Of Greater CHARUcnTE
V.O.T.E. '98
★ ★ ★ Voices On The Election ★ ★ ★
County Commis!
Respond to Ques
Jewish Commun
The Jewish Federation of Greater
Charlotte, Women’s Division, Political
Education Committee mailed the following
questionnaire to all of the candidates for the
Board of County commissioners
Their answers are listed below. Reprints
are available at the Federation office. We
wish to express our thanks to those candi
dates who responded to our survey. We hope
that this information is helpful as you con
sider how you will cast your vote on
November 3.
This questionnaire was produced in con-
Name
1. What do you think is the most
important priority for school plan
ning: diversity, neighborhood
schools (proximity), stability and
utilization?
2. The Arts and Science Council
funding cuts and counseling of
minors’ restrictions raised a lot of
discussion about “community stan
dards.” How do you define the com
munity standards for our county?
3. How do you define the separa
tion of chur^ and state?
4. Do you support prayer in
school? If so, what form would
prayer take?
AT LARGE
Becky Carney
Democrat
By state statute it is not the County Commission’s
responsibility to site schools; however, this year
we have added two new School Board appointed
positions to the Planning Commission in an effort
to coordinate long range planning.
I voted against the arts funding cuts and restricted
counseling. My rationale is that I believe govem-
menl services should be open and inclusive for all.
As stated in amendment #1 to the Constitution of
(he United States — “Congress shall make no law
respecting the establishment of reUgion, or prohibit
ing the free exercise thereof —”
I support the current CMS policy of a moment of
silence.
H. Parks Helms
Democrat
My role as a County Commissioner is to support
the planning and goals of the Board of Education
and to provide funding to carry out their responsi
bility. Education of all our children is my priority.
SPUD is a comprehensive concept for siting school
facilities and the components arc equally important.
Just as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” “com
munity standards” is subject to the interpretation of
the in^vidual. To define “community standards” is
judgmental and divisive. It is not Ae role of the
County Commission to define “community stan
dards.”
I fully support the Fu^t Amendment to the Constitution
which provides that there shall be no enactment restrict
ing the establishment of religion or prohibiting the full
exercise (hereof. This Provision requires governmental
authorities (o deal with secular matters and the church to
deal with religious matters.
Any shident should be able to pray at any time to his
or her God in a manner that does not interfere with
the educational activities of other students. I do not
believe there should be any requirements for stu
dents to pray - or not to pray - in school. This is a
personal decision.
Steve R Helms
Republican
Neighborhood schools are best if the parents are to play
an important role in our children’s education. Some
parents do not have the lime or transportation to go
across town to participate. Neighborhoods can be a
positive influence toward getting parents involved.
As a parent, I have a right to know who is counseling my
child. I also have the right to know what my child is being
counseled about. Covemmeni doesn't have the right to take
my responsibility from me concerning my child. I do not
believe it is fair for the county U> fund controversial an at (he
expense of (he (axpayer, tcgardless of i(s con(ent.
I believe the Ten Commandments serves as God’s
law. 1 want the government to stay out of my
Church. The Government's purpose is to serve the
taxpayers and not to promote a particular religion.
A moment of silence is sufficient for people of all
beliefs to pray to their God.
Linda McCall
Republican
The most important priority for school planning is
to fulfill our responsibility to provide an equal
opportunity for all students to acquire an excellent
education in a safe, enriching environment in close
proximity to home.
I believe in freedom of expression for all citizens.
But, just like we all agree it would be wrong to
scream “fire” in a crowded theatre, there obviously
have to be some restraints on what is funded witli
tax dollars.
The Goverament does not have the right to enforce
one particular religion over another.
Within reason, a time set aside for prayer and meditation
can be v^ beneficial to both the stwlent and the gener
al atmosphere of the school. Therefore, I am in favor of
setting aside a brief “quiet time” in which each student
may silently pray amVor meditate without direction
from any particular group.
Jim Richardson
Democrat
I believe that diversity is most important for our
children because it teaches them at an early age to
respect the differences in each other.
Most of our citizens believe in decency and govern
themselves accordingly. I don't believe in censor
ship.
That government not try to control the church, and
that the church not try to control government.
I support prayer everywhere, but requiring a group
prayer is wrong. If a school child wants to give a
non-vocal prayer anytime, I think he should have
the oppoftimity.
Tom Vance
Republican
While all four factors are important, I would prior
itize divenity as most critic^. We live in a com
plex society; our world contacts ate ever expand
ing. We must learn how to work with and develop
respect for all citizens.
It is impossible to set a set of standards we all coirid
agree upon. What may appear “nx>ral” to me may be
offensive to others. I basically trust the judgment of
the people to exercise their tights without seeking to
impose their views upon others.
Separation of church and state is very critical. Our
history and die history of other nations clearly
show how dangerous it is for religioiu zealots to
impose their doctrines on others.
