THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 9, 1995 TAG: 9510090037
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PERRY PARKS
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
When Linda Barrett moved to Burgess Street about six years ago, it seemed like a nice neighborhood.
About a year or two later, Barrett says, ``the drug problem got heavy.'' Her 8-year-old son was confined to riding his bike on only half the block. Church-goers across the street would make U-turns back to Road Street rather than drive to the far corner.
Barrett lives on the edge of a neighborhood known as ``Sawyertown,'' north of Elizabeth Street in the 2nd Ward, which has established a reputation for crime and drugs.
Barrett thinks that needs to change. That's why she's running for the City Council.
``People were fearful. They wouldn't call the police department,'' Barrett says. ``I think you need somebody on council that represents the people . . . that's willing to go out on the streets and speak out.
``When you start categorizing certain areas of the city, some of them fall short of others when it comes to needs, and that shouldn't be.''
Barrett, 44, is married and has four children. She is currently unemployed but plans to use her College of The Albemarle schooling to pursue degrees in psychology. She would like to be a school counselor for young teens.
She came from Philadelphia, where she says she had brushes with bullets whizzing over her head or slamming into her house.
``That's not here in Elizabeth City,'' she said, ``but if the system doesn't change . . . there's no telling what or how Elizabeth City will look, say in a year or two.''
Elizabeth City's crime problems affect more than just the hardest-hit neighborhoods, Barrett says. The city's image suffers, as well.
Many tourists drive into town on Road Street, the main north-south thoroughfare in the city. It also abuts the city's worst neighborhoods, Barrett said.
``We need to clean it up on a large scale,'' she said.
Solving the crime problem is just a matter of getting people together, says Barrett, who adds that she brings organizing experience from student government at COA and community involvement in Philadelphia.
``I'm just a person who feels that we the people can make a difference, and if you put someone in office that is reliable, gives you updates, you can gain back some confidence,'' Barrett says. ``I do know how to get things done.''
Barrett says the council needs to get its spending priorities in line. She thinks more police are needed in the city, but she also thinks the board is spending too much money. A homeowner, she doesn't like the idea of raising taxes.
``It takes long and hard and careful planning when it comes to spending the people's money,'' Barrett says. ``I totally believe that with an increase in industry we can avoid raising real estate taxes.''
Barrett says she has spent about $400 on her campaign and has refused donations. She has gone door to door and has posted signs around the ward. Her campaign registered about 110 voters, she estimates.
A newcomer to politics, up against a local veteran, Barrett is the recognized underdog in the election. But she says her support base is strong.
``I feel confident,'' she says. ``I know there will always be a winner and a loser.
``I have a good feeling.'' ILLUSTRATION: B\W photo
Barrett
KEYWORDS: ELIZABETH CITY CITY COUNCIL RACE ELECTION CANDIDATE PROFILE
by CNB