The City Council Primary: The GPD Mess

In the questionnaire I circulated to candidates, I asked for their specific plan to clean up the Greensboro Police Department.   This was asked in an otherwise neutral, open-ended fashion, hoping that their responses would clarify what their feelings are about the controversy, and what problems need to be corrected.  After a period of greater than two years, it seemed that candidates should have formed at least a preliminary opinion.

The News and Record published an editorial a month ago, however, that I believe was intended to warn candidates not to speak too vociferously on this controversy. That type of signal could suggest the newspaper's endorsement may be at risk if they speak up in a frank manner.

Most of the candidates responded to this question in a vague, nonspecific or noncommittal manner.  Some expressed support for the current status quo. 

But there are several candidates who have been forthright and courageous, and who have questioned the city's handling of this matter.  These are Bill Knight, Joe Wilson, Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade.  Mr. Knight's questionnaire response, as well as other statements he has made, suggest that he is thinking clearly on this matter-- which I have highlighted previously.  Rakestraw and Wade have both questioned openly the manner in which David Wray was pushed out.  Furthermore, Rakestraw made some statements about this situation at Monday night's forum.  Joe Wilson calls for public hearings, and feels the solution begins in the City Manager's office.  Wade would hire a consultant to study the reorganization of the Police Department, and have an governmental investigative agency probe alleged corruption in the department. 

Marikay Abuzuaiter would hold accountable those who break the law, or who fail to follow procedure; and proposes a mediation board.  Sandy Carmany would change some policies and procedures.  Joel Landau says he will not tolerate unprofessional conduct; and similarly, Trudy Wade would have zero tolerance for illegal or improper activities.

Overall, as noted above, I would give the nod on this question to four candidates: Knight, Wilson, Rakestraw and Wade.
 

Comments

[Sidney C. Gray]

Joe: I would like to again repeat my answer to you. " The Chief Wray-Mitch Johnson dismissal needs to be heard in a Court of Law by a jury who can listen to both sides of the case not by politicians and the media." I think that all this speculation about "this and that" sells papers. I think that this should be settled so that we can focus on issues such as crime, urban sprawl, the environment,educating our young people and other citizens who want to better themselves. I do thank Jerry Bledsoe and the Rhino Times for making this an issue but as I said it is now time for this issue to be settled according to the laws of our Nation. Sidney

[Brenda Bowers]

I agree with you Mr. Gray, but from your answers on this site and other comments reported elsewhere I am not sure that you are one to trust to see that this is done. I also agree that all the things you mention are much more important than the current situation the city finds itself in. But the fact is it was, and is, people who sound very much like you who put the city in this situation and so far have not revealed to us why they did so. Which of course leads most of us to believe the City Council gave the City Manager and City Attorney entirely too much power and control. Again I have the impression you too if you had been on this council would have gone along to get along rather than ask the hard questions and demanded the hard answers as all of them have. Sorry Mr. Gray you don't have my vote. BB

[Brenda Bowers]

Yes Joe I quite agree. I intend to vote for three of these four. Sorry I can not vote for Trudy Wade, but certainly hope the people in her district do. BB

[Joe Guarino]

Mr. Gray, your comments are welcome here at any time. Thanks for stating your position.

Brenda, these "individual issues" posts are intended to demonstrate where certain candidates are strong. I had one yesterday on crime, and will have at least a few more over the next several days. I, as always, appreciate your comments.

[Sidney C. Gray]

Thank you for your candid and frank remarks. That is refreshing and although it hurts I can handle them. I would like to ask you a few questions?
1. Would you be more specific as to your statement as to my "answers on this site and other comments reported elsewhere" so that I might know what you are talking about? Please be specific and by that I mean let me know the exact location and quote that you are talking about so that I may substantiate your remarks.
2. Since this is my first encounter with you and know nothing about you, would you please tell me where I might go ( other than there) to learn who you are. I want to find out for myself if you are credible and have the credentials to connect me with your statement "people who sound like me." I certainly find no value when you "connect me with anyone since we have never met or communicated. This is pure psychological speculation. I have no problem when you preface a statement with " I have the impression."
Cogitate and vote.
Sidney

[Brenda Bowers]

Mr. Gray, You will find my blog at http://triadblogs.com/BrendaFayBowers entitled: And so I Go, yesterday, today and tomorrow

If you click on my profile in the far right column you will be able to read about me. If you want to see my opinions on any of many issues just click on that category.

As for where and when specifically found comments or news items on which I have based my opinion, I do not feel up to going thru newspapers and blogs to give you an item by item accounting.

Whether you find me "credible" and possessing the correct "credentials" is quite beside the point Mr. Gray, as I am not asking for your vote, you are asking for mine. I told you that I do not find that you have the credentials and credibility to get my vote and I told you why.

My comment to you I will admit was blunt, and even tho true I could have refrained from speaking at all. And, probably would have but I was a bit put off by your remark to Joe. Joe is one of the finest most generous and more intelligent people I have ever known. We have never met except on the internet. I value his commentaries and assessments as I have always found him to first make every effort to be well informed on a topic before making a comment. Then he is generous and kind, but nonetheless sincere in his statement of the facts as he sees them. I on the other hand am not generous nor kind, but I believe equally sincere in my judgments. Brenda Bowers

[jc]

Joe, could you make a list of all incumbents and their disticts? I want to make sure I dont vote for any of these puppets.

Also, can you make a list of all candidates who are not beholden to the Simpkins PAC? I want to make sure I vote for someone who is not backed by this very influential group.

[Joe Guarino]

jc, I plan to do a post within the next few days on the issue of city council candidates seeking the Simkins endorsement. I will point out those who are not looking for this endorsement as well.

I appreciate your asking. Please stay tuned.