Norwalk, Webb, Ward

NOTE TO READERS: Today The News & Observer presents the first of its editorial endorsements for the Nov. 4 election. We will address contested races at the national, state and local levels with a local focus on Wake County. These assessments of candidates are based on our evaluation of their backgrounds, positions on relevant issues and overall fitness to serve. As with all of our editorials, endorsements are the responsibility of The N&O's editorial staff, which reports to the publisher and which is independent of the news department.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners, with seven members, makes critical decisions on taxation and on spending for schools, human services and public safety. It influences the pace and direction of growth and helps set policies to protect water supplies. Three seats are at stake on the upcoming ballot, with incumbents facing challengers in each race. Candidates must live in the districts from which they are nominated but are elected countywide. Terms are for four years.

District 4

3 STAN NORWALK Two-term Republican incumbent Kenn Gardner faces a lively challenge from Democrat Stan Norwalk. Because the commissioners board now has a 4-3 Republican majority, and because Gardner is the only Republican incumbent on the ballot, partisan control of the board is at stake. The board now has a centrist flavor; Joe Bryan, a Republican, was elected chairman by virtue of Democratic support. Still, a Norwalk victory likely would lead to a more progressive consensus on issues such as spending for schools and paying for the costs of growth.

Gardner, 50, of Raleigh, is an architect whose expertise has been useful in the commissioners' oversight of the school budget. He has served as the board's chairman and had The N&O's endorsement in his re-election bid four years ago.

Norwalk, 76, is a retired Union Carbide executive who lives in Cary. He has a broad record of involvement in Cary and Wake politics as a volunteer and citizen activist, and his record has been a good one, showing a strong and thoughtful command of issues that come before the commissioners board.

While Gardner clearly understands the importance of an excellent school system, Norwalk is more credible as a supporter of doing what it takes to maintain that excellence. He has pushed for alternatives to the property tax as a way to broaden the county's tax base and raise more money for schools and other infrastructure improvements. At the same time, he is properly concerned with making sure that growth is not allowed to outstrip the county's capacity for vital services, from education to roads to drinking water.

Gardner has served capably, notwithstanding his stumble concerning advocacy for a swimming pool project that was an architectural client. But Norwalk has convinced us that he has the knowledge, experience and insight to help move the county in the right direction more effectively. He has our endorsement as an outstanding commissioner in the making.

District 5

3 HAROLD WEBB This contest is a rematch between Harold Webb, the Democratic incumbent, and Venita Peyton, the Republican whom Webb defeated four years ago. Webb, who lives in Raleigh, remains a solid pick.

At 83, the World War II-era Tuskegee Airman is getting up there. But his long career as an educator gives him a valuable perspective on decisions about schools -- decisions that belong at the top of the commissioners' priority list. He has shown good judgment during his six years on the board (having been appointed to a vacancy and then won the seat). Peyton, 52, a real estate broker, has been active in local politics and is a former candidate for mayor of Raleigh. She is bright and engaged, but there is no good reason to replace Webb.

District 6

3 BETTY LOU WARD The longest-serving board member is Democrat Betty Lou Ward, now seeking a sixth term for which she is eminently well qualified. She is a former board chairman who has been active in national efforts to represent the interest of counties and improve government at the county level.

Ward, who is 72 and a North Raleigh resident, has faced up to the county's revenue needs. She has supported tax increases that she understandably viewed as essential if this community is to meet high standards for education and other services (the county's property tax rate remains relatively low).

Her Republican opponent is Raleigh dentist Larry F. Tilley, a first-time candidate who has said he was encouraged to run by former Republican board chairman Gary Pendleton. Tilley wants to improve services while keeping taxes down -- a balancing act that Ward also takes seriously. Her track record makes her the clear choice in this race.