THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510040558
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
What was scheduled to be an exchange of views among all 10 candidates for elective office in this Roanoke Island community instead was largely a friendly debate between the two contestants for the town's top office.
About 50 residents filled the Outer Banks History Center for the latest in series of candidates forums sponsored by the Dare County League of Women Voters. Municipal elections in Manteo, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head are set for Nov. 7.
Current Town Commissioner Lee Tugwell and former Mayor John Wilson IV are running for the town's top job.
Tugwell, who has two years remaining in his current term as commissioner, said that while he has no specific agenda for the town, he believes government should play a limited role in the lives of citizens.
``I think government should do things like pick up garbage, provide police protection and water and sewer service,'' Tugwell said. ``I think I've done a good job on the council. A lot of the things we doare not exciting, but I think we've done a good job in providing basic services for the town.''
Tugwell added that he did not believe that he had broken a covenant with voters by running for mayor in the middle of his term. If he is elected, the new commission would choose Tugwell's replacement on the board.
``I was approached to run, and chose to run because I felt the people of Manteo deserve a choice,'' Tugwell said.
Wilson advocated the development of a long-range plan for the town, called Vision 2020. Wilson also pointed to the celebration of the town's centennial in 1999.
``We need to chart a new course,'' said Wilson. ``That vision is one not developed by the federal or state government, or greedy developers. We need a real participatory democracy in which all of our citizens are involved in the process to plan our future.
``I support a review of our master plan. We need to plan for the next 20 to 25 years.''
Wilson said his election would be better for the town.
``If you vote for Lee, you get him and a non-elected representative hand-picked by the board,'' said Wilson. ``If you elect me, you get both of us, and that's a better deal for the town.''
Six of eight commission candidates appeared at the forum. Among their comments:
Current Mayor Bill Buell said he would work to continue to make water and sewer rates more affordable in the town. He said that during his time as mayor, the town managed its money efficiently.
Former Mayor Mollie Fearing, also seeking election to the council, said she would make no promises.
``It's often been said that no one is more unreliable than someone who has an eye on his own election. I can't promise that I'll get anything done, because in a democracy, a lot of things can happen. I just want to leave some kind of permanent positive legacy in the town.''
Incumbent Melvin Jackson highlighted his work in improving sidewalks in the town, and his overall record.
``I'm progressive, and I'm a conservative,'' Jackson said. ``I know how to stretch a dollar. But no one person can do anything. We have to work together.''
J. Bowen ``Bo'' Ross said the town should not sell water and sewer service to homeowners who live outside the town limits. ``No property taxes, no water and sewer.''
Ross also called for a review of the handling of the town docks, which are managed by a private firm.
Stuart Wescott expressed concern over the establishment of historic corridors that he said restrict the rights of property owners. He also pledged to help maintain the small-town family atmosphere in Manteo.
Bebe Woody also called for the development of a long-range plan for the town. ``Manteo should be a community and not a commodity,'' she said.
Two candidates for the governing board, Sarah Owens and Terry McDowell, could not attend the meeting because of prior commitments.
McDowell, however, did send a letter to the League of Women Voters. The letter was read at the forum. She called for greater citizen input, and maintaining the village character of the town.
The next league forum will be Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church where Nags Head candidates will appear. by CNB