Monday, September 17, 2001

By Chris W. Rogers, student worker

Wilmington, NC – The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) in conjunction with WAAV radio, the Wilmington Star-News, and UNCW will sponsor a candidate’s forum for the large pool of candidates running for Wilmington city council and mayor at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25 at King Hall Auditorium.

The forum will utilize a panel format featuring the following panelists who will question the candidates: Dr. Tom Barth, associate professor of political science, UNCW; Rhonda Bellamy, WAAV News; Jon Evans, news anchor and managing editor of News Channel 3 – WWAY-TV; Mark Schreiner, assistant city editor of the Wilmington Star-News; Herb Harris, representing The Wilmington Journal; and Hunter Thompson, representing the Council of Neighborhood Associations.

Donn Ansell, prominent talk show host for WAAV, will be the moderator. Welcoming and introductory remarks will be made by UNCW Chancellor James R. Leutze and CONA President Curtis J. Wright.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Questions from the floor will be entertained.

The forum will be broadcast live on WAAV, 980 AM, and the Learning Network by UNCW-TV on Time Warner Cable Channel 5.

The Council of Neighborhood Associations, Inc. is a non-profit, grassroots coalition of neighborhoods dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life in New Hanover County through citizen involvement and participation in local government. CONA is comprised of over 35 homeowner associations and affiliated civic organizations and community activists.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Jim Medlin at 910/791-5259. Mr. Medlin is chair of the CONA Forum Committee.