Pass the popcorn

Let's hope the new Board of County Commissioners lives up to its potential to become Durham's best entertainment value.

Returning Commissioner Joe Bowser, who served on the board from 1996 to 2004, is also interested in becoming chairman. He chuckled when told of Page's interest in the job.

"I had twice the time as commissioner and twice the time as vice chairman that Michael has," he said.

Bowser wanted to become chairman of the board in 2002 and feels he could have had the job had he not deferred to Reckhow, who had greater time as a board member and vice chairwoman.

According to Bowser, Reckhow promised to support his future bid to become chairman if he supported her in 2002 -- and says now she's reneging. He said "she felt that a number of things had changed" in the intervening years.

"I don't remember the conversation six years ago very well," Reckhow said, "but I would say that given his hiatus from the board, I think it's important for him to gain some experience on our board, on our current board."