The mayoral race of 2017 is unique in that there are three candidates running for the position. After several elections with only one challenger to the incumbent, Raleigh’s current mayor Nancy McFarlane now faces opposition from both major political parties. Paul Fitts, the Republican-endorsed candidate, and Charles Francis, the Democrat-endorsed candidate are both Wake County natives, and no doubt have the best interests of Raleigh residents in mind.
Nonetheless, of the three candidates running for mayor of the City of Raleigh, we at Technician believe that Mayor McFarlane’s vision for Raleigh and, by extension, NC State, is the most beneficial to students and other residents in the city.
Although it is clear that all candidates have a deep love for the City of Raleigh that drives their campaigns, McFarlane’s previous experience, as well as her goals for the future, put her ahead of her competition in this race. The direction that Raleigh is headed in under Mayor McFarlane is the right one.
Charles Francis’s attempts to introduce a change and a choice in leadership are more likely to divide our voters and our city than unite us together on the path to progress. While there is certainly much that needs improvement in the City of Raleigh, introducing a change in leadership at this point is more likely to work in the opposite direction of progress.
McFarlane has been mayor of Raleigh for six years, and is running for reelection for her fourth term as mayor. Before being elected mayor of Raleigh in 2011, McFarlane served two terms on the Raleigh City Council. In her tenure so far, McFarlane has successfully secured more than 300 acres of the Dorothea Dix property to turn into a public park, encouraging conservation and recreation. Further, she created a $6 million yearly revenue stream that has been solely dedicated to building and providing accessible housing for lower income residents.
Moving forward, McFarlane’s most important priority for Raleigh is to address problems afflicting our city because of rapid growth. Raleigh is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, leading to a strain on resources and rising land values that affect Raleigh residents across socioeconomic divides. McFarlane’s dedication to sustainable development of housing and public transit shows that she is putting the needs of Raleigh residents as the first and foremost priority.
The old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is an apt phrase for Raleigh’s mayoral elections in 2017.
Mayor McFarlane has had a successful tenure so far, with no scandals or major problems arising — in fact, under McFarlane’s leadership, Raleigh has become one of the most sought-after cities to move to and live in across the nation. To elect someone new solely in the name of needing a change disregards the progress McFarlane and the City of Raleigh have achieved so far. Moreover, having competent leadership in the form of an incumbent mayor at the forefront of Raleigh’s growth is vital to the success of the city and its residents.
Elections are one of the most important forms of civic engagement for the American people. While remaining involved at the federal level — and even at the state level for legislature and the governorship — is valuable and necessary, it is imperative that citizens, especially students, get involved and vote in municipal elections as well.
As college students at NC State University at Raleigh, we are personally affected by the outcome of this municipal election. As such, if you are registered in Raleigh, we encourage you to go to the polls on Tuesday, no matter whom you vote for.
For more information on the candidates, check out Technician’s voter guide or listen to Dialogue with Technician podcasts on iTunes, Overcast and technicianonline.com.
The unsigned editorial is the opinion of the majority of Technician’s editorial board, and is the responsibility of the editor-in-chief.
