Local elections on the city and county level can have a major and direct impact on our daily lives. Will Raleigh make room for more affordable housing? Will developers be allowed to build 40-story buildings in Midtown? Will the Triangle have access to a commuter rail and improved public transit?
These kinds of questions and more are those being asked of incumbent Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and the two candidates running against her – DaQuanta Copeland and Terrance Ruth.
Among some of the biggest concerns for Raleigh’s voters: Who will do the best job managing the rapidly rising cost of living?
Baldwin has been criticized for voting to disband Raleigh’s 19 Citizen Advisory Committees (CACs) and reducing time allotted for residents to speak at council meetings. If elected, the two political newcomers say they aim to give the community more of a voice in city’s future.
“We see so much about the businesses, businesses and buildings, but the people who are here and who have been here — whether they migrated here or were born here — do not feel welcome,” said mayoral hopeful Copeland. ““The people are being pushed out. The people who are building the city are not welcome in the city.”
Raleigh’s growth and development has exploded during Baldwin’s term, with the mayor supporting rezoning efforts to allow for construction of townhomes, tiny homes and granny flats. IF elected, Baldwin hopes to expand Bus Rapid Transit during her second term – and eventually build a commuter rail.
Copeland says she began serving her community as a teenager through volunteerism, and she currently runs a non-profit serving youth and at-risk children. She’s also vice-chair of the Wake County Health and Human Services Board.
Terrance Ruth, the other mayoral hopeful, moved to Raleigh in 2009. He is a former teacher and principal, and he is currently an assistant professor in North Carolina State University’s School of Social Work. A self-described “community organizer,” Ruth says he is passionate about developing leaders of the future. He works with various social justice groups, including the NAACP and Repairers of the Breach.
Ruth says he believes in ensuring
“I believe in the approach ‘housing first,’ which is embraced by the commissioners and the council, but how do we alter particular ideas to make sure we are touching the most uninvested sections of our city?” Ruth said. “Right now, from what I am hearing and observing, we have yet to do that well.”
