I decided at the outset to refuse all endorsements so that I could become a member of City Council without feeling obligated to any outside interest group. I promised to have an open mind to all issues that come before City Council, and act according to the best interests of ALL Greensboro citizens.
The best known special interest group may be the Simkins PAC, a group that says it represents black citizen interests. The PAC conducts interviews with individual candidates and focuses on an agenda that includes Truth and Reconciliation, Police Review Board, Civil Rights Museum, police, and various other black issues. It surprised me that the PAC agenda was so narrowly focused; there was no discussion on economic development in east Greensboro, opportunities for small business, neighborhood crime control questions, cleaning up the police department, etc. Instead my interview was brief and confrontational, looking backward at past grievances, rather than forward toward a better future. I've had an opportunity to meet a number of kind, sincere, and thoughtful people in the black community. I find it hard to believe the Simkins PAC serves their best interests.
Following a forum last night (10/30) I was approached by a young black male A&T student who wanted to talk to me about assistance with a group of fledgling entrepreneurs who are attempting to get a start in business. I look forward to meeting with him and his group and see if any of my business skills can be brought to bear.
The thing I found interesting about this young man was his lack of interest in the issues being pushed by the Simkins PAC. As he said to me, he and his friends have a totally different outlook than the Simkins philosophy of looking backward. He shared his belief that many other young blacks hold similar sentiments. We talked about race and agreed that the best way to deal with racism is to stop talking about it and get down to the hard work of making the kind of improvements that will benefit everyone. What a breath of fresh air!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Run Up to the Election
As the election draws near the issues remain unchanged: trust, accountability, and restored leadership. Continued economic recovery, long-term water solution, adequate police protection are but a few challenges awaiting the new City Council.
The new City Council has an opportunity to answer questions that the current council did not adequately address. These are questions that touch the bedrock of good government.
Project Homestead:
What does the audit report on Project Homestead reveal? What caused the city internal auditor to resign during part of the Project Homestead investigation? Did certain Council members try to intervene in the investigation and for what reason? Are controls in place today to ensure that future audits of city funded programs will be conducted promptly and without outside interference?
City Manager:
Have investigations of unauthorized outside activities by members of the police department been concluded?
Is the manager satisfied that the police department is free of all bad apples?
What is the status of investigations of reported over payments on city contracts?
What is the truth about reported efforts by the city legal department to turn up "dirt" on the District Attorney, David Wray, and the U. S. Attorney?
Why have promised news conferences not taken place?
David Wray:
Given the recent revelation that David Wray was not a racist, the new City Council must take steps to restore his good name and reputation, and it should provide legal defense for him against a lawsuit alleging racial bias while he was a city employee.
I am a first time candidate. I am not an activist nor a politician. I have lived in Greensboro for 55 years and call Greensboro my home. I am deeply concerned that many citizens distrust our city government and believe there are serious problems that go to its core. I do not believe our fellow citizens will be satisfied until the full stories of Project Homestead, David Wray, the police department, and city management has been divulged.
I have attempted to make my position on issues abundantly clear. It is important that I do this so voters can make a clear choice on Election Day. You do have a clear choice on November 6: you can vote for a City Council comprised on current and prior members, or you can vote for a new slate of candidates who will work together to assure that Greensboro government maintains its place as a respected leader among North Carolina cities.
The new City Council has an opportunity to answer questions that the current council did not adequately address. These are questions that touch the bedrock of good government.
Project Homestead:
What does the audit report on Project Homestead reveal? What caused the city internal auditor to resign during part of the Project Homestead investigation? Did certain Council members try to intervene in the investigation and for what reason? Are controls in place today to ensure that future audits of city funded programs will be conducted promptly and without outside interference?
City Manager:
Have investigations of unauthorized outside activities by members of the police department been concluded?
Is the manager satisfied that the police department is free of all bad apples?
What is the status of investigations of reported over payments on city contracts?
What is the truth about reported efforts by the city legal department to turn up "dirt" on the District Attorney, David Wray, and the U. S. Attorney?
Why have promised news conferences not taken place?
David Wray:
Given the recent revelation that David Wray was not a racist, the new City Council must take steps to restore his good name and reputation, and it should provide legal defense for him against a lawsuit alleging racial bias while he was a city employee.