I support moments of silence so that each individ
ual, if he chooses, may do whatever he wishes,
whether it be prayer to his God or merely self
reflection.
DISTRICT 1
Joel Carter
Republican
Do this [neighborhood schools (proximity)] and
the rest will fall in place. Help stabilize conunu-
nities.
God Family - government. SKiety’s standards are
based on the edicts of God’s laws.
Per the U.S. Constitution.
Yes, per the individual doing the prayer.
Margaret Markey
Democrat
All (divenity, proximity, stability, and utilization) are
extremely imporiaiM contideratioiu for planning icbooU. I
would not prioriuze one over (he others. County commis
sioners shouldn't make (ha( choice—that is a decision for
the school board. The commissionen' responsibility is dif
ferent—how much can the county afford to fund the schools
given all of (he o(her funding ne^ that exist in the county.
Again this is not the role of the county commissioners.
(Zounty commissioners have specific responsibilities
under the htw for setting the policies of and administer
ing dte county as an atm of state govenunent. They were
never Intended to be a board of censorship nor a board to
set community standards.
Through the freedom of religion clause of the U.S.
Constituuon and the cases interpreting tha( concept (hat have
been decided by the U.S. Supreme Court Basically, govern
ment must not esublish a religion but neiUier is it to prohibit
the free exercise of religion. I believe that a public official
must be careful to respect the religion of others and not
impose her own religious values on others.
I support a moment of silent payer but otherwise 1 do not
support prayer in school. My own chiUhood experience plays
a in this since I often felt left out and embarrassed
because ny religion was different than my classmates.
Religious values are best taught at home and through a com
munity of faith, not in public school.
DISTRICT 2
C. Morgan Edwards
Republican
(Did not receive response in time to publish)
(Did not receive response in time to publish)
(Did not receive response in time to publish)
(Did not receive response in titne to publish)
Norman A. Mitchell, Sr.
Democrat
1 have served on the Future School Planning Task
Force (Committee of 33). We found diversity, prox
imity, stability and utilization were all important for
school planning.
Tolerance of others, good educational system,
respect for different religions, good and fair eco
nomic baiK and citizen participation. All of these
components working together make Charlotte an
attractive place to live and work.
The definition to me is Just as it is stated, the sepa
ration of church and state.
No. You can pray anywhere at anytime.
DISTRICT 3
Darrel J. Williams
Demcx:rat
I believe the most important priority should be
diversity. However, the other three—proximity, sta
bility, and utilization—must also be used to proper
ly analyze die location of schools.
Our standards should be based on a well-govemed, safe,
prosperous, healthy, and educated community. They
should not be based on religious and moral beliefs ctf
individual elected officials. We nnist celebrate our diver
sity, not tear someone apan if diey are different than you
The state and church tnust remain separate entities.
Otie must not interfere with the responsibilities of
the other.
Yes, I would support prayer in school. However,
prayer should be silent to allow everyone to pray
to whomever and however they wish.
DISTRICT 4
John P. Helms
Republican
The most important thing in my view for Charlotte
Mecklenburg Schools is neighborhood schooU, at least
through elementary grades. Thu is where the foundation of
a good education |is] laid These chiklren need to be in their
own neighborhoods wtiere their parents can participale in all
sctiooi functions and FTA meetings without driving 20 miles
across town to do so.
I am in complete agreement widi the coms in funding for the
Ans and Science Council. This is (he mos( afHueni segmen(
of our local community and m the least need of public fund
ing. Da community standards, studenu, minors shoidd be
counseled by parents and not by government bureaucrats
wiUi a one-sixe textbook sohNion for all.
Church and state should be completely separate.
I see nothing wrong with prayer in school whether
it be silent prayer or a revolving prayer given by die
different religions present at that sclml. In my view
this would help build tespect and knowledge for
each other’s behefs.
Lloyd Scher
Democrat
The Couttty Commission, by law, is not involved with
school placeinent so it is extremely difficult to give s
conect answer. My personal preference is die utiliza
tion of each school to the fullest. Students and school
usage in the day and neighborhood and recreational
facility at night.
I have no rigtM to determuie what is nght for anyone m
Mecklenburg CouMy Our responsibilities, as eieded ofTi-
cials. do not inchide telling peo^ what dwy can see. Choice
in a free sociely such as ours gives (he individuaU the nghi lo
see. hear and to pantcipaie in dK community. Citizeru pay
the taxes therefore they should have the nghi to any couniel-
Mg programs availabk
As elccted officials, [we] swear to uphold the
Constitution with our hand oa the Bibke. Not lo
uphold the Bible as some think. Church a«d State are
separate, it is one of the leading fotmdations (on
which] this country was established.
