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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It was a vote that was supposed to happen Monday, March 31st, until Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes said, “I would move to select the next mayor by motion and vote at the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting, which is April 7th, 2014.”
At-large city councilwoman Vi Lyles also told the audience, “I would hope that we would take the time as we, and the community will let us take time, to thoughtfully deliberate.”
We contacted all 11 members of the board Friday. David Howard, Vi Lyles, Patsy Kinsey, Al Austin, Kenny Smith and LaWana Mayfield declined to return our messages. But Mayfield, when asked Thursday why the delay on naming a new mayor was necessary, reportedly responded “That’s a very good question.” Mayfield also indicated council had not met this week.
At-large member Claire Fallon, a Democrat, confirmed for WCCB council didn’t meet after Monday, as expected due to open meeting laws. As for this coming Monday, Fallon says “It is what it is,” and “The meeting was delayed for people to know who, what, and where.”
Demcorat John Autry tells WCCB, “I just wanna get this behind us,” and “I would hate to see there be another delay.”
Republican Ed Driggs says “[The] group dynamic is such that it’s hard to be certain what might come out of the meeting on Monday.”
And Democrat Greg Phipps tells WCCB in part, “Members have been conducting their own due diligence in order to gain a comfort level with the candidates.”
We went to acting mayor Michael Barnes’ home after he declined to answer our calls, texts, or emails. He told us through the door bell speaker, “I think we’re gonna have a vote on Monday.” When WCCB asked, “Are you officially out of contention for the appointment position?” Barnes replied, “I do not plan to run.”
Barnes has said he expects council to debate at Monday’s meeting and they may allow feedback from the public. Potential front runners are State Senator Dan Clodfelter, former County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts, and former City Councilman James Mitchell.
