City Council Candidate Questionnaire-- Rev. Joe Venable, At-Large

I have belatedly received a questionnaire response today from Joe Venable, who is running for an at-large seat.  I appreciate his participating; and as a courtesy, I am posting his response.  It is as follows, unfiltered:

1. What do you regard as the single most important function or purpose of local government? To do what is right for the citizens of Greensboro. 

2. What would be your specific plan or approach to attract new employers, and retain exist employers, in the City of Greensboro?

I would promote the positive infrastructure that exists in the city.  I am not in favor of giving corporate welfare to Fortune 500 companies, however, I do favor incentives to small businesses who employ 39% of working people in Greensboro. 

3. What would be your specific plan to reduce crime in the City of Greensboro?

I would favor starting drug education as early as pre-school.  Give our children a healthy alternative to drug use and make the penalty the same for users as it is for dealers.  Do whatever it takes to reach our children before they are lured into gangs.  Provide adequate and accessible recreation facilities for our youth.   Mentor young people and show them that we care.

4. Would you ever vote in favor of a tax increase? No.

5. Are you going to seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC? Yes.

6. Are you going to seek and accept the support of TREBIC? Yes.

7. Do you support same-sex domestic partner benefits for city employees? No.

8.   What would be your specific plan to clean up the Greensboro Police Department? Create an open and honest relationship between the department and the public.  When secrets are kept, distrust is bred.

My reaction: Once again, I appreciate Rev. Venable's response. 

I had the opportunity to observe him at two separate forums, and he seemed to be an earnest, straightforward individual.  And indeed, notice the responses to questions 4 - 7.  The questionnaire requested a yes/no response for each, and that is what he provided.  No song and dance, no tortuous explanations, no evasions.  I liked that.  I also liked his positions on taxes and domestic partner benefits.

His response on crime offered exclusively "soft" approaches, and it is doubtful they will drive crime rates downward, particular in the foreseeable future.  The question on the GPD asked what he would do to clean it up; but it is difficult to see how creating "an open and honest relationship between the department and the public" will remedy the mess that now exists. 

It is also an open question as to whether his suggestions for attracting new employers and retaining existing employers will be sufficient.   But to his credit, he promises to hold the line on taxes, which will be helpful.  He does not address the overall adoption of a business-friendly attitude.

He would seek the support of both the Simkins PAC and TREBIC-affiliated organizations.  And in fact, recent press reports stated concern that he is the only African American running for an at-large race; and that the Simkins PAC was considering whether to offer its at-large endorsement to him exclusively, apparently to increase the likelihood he will win a seat.

The remainder of the questionnaire results may be found by clicking "Council Candidates" below, or at the top of the right column; and links to the questionnaire results may also be found by going to this web page.