Meeker undecided on re-election

Raleigh, N.C. — Mayor Charles Meeker said Wednesday that the state of the local economy in the coming months will determine whether he seeks a fifth term as Raleigh's leader.

After eight years as mayor, Meeker said it might be time to move on, but he said he would be reluctant to do so if Raleigh's economy continues to struggle.

He said his experience in leading the city through the downturn that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks could be beneficial to helping Raleigh recover from the current recession.

As mayor, Meeker has been a strong advocate for downtown redevelopment and environmental issues.

During his tenure, Raleigh opened a new downtown convention center, reopened Fayetteville Street to traffic and underwent a boom in downtown condominium development.

He backed stiff water restrictions during the 2007-08 drought as Falls Lake shriveled to a series of streams amid an expanse of cracked, dry clay, and he has championed the city's effort to adopt energy-efficient lighting and hybrid vehicles.

He also pushed for higher impact fees from developers to help pay for Raleigh's growth and for limiting the size of homes built in the city's older neighborhoods.

Meeker, who ran unopposed in 2007, said he would make a decision on running for re-election by June. He said he's not interested in any other public office.

"I won't be running for anything else," he said.

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Latest Comments

NCcarguy, You have me beat. Only been in Raleigh 42 years. You are exactly right though. If we can ditch Meeker, maybe those who think like Gatsby will leave as well and we can get back to being the nice, prosperous little town we once were.

golowral
March 12, 2009 4:34 p.m.

Let me help with your decision since you are unable...

MOVE ON PLEASE!!! As a city, we are behind you with this decision!!!! Go running....far away....don't look back....keeeeep running...gooooo!!!

flyfishNC
March 11, 2009 7:57 p.m.

Just imagine, everyone who knows they can do better now have an opportunity to put up or shut up (which I'm sure neither will happen).

Lone Voice in the Wilderness
March 11, 2009 7:38 p.m.

Looks like preliminary polls show he should move on and go home.

BULLDOZER
March 11, 2009 7:15 p.m.

hpr641 - you summed up exactly what I was thinking. And YES folks, I can read and know he was quoted opposite. I also know he's a politician and believe they all double-talk and speak backwards and that he's just basically "feeling us out" so he can determine how fast he needs to run to the exit. Yes I've become cynical in my old age too ;)

Curious, I am not a political expert or anything but wonder if electing a republican would make a difference here. I guess my thought is something like trying to balance the scale. But who ever runs, in my eyes, should have BIG cajunas and not be afraid to stand up and call out Ms. free education for everyone Bev.

IMHO