PC McClaurin has made the decision not to seek re-election. That opens Ward 3. Eric Parker is set to run as a Republican, but who come out on the other side?

A few things from last night’s BOA:

1) Lynn Lane was in year 1 of the adopted road plan, which was funded by the $3 million now/$3 million later plan (we’ll call it the Corey plan).

2) I really appreciated Alderman Self’s input and views last night. Her stance was that the tax increase had already happened (back in the fall) and there was no need to put anything to a public vote. She also pointed out that the $3 million approved for use this year will not touch anything in her ward and wanted to make sure that her ward was not forgotten (my words, not hers). The bottom line for Self was that she thought it was a complete waste of taxpayer money to hold a special election for a tax increase that had already been decided.

3) I can’t really figure Alderman Perkins out. I was actually in his ward for a few years and was pleased with his service. He was responsive and very approachable, plus a pretty nice guy. His solitary nay votes against two routine matters (approvals for special temporary signage for the Cotton Mills project and the Horse Park) was puzzling. Is he looking to be the lone voice in the wilderness against anything that Dan Camp approves?

4) Alderman McLaurin came across in a very condescending manner as he played devil’s advocate with Alderman Davis’ proposal. PC is very smart and knows the rules and regs better than anybody, but really does come across as a know-it-all. McLaurin is arguably the most able member of that board (including Camp), but has developed into a very polarizing figure. Eric Parker will give him a very tough race. (Also remember that Jeffrey Rupp is in that ward.) He was the toughest road to reelection of anyone with maybe the exception of Dan Camp.

5) Alderman Cox is definitely switching to campaign mode. The coat and tie are dead giveaways, but he also mentioned campaign promises about taking large issues to a citizen vote. His message was to get something done now to enact in 2009 and let the citizens vote on the rest of the money.

6) I felt that Alderman Corey was at the end of several eye rolls last night. To his credit, his plan was the one adopted after an hour and two breaks.

7) Dan Camp could be a great mayor if he had better PR skills. At the end of the day, his (nonexistent) people skills have become a liability to him as a mayor.

Did you like the blow-by-blow live from the meeting? Was that helpful?

Live updates via iPhone…

6:14 Cotton Mills rep Wendy Peavy gave an update on progress. Funding is almost complete with a mid to late February or early March groundbreaking. National campaign in various trade mags has launched. They will be exhibiting in New Orleans next week at a shopping center trade show.

Roads up soon…

6:19 Davis introing resolution with a $12 million cap with $3 million spent in 2009. Would not force next board to spend left over $9 million but allow them to if they felt it was needed.

6:22 No other comments or discussion.

6:24 Lincoln reads a resolution limiting the cap to $3 million.

6:27 Corey wants to lower Davis cap to $6 million with $3 million issued in 2009.

6:29 Cox doesn’t add a fourth…

6:31 PC holding court as he reminds us of various regs

6:34 Bond attorney answering questions.

6:44 Discussion about road list and projecting needs over the next 5 years.

6:57 Back from 10 minute break. Will they vote?

6:58 Corey makes motion for cap of $6 million with $3 million for 2009.

7:02 Cox wants to spend the first $3 million now and have the remainder voted on along with municipal election.

7:03 Bond issue must be a special election and not held with other election.

7:06 Failed for lack of second.

7:08 Lincoln makes motion for $3 million only. Cox has questions about the list of projects that are on list.

7:10 Cox seconds motion.

7:11 For: Lincoln, Cox, Perkins
Failed.

7:13 Corey makes motion for $3 million with referendum for additional $3 million. Self annouces opposition to referendum for $3 million that doesn’t increase taxes.

7:16 For: Cox, Corey
Failed

7:18 Davis motion for $12 million cap with $3 million spent in 2008; Self seconds.

7:22 Cox wants Davis to include a referendum for the remaining $9 million.

7:28 Vote without referendum
For: Davis Self PC
Failed

7:30 Motion from Corey for $3 million now with referendum for $9 million. Second Davis.

7:33 According to bond attorney, this board cannot bind future boards with a mandatory referendum. Motion withdrawn.

7:42 Back to square 1. More talk.

7:43 5 minute break.

7:55 Back and have decided to finish agenda and come back to roads. Yeah.

7:59 Corey motions 3/6 plan with Cox second. $3 million now $3 million in future for 6 total. No referrendum.

For Cox, PC, Lincoln, Corey, Davis.

Passes.

Four year plan passes with same yeahs.

Over. Finally.

The agenda for tonight’s Board of Alderman meeting is available from the city’s website here. The road bond issue will be discussed along with an update from Wendy Peavy of Comvest about Cotton Mills.

Added a new poll on the front page:

“Should former Alderman Frank Davis (D) enter the mayoral race?”

The Democratic primary is rather crowded now. Will a Davis candidacy give Mayor Dan Camp a chance at a second term by splitting the anti-Camp block three ways among Davis, Cox and Wiseman?

The third declared candidate for City Hall has his website operational.
Parkerwisemanformayor.com outlines his bio and platform and allows a web-based method of donation of money or time. It will be interesting to see how he pulls his YouTube channel off.

Ty Thames and Restaurant Tyler get a nod this month at Southern Living. Restaurant Tyler has become one of the best restaurants not only in the Triangle but in North Mississippi as well.

The Dispatch and Daily News weigh in on the work session the BOA had Thursday night.

$12 million? $3 million? Which will it be? What do you guys think?