Is this a message from Durham voters: Part 2

 Rev-elution offers independent, local, Black journalism and reflections on faith in public space. Support Rev-elution by contributing at: Cash app, $CMizzou, or Venmo, $Carl-Kenney-1

 

Data collected by University of Oklahoma Associate Professor Andrea Benjamin tells a story regarding a potential radical shift in Durham politics. For more than a decade, winning municipal elections is the result of valuable endorsements from People’s Alliance, The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, The Friends of Durham, and the Indy Week - a local newspaper.

The influence of local political action committees has expanded to include the Durham Association of Educators, Durham4All, and other emerging political players. The power of the PACs has taken on a life of its own, making Benjamin’s thesis – the influence of endorsements in deciding elections – the most critical work of a local campaign team.

It’s only a primary, but could Durham be amid a radical shift?

Referendum of Political Action Committees

Many residents express lingering concerns regarding candidate endorsements. The legitimacy of People Alliance’s endorsement of Javier Cabellero for Mayor, Marion Teniade Johnson for City Council Ward 1, and A.J. Williams for City Council for Ward 3 is perceived to be the outcome of a takeover. Concerns include the influence of voters who don’t reside in Durham, and an agenda packed with the platforms of Durham4All, Durham Beyond Policing, Southern Vision Alliance, and Durham Association of Educators.

The dominance of People’s Alliance over the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People shifted when IndyWeek broke with a longstanding tradition by not endorsing the same slate as People’s Alliance. The IndyWeek endorsement singles, for many, a divide within the ranks of Durham’s white progressive community.

Balanced Approach to Law Enforcement

When Cabellero, Jillian Johnson and Charlie Reece united to campaign as the Bull City Together Team, it came with a platform that includes massive police reform. Many voters’ express concerns that a disagreement regarding funding to support additional police impacted Police Chief C.J Davis’s decision to accept the job as head of the Memphis, TN police department.

Efforts to defund Durham’s police department is met with resistance during an uptick in gun violence. Cabellero, Johnson and Reece are viewed as a team determined to add Marion T. Johnson and A.J. Williams to abolish the police, a goal communicated by members of Durham Beyond Policing.

Meanwhile, O’Neal, a respected former district and superior court judge, is trusted by many to have the skills and experience to lead balanced conversations regarding criminal justice reform.

Checks, Balances and Conflicts of Interest

Many Durham voters express concerns regarding a city council without disagreement.

DeDreana Freeman, Ward 1 incumbent, is criticized for raising questions related to accountability in her votes regarding affordable housing. Freeman’s concerns are consistent with many of her constituents.

“DeDreana Freeman was targeted by Jillian [Johnson] precisely for her independence and for telling the truth,” Sherri Zann Rosenthal, a former deputy city attorney, posted recently on Facebook. Rosenthall was assigned to handle issues within the Housing and Community Development Department. “DeDreana voted against the so-called Expanding Housing Choices ordinance and was the only member of the Council to do so. That ordinance was wrapped in the cloak of anti-racism and affordable housing but actually did nothing for either of those goals.”

As part of her work as a longtime senior city attorney, Rosenthall legally structured the city’s affordable housing and loan programs. Rosenthall says the ordinance approved by the city council opened historic neighborhoods to developers.

“Jillian had a vested interest in the passage of this ordinance, as she planned to build a rental duplex,” Rosenthal continued. “The duplex plan was already submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) prior to the Council and Commission vote to pass the HPC ordinance. She didn’t disclose her personal interest, and she didn’t recuse herself.”

Rosenthal says Steve Schewel is part of a real estate LLC with family members, and Vernetta Alston formed a real estate LLC while still a member of the Durham City Council. Alston is currently shown in the North Carolina Secretary of State database as being associated with three real estate develop entities. Alston currently serves as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives

The Rev-elution reporting on the Participatory Budgeting process lifted concerns related to Jillian Johnson’s influence in the process. Johnson championed Participatory Budgeting and served as the city council representative on the steering committee. A.J. Williams, a candidate for city council, serves as the Director of Incubation and Ideation Labs for Southern Vision Alliance where Johnson is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and the former Director of Operations and Chief Financial Officer. Williams is a member of the steering committee.

Marion T. Johnson, a candidate for city council, serves as the Chair of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee after working as a member of Johnson’s campaign team. Susan E. Goodman, the mother of Paul Bendich, Johnson’s partner, also served on the steering committee. The Participatory Budgeting Committee awarded Southern Vision Alliance, the nonprofit organization where Johnson serves as co-chair, $50,000, the maximum allowed during the Phase 2, 2021 budget cycle.

Commitment to Racial Equity

Many residents point to O’Neal’s work as the Co-Chair of Durham’s Racial Equity Task Force and Freeman’s work as Co-Chair of Episcopalians United Against Racism. Both groups offer convincing leadership before and after Durham County Commissioners failed to extend the contract of former County Manager Wendell Davis.

