Nov. 13, 2025 By Steve Johnston In my Sept. 26 comments, I focused on changes that may make it easier to keep the Forum's website up to date. Those changes will affect almost no one. The following, however, will be instantly noticed by Forum regulars – and they may be delighted with the ... Continue Reading →
Pressure ebbs a bit as Police Chief Johnny Jennings nears retirement
Nov. 11, 2025 It was a thank-you to a police chief as his service nears its end. It was a discussion about mental health, among the residents that police protect and among the police themselves. It was a hats-off from the chief to the dedication and valor of Charlotte's police officers. And the ... Continue Reading →
Forum’s Holiday Party is Dec. 16
Nov. 11, 2025 ... Continue Reading →
Amelia Stinson-Wesley adds Mayor to her many titles
Nov. 6, 2025 Today there is Vi, re-elected Tuesday. Earlier it was Jennifer, Dan, Patrick, Anthony, Pat, Richard, Sue, Harvey, Eddie and Ken. But now there will be another Mecklenburg mayor with deep roots at the Forum. On Tuesday as expected, Amelia Stinson-Wesley was elected mayor of ... Continue Reading →
Test page Short Ballot 11-4-25
All 195 precincts reporting, 11:32 p.m.; Nov. 4, 2025 After all polls closed, unofficial Mecklenburg vote totals were available at the NC Board of Elections website here. This page is used chiefly to add election results to the Forum’s archive on individual candidates (e.g., Juanrique Hall) to ... Continue Reading →
Nov. 4, 2025 Mecklenburg Election
Sales tax increase for transportation OKd All 195 precincts reporting, 11:32 p.m.; Nov. 4, 2025 Release of unofficial Mecklenburg vote totals will occur in real time at the NC Board of Elections website here after polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. This page is used chiefly to add ... Continue Reading →
District 6 candidate ‘leaning in’ for a city that works for all
Oct. 28, 2025 Two candidates are on the Nov. 4 ballot for Charlotte City Council District 6. This morning's speaker was Democrat Kimberly Owens, who says she has had few occasions during the election cycle to appear with Republican opponent Krista Bokhari. Topics of the day included the transit ... Continue Reading →
Don’t lose yourself on your journey, author advises young women
Oct. 26, 2025 Longtime Forum participant Dr. Blanche Penn has included in her latest book some advice for younger women finding their way through life's ups and downs. With the author-publisher's permission, below is the full text of Chapter 6: "The Mirror Room – Daily Reflections." The 140-page ... Continue Reading →
By Steve Johnston Perhaps one of the more interesting threads running through the District 3 conversation had to do with this: How do elected officials encourage resident input into city policymaking? And what encourages disparate, far-flung residential neighborhoods to collaborate, focus on ... Continue Reading →
D-3 Council race focuses on amplifying residents’ voices
Oct. 21, 2025 Republican James Bowers did not attend this morning's discussion with candidates for the City Council District 3 seat. The incumbent, Tiawana Brown, lost a Democratic primary in September. Present were unaffiliated voter Robin Emmons, who canvassed for signatures to be placed on ... Continue Reading →