Charlotte has survived without the pinnacle position in local leadership for a day and a half. Β And we have at least another four days before the people who figure out what to do will start figuring out what to do. Β Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes is handling things until then, but that doesn’t mean he’s the new mayor.
The last time the position was open because of a resignation was when Anthony Foxx left for the transportation secretary gig. Β At that time, the council came together to place Patsy Kinsey in the role. Β But when council voted on her, three of the members didn’t even bother to show up. Β So why do they get to do it again?
And while Charlotte has a history of letting council pick the replacement mayor, that’s not how it’s done everywhere. Β In California, the city of San Diego held a special election to replace Bob Filner, who stepped down after a sex scandal.
If we look back at last years’ election in Charlotte, we know Edwin Peacock was the Republican who lost to Cannon. Β But so did Democrat James Mitchell, Jr. Β He lost during the primaries.
And if you have to figure there would be other people who want to run now. Β But we won’t know what’s going to happen until council starts to figure things out. Β So our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, is giving you an opportunity to let them know what you want. Β Should there be a special election?
