THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 11, 1995 TAG: 9507110253
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY MASON PETERS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Round One began with a clang Monday for what surely will be the main event in Elizabeth City's Oct. 10 municipal elections.
Zack D. Robertson Jr., a sometimes snappish local developer, filed in the 2nd Ward City Council race to run against W.L. ``Pete'' Hooker, a used-car dealer who rarely wastes kind words on political opponents.
For months, Hooker has told friends he didn't intend to seek reelection this year. But when he learned Monday that Robertson planned to run for his seat, Hooker dug in his heels like a stallion refusing a fence.
``Well, I guess we'd better keep Zack guessing, hey?'' said Hooker. ``Tell him I haven't made up my mind yet.''
Robertson stepped down from the City Council two years ago. Newcomer Anita Hummer won his seat by 11 votes in the 2nd Ward on a law-and-order platform.
``And now I guess Zack and Anita want to get together and take over the City Council,'' said Hooker.
``Did he really say that?'' asked Robertson, ignoring or forgetting some of the memorable shouting matches he had with Hooker during Robertson's seven years with the town government. In his nearly 20 years on the council, Hooker did battle with all comers on matters of principle, pragmatism or pot-hole paving.
``That's why I want to come back for another term,'' said Robertson. ``If both Pete Hooker and Dave Bosomworth leave the council, there won't be anyone left who knows how the city operates.''
First Ward Councilman David Bosomworth soon will move into a new home outside the city limits and will not be eligible to run again.The terms of Jimi Sutton and Myrtle Rivers in the 3rd and 4th wards also expire this year and may be contested.
Elizabeth City Mayor Henry R. ``Rick'' Gardner also will run for reelection. Gardner filed Monday. The mayor breaks ties when the eight-member City Council locks up with an even vote.
In recent years, Robertson has teamed up with state Rep. William C. ``Bill'' Owens III, D-Pasquotank, in property-buying efforts throughout the Albemarle area. The duo recently purchased the Kramer Building, one of Elizabeth City's largest structures, and remodeled it into a complex of downtown apartments and new office space.
Several years ago, Robertson branched out into the restaurant business, buying an Ehringhaus Street fast-food establishment that remains an early morning anchorage for kaffeeklatschers.
``If I wasn't almost certain that Pete Hooker doesn't plan to run - in spite of all the talk - I wouldn't have filed in his 2nd Ward,'' Robertson said. ``Pete's a fine man and I hope I don't end up running against him.''
Robertson, too, has never hesitated to tangle with other council members, particularly on ethical issues. Both he and Hooker voted in 1991 against throwing out a code of ethics that would have curbed any possible covetousness by council members.
The issue of ethics came up when it was revealed that several members of the city government were in arrears with their county and city taxes.
``We need to be beyond reproach,'' said Robertson.
Robertson also annoyed several colleagues when he argued that they should pay for their own health insurance instead of letting the city pay about $20,000 a year to provide the insurance. ILLUSTRATION: FILING FOR ELECTION
Jimmy Alligood, an Edenton grocer, filed Monday to seek re-election
to his 1st Ward city council seat.
Robert Vaughan, an Edenton jewelry store operator, became the first
candidate to enter the mayor's race. He filed Friday to oppose
incumbent Roy Harrell. Harrell has not yet filed for re-election.
by CNB