I am a first time candidate. I am not an activist nor a politician. I have lived in Greensboro for 55 years and call Greensboro my home. I am deeply concerned that many citizens distrust our city government and believe there are serious problems that go to its core. I do not believe our fellow citizens will be satisfied until the full stories of Project Homestead, David Wray, the police department, and city management has been divulged.
I have attempted to make my position on issues abundantly clear. It is important that I do this so voters can make a clear choice on Election Day. You do have a clear choice on November 6: you can vote for a City Council comprised on current and prior members, or you can vote for a new slate of candidates who will work together to assure that Greensboro government maintains its place as a respected leader among North Carolina cities.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Vision
Candidates that attended the October 18 Economic Development Forum, sponsored by Greensboro Partnership, were asked to make an opening statement that included their five year vision for Greensboro. Here's what I said:
I would like to see our city's fortunes built on a true partnership of business, education and government; one that evokes a culture of rising expectations, restored community pride, and a willingness to be involved.
Specifically I want:
a city government that has an acceptable pro-business posture;
the partnership to utilize our education resources in reducing growing crime and violence;
beneficial relationships with federal and state legislative bodies;
improved efforts to guard the city's financial well being;
a definitive plan for our water resources;
restoration of the police department's professional stature;
completed road projects;
a coming together of our partnership with a clearly defined common purpose.
In my closing statement I called for restored leadership as our most pressing need.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Economic Development
Economic development remains at the top of the list as the single most important issue facing Greensboro and the Triad over the coming years. Manufacturing is still part of our economic face, but growth of this sector has fallen dramatically in recent years, with most of it going overseas. Of the top two dozen or so leading businesses in the Greensboro area in the late eighties, none remain.
We are emerging into a new economic identity centered around transportation, biotechnology and a broad range of service industries. Studies continue to show our future being built around the FedEx center and PTI airport. Other businesses are filling in the central Triad area between Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Drive out in the Highway 68 corridor area any morning during rush hour traffic and you will begin to understand the impact this area is having.
Downtown development in Greensboro may be beginning to focus more on business; not just residential improvement. Lee Street business is taking a more active role in seeing its future on a upward trend. East Greensboro development has some roots:more remains to be done there.
The city government can take active roles in each of these areas; more than spending money, but getting directly involved and showing a "business awareness face" to area business leadership and taking a high profile role in regional and local economic development. New business looking at Greensboro as a potential location should see us as a place they want to be; not just someone to play the incentive game with. Quality companies may well locate here because of the high energy business climate.
We are emerging into a new economic identity centered around transportation, biotechnology and a broad range of service industries. Studies continue to show our future being built around the FedEx center and PTI airport. Other businesses are filling in the central Triad area between Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Drive out in the Highway 68 corridor area any morning during rush hour traffic and you will begin to understand the impact this area is having.
Downtown development in Greensboro may be beginning to focus more on business; not just residential improvement. Lee Street business is taking a more active role in seeing its future on a upward trend. East Greensboro development has some roots:more remains to be done there.
The city government can take active roles in each of these areas; more than spending money, but getting directly involved and showing a "business awareness face" to area business leadership and taking a high profile role in regional and local economic development. New business looking at Greensboro as a potential location should see us as a place they want to be; not just someone to play the incentive game with. Quality companies may well locate here because of the high energy business climate.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Taxes
I do not intend to vote for a tax increase. Over the past two years total city expenditures have grown from $324 million to $392 million dollars. That's roughly a 21% increase. During the same two years receipts from property taxes will have increased almost 18%. The coliseum will require a $2 million contribution from the General Fund to balance its budget. The replacement dam for Lake Townsend is expected to cost $ 50 million and the connector to Randleman Dam another $ 50 million, which will result in an increased cost of water to taxpayers. To quote the city:
"The lower appropriated fund balance level in the General Fund reflects less anticipated savings from the current year than will be available for appropriation." City Attorney budget message to City Council.
"......while the City cannot control these trends, it can attempt to mitigate their impacts on current and future city operations through conservative budget projections, contingency planning, and maintaining a focus on long-term goals." City Budget & Evaluation Department.
Instead of continuing to increase taxes to balance growing expenditures maybe it is time to take a serious look at ways to curtail or eliminate expenses. Let's focus on living within our means without resorting to tax increases. Choose between necessity and non-essentials.
