Race panel expanding its scope

Slugline Publication Date Section(s) Page Byline 301 Task Force concerned Wilson Daily Times April 25, 2003 Local News a1

By Stephanie Creech Daily Times Staff Writer Wilson's U.S. 301 Task Force was surprised Thursday night to learn the city's new community improvement initiative will look at infrastructure, housing, education and economic development needs throughout Wilson. The new program is spearheaded by Willie Williams, Wilson's former police chief. It was touted when announced in March as an effort to improve race relations. However, Williams said that the program would explore issues beyond race affecting the livability of the community. Apparently, infrastructure, housing, education and economic development fall under the scope of the program. Some task force members didn't even know about the new committee. Maurice Barnes, Wilson's human relations director, told the task force he thinks it will be a good idea for it to have a representative on the new committee so the work the task force has done over the past 18 months won't be duplicated. "What they are doing is going to affect what the task force is doing," Barnes said. Actually, three task force members already serve on the new committee. They are Doris Jones, Alton Bobbitt and Gigi Mitchell. The news prompted concern among task force members that this new committee might keep Wilson City Council from appointing a U.S. 301 advisory group to follow through with the task force's recommended action plan. The task force is scheduled to present the plan to City Council May 15. The task force has scheduled a community meeting May 8 at Reid Street Community Center. Task force member Yolanda Pitt Davis said the task force hasn't even finished its work and now

the city has started on a new project encompassing the whole city. "Tell me why they're bringing in new players?" she asked. Jim Bradshaw, city project planner, said the issue needs to be talked about. "We want our own advisory committee," Bradshaw said of the 301 area. Ron Gay, task force member, questioned why Mayor Bruce Rose didn't let the task force know about this new committee and its expanded scope of work. Rose appointed the task force. "I smell something," Gay said. "I don't know what I smell." Another task force member, Ron Sutton, cautioned the group about reading too much into the situation. He said the task force does not know what the city's plans are at this point. "Right here, things are being blown out of proportion," Sutton said of the discussion. So far, City Council has not committed to the idea of creating a U.S. 301 advisory group. Given their comments, it appears task force members are counting on some form of the group continuing to function. There was also concern expressed about needs on Wilson's eastern side being pushed aside. Bobbitt told the task force that the entire issue would be discussed during the next meeting of Williams' committee. The initiative is a joint venture between the city and the Wilson Chamber of Commerce. You may reach Stephanie Creech at creech@wilsondaily.com.