During a period of increased racial hostility, some members of the Durham City Council publicly supported Durham County Commissioner Heidi Carter after Davis wrote a letter addressing comments that he perceived to be racist. When Cabellero supported the decision not to extend Davis’ contract, based on an assessment that he failed to support public education, many Black residents viewed her comments to be an intrusion into county government affairs.

Notwithstanding Cabellero’s perspective regarding Davis’ failure to support education funding, many local voters are seeking a leadership style that advances the recommendations of the Durham Racial Equity Task Force report.

Are Durham Voters Making a Statement?

Benjamin’s statement in part 1 holds true. There isn’t enough evidence to formulate a conclusion. Things could shift over the next thirty days, when votes are cast in the General Election on November 2.

What we do know is close to 70% of Durham voters supported O’Neal, Freeman, and Middleton in the primary. Will that translate in the General Election? Will Durham voters select A.J. Williams, who is supported by Johnson and Cabellero, or Leonardo Williams, who is campaigning with Freeman and Middleton.

One thing is clear. This is a clash of opposing ideas like Durham has never seen during my time in the city.

 

Durham's participatory budgeting process may raise concerns of conflict of interest

 Rev-elution offers independent, local, Black journalism and reflections on faith in public space. Support Rev-elution by contributing at: Cash app, $CMizzou, or Venmo, $Carl-Kenney-1

 

 Details involving Durham’s Participatory Budgeting process raise questions regarding Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Johnson and the perception of conflict of interest.

Along with Johnson’s involvement as the city council representative on the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee, three members with direct contact with Johnson made a decision that resulted in an organization started by Johnson receiving the maximum amount allowed.

A.J. Williams, a candidate in Durham’s Ward 3 city council seat, serves as the Director of Incubation and Ideation Labs for Southern Vision Alliance. Johnson is the Co-Chair of the Southern Vision Alliance Board of Directors and is the former Director of Operations and Chief Financial Officer for the nonprofit organization.

Marion T. Johnson, who is running to unseat Durham City Council Ward 1 representative DeDreanna Freeman, was selected to serve as the Chair of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee. Marion T. Johnson participated as a member of Jillian Johnson campaign team.

Susan E. Goodman is a member of the steering committee. She's the mother of Paul Bendich, Johnson's partner. Bendich and Johnson are the parents of two children. Records indicate Goodman resides at the same address on record for Johnson and Bendich.

The Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee awarded Southern Vision Alliance $50,000; the maximum allowed during the Phase 2, 2021 budget cycle.

Participatory budgeting is one of Jillian Johnson’s pet projects. In 2018, the city staff recommended $750,000 to initially fund participatory budgeting. Johnson suggested $2.5 million. The city council approved $2.4 million because it would be easier to divide among Durham’s three wards.

Mayor Steve Schewel and City Council member Mark-Anothy Middleton voted against the proposed figure. Middleton supported the staff recommendation of $750,000, claiming $2.4 million is too much for a start-up program given residents are having a hard time keeping their homes and finding jobs.

Freeman voted in support but questioned the transparency of the process.

“It feels a lot like our legislature right now and I’m concerned about that,” Freeman said.

Javier Caballero pushed for Johnson’s $2.5 million proposal, arguing voters should have the right to determine how taxes are spent.

“For me, part of this is allowing people who don’t normally get to participate to participate in something very important,” Caballero said.

Durham voters may wonder about a process promoted by a member of the city council that manipulates who participates to advance funding for an organization that council member founded and continues to serve as the board chair.

Phase 2 Participatory Grant Winners were divided into three categories.

Children, Youth and Family Wellness

Families Moving Forward                                           $50,000

Book Harvest                                                             $40,000

H.E.A.R.T.S.                                                              $50,000

Diaper Bank of North Carolina                                  $50,000

World Relief Durham                                                 $45,500

Association for the Prevention                                  $47,944

            of the Eno River Valley

ISLA                                                                          $30,000

Purpose Learning Lab                                              $15,000

Bull City Little League                                              $50,000

 

Community Building & Economic Opportunity

TROSA                                                                   $40,000

Durham Literacy Council                                        $50,000

StepUp Durham                                                      $50,000

SEED                                                                      $50,000

Equity Before Birth                                                  $50,000

Durham Children’s Initiative                                    $50,000

Durham Teen Court & Restitution                           $25,000

Southern Vision Alliance                                     $50,000

Be Connected Durham                                           $50,000

 

Health & Human Services

El Future                                                                $47,115

Life Skills Foundation                                             $50,000

Center for Children                                                $49,415

            & Family Health

CAARE                                                                  $50,000

*DeDreanna Freeman is an employee of the Durham Children's Initiatve. She did not serve as a member of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

Elaine O'Neal's candidacy for mayor perceived as a referendum on what Durham is becoming

Rev-elution offers independent, Black journalism for residents of Durham, North Carolina. Carl W. Kenney II was named Serious Columnist of the Year for his work in the Durham News, a former community paper of the News & Observer. Please support Rev-elution by contributing at: Cash App, $Cmizzou, or Venmo, @Carl-Kenney-1

SEVENTY-FIVE PEOPLE STOOD in front of the Durham County Administration building on the day Elaine O’Neal filed to be placed on the ballot to become Durham’s next mayor. It was a mixed group of family members and people searching for fresh leadership.

