The Historic Neighborhood Alliance held their first inaugural HNA Candidates Forum yesterday evening. It was a smash success with over 100 attendees, the largest assembled forum yet on the campaign trail! We had an excellent turn-out from the North Main Neighborhood. It is wonderful to see our neighbors showing this level of support and concern for the direction of our city government and how the new City Council will affect the neighborhoods.
The questions posed to the candidates were indeed tough and thought-provoking. The answers to the questions, or the lack there-of, were most illuminating. Although here & there some missed the point of a question, others did an A+ job of not only answering but demonstrating that they had done their homework. In addition, the candidates had the opportunity to reveal something about themselves - an alternate goal of the event. The entire event was video taped so if anyone needs clarification on any of the responses, the HNA may be able to get transcripts in the near future.
This was a true grassroots movement to get our City Council, incumbents or not, to THINK about the pressing issues their historic districts face EVERY DAY! Salisbury's Historic Neighborhoods are the jewels in her crown. We sincerely hope the candidates understand the issues that are unique to the historic districts ~ A Preservation Plan above and beyond the Land Ordinance, the 2020 Plan, and the Downtown Master Plan ~ Tougher ordinance language and enforcement to address the demolition-by-neglect syndrom ~ and the installation of a Housing Commission with a Rental Property registration and inspection program to protect both landlords and renters, to ensure minimum housing standards, and to address any criminal activity in a more consistent manner.
Be sure to place your informed vote this election! Absentee voting by mail opened October 2nd and continues. Thursday, 10/15/09, voters can come to the One-Stop Early Voting Site at the Rowan County Board of Elections, 130 W. Innes Street, Salisbury, NC to vote early for the upcoming Municipal Election. Hours will be from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Thanks, NOMA, for caring!
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