An Alternate Universe Of Uptown Endorsements
I spent a large part of the last month recovering from a surgery post-op regime that left me floating through a hydrocodone haze, frequently unable to discern reality from drug-induced stupor. When the pain meds finally cleared my system, I thought I was good to go. So imagine my shock when I read the uptown paper’s endorsements for local office, and feared I was slipping back into an alternate universe.
After the requisite scolding of Commissioner Bill James for his oft-inflammatory rhetoric, and a little cheerleading for his District 6 Democrat opponent’s allegedly fiscal conservative bent, we get this from the uptown editorial board:
We believe, however, that James better represents the political sensibilities of his largely conservative district, and he brings a transparency to county government that serves all of Mecklenburg well. We endorse him for another term.
James’ reaction to the news, via a post on his Facebook page: Stars fall from heaven – Earth stops rotating – Observer endorses Bill James
The unpossible realities continued with one of the uptown paper’s picks for the three at-large commish seats, where largely predictable nods were given to Democrats Pat Cotham and Trevor Fuller, along with Wayne Powers, an outspoken Republican with a very un-politick, but altogether pleasing propensity of speaking truth to power:
Powers, by trade, is unafraid to speak his mind – a trait that can be an advantage or a liability. On the campaign trail, he turned it into an advantage, as he ventured into neighborhoods across the county for conversations with constituencies that don’t historically share his conservative principles. We appreciate that boldness, and especially his willingness to listen and learn from the struggles of those communities, which he said he did.
We endorse Cotham, Fuller and Powers for at-large seats. For voters who don’t prefer Powers’ brashness, Peterson provides a conservative alternative who, like Powers, advocates for lower taxes and a more favorable climate for business growth.
Powers’ reaction, from his Facebook page, equaled James’ for pure shock value: WHAT’S NEXT? LUCIFER SHOPPING FOR A WINTER COAT & EARMUFFS?
Indeed, the uptown paper even passed on giving incumbent Democrat Vilma Leake a hearty nod, opting instead for an amorphous, “We cannot recommend either candidate,” for their District 2 commish pick.
Had somebody spiked my morning coffee with the last granules of a depleted hydrocodone stash? Could I expect more daily visits to resume with gremlins scurrying across our living room floor?
My fears were abated with the uptown paper’s wrong-headed choice to kick Republican Matthew Ridenhour to the curb in District 5, opting instead for the predictably partisan pick of a Democrat to represent the GOP-heavy district. Equally egregious was the short shrift the uptown paper gave Jason Bateman, a Libertarian candidate for at-large county commissioner, who has run a solid campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, limited government and personal liberty.
Imagine that, a Libertarian candidate getting roundly ignored; back to everyday reality.
Sometimes I really miss my pain meds.
We need your help! If you like PunditHouse, please consider donating to us. Even $5 a month can make a difference!
Short URL: https://pundithouse.com/?p=11749
