The local Realtors association has released its slate of endorsements for the Raleigh mayoral and city council races, and in a not-so-surprising development, real estate executive Billie Redmond won the association's backing to be the next mayor.
The Realtors' association Board of Directors also voted to support $56 million in transportation and affordable housing bonds proposed on the Oct. 11 ballot.
Redmond, CEO of Coldwell Banker Trademark Commercial Properties, has been active for many years with the Realtors and Chamber of Commerce. She pledges to make Raleigh a more business-friendly place by keeping taxes low and easing regulations and wait times for permits. Redmond has not taken a position on the bonds.
The mayoral race pits Redmond against City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane and Raleigh physician Randall Williams. Mayor Charles Meeker announced in May that he wouldn't seek re-election to a sixth consecutive term.
The Realtors also made endorsements in some, but not all, City Council races.
For the council's two at large seats, Mary-Ann Baldwin (incumbent) and Paul Fitts won endorsements. Incumbent Russ Stephenson, an architect and urban designer, did not receive an endorsement. Baldwin was the only Democrat to make the list.
In North Raleigh's District A, political volunteeer and activist Gale Wilkins won backing for the seat that will be vacated by McFarlane.
Council members John Odom and Bonner Gaylord also received endorsements, though each is running unopposed. Thomas Crowder, also unopposed, did not get an endorsement in District D. The Realtors did not make an endorsement in the District C race in which incumbent Eugene Weeks will face four challengers.
Before making endorsements, the Realtors' Government Affairs Committee (GAC), Board of Directors and Triangle Leadership Academy conducted 34 candidate interviews during the week of Aug. 15.
Comments
They should have picked Nancy
Thu, 09/29/2011 - 21:31 — bluedawgGranted....Billie is one of their own. But Billie can't even fill her own empty office buildings. Do we really need someone so friendly to developers that the potential is all Raleigh to become is a series of empty strip malls???? Been to Atlanta - no thanks.
Raleigh has been at the top of many important lists regarding Best Places to Live/Work in Money Magazine, Business Week, etc.... not because of Billie - but folks like Nancy McFarlane, Russ Stephenson, MaryAnn Baldwin, Thomas Crowder, James West, Eugene Weeks, and YES -- Mayor Meeker!!!! This is sound reasoning to support Nancy McFarlane for Mayor. Her 4 years on the Raleigh City Council makes her well-suited and informed to the issues and opportunities for Raleigh & surrounding areas.
The Redmond campaign seems to focused on debt and yet a financial leader that really know how to judge the financial strength of a community like say....Standards & Poors...... has given Raleigh the highest rating. Redmond's campaign issues is as realistic as Don Quixote's Windmills. Debt is not the issue, Billie. Stop it with the false crisis. The issue is maintaining a community that will continue to attract business. Nancy McFarlane is a small business owner and was recognized for her professional achievement by the Triangle Business Journal. I think she has that whole "business-friendly" thing covered.
Billie needs to stick with high profile board meetings, swinging on her front porch swing, and dealing with her renters. Billie's campaign mantra is along the lines of "Take Raleigh in a New Direction." I like being Number One, Billie.
So where the heck do you want to take us???