
DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 1997            TAG: 9710010481

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY JEFFREY S. HAMPTON, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY                    LENGTH:   69 lines

IN THIRD WARD, RACE CONCENTRATES ON YOUTHS' NEEDS

Youths are the focus of the Third Ward race between a grandmother and a young father of six.

``The most pressing issue in Elizabeth City is our young people,'' said Jereline Lynn, 67, who raised four children here. ``We need more after-school programs and safe places for them to congregate. The Boys and Girls Club can't accommodate all of them, and some can't afford to go there.''

``We must help children at an early age,'' said Darryl Stallings, 36, a taxi driver and bail bondsman. ``I would like to see more of the budget go toward the Boys and Girls Club, (Elizabeth City) Parks and Recreation, and the new teen center. Youths are the heart of our city.''

The council seat opened when Stallings' mother, Dorothy Stallings, declined to run again.

With a population of 17,000, the city appears to be a haven for raising children. But as in many other cities, crime rates among youths under 16 are climbing. The North Carolina Governor's Commission onCrime reports that statewide, violent crimes committed by youths under 16 increased by 172 percent in the past 10 years. Drug violations jumped from 164 in 1987 to 1,022, a 523 percent increase.

In Elizabeth City, the City Council recently strengthened curfew and truancy laws. Statistics from the Elizabeth City Police Department show that there were 75 arrests last year of children under 16. There were 174 arrests of youths age 16 and 17.

Stallings and Lynn are both newcomers to elected political office. Lynn recently served as the precinct chairperson of the Third Ward.

``I was approached by a neighbor in May,'' Lynn said. ``I said, `You must be crazy.' ''

But a long list of signatures from neighbors and her son's approval convinced her to run for office.

``I'm voting for Jereline Lynn,'' said Herbert Gilkey, who lives on Brooks Avenue just a few blocks from Lynn. ``She's a nice person and outspoken and seems to know what she's talking about.

``I think it will be a close race.''

The Third Ward is made up predominately of middle- and lower-income residents, with 1,903 of the city's 8,900 registered voters. In most of the neighborhoods, small, neat homes sit within a few feet of each other. Residents have lived side-by-side for a long time. But the ward also includes large apartment complexes, two public housing districts, and the bustling business district along Ehringhaus Street.

``I'm going to listen to all sides,'' Stallings said. ``I'm going to keep an open mind, not for one certain group but for everybody.''

James White of Grice Street plans to vote for Stallings.

``Besides the fact that he's family, we talk a lot,'' said White, a taxi driver like Stallings. ``Darryl's got a good head on his shoulders.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic with color photos

JERELINE LYNN

Occupation: Retired as Elizabeth City State University residence

hall administrator.

Community involvement: Member of Golden Leaf Lodge 3111, member of

American Legion Auxiliary 223.

Political experience: Chairwoman and vice chairwoman of Third Ward.

DARRYL STALLINGS

Occupation: Self-employed taxi driver and bail bondsman.

Community involvement: Elizabeth City Drug Task Force, past member

of Economic Improvement Council advisory board, past member of

Pasquotank County Partnership for Children Inc., past master of

Meridian Lodge 18, and Christian Aid Club.