"The lower appropriated fund balance level in the General Fund reflects less anticipated savings from the current year than will be available for appropriation." City Attorney budget message to City Council.
"......while the City cannot control these trends, it can attempt to mitigate their impacts on current and future city operations through conservative budget projections, contingency planning, and maintaining a focus on long-term goals." City Budget & Evaluation Department.
Instead of continuing to increase taxes to balance growing expenditures maybe it is time to take a serious look at ways to curtail or eliminate expenses. Let's focus on living within our means without resorting to tax increases. Choose between necessity and non-essentials.
Water
Greensboro lacks a large river from which to draw its water needs. Instead it must rely on a series of dammed lakes, purchased water from surrounding communities, and hopefully in time the new Randleman Dam.
The current water shortage highlights our problem with insufficient water supply. In 1954 the city faced a similar crisis that was only curtailed with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel on October 15. At the moment no hurricanes are in sight that might provide temporary relief. Water restrictions are in place and may become tougher in order to conserve our dwindling supply. The City Council must take steps to ensure that water from Randleman Dam will be available for our system at the earliest possible date. The City Council must be willing to take the unpopular step of limiting further development that requires more water than we can provide. Greensboro citizens should not bear the penalties of water rationing while development continues; at least until a firm solution to our water dilemma is in hand
The current water shortage highlights our problem with insufficient water supply. In 1954 the city faced a similar crisis that was only curtailed with the arrival of Hurricane Hazel on October 15. At the moment no hurricanes are in sight that might provide temporary relief. Water restrictions are in place and may become tougher in order to conserve our dwindling supply. The City Council must take steps to ensure that water from Randleman Dam will be available for our system at the earliest possible date. The City Council must be willing to take the unpopular step of limiting further development that requires more water than we can provide. Greensboro citizens should not bear the penalties of water rationing while development continues; at least until a firm solution to our water dilemma is in hand
Letter to the editor, March 17 2007
The News & Record published the following letter from me last March; it reads as follows:
"It appears the News & Record and city government are in lock step in an attempt to discredit former police Chief David Wray.
In recent months there has been a rising tide of negative commentary about David Wray from both sources that seeem coordinated for maximum effect. Reporters Lorraine Ahearn and Eric Townsend, objects of criticism in the Rhinoceros Times articles written by Jerry Bledsoe, seem intent on retaliation by attacking David Wray at every turn.
The city manager also has been able to inject his negative comments on several occasions. The city has ballyhooed the ongoing police department's criminal investigation by the SBI.
If David Wray is found to have committed criminal wrongdoing while police chief, then he will have to face the possibility of criminal indictment. There are many who hope and believe this is not true. David Wray has a long and distinguished professional record that often crossed racial lines in a positive way. Surely his record of service and accomplishment entitle him to more respect than has been shown him thus far by the city government and this newspaper."
Bill Knight
"It appears the News & Record and city government are in lock step in an attempt to discredit former police Chief David Wray.
In recent months there has been a rising tide of negative commentary about David Wray from both sources that seeem coordinated for maximum effect. Reporters Lorraine Ahearn and Eric Townsend, objects of criticism in the Rhinoceros Times articles written by Jerry Bledsoe, seem intent on retaliation by attacking David Wray at every turn.
The city manager also has been able to inject his negative comments on several occasions. The city has ballyhooed the ongoing police department's criminal investigation by the SBI.
If David Wray is found to have committed criminal wrongdoing while police chief, then he will have to face the possibility of criminal indictment. There are many who hope and believe this is not true. David Wray has a long and distinguished professional record that often crossed racial lines in a positive way. Surely his record of service and accomplishment entitle him to more respect than has been shown him thus far by the city government and this newspaper."
Bill Knight
What your vote means for Greensboro
Our City Council is not listening to the voters.
The largest candidate field in memory is sending a message: CHANGE!
On Tueday, October 9, primary voters have a chance to initiate the return to open and accountable city government.
Failure to vote will result in more of the same.
A vote for the newspaper endorsements will guarantee more of the same.
Distrust in city government will continue.
ELECT BILL KNIGHT FOR CHANGE AND RESTORED TRUST!
The largest candidate field in memory is sending a message: CHANGE!
