The paper editorializes:
Stokes had strong and capable opposition in this election, especially from challengers Stanley Amos and David Archie.
Yet, Stokes pulled 73 percent of the vote, proving again that he is one of the best street politicians on the Council. While his challengers attended the major forum, Stokes didn't show. All the time his hand-made signs were going up, he was carrying out his neighborhood efforts.
In the end, only 4,534 citizens voted for Stokes. Only 6,295 total voted in the ward with a voting-age population of 18,437 residents. Such turnout is pitiful, but clearly benefited Stokes.
Good politics doesn't always mean good government. As a councilman, Stokes' performance has damaged his district and the city. He doesn't attend key Council work sessions and committee meetings.
Worse, his loud, aggressive, in-your-face antics have given the Council an image of combativeness and chaos, which doesn't reflect the true work and cooperation of the body.
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