Richardson to challenge Cohen

Says decision took `a lot of arm-twisting'

Thursday, July 12, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

Less than two years into retirement, the former president of Western Piedmont Community College is looking to become mayor of Morganton.

Jim Richardson, who stepped down in November 2005 after 25 years as the college's president, announced this week that he'll challenge 22-year incumbent Mayor Mel Cohen.

Richardson, who didn't have any plans to work after retirement, said the decision to run didn't come quickly or easily.

"It took a lot of arm-twisting," he said. "A lot of folks feel like a lot of great things have happened in Morganton, but that it's time for a change."

The Morganton mayoral races are nonpartisan, meaning candidates are not affiliated with political parties, and Cohen has won past elections with crushing margins over his opponents or has been unopposed.

In the last election, Cohen secured his ninth term by defeating challenger Tom McCurry, 920 to 263. In 1999, when he faced what many considered a formidable opponent -- Burke County attorney Dan Kuehnert -- Cohen won with 72 percent of the vote.

But Cohen, who was elected in 1985, said he expects Richardson to be a tough opponent.

"He's very much a challenger. He has built a reputation in the community and ... (is a) bona fide, reputable candidate," Cohen said. "(But) this is something I have to work for every four years."

Richardson said he's running because many city residents have told him they're looking for a new face in City Hall. But he's still learning about where people want to see change, he said.

"I don't know exactly," Richardson said, "But that's what I want to find out. I want to know what they think we need."

Richardson said he is most interested in economic development, providing opportunities for Morganton youth and offering aid to residents on fixed incomes.

Cohen, meanwhile, said residents only have to look around the city to see why he's the better candidate.

"Our downtown is a crown jewel," he said. "And we've become a model town in North Carolina for what we've done."

His vision for the city, which has included the development of the greenway and recreational facilities, reviving downtown and offering city-owned cable and electric systems for less cost than mainstream providers.

"I've only been in 22 years," Cohen said, "and I've done a tremendous job."

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