newsobserver.com projects - Don Mial - Comments

Re: Dems consider Coleman's replacement

brg78days — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:35:50 -0500

Donald Mial and James Roberson are state employees so the employment factor presents itself. Jackson, Bonds and Brown do not have that issue.

Re: Dems consider Coleman's replacement

brg78days — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:34:10 -0500

When I assess the demographics of the district, I think the obvious choices are Lindy Brown or Jeanne Bonds. There is a majority women. James Roberson was just elected to a town council and has not track record. Bonds and Brown have been elected and have track records to look to. Bonds' resume shows a lot of statewide involvement and Brown has county wide involvement. I heard Republicans say they would support Bonds. I think these two women could raise the money. Sorry guys, but there will be a battle for this seat and you have to go with the women and the money. I hope the committee is going to let these folks speak and add some objectivity to it.

Re: Coleman's successor in House

DonnaM52 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:04:33 -0500

I agree. Doris Weaver needs to call all of these folks. Mayor Bonds name is being floated by high ranking Democrats. She can win this district and she is hearing from the people. We need to hear from all of them before decisions are made. We need to pick the person who can win this seat. She has spent her life working statewide and knows the state well which helps our district since she comes in with a track record, and years of experience with the legislature.

Re: Dems consider Coleman's replacement

DonnaM52 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:56:44 -0500

Mayor Jeanne Milliken Bonds won her elections as the top vote getter each time. She is a proven record of success and she gets things done. We have good, planned development because of her leadership in Knightdale. In the words of the current Mayor Pro Tem "she put Knightdale on the map." Literally. She got maps out there showing our little town when we were 1500 with big plans. Parks, roads, she did it all and has a record. I think she helped Donald and Darren and they are great guys. But she can win and they may not be able to against a tough Republican. She is a proven fundraiser. Several high ranking democrats have been working to convince her to do it along with those of us who supported her previously. She has been asked to do it before and we are working to convince her to go for it.

Re: Dems consider Coleman's replacement

lorrinda — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:42:12 -0500

Who among us isn't looking for the "next step up?" It's our job to prepare for opportunity and be ready to say "yes" when opportunity knocks.

Re: Dems consider Coleman's replacement

tangoz — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:43:13 -0500

How about her Republican opponent Duane Cutlip? He actually ran against her with the desire to represent the people of State House 39. If Linda Coleman had any inkling about serving our next Governor, why did she run? Was Linda just looking for that next step up?

Re: Coleman's successor in House

mbrock49 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:56:33 -0500

As to a meeting of all contenders, I agree. I got the names of those listed from party officials. As I said, I do not live in that District.

I think we can count on Doris Weaver, Party Chair, to be fair in this selection process.

Re: Coleman's successor in House

DianeinKnightdale — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:02:21 -0500

Sam Brewer ran in House 40 and does not live in House 39. I think it was Darren Jackson who ran previously and lost, not Daryl. James Roberson is brand new on the Knightdale Council and I have never heard of Daron Stroud.

Bonds served nine years in Knightdale, and eastern wake county is the bulk of this district.

I would hope the party is calling each person and asking them to appear at a meeting so we can see who will retain this seat in the future.

Re: Coleman's successor in House--other possible contenders

mbrock49 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:22:28 -0500

While the Independent mentions only four possible contenders for the nomination by the Democrats in District 39, I have heard some others. I had not heard about Jeanne Bonds, but I did hear about Knightdale Town Council member James Roberson; Darryl Jackson, a former candidate for the seat; Daron Stroud; and Sam Brewer, a Garner attorney.

I don't live in the district and I am not supporting any candidate. Just thought everyone in the competition should get announced, and not just the few mentioned in the Independent article.

Re: Coleman's successor in House

DianeinKnightdale — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:45:55 -0500

Former Mayor Jeanne Bonds is the perfect pick. She was tagged in 1996 by the party to run for this seat but decided not to run. She did a great job for us in Knightdale and I was on her committee each time she ran for Council. She is solid, well spoken, smart and a relentless advocate for whoever or whatever she represents. This is a no brainer. She can fundraise, legislate and she works across party lines so well, she would possibly not have an opponent. We need to get her to do this. Our district needs common sense, smart and dedicated representation. Come on Mayor Jeanne Bonds - We need you!
The state employees in this district need you. You were one of us.