Fountain Walker

Town Board candidate Fountain Walker said Sunday he has decided to drop out of the race. He told DavidsonNews.net he’s concerned that the responsibilities of town commissioner, in addition to his full-time job as Davidson College police chief, will take too much time away from his children.

This year’s campaign for Town Board had been Chief Walker’s second. He finished a close sixth in the race for the five board seats in 2007 and appeared to have strong chances to win a seat this year.

Chief Walker is a single father of four. He said he decided to stop campaigning after a conversation with his mother at a family gathering last week.

“I was talking to my mother about (the Town Board), and my kids. She was talking about the importance of having a man around,” he said.

Chief Walker grew up without a father, and his mother pressed the point. “My dad wasn’t there. So her goal was to make sure there was a good man in my life. I had seven uncles who at different points in my life were there. My grandfathers were always involved,” she said. “In our conversation, her point was ‘I did that because you’re my son.'”

“It’s different for you,” she told him. “You’re here.”

Although he is quitting the race, his name will remain on the ballot. His decision to stop campaigning leaves eight others – three incumbents and five challengers – still campaigning for the five board seats.

Mr. Walker said he told the other candidates of his decision at a candidate education session at Town Hall Saturday.

He said several friends had previously warned him that he could face challenges balancing the demands of serving on the Town Board with his family responsibilities. “It’s funny, you hear people saying it, but after talking to my mother, I knew it,” he said.

He understands that he may have had a shot at winning a seat this year, but family is more important.

Mayor John Woods, who is unopposed for re-election on the November ballot, said he understands and respect’s Mr. Walker’s decision. “He basically said that he had grown up with very strong father figures, in some uncles, and knows how important fathering is. … Frankly, I congratulate him for that. He’s a good man, a good citizen of Davidson, and a great dad,” Mayor Woods said. “I offer him the best and know the time will come when he can make the time to serve Davidson in the ways he wants to.”

Mr. Walker said he’ll remain involved in community service, including as a member of one of the committees developing a long-range “comprehensive plan” for Davidson.

Another candidate education session is planned this Saturday, Sept. 29, at Town Hall.

CANDIDATE FORUMS

For the remaining Town Board candidates, a pair of forums are scheduled here in Davidson in October to give voters a chance to learn more about them.

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce plans a forum at Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. Also present will be candidates for the District 1 Board of Education seat.

Then Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., the St. Alban’s neighborhood and DavidsonNews.net will sponsor a second forum with Town Board and school board candidates at St. Alban’s Church. The event is expected to last about 90 minutes.

Both forums are open to the public.

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