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A News & Record editorial

Two of the three candidates in City Council District 5 offer a wealth of experience in serving constituents.

Incumbent Sandy Carmany, 58, has held the job since 1991 and wants another two-year term. Opponent Trudy Wade, 56, served as an at-large member of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners until losing a bitterly disputed 2004 race to John Parks.

The district's third candidate is lesser known. Angela Carmichael, 44, is a day-care operator who lost decisively to Carmany two years ago.

While Wade offers a clear alternative to the entrenched Carmany, she doesn't make a convincing case for unseating her.

Carmany is a tireless worker who has the time, experience and knowledge to get things done. She has been a strong advocate of regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of public transportation, air quality and land-use planning.

As a commissioner, Wade, a veterinarian, was a positive force in a politically partisan atmosphere. However, that image was tarnished by her extended stay on the board while litigation dragged through the courts and Parks sat on the sidelines.

After a brief hiatus, she wants back in the political arena. Yet she hasn't shown that City Council should be that forum.

On most issues, there's little difference among the three. They say rising crime rates, notably in the district's High Point Road corridor, merit stepped-up police response. Creating new jobs, repairing roads and encouraging small-business creation also rank high on their wish lists.

However, Carmany and Wade do disagree on how the city has handled the investigation into alleged wrongdoing on the watch of former police Chief David Wray. Carmany is a staunch supporter of the city's response while Wade calls for an independent study of the department.

Over the years, Carmany has adjusted well to meet new challenges. Her Internet blog, for example, provides welcome insight into council deliberations.

Overall, her work ethic and extraordinary commitment to the job make her the choice in District 5.