Ex-governor Martin to seek schools solution
Will lead unity-building panel
CARRIE LEVINE
clevine@charlotteobserver.com
Former N.C. Gov. Jim Martin has agreed to chair a citizens committee that would design a school-construction package for voters to consider in November.
If Mecklenburg commissioners approve, Martin, a Republican who once chaired the county board, will head a 35-member group and appoint nine seats. The group could begin meeting by March.
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School board members immediately split over the need for the committee.
Republican Ken Gjertsen, newly elected to represent the south suburban District 6, said CMS needs to revamp student assignment to send students to their closest schools before his constituents will back bonds.
Republicans Larry Gauvreau and Kaye McGarry, who have both introduced alternative plans for building new schools, said CMS needs to act quickly on those plans.
Republican commissioner Jim Puckett, who opposed November’s bond package, said Martin is a good choice to chair the process. Allowing mayors of the suburban towns to make appointments, he said, will help balance the committee. “I think the fact of the matter is, the biggest distrust and disconnect lies in the suburban areas.”
Democrats Molly Griffin and Tom Tate voiced support for the proces