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Newell Area News

Roberts considering run for Lt. Governor

Mecklenburg County commissioner, Jennifer Roberts, told Eyewitness News she wants Mayor Anthony Foxx to run for Governor and that she's considering running for Lieutenant Governor herself.

Eyewitness News was the first news station to break the news Saturday night that Roberts was thinking about running for statewide office. 

Roberts lost her seat as chair of the County Commission several weeks ago and she said she wouldn't be running for re-election.

Roberts said she texted Mayor Foxx on Sunday about her intentions to possibly run for lieutenant governor.

Roberts made the trip to Greensboro Saturday night for one of the Democratic Party’s biggest fundraisers. Eyewitness News asked if she was seeking higher office.

"I'm still evaluating options. I certainly have not made any final decisions, whether or not I’ll be a candidate," she said.

Roberts said she'll announce within the next two weeks if she'll run for lieutenant governor.

"There are a lot of people who are talking to me at very different levels," she said. "They know I'm passionate about the state. They know I care a great deal about everything from the future of our education, to the environment, to our economic growth."

Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer said it was important for Roberts to attend the Greensboro fundraiser. 

"You've got to be there, you've got to show your face, you've got to be talking to people. That was a very smart move on her part," said Dr Bitzer.

Eyewitness News tried to ask Foxx on Sunday if he's closer to making up his mind, but he wouldn't answer.

"I'm still thinking about it. Still thinking about it," Foxx said.

But the head of the state's Democratic Party said he's excited about a Foxx candidacy, especially with the DNC coming to Charlotte.

"He's got tremendous name recognition, particularly in the major media market that he's got in Charlotte," said David Parker. "He's a very capable candidate, a very well loved candidate, and he's someone who gets volunteers pumped up and ready to go."

Bitzer said the fact that so many potential candidates call Charlotte home speaks to the city's growing influence around the state.

Roberts said she'll make up her mind in a week or two; Mayor Foxx said the decision could take several weeks.

Bitzer said that timetable is unrealistic because it'll put candidates too far behind when it comes to fundraising and organizing a campaign. He expects firm answers to come down sometime this week.

_{Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:21:49 -0500}

New ordinance could see Occupy Charlotte evictions

Occupy Charlotte protestors are preparing for what will likely be their last night sleeping on the lawn of the old City Hall building.

Monday at midnight a new ordinance will kick in that prohibits camping on city property.

"Any temporary shelter located on city property is deemed to be a public nuisance," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Captain, Jeff Estes.

Sunday, CMPD addressed a group of about 30 protestor’s hours before the ordinance went into effect.

While police do not expect any major issues or confrontations with protestors, Occupy Charlotte expressed some frustration at not being told whether all tents would be banned, or only certain kinds of tents which are being used for shelter. 

Protestor, Scottie Wingfield, told us that attorneys, along with city officials, have relayed to Occupy Charlotte that tents not equipped with "living accommodations" would not be considered camping tents.

"So, if no one is sleeping or storing personal belongings in the tents, they should still be allowed," said Wingfield.

Wingfield told Eyewitness News Occupy Charlotte's goal, at this point, is to "just keep (the tents) here as a symbol, as they have been all across the country of the Occupy movement."

CMPD would not specify how it would be enforcing the ordinance, in terms of which tents would be allowed.

"When it comes to actually enforcing the ordinance itself, determinations will have to be made at that time," Estes said. "We anticipate full voluntary compliance."

Occupy Charlotte members told us their compliance all depends on how police interpret the ordinance and whether they'll be allowed to keep tents not being used for shelter.

Although police and the protestors both reiterated that they were hopeful there would not be any clashes, Wingfield warned that if need be, "there are people who have decided they are willing to risk arrest and perform non-violent disobedience."

_{Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:00:21 -0500}

Five fires intentionally set in Southwest Charlotte; fire officials investigate

The Charlotte Fire department is investigating five early morning fires in Southwest Charlotte.

Fire officials said the fires started at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday along the Nations Ford Road corridor and spanned across four hours. Investigators said all of the fires were intentionally set.

Firefighters told Eyewitness News that the worst of the damage was at Ford’s Used Tires. Investigators estimated the fire caused $30,000 worth of damage and said it’s unlikely the owner won’t be able to reopen.

“Here you have a company not open Monday, people out of work because of this senseless activity,” said Captain Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire department.

Officials said they responded to that fire at about 6 a.m.

Authorities said if it hadn’t been for quick 911 calls, the fires could have spread at other locations.

“We’re grateful for the quick calls into 911,” Brisley said.

Fires were started in dumpster at both Nations Ford Road Elementary and Waddell High School.

Investigators are looking at surveillance video from Waddell High and nearby business that may have captured the fires being started.

The Charlotte Fire department is asking anyone with information to call them or police.

_{Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:16:46 -0500}

News Source: MedleyStory More Local News Stories