Early voting has started in the Davidson town board and mayoral election – as well as on three town infrastructure bond questions.
A few people have asked me about the race. As a journalist, I don’t make recommendations – sorry. But I can recommend the nonpartisan voters guide put out by the Precinct 206 Democrats. (Yes, it’s nonpartisan and also does not make any recommendations – just the basics about each candidate. It’s the kind of guide we used to do on DavidsonNews.net)
The group’s goal is to increase turnout in this year’s election above the last election’s dismal 14 percent or so.
Just a reminder: Municipal elections in Davidson and other towns, as well as the school board race, are nonpartisan.
The mayoral race has three candidates: incumbent Mayor John Woods, local musician real estate agent Rusty Knox, and former town commissioner Laurie Venzon.
Meanwhile, 13 people registered for the town commissioner race, including three incumbents. At least two new faces will join the board – filling seats opening up because incumbents Beth Cashion and Brian Jenest are not running again.
One update since the guide was published: George Berger announced he has suspended his campaign.
CAMPAIGN FORUMS
With so many candidates and heightened interest in the races, the town has more than the usual number of candidate forums. The Precinct 206 Dems have the final two over the next two weeks:
- Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. – Mayoral forum – Davidson College Chambers Building, Lilly Family Gallery
- Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. – Town Commissioner candidate forum – Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, Concord Road.
I’ll be moderating both forums. More info: http://precinct206dems.org/events/
BONDS ON THE BALLOT, TOO
Also, don’t forget to do your homework about the town bonds on the ballot – three separate proposals to pay for:
- Mobility/transportation projects
- Greenway projects
- Parks and recreation projects
These are all areas where citizens tell town officials in surveys they want more. Visit the link below for more information.
SCHOOL BOARD AND SCHOOL BONDS
Finally, Davidson voters’ ballots also will include the District 1 School Board representative. Three challengers are facing incumbent Rhonda Lennon – Annette Albright, Amy Moon Hallman and Jess Miller.
The ballot also includes Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ proposed $922 million in bonds. The bonds would pay for 10 new schools, seven replacement schools as well as renovations and repairs to others.
LINKS
Precinct 206 Democrats Voters Guide, http://precinct206dems.org/
Town of Davidson infrastructure bonds information, http://www.townofdavidson.org/1111/Potential-General-Obligation-Bonds
School bond information on the bond campaign website, http://www.voteyesforbonds.com/
Voter information, including early voting times and locations and sample ballots, http://www.meckboe.org
David Boraks 