(Parks) Helms says he won't seek mayor's (Charlotte) job

Charlotte Observer ^ | 6/6/03 | Howie Paul Hartnett

[LdSentinal]

It would have been an interesting race, but Democrat Parks Helms just isn't healthy enough to challenge Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory for his job.

After months of speculation, the Mecklenburg County commissioner announced Thursday he will not seek the mayor's office this fall.

"I would have enjoyed it," Helms said Thursday night. "I told Pat we'll have a great time."

McCrory has not made his re-election bid official, but he said Thursday night he is "taking all the steps necessary" to run for an unprecedented fifth two-year term.

"I never make my official announcement until filing in July," McCrory said. "It's a difficult decision to run. I respect anyone who goes through that process."

Helms' decision was made more difficult by a recent illness stemming from arthroscopic knee surgery. Shortly after the procedure, the knee became infected.

Helms, 67, spent nearly three weeks in hospitals.

"This is the first time that I have felt like going out," he said Thursday night. "I know now that I don't have the physical energy (to campaign)."

Doctors expect Helms to make a full recovery, but it may take months. "I think it's fair for me to step aside and not stand in the way if those who might be considering" running for mayor, he said. "I'm not going to run. And if I change my mind, I'll just say I changed my mind."

No one has yet sought Helms' support, though he hopes someone from the next generation of community leaders steps forward.

"There are some whose names I could call, but I don't want to call any names," he said. "They know who they are."

With Helms out, the only other Democrat who has said he might run for mayor is Craig Madans, who challenged Sue Myrick in a raucous 1989 mayoral race.

Madans has strong support within the party, Mecklenburg County Democratic Party Chairman Michael D. Evans said.

"He would be a very good candidate," Evans said. "(City council members) Malcolm Graham and Patrick Cannon both would be viable mayoral candidates, but my sense is they are looking at that down the road."

Besides McCrory, Republican Mike Castano plans to run. Castano is a former Charlotte City Council member.

For now, Helms says he wants to just finish out his term and spend more time with his family. But his mayoral aspirations might not be over. If the county and city consolidate as he expects, Helms might consider a run.

Either way, Helms promised this isn't his last political hurrah.

"I'm not through yet," he said.

[Impy]

Don't worry man, DSL here. :)