Maybe it was in honor of the no-longer-in office Parks Helms, but county commissioners’ chair Jennifer Roberts tossed out an idea Monday night at the swearing-in ceremony. After remarks about the economic challenges facing the county she offered this: Is it time to consider consolidation again?
She meant totally combining Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte governments. It would save on administrative costs — only one big-ticket manager, for instance — and would certainly make it easier for residents to know whom to call if they have a problem.
It’s an idea that arises once a decade or so and gets shot down after politicians realize there would be fewer elected jobs for them to run for. Helms championed consolidation for years. But it’s too messy: How do you deal with the need for minority representation? How do you deal with Huntersville and Mint Hill and the other smaller towns, for instance? They don’t mind being part of Mecklenburg County and they need representation at the county level. But they don’t need representation on a “Charlotte” board.
We’ll see if Roberts brings it up again. My guess: No.