One of the odder commentaries I’ve seen on the Raleigh City Council race came recently in the Independent Weekly. That’s not normally a pro-military rag, but the article seemed mighty impressed with the military records of the two candidates, one a Republican, running against Jessie Taliaferro.

I suspect the attraction wasn’t the uniforms. In fact, the writer seemed more to be peeved by Taliaferro’s political independence – and effectiveness – on the council. She’s shown an ability to build coalitions and muster majorities.

I confess to being less objective here than in most blogs about politicians. I’ve known Taliaferro since she worked at Hunter Elementary School in Raleigh, when my children went there.

She’s a breath of fresh air in Raleigh’s politics. She’s unprepossessing in person; she looks like the mom and teacher she is. But she’s open-minded, practical and genuine. And a sharp political operator.