed Denise "D.D." Adams, a Democrat who is running against Republican John Hopkins for the seat.
In other contested races for council seats, Democrat Dan Besse of the Southwest Ward faces a significant challenge from Republican Ted Shipley. Democrat Wanda Merschel faces a challenge from Republican Peter Sorensen for her Northwest Ward seat. And Democrat Vivian H. Burke of the Northeast Ward, the mayor pro tem and longest-serving council member in city history, faces a challenge from Republican Claudia L. Shivers.
No one filed to run against Democratic Mayor Allen Joines, Democratic Councilwoman Molly Leight of the South Ward and Republican Councilman Robert Clark of the West Ward in today's election. But Leight faces a late write-in push.
Republican challengers have criticized the council's approval of millions of dollars worth of financial backing for Dell and the baseball stadium. But Dell has said it will repay the city the $15.6 million in incentives it gave it, thanks to a stringent agreement the city hammered out. Work is proceeding on the baseball stadium, albeit thanks to a second cash infusion, one of $15.7 million, that the council approved in June.
Incumbents say they have learned from both deals. We believe that their vision and experience are needed on a council that's already lost three incumbents.
A recap of our endorsements in contested races follows. Whether you agree with us or not, exercise your right to vote for the candidate of your choice.
Democrat James Taylor, Southeast Ward city council representative.
Democrat Denise "D.D." Adams, North Ward.
Democrat Dan Besse, Southwest Ward.
Democrat Wanda Merschel, Northwest Ward.
Democrat Vivian H. Burke, Northeast Ward.
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