Well, so much for that impartial CMS private-sector task force. Task force co-chairs Harvey Gantt and Cathy Bessant have given money to certain CMS board candidates, part of an overall pattern of Uptown insiders supporting the status quo.

Quick, who does Hugh McColl support in the Distict 1 race — Rhonda Lennon or persistent CMS critic Larry Gauvreau? Who do Bank of Wachovia Power execs line up behind — incumbents or challengers? Why are Charlotte’s supposed leaders so afraid of change?