Interesting article in the N&O
Dickie Thompson not running again:
https://t1.news.mcclatchydc.com/r/?id=h256d3bf3,413bf15,413bf17&ac_cid=DM45319&ac_bid=627915763
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article232210752.html
Both candidates mentioned as running for his seat appear to be quality choices from an urbanist’s perspective:
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Well, Patrick is “living in sin” with his partner, so my mom isn’t likely to vote for him.
Looked at their websites and both look promising.
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He had me at foster dogs…
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According to Wake County BOE filings, there’s another mayoral candidate by the name of Justin L. Sutton. Here’s his website.
Candidates have until the 19th to file, but here’s the official list so far:
Mayor:
• George Knott
• Justin L. Sutton
At-large:
• Russ Stephenson (inc.)
District A:
• Patrick Buffkin
• Sam Hershey
District B:
• David Cox (inc.)
District C:
• Corey Branch (inc.)
• Wanda Hunter
• Ricky Scott
I’ll keep this updated as filing continues.
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Just got this from Stef Mendel. Looks like she will be running against “special interests.”
July 6, 2019
Friend -
This week, a special interest group sent out a mailer attacking me because I am making it more difficult for them to turn residential neighborhoods into commercial zones.
These special interest groups are upset that the current council has passed ordinances dealing with short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.
I am proud to be a member of a council that works together to move things forward and get things done for Raleigh. We have taken positive steps to regulate short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. Our Council is focused on keeping housing more affordable by preserving housing stock for long-term renters.
By establishing a simplified process for creating accessory dwelling unit overlay districts, we have provided neighborhoods with the flexibility to decide what is best for their community.
I ran for office to fight for the priorities of Raleigh residents over special interest groups. During my first term, I have worked hard for all of Raleigh’s residents who are tired of special interest groups calling the shots.
[ If you want to keep your seat at the table, please help me keep my seat on the Raleigh City Council.
Sincerely,
Stef Mendell
[Contribute](https://www.stefmendellforcouncil.com/
P.S. – On Monday, July 8, I will file to run for re-election to the Raleigh City Council.
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Not a fan of hers at all but the mailing that was sent out against her doesn’t sit well with me. It was sent by an apartment/rental trade group and it seems to me like it has a good chance to back fire. First it lets her claim she’s standing up against special interests and it makes the ADU issue look like it’s being pushed by the same special interests. We’ll see how it turns out but I really don’t want to see this cycle of municipal elections descend into attack ads and battles between dark money groups.
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The mailing was dirty politics and I don’t like, but I’m still no fan of Stef’s. You guys think state legislation can hurt our job growth, but don’t forget about these local elections and the “Council of Slow”.
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Stef…
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New filings from yesterday and today:
Mayor:
• Charles Francis
At-large:
• James Garland Bledsoe
• Portia Wilson Rochelle
District D:
• Brittany Bryan
• Saige Martin
District E:
• David Knight
• Stef Mendell (inc.)
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I keep emailing the council in support of the 40 story projects and general density and encourage all of you to do the same
My line for affordable housing is: let the developers contribute to the fund (like Kane and Zimmer) and build affordable housing along the proposed BRT corridors.
Stef is very responsive but the most critical to the rezoning…
We really need a big picture thinking, pro development, pro density, pro transit city council for the years to come
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So, can we “pencil” you in when we vote in October? 
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haha good one! But I neither possess the required patience nor US citizenship to serve in politics
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I agree with your thought on AH and BRT. I think it’s a multi-faceted approach and this should certainly be a component. I don’t know if pushing for downtown core affordable dwellings is the best approach, but certainly if we’re going to focus on close proximity to downtown, the BRT lines makes all the sense. I mentioned from the North Central CAC meeting that Zimmer bid on the RBUS project and had a better than 30% inclusion of affordable housing in their proposal (but wasn’t short listed) and is willing/planning to do the same with the 40-story project East of Capital on Peace which surprised me but really like. I think there still needs to be incentives/programs to encourage private developers to include AH otherwise I don’t know why they’d volunteer that. Staying on topic, those are some of the things I’m looking for our new CC and Mayor to push for.
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Btw just saw this list of candidates:
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It’s mostly for me but I am keeping a running list going earlier up in this thread. You can bookmark it directly in your browser or use the bookmark feature here in Discourse.
https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-elections-2019/974/125?u=dtraleigh
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I have just sent them a short novel to read on their break in support of Smoky Hollow / Peace Phase 3 Rezoning.
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Whoops, I completely forgot about your list! I’ll quit maintaining mine since two is completely unnecessary.
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Robbie Rikard has decided not to run for at-large. A bit of class in his statements here.
When I decided I wanted to run for City Council last Fall, I did so because I wanted to get Russ Stephenson out of office and see a shift in the policy making dynamic of Council. After evaluating the at-large council race over the last few weeks it has become apparent given the current size and make up of the At-Large field, that getting Russ out of office is a near impossibility. Therefore, I have decided that I will not be filing to run for Council this year.
My hope is that by not running, the chances that a remaining candidate can consolidate enough votes to beat Russ will be greater, and I will be freed up to help some candidates in other races unseat other incumbents. You will still find me very involved in this election and I plan to find ways to stay involved in shaping Council’s policies after the election (hopefully with a new set of Councilors).
I want to thank everyone that has supported me over the last several months. I have met many amazing and dedicated people that want to see Raleigh grow in the best possible way. The money left in my campaign will be given to other candidates running for Council (if you were planning to come to my event this Wednesday, it has been canceled).
Speaking of other candidates, below is who I will be supporting. Some races have more than 1 good person running, but part of my decision is based on who has the best chance of winning.
Mayor: Mary-Ann Baldwin - Charles Francis lost my consideration when he backed Stef Mendell and David Cox. While Caroline would probably do a fine job, I feel Mary-Ann has a better articulated vision for Raleigh and the experience to see that it is carried out.
District A: Patrick Buffkin
District B: Brian Fitzsimmons
District D: Saige Martin
District E: David Knight
At-Large: Nicole Stewart
2nd At-Large & District C: No endorsement at this timeThanks again and PLEASE vote on October 8th!
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Thanks for sharing. I’m disappointed as I think a lot of Robbie. He is the president of our HOA and it’s an understatement to say that he does a fantastic job. He works tirelessly on our behalf to make this a great place to live. I didn’t know he had decided not to file - and I agree that was class.
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