Candidates for City Council Debate

October 30, 2007: Candidates for Charleston City Council, Districts 1, 3, and 11, graciously spoke to our club last week about themselves and their plans, if elected or re-elected, to Charleston City Council. They each outlined their platform (3 minutes allowed) and then answered club member questions.

Ernie Long spoke about his concerns regarding District 1 that include tourism, traffic, taxes, noise, parking, and even college students. He is ready to take on these issues. He established himself as a leader in the community, as a Porter Gaud board member, a Citadel alumni, and the President of the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association. Gary White, also running for District 1, discussed how he has watched the area become a big city, and he wants to address city planning. He outlined his 4-point plan, including preservation, planning, success of growth, and prosperity.

For District 3, Erika Harrison discussed the importance of rational development, crime prevention, and making the city a classroom. She is a practicing attorney. Next, James Lewis says that he been known to represent his constituents well, and has been called a critic of city council in the past, of which he is not scared. He discussed the need for more police officers on the street.

Luqman Rasheed is also running for District 3. He is very active in his community, having been on the Burke High school committee, the Parks and Recreation committee, and advocating for more community involvement. He too would like a greater police foot patrol presence in the community.

Anne Francis Bleecker was present for District 11. She discussed how much she has relished being part of changes during her time on city council, and some of her projects, such as the Office on Aging. She was first sworn into her office in 2000, but says she would like to continue her work.

After the candidates each discussed their platforms for 3 minutes, the moderator asked them pre-submitted questions. Of interest, they commented on the balance of power between the council and the mayor, and the public sentiment following the tragic Sofa Super store fire and Chief Thomas.

Submitted by Jacqueline Grau, Keyway Committee