Overcrowded, Overburdened Schools Define Wake Commissioner Races

Posted 11:00 a.m. Oct 25, 1998 — Updated 11:00 a.m. Oct 25, 1998

WAKE COUNTY — The U.S. Senate race between Lauch Faircloth and John Edwards could have a major impact on the balance in Congress. But the results from local elections are more likely to be felt in your neighborhood.

What changes do you want in Wake County in the next four years when it comes to schools, roads and emergency services?

Four of the seven County Commission seats, all held by the board's conservative majority, are up for grabs next Tuesday.

Overcrowded and overburdened schools is the big issue defining these races.

"It was utter frustration about the condition of Wake County schools," said Stan Norwalk.

Norwalk founded a pro-education group that supports the democratic ticket. He says the Republican majority has not done enough for our schools.

"This issue is not a Republican-Democrat issue. This issue is about very conservative legislators at the county level and the state level for that matter who have not done well by the school," Norwalk said.

The county's Republican Party chairman, Bill Peaslee, says GOP commissioners are not to blame.

"Wake County Republican commissioners have reduced the number of trailers in Wake County by 5 percent, and the 10 preceding years before the Republicans came in, the number of trailers went up 400 percent," said Peaslee. "The problems you have got in Wake County are a result of the massive influx of people. There haven't been any cuts in funding. That's erroneous, and I know the Democrats like to play that up."

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