Raleigh mayoral candidate Billie Redmond unveiled a leadership team that includes plenty of colleagues from the real estate and development community, as well as Capitol Broadcasting CEO Jim Goodmon.
The list, provided to The News & Observer, reflects Redmond's long-standing ties to the Chamber of Commerce and various business and civic circles. Redmond, a registered Republican, is relying on these bases of support in her first run for elected office.
The biggest name on the list is Goodmon, one of the Triangle's leading business figures and a player in local political races. Goodmon, registered as an unaffiliated voter, most recently has donated to school board and County Commission candidates who oppose the school system's elimination of a diversity policy.
Here is the team backing Redmond:
Sheila Ahler
Jim Anthony
Gwen and Dick Baker
Larry Barbour
Jennifer and Joe Bryan
Mary and Jack Clayton
Patsy and Fred Day
Donna and Claude Demby
Brenda and Ron Gibson
Ellen and Ben Goldstein
Michelle Rich Goode
Jim Goodmon
Mary Lassiter and Wallace Green
Melissa and David Jessen
Darleen Johns
Gary Joyner
Mary Jane and Howie Jung
Caroline and Danny Kadis
Karen and Larry Kelly
Cynthia and Kenny Marshall
Barbara Mulkey
Diane and Bill Mullins
Laura and Chuck Neely
Linda and John Odom
Tom Oxholm
Classy and Jay Preston
Sherri and Willy Stewart
Pam and Jeff Stocks
Ashley and Andrew Techet
Val Valentine
Miliena and Don Walston
Royce and Michael Weeks
So far, the field vying to succeed Mayor Charles Meeker includes City Councilwoman Nancy McFarlane and Raleigh physician Randall Williams. Filing opens at noon Monday and runs through Aug. 12.
McFarlane is having a busy week on the campaign trail. On Saturday, she'll celebrate her birthday with a party at North Hills Club that includes a buffet dinner and music from Klaxton Brown. Guests are invited to "eat, drink and get funky," according to an invitation. "No gifts, please! Just bring your partying selves," it says.
After filing on Monday, McFarlane will attend a fundraiser hosted by Sepi Asefnia and Patty Briguglio, head of MMI Public Relations, the firm doing PR work for her campaign. It's at the home of Asefnia on Ridge Drive.
Williams declared his candidacy on Monday in an interview with The N&O. He plans to host a formal kickoff event in the next two weeks. Williams has announced endorsements from former mayors Tom Fetzer and Paul Coble, with Fetzer signing on as campaign adviser.
