Clement picks up a (Darius) Little more competition for Ward 2 seat

And the challengers keep on coming.

Darius Little announced on Facebook that he'll be filing for City Council, making him the fifth entrant (fourth challenger) for the Ward 2 seat held by Howard Clement.

From Darius' candidacy announcement:

For some time now, the Durham City Council has increasingly distanced itself from the ideals of its citizens.

Our groans for knowledge, help and support, have continually been drowned-out by constant excuses from our elected officials -- those whom we have placed in office to work for us, but instead, have fallen victim to the political cancer of complacency.

Our recent Presidential Election demonstrated that people across America are tired of "Politics as Usual." We are no longer going to sit back and allow our public offices, which were created to safeguard the health, morals, safety and general welfare and convenience of the public, to become the feeding ground of personal greed and arrogance, for a select few.

It is in that same vein and spirit of hope, which drove you to the ballot box months ago, that I ask you, to join me in this endeavor to reconnect the Durham City Council to its people.

Having lived my childhood in foster care (only later to be moved to the Central Children's Home in Oxford, NC, where I lived until graduation), then having worked hard to attend NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, followed by a stint of Continuing Education at Duke University (where I aspire to complete Law School), I have a very unique level of life experience. I understand what it's like to be homeless, on your own and bouncing checks to get an apartment. I understand what it's like to be forgotten, left-out and misunderstood. By the same token, I know what it feels like to be amongst the academic and social elite. I've worked in the Granville County District Attorney's Office, was hand selected to serve in the NC Senate by my Mentor, the late Jeanne Hopkins Lucas. I've Interned in the House of Representatives, as well as for the Governor's Crime Commission; volunteered at the YMCA, worked as an afterschool group leader with the Chapel Hill Community School System and lastly, have helped the underpriviledged by Interning with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. Lastly, I serve as an elected member of the State Executive Committee of the NC Democratic Party. I have lived, experienced and completely understand all areas of life and it is time that we have such commonality, such a bond, established between the citizens and their government.

This universal dream of ours --having a government that hears its people-- will become a local reality, by electing Darius Little, as your Ward-2 City Councilman. It is time for our elected officials to demonstrate a renewed sense of energy, understanding and courage, to fight to awaken the aspirations our forefathers had for us all: to be a democracy for the people.

Comments

[DurhamResident]

From the sounds of it, Mr Little should be filing in Granville or Chapel Hill . . . When did the Durham Committee start hosting interns?

[Donnell]

Sounds like a very valid challenge to a very experienced incumbent. Sounds like Durham may have some viable options for a change. Either way, I think we have multiple quality candidates to hear from. I'm all ears and interested in more from this and other new comers.

[Laura Anne Duke]

Donnell is dead on.This guy is a legit contender.I heard Little speak last week and he is really Obama'esque.He spoke for a solid 30 minutes and knew everything off the cuff.Nothing was written down at all, he had no paper and made everyone in the room feel like he was talking directly to them.

I would PAY MONEY to see Little and Clement facing off in a debate.Donnell is right, this guy is something.This is gonna be a good one for a change.

[Wes]

Darius Little is a convicted felon and a certifiable nutjob but hey, if DC could re-elect Marion Barry then Durham can give Darius Little a shot.

[Monkeyman Taylor]

Darius Little has made some mistakes over the years, but I really believe he's going to shake things up. He's competent, good looking, and a man with a plan. I expect great things from this budding politician superstar.

[Marcy Styles]

I had 2nd thoughts when I saw Felony, but when I looked up the charge it was for some checks.

I think we need to think hard before being holier than thou bc the guy came from a tougher background than most and he has done pretty well.

And yeah he is pretty good looking. According to a friend at the election board he has a lot of support and could really do some damage.

[Dave]

At least his lies and scams will be used where they are needed in politics. If he were to get elected, would he actually pay his rent?

[Monica]

Darius has the unique ability to deceive and convince people that he is legit. I have personal knowledge of the fact that he has lied, cheated and stolen money from people, and this includes people in churches. He is not what he seems. As far as his felony convictions, one is for obstruction of justice. You don't do time necessarily for bad checks. He hasn't presented any real details of his work or school history ("I worked at ---, I went to school at ---". There is a reason for that. The people who are raising red flags here and elsewhere are doing so for valid reasons - history, and often personal experience. No holier than thou involved. IF he is serious about being a leader, he needs to do what all leaders have to do -- clean up what he messed up, make things right with the many people he has wronged, and start telling the full truth.

[David]

I've known Darius since we lived on the same hall in college. He is CRAZY! If you vote for him, you are an IDIOT. He would stalk women around campus. Defraud HIS FRIENDS with those bad checks. Luckily I never fell for the old "Hey, give me 50 bucks and I'll write you a check for it" scam. He hasn't just made some mistakes, he's not right in the head.

[Moe]

Funniest thing i have read all day.. thanks....