Sept. 27, 2022

The entire slate of at-large candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot for the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners was present this morning, and dealt with both the highs and lows of county responsiveness to local needs: Homelessness, schools, mental health. While there was one reference to needing 5 votes on the board to get things done, there was little discussion of electing a group of citizens who could work together to address local needs. Are elections to produce silos, or effective governing bodies? That’s something to ponder as the video below unfolds.

One of four candidates in the District 1 and District 3 races was present. Retired Republican businessman Ross Monks focused on bringing consumer-focused business practices into government. Invited but not present were District 1 incumbent Democrat Elaine Powell, District 3 incumbent Democrat and current Board Chair George Dunlap, and District 3 Republican challenger Dianna Benson.