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Local Elections Enter Final Week Before Voters Decide

By Leonard E. Colvin

Chief Reporter

New Journal & Guide

Less than a week before the Spring City Council and School Board elections take place on May 6th,  the campaigns are in high gear, seeking to attract voters.

Norfolk’s 7th Superward

   In Norfolk,  it seems that Super Ward 7 incumbent Daun Hester is outpacing her challenger Dwight “Coach” McDowell, so far a money and organizational muscle.
For a minimum donation of $50,  one could chow down on heavy hors de'ouvres and be serenaded by the Fuzz Band earlier this week.
    McDowell has not raised anything close to what  Hester has raised, although her fund raising efforts fell short of the $69,000 she raised from the downtown business community during her last run. This time, according to financial disclosure forms she only raked in $2,000 from that deep-pocket business community. She had $13,000 on hand leading up to the election
    “I am running this operation on a shoe string and a lot of confidence that people are listening to what I have to say,” said McDowell. “I do not have the money issue to work with.  But I am talking about some issues which may  attract people to support my campaign.”
    During her last reelection bid, Hester ran unopposed. Hester got on the  wrong side  of her colleagues, especially when she balked at an element of the at-large election of mayor.

Posted April 30, 2008

 While she supported the at-large election she did not favor adding an additional seat, which would have made it harder for Blacks on the panel to assert their influence.
       Hester, this week, received the endorsement of the daily newspaper which has written several unflattering news articles about her in the past, one specifically linking her to the now defunct Olde Huntersville Development corporation, which was accused of misusing federal dollars.
       Hester has said she is aware that the negative press she and City Manager Regina Williams have received has been an attempt to damage them  politically.  
Hester, when asked why she thinks she will be reelected, talks about what she has done over the past 12 years she has served the city of Norfolk. Her opponent is a political novice with no record to bring to the office.
       “I don’t think there is any question about the new housing which is springing up, or the after school programs and the other programs for the neighborhoods,” she said. 
       One individual close to the campaign noted the importance of voter turn out for the incumbent.
“A low turn out may spell trouble. We need numbers. There are some  who watched Mrs. Hester win easily and unopposed in the past. These people may stay home, but we need them  to come out.”

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