by Fred Seely,
Editorial Director
John Peyton steps into the mayor’s office on the glow of a decisive victory and the hope that what glows also glitters for a long time.
But he might not be the most powerful person on the fourth floor of City Hall. The power this year may be with City Council vice president Lad Daniels. The mayor’s office has to send things through the Council, and Daniels can count his votes.
As soon as the new Council sorts itself out, they’ll elect their next president. If anyone else — Suzanne Jenkins? — chooses to tilt this windmill, the vote for Daniels could be as heady as 17-2. That’s the margin that people like the Iraqi army know about.
Daniels’ team is deep enough, too, to let him become the Elder Statesman for the remainder of his term. The only thing he and his cohorts need to fear is themselves; that same depth may well produce in-fighting. He has confidants, but who moves up first? And won’t others try to break in line?
Just as hard as Peyton has worked for the office on the Southeast side of the building, Daniels has worked for the office on the Southwest corner. His employer, the local manufacturer’s association, can roll out the dough — and did — to help those who would join the team, and many did. His size 11s are all over the campaigns of many; when he got up at 5 a.m. to put out signs, he also put out those of some sleepyheads, who since have been elected.
Daniels finds himself in a great spot. He will preside over a Council full of bright and ambitious people.
They may be our best and brightest. They have the ability — and potentially the togetherness — to become the best Council ever.
And, of the 19, it is likely that at least 10 will hold another office before their political sunset.
• Barring any other scions with good looks, work ethic and bundles of family money, you don’t have to strain to visualize the primary mayoral candidates in eight years. Kevin Hyde vs. Reggie Fullwood, perhaps?
• The legislature also has term limits. You can see Mia Jones there. Art Graham, for sure. Maybe Daniel Davis and Sharon Copeland.
• And, in four years, if Peyton turns out to be someone who should be sent back to his daddy’s garage apartment, isn’t Jerry Holland still lusting to move down the hall to the east?
What of Daniels? He, like Ander Crenshaw, must have been thinking what-might-have-been. Had they gotten in 10 years earlier, we might be voting next year for a Bush-Crenshaw ticket, and today Peyton would still be pumping gas . . . it would be Mayor-elect Daniels.
But Daniels is 64 now (Crenshaw is pushing 60) and those are just wouldas and couldas. He now has the biggest throne he’ll ever have, and he has willing subjects with him, people with the same interests and same goals. Fortunately for Peyton, he shares them, too.
So you won’t have to guess about the Council’s direction this year. It’s going with its leader, and he appears ready to lead.