Free Republic

The 2004 elections brought a conservative sweep to much of the nation, but Mecklenburg County was not part of it. As a result, our County Commission came back under the control of liberal Democrats and the arrogant and extremist liberal Parks Helms re-assumed his position as chairman of the County Commission. It should be no surprise to any of us that in his first months back in his position, he has worked tirelessly to expand government and raise taxes. But this week, he announced another item on his agenda -- one that calls for economic and social conservatives to respond...

It would have been an interesting race, but Democrat Parks Helms just isn't healthy enough to challenge Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory for his job. After months of speculation, the Mecklenburg County commissioner announced Thursday he will not seek the mayor's office this fall. "I would have enjoyed it," Helms said Thursday night. "I told Pat we'll have a great time." McCrory has not made his re-election bid official, but he said Thursday night he is "taking all the steps necessary" to run for an unprecedented fifth two-year term. "I never make my official announcement until filing in July," McCrory said....