An anti-developer fire was smoldering in the Wake County political underbrush this year. Then North Hills developer John Kane threw on gasoline and lit a match.

The N&O’s analysis this morning is right: slow-growth candidates won or led in Raleigh and Cary.

But the real flashpoint was Kane’s request for a $75 million subsidy for a North Hills parking deck.

Nancy McFarlane used it to beat incumbent Tommy Craven in Raleigh’s District A City Council race. Rodger Koopman rode it to a first-place finish in District B, although incumbent Jessie Taliaferro could call a runoff.

Both McFarlane and Koopman – backed by Mayor Charles Meeker, Councilman Russ Stephenson and some smart political firebugs – realized the power of the parking deck issue.

Their mailings and flyers hammered on it.

No surprise. One poll I saw showed that Kane’s proposal was opposed by 80 percent of voters. 80 percent! You almost never get 80 percent on a contested issue in politics. When you do, you run with it.

Kane’s ill-conceived idea – and the support that he and other developers gave to candidates – ignited a blaze that won’t die out soon. Developers will have an uncomfortable welcome at the City Council the next two years.

Click Here to discuss and comment on this and other articles.