On Tueday, October 9, primary voters have a chance to initiate the return to open and accountable city government.
Failure to vote will result in more of the same.
A vote for the newspaper endorsements will guarantee more of the same.
Distrust in city government will continue.
ELECT BILL KNIGHT FOR CHANGE AND RESTORED TRUST!
Police
Public safety - police and fire - is the primary function of city government. In recent years, while pursuing other agendas, the City Council and City Managers have allowed policing needs to take a back seat. We have witnessed increasing calls for additional police presence in several neighborhoods, gang violence has grown, and drug and prostitution trafficking have gone unchecked.
GPD has many fine dedicated professionals; unfortunately it also has some bad apples seemingly immune from discipline or dismissal. The bad apples need to go. Intelligence activities over gangs, drugs, and gangs must resume in cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies. The police department must be run by the chief and his command officers. This is not the city manager's responsibility.
GPD has many fine dedicated professionals; unfortunately it also has some bad apples seemingly immune from discipline or dismissal. The bad apples need to go. Intelligence activities over gangs, drugs, and gangs must resume in cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies. The police department must be run by the chief and his command officers. This is not the city manager's responsibility.
My candidate profile
- Name of committee:
Committee to Elect Bill Knight
P. O. Box 10705
Greensboro, NC 27404
Campaign treasurer: Beth Walker
Status:
Retired in 2004 as partner in large Triad CPA firm
Married; one daughter; two granddaughters
Lived in Greensboro since 1952
Graduated from high school and college in Greensboro
Spent entire working career in Greensboro
Military service - served in U. S. Coast Guard
Previous community activities:
Greensboro Jaycee secretary and treasurer
Greater Greensboro Open volunteer and service on GGO Executive Committee
President Hamilton Lakes Lions Club
President Cardinal Golf & Country Club
Finance Committee Goodwill Industries
Various church offices and positions
Serve as treasurer to Congressman Howard Coble campaign
If elected:
Seek prompt answers to all unanswered questions involving past City Council and City Manager actions; establish accountability
Roll up sleeves and get to work on pressing community issues:
Economic development
Jobs creation
Water problems
Balanced city growth that makes sense
Letter to the editor 10 01 07
Greensboro News & Record called to say they will run a letter to the editor within the next several days. I sent the same letter to Rhino Times in hopes they will print it in this week's edition. Here's what I had to say:
"Continued intransigence by the City Council and City Manager in the David Wray affair does little to restore citizen confidence in the ability of the Council to lead and make important decisions, and provide effective management. It's beyond time for our City Council to step forward and reassert its leadership.
The legal investigation concerning David Wray has run its course: the City Council and City Manager need to focus on our pressing issues: business development, jobs, improved transportation, East Greensboro economic development, water, runaway expenses, improved police protection, drug trafficking and gangs.
The city must find a way for restoring the professional reputation and good name of a dedicated servant. The known facts about David Wray's long and distinguished career in law enforcement simply belie any notion that he was some sort of closet racist with an agenda to persecute black members of the police department - as the city has alleged for so long. What else does the City Council or City Manager know that could alter the SBI investigation or Grand Jury proceeding? Stop the innuendo. This has gone on for two years and needs to stop. Someone needs to be held accountable for this fiasco.
Bill Knight
Candidate at-large
Greensboro City Council
"Continued intransigence by the City Council and City Manager in the David Wray affair does little to restore citizen confidence in the ability of the Council to lead and make important decisions, and provide effective management. It's beyond time for our City Council to step forward and reassert its leadership.
The legal investigation concerning David Wray has run its course: the City Council and City Manager need to focus on our pressing issues: business development, jobs, improved transportation, East Greensboro economic development, water, runaway expenses, improved police protection, drug trafficking and gangs.
The city must find a way for restoring the professional reputation and good name of a dedicated servant. The known facts about David Wray's long and distinguished career in law enforcement simply belie any notion that he was some sort of closet racist with an agenda to persecute black members of the police department - as the city has alleged for so long. What else does the City Council or City Manager know that could alter the SBI investigation or Grand Jury proceeding? Stop the innuendo. This has gone on for two years and needs to stop. Someone needs to be held accountable for this fiasco.
Bill Knight
Candidate at-large
Greensboro City Council
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