RALEIGH -- After his decade-long run as Raleigh's top boss ends in December, Mayor Charles Meeker plans to take time away from public life, focus on his law practice and do some traveling with his wife.
But don't expect Meeker to stay silent as a private citizen.
The mayor says he'd like to be involved as an advocate on one of the signature issues of his tenure: the need to expand public transportation in Raleigh and the Triangle.
The two hallmarks of a successful city are good schools and a strong transportation system, Meeker said Wednesday during an interview with editors and a reporter at The News & Observer.
"We're really behind on transportation alternatives," Meeker said. "People want to be able to take a bike or greenway, or take a bus. It's really something a city our size will need. Frankly, we'd be better off if we had it right now."
Meeker said he'll play the role of supporter as Wake County prepares for a possible referendum next year on a half-cent sales tax for mass transit, including more bus routes and a future light-rail system.
Meeker took questions on several topics during an hourlong stop at The N&O.
Among the highlights:
Future of Dix campus: A mayor's job is not just to hatch new ideas and initiatives but also to respond when opportunities pop up, Meeker said. An example is the quest to turn the Dorothea Dix Hospital campus into an urban park on the edge of downtown.
Meeker met with Gov. Bev Perdue this month in hopes of finalizing a deal to acquire the land from the state. But the details won't be resolved by the time Meeker leaves office, much to the regret of the mayor and advocates and business leaders pushing for the park.
"I haven't been able to capitalize on it," Meeker said. "It's been frustrating."
School board elections: Meeker, who is married to outgoing school board member Dr. Anne McLaurin, said the Nov. 8 District 3 runoff between Democratic incumbent Kevin Hill and Republican challenger Heather Losurdo would have "a fair amount" of impact on the tone of the school board for the next two years.
Meeker added that Superintendent Tony Tata has surpassed expectations. "It really has been a very good choice," Meeker said. "He's calmed things down."
New development guidelines: Sometime next year, the city will pass a new development code laying out standards for the look and feel of new buildings. It's aimed at encouraging urban-friendly, walkable development.
Meeker said the guidelines, known as a unified development ordinance, will prevent drawn-out conflicts over developments. "It shouldn't be that hard to have someone invest $30 or $40 million for a mixed-use project," Meeker said. "There's no reason it can't be done."
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