Primary Election

The primary results send a definite message: voters want CHANGE!

I was pleased with my fourth place finish behind three well know name candidates, two of whom raised large sums of money to promote their campaigns. My campaign relied on an unmistakable message about where I stand on the key issues; I did not require a large sum of money to get my message out. For me the primary results speak loudly and clearly that change is in the wind.

I believe I can be elected by continuing to spread my basic message, which is this:

Greensboro citizens are interested in a resumption of honesty and openness in city government. This will happen with a major change at the top: in the City Council and in the City Manager office. With a new council taking office, Greensboro will fare better and faith will begin to be restored in a new manager.

The city must take steps to restore the good name and reputation of its former police chief David Wray. The city insisted on a criminal investigation and got one. The SBI investigation and Grand Jury actions did not mention or indict David Wray on any account. The City Council made much of the fact that Wray had engaged in racially discriminatory practices. This was not the case. Now it's time to find a way to rectify the situation so David Wray's reputation and resume permit him to seek other employment at a level comparable to that held in our police department. When that is done we can take satisfaction in knowing a grievous wrong was corrected. Healing will then be well underway for the entire city.

The new City Council must get involved in all aspects of the business community and area economic development activities. I believe Greensboro, and the Triad, will obtain tremendous economic impact through the leverage created by the FEDEx/PTI area expansion.

The city should lend needed assistance to East Greensboro in finding ways for attracting more small business, and it should take an active role in addressing gang violence and drug proliferation. Residents who may be affected by gang and drug activities have a valid complaint that requires adequate attention. Stepped up policing should be part of the remedy to this situation.

The Lake Townsend dam replacement and Randleman Dam connection present $ 100 million dollars in new costs. If experience is any indication, this amount may grow as the projects get underway. Greensboro taxpayers will be faced with increased water costs; they do not need or deserve further tax increases.

I hope to have a role in making the difficult decisions that result in more conservative fiscal management. This is necessary for our financial future: the city has spent more than it collected in four of the five prior years, and appropriated reserve balances have dwindled. It will be the responsibility of the City Council and City Manager to keep a sharp eye on the city's financial picture.

I believe the primary vote - small though it was - represents the sentiment of the larger voting population. The voters want meaningful change that will bring the differing sides together, and a return to a trustworthy and hard working City Council. The November election will provide distinct choices between myself and my opponents.