The city was smaller. Precincts were fewer. But the 1975 rejection of an airport bond referendum is remembered by some older Black voters as a victory for justice over get-along.
Mayor John Belk had proposed a major airport terminal expansion. City Council included 6 white members and newly-appointed African-American Harvey Gantt. Black community leaders lined up in opposition when it became clear that the expansion plan could entirely bypass minority contractors and their employees.
The final vote, 46%-54% against, was split in white precincts across the city, but firmly against in well-organized Black precincts. Three years later, after inflation abated some, a revised and slightly smaller bond issue was approved.
The 1975 vote is remembered as a turning point toward inclusion of all qualified contractors in city contracting and economic development. The November decision is stacking up to be remembered as the time voters, given no easy alternative, were OK using a regressive tax and having those least able to pay carry a disproportionate burden for growth of the transportation network that the region desperately needs.
– Steve Johnston