Despite the stark contrast in views — and in some cases well-documented acrimony — between some of the hopefuls involved in races in Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville, the campaigns have remained relatively bloodless. Some candidates have loudly tooted their own horns and, when applicable, made sure to publicize endorsements from others, but the expected slings and arrows of outrageous accusations, animosity and character assassination have not materialized.
The large field of candidates deserves credit. Local politics can get emotional and nasty, as evidenced in Mooresville recently when at-large town board candidate Skip Alexander and mayoral hopeful Jared Esselman engaged in a ballyhooed shouting match at a public forum. But despite the inevitable, numerous face-to-face encounters between candidates in local races, and the constant interaction between families, friends and supporters of opposing camps at area schools, businesses and social gatherings, most north Meck office seekers have avoided the antagonizing and finger-pointing theatrics that usually generate much more smoke than light.
And it's not that the local races lack issues and emotion.
In Davidson, mayor and town board candidates are basically battling over a way of life. Those comfortable with the "Davidson Way" (to our knowledge, a descriptive phrase coined right on these pages) and those determined to change the mindset and approach to decision making in the quaint but expanding college town, have diverse platforms and very little common ground.
In Cornelius, which this year is the least combative of the campaign environments, there is still a six-person battle for seats on the board and the guarantee that at least one new voice will be in the mix since long-time commissioner Jim Bensman — citing the angry tone and venomous shift in local politics as at least part of his reason — decided not to seek re-election.
And in Huntersville, with three incumbents and eight others fighting for one of the six seats available on the to-be-expanded town board, the list of controversial issues — including fallout from a tax increase — and the chance to be among three new policy-shapers on the town's governing body, provided all the fuel required to generate a barn-burning election season.
But the commissioners, with some notable, short-lived exceptions, have kept things clean and most punches well above the belt. They have posted signs — oh, Lord yes, they have posted signs — and many have adopted the modern approach to politics by preaching to hand-picked choirs and relying on friends and campaign staffers to spread their gospel through the phenomenon of social media.
The candidates, whether motivated by ego and arrogance or a true passion for community service, have performed professionally in promoting themselves. And now, with the election only a few days away, it's time for the voters to decide. In Huntersville, 32,758 are registered to take part; in Cornelius, 18,372 and in Davidson, 7,573. The number that actually votes will speak volumes about the interest in the issues, but for voters looking here for direction, don't bother. The Lake Norman Citizen believes our job is to inform, not advise. We've given every candidate in all three towns the opportunity to introduce themselves and outline their priorities.
The rest is up to you.
