Updated 11/19/2008 06:59 AM
Helms finishes lengthy political career
Parks Helms
CHARLOTTE -- After more than three decades serving in an elected position in local and state offices, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Parks Helms' political career came to a close Tuesday night.
At his final meeting as a member of the board of commissioners, Helms said he had a lot of mixed feelings.
"It is with somewhat of a heavy heart that I got to this meeting,” Helms said.
After more than a quarter century in public office, Helms is looking back on his legacy.
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"I hope that I've done something to make this community something that it is today," Helms said.
Helms spent 10 years as a state lawmaker representing Charlotte. Then 16 years on the Mecklenburg County Commission.
"I don't feel like a loser," he said. "I feel like I've done some good things, I've done a few bad things, I've done more good things than bad – it's been a great experience.”
On a night where three other commissioners also said their goodbyes, it was Helms' leadership and experience the remaining commissioners said they will miss.
In the future, Helms said he hoped the commission would continue its funding of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and uptown development.
"I hope that baseball will still be a reality, AAA baseball in downtown Charlotte, it needs a champion, and I'm going to continue to champion it as best I can," Helms said.
And while he won't be sitting at a commission chair, Helms promised he'll remain involved in the political arena.
Two-term Republicans Dan Bishop and Dan Ramirez and five-term Democrat Norman Mitchell also said their farewells Tuesday night.