Silent prayen only.* This wotUd allow every studem to
pray without hurting anyone else. As widi the commis
sioners' meetinp we tnust be respectM lo others'
beliefs. 1 have staned meetings off with a silent prayer
when it is my ttvn lo lead die commission in prayer
while others io not ease who diey exclude.
DISTRICT 5
Tom Cox
Republican
Siting policies which: I) Support the system's highest
pritxity which is lo grathiaie all children with skills lo
keep a paying job (csioufh to raise a family) aad 2) rec-
ogniM dM school’s role as an aachoring coswraMiity
asset
I am sure I cannot.
The stale should guarantee that each person has the
freedom to warship ia his own manner but shotild
not require die worship or observance of any one
religion.
Yes. I can s:iy dot N should act be a prayer written by any one
group or sect, by die school sysMas, hy the principal, or ^
any teacher I guess iMt leaves silent prayer in dasses with
mixed beliefs, ecumenical prayers at cwamnninw ws^assrm-
blies, or sect-orkied prayer and in small groa^ — and, of
course, listnuBg- prayers «4ca ao one bat Ood taks
DISTRICT 6
Bill James
Republican
The Coamiisee tit 33 esiablishrd s bus nde of 30 aimies
or so as SB “accepttMc pnce" foe divergty The Sckool
Bead has chaaea to ignote this "rale" aulonf diiaaity dK
oaly aMMan. 'Diversity' H dma only aKiudes Mack dul-
drea leidadmg Asians sad Hopsncs) Black cfeildrea sre
ceaiered ia dK eaner-city and stf lao fsr froas sab-
arto" 10 be aHegmed el^ivel/ A qwify educaaaa is aat
a HIM or a laag ba nde
Cnwuwuasty Standards are dK vahKS wt hold sod dK laws of
oar State. 77% of resideatt spproved of dK ‘>arenu nghts"
ordmane I aadmad on couaaelaig tluldwa Oaly one And
said. 1tnwni«nality shoaU be mlanard as part of a diverse
SBCtaty." Wt have taws dm ciaaiaalig cerom ■amanl coa-
dact aad dK hnr should be yMd aaid a is dinged by d«
kgadanne. Chaagr the la*, don't baeak it or ignore a.
Thomas Jeflusoa's letter lo dK Daabary Bsptisu n il02
regaidaig a 'NvaD of separaana" u wid^ ausquoied sad
leceai duduMres from JeOtfSoa have Aowa dM H does not
awaa wkai bberals have satd a does Tha ~wa^ he refened
lo, was 10 haep govemaKni from ~raililiahing" a staK leb-
gm. aoi pRwMii^ mea Cram eaaaciaaf dieir (aith whein-
cr ihey wish (evca at County CommiaaMn maaiiags)
YES—if atadeiH iajtimrd and lad. I am ill favor of
prayers at public futKtioM aiul believe that each imfc-
viduJ wtw prays riwiild do to as his rwisrifrr and
God caUs him 10 (oat load. silaiM or otherwiae) I brisik
at dK idea that becattse I am Chnstfisi and taa^ 10 pray
*ia Jcaas’ aaMa." I imist abandon my faidi while ia dK
public arcsia That I wdl aot do
Everctle A. Passaly, Jr.
Democrat
I beiieve ■ ae^hfu'rhcjd scSo^^ Obkirm dt>^tdd go la
iw Hut *.r ui dicir p«-gti>>..fKi.Kli and
IkMes I beisevc dtat dK Sdwiul N~xrd a waaung a m m
mcaey aad sclnni by tmiwg Alsa, M daa
air irr Naa has dva tMd hef«e ^ get
Ui Kiknd. vfTV la Uw and paraUs ire le«
tihdy U' hercSc miotvad w Aea- clulfrra't tchoni
My mil Itiili and yom naadsii are diffemt Bu« gcr
emmcM ihrvid aot faid aay wakjfal play r-t an tk>i u mt
»iUM itaMaA "mti
ynaMj mt seve«l» imntlrd wig^ they ujrioi
sd d«m arhan dvy have nc-iii t mmSj Mom
vnaag pmple will not dHcau tV'r Aeir par
ou. ao mmfsi adiai lier remu
The Uanad States was fnandod aa ihe fnadna at iciigioa
Gad IS our founaaMK Vt caaoa ehaMane Ood fnim our
psbt= hves TV rule gmmmmmm aa h M m
aad 6e lejs of She wortd and at a daas today la The
Eaai Rdi(M has s place aad dat ■ teactUng m
wav we riuarid b«c and =sat odar popple
Yes I do Support psaycr i= srVxil I bejic*« if yem aram
to pray hafnc school and at hnKh ihat should be dK sta
dam's choice U Badeats arart to have an laganirri
tiw>iiag or stiidy BMt they shcoM be aUowed to I
behcvr taachrri have ihe sasae r^M