O’Neal brings the energy of a person born and raised in Durham. She has witnessed her hometown change overnight. Her West Durham roots took her to the old Hillside High School where she was a member of the marching band. Like many Black Durhamites, she matriculated as both an undergraduate and law student at North Carolina Central University.

She remembers the Hayti district before Durham Freeway 147 displaced hundreds of black businesses to activate decades of declining Black prosperity. She remembers smelling the fumes of tobacco from The American Tobacco and Ligget Meyers Tobacco companies where Black residents made decent salaries to provide for their families.

Rev-elution interviewed 50 Durham residents regarding their perceptions after U.S. News and World Report ranked Raleigh and Durham combined the second-best place to live in America. Some people wonder if the U.S. News and World Report reflects what Durham is becoming more than what they loved most before the construction of the 27 floor One City Center – the building that symbolizes the purging of the dirty that made Durham an oasis for Black people.

Most of the people interviewed see the upcoming municipal election a referendum on what Durham is becoming. They speak nostalgic regarding the strength of Durham’s past – the Black Wall Street, the vital political machinery of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, the culture and support system of Hillside High School and the sway of Black churches and families in providing a support system for youth.

O’Neal’s candidacy is perceived to be about more than the platform of a former Superior Court Judge. It’s about removing politicians dismissive of the history and legacy of Black Durham. It’s about fixing things before it’s too late.

O’Neal is the overwhelming choice for mayor among the people interviewed. Filing for municipal election ends on August 13^th. As of the posting of this article, Jahnmaud Lane, a GOP activist and HAVC technician, is O’Neal’s only competition. People are deeply invested in electing a city council willing to press a more practical agenda.

Rev-elution identified five critical concerns among the people interviewed.

What is driving a candidate’s decision to run for office?

Residents noted a lack of trust in candidates after Nida Allam voted in solidarity with Wendy Jacobs and Heidi Carter not to extend the contract of former Durham County Manager Wendell Davis. Many Black residents question the motives of Leonardo Williams, candidate for City Council Ward III. They also question Marion Teniade Johnson’s ties with Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Johnson. Johnson, who hasn’t filed as of posting this article but has a campaign website, is challenging incumbent DeDreanna Freeman for City Council Ward I. Waldo Fenner, a political novice who is critical of Durham Housing Authority Director Anthony Scott, and Libertarian Elizabeth Takla, have filed for Ward I. Lane, a Black man, can expect stiff criticism for his support of Donald Trump.  Lane is the host of Mind of Jamal. His Twitter account was suspended due to inappropriate content. As of this posting, Ward II City Council member Mark-Anthony Middleton has not filed, and he has no challengers.

Do you know what the job involves?

It is vital that candidates for public office understand the role and function of the city council comparative to other elected offices. Takla misses the mark on her campaign website in mentioning public education funding as part of her platform.  Education is an important issue, but doesn’t fall within the jurisdiction of the city council.

How well do you know Durham?

It’s a complicated question due to the vast difference between what Durham used to be and what it is becoming. For some, Durham is a testing ground for progressive models. C.J. Davis, a highly qualified and effective police chief, left Durham to lead the Memphis Police Department. She departed during tense conversations regarding police funding and an increase in homicides. Many respondents shared concerns of Durham politicians making decisions devoid of real conversations with the people most impacted.

Finally, what are the real issues?

The next city council has layers of unfinished business. Respondents listed a few:

·         What are the next steps following the McDougald Terrace debacle? $9,066,649 was spent to transfer hundreds of residents of the Durham public housing units to hotels after carbon monoxide leaks were discovered. A portion of the $95 million housing bond approved by 76 percent of Durham voters will go toward building new public housing. How will this impact the goals originally identified when voters were presented the housing bond?

·         What can and will the city council do to curtail increases in rent?

·         What are the plans to finally fulfill the promise of revitalizing the Hayti Business district after urban removal displaced more than 100 Black-owned businesses?

·         Who will the city council select as Durham’s next Chief of Police? Will the city council function in collaboration with the new chief, or will they micromanage in ways that make it difficult for the next chief to lead?

Good luck voters. There’s a lot to digest in preparation of the October 5^th primary election