Guarino

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Danny Thompson, At Large

I have received a questionnaire response from Danny Thompson, who is running At Large for the Greensboro City Council.  I appreciate his responses, which follow:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Providing value back to the citizens for the investment they make through their hard-earned tax dollars.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?

I would decide on a case by case basis – if their were City regulations that benefit all of the community in which developers had to abide by, then incentives would be an appropriate way for economic development to occur.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  Allow the legal process to continue running its course.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Some of both.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  No.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Seek, no; accept, yes.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  Was not aware they endorsed candidates. I did fill out their survey – like I’m doing yours.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? What would you not do to attract more employers?  Support the Piedmont Aerotropolis plan and encourage more regional cooperation with other municipalities for growth.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  No – we already have one of the State’s highest tax rates. We need to be better stewards with the taxpayer’s money, not keep asking for more.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  No, but I would favor increasing fees of non-residents who use City services and amenities.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  Zero based budgeting.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  I support looking at the GPD budget and manpower and seeing where we could get more boots on the streets, and less butts polishing seats.  

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  No.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  Yes.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes. 

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Greater community involvement where crime historically happens.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Favor. 

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  The ones that the majority of citizens vote in favor of, not the ones “back doored” against the voter’s wishes (read: swimming pool).

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Pay as you go.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Continue to use them as a professional source of support and expertise on City matters. Not sure what you mean by “special standing” They already are pretty special to Greensboro.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Favor.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  No.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Ryan Shell, At Large

Ryan Shell has sent me a response to the candidate questionnaire I have circulated.  He is running for an At Large seat.  I appreciate his participating.  The following are his responses:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Public safety.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  I am not in favor of handing out incentives left and right, but at times they are necessary and an option we need to have on the table so we can be competitive in today’s economic environment.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy? 

David Wray is in the past, but the lawsuits that stemmed from the fiasco still need to be dealt with. We should continue to work towards unifying our police force and making it as strong as possible to ensure that Greensboro is a safe place for individuals and businesses to call home. I’m answering this survey on August 20, 2009… and we are currently on track to have a murder or shooting every week this month.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern? 

Higher levels of density with infill. I can’t say enough about how important I feel it is for all parties involved to collaborate at the onset to discover stumbling blocks and to proactively work to achieve the goal at hand. Infill will not be the best answer in every situation, but it should be an option we continue to consider.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? 

I’ve publicly spoken out against the reopening of the landfill to its previous state. Let me hit on an important point really quickly. While this was being discussed earlier this year I heard conflicting reports as to the number of years (from 3 - 50 years) we could potentially use White Street as well as the cost savings we would see from doing so. Let’s, for a moment, assume that White Street has 50 years of life left. What do we do at the end of the 50 year period? We need to step back and create a long term waste disposal plan because short-term band-aid fixes are not the best option for the future of Greensboro.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC? 

I am willing to talk to any group that would like to discuss my viewpoints and to discuss any endorsement that they have to offer.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations? 

See previous response. I should also note that I, and other candidates, have received surveys from many groups including the Greensboro Partnership, yourself, etc.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? 

We should constantly work with the business community to ensure we are taking the right steps towards being “business friendly” and also ensure that we have an adequate infrastructure.

What would you not do to attract more employers?  One thing I would not do to attract more employers is hand out incentives like they are hot cakes. Incentives that we give out should have a direct impact on the local economy.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents? 

My goal is to work towards lowering the tax rate for the citizens of Greensboro. When compared to Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Raleigh and Winston-Salem - Greensboro has the highest tax rate. In fact, our rate is almost double that of Raleigh. Raising taxes or increasing fees is not something I ever want to do, but at times it might be something that has to be done. To be clear, it’s not something I am setting out to do.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  See question #9. Same basis.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees? 

As the private sector typically does, we should continue to shop around for competitive pricing on things such as insurance policies to ensure we are receiving the best deal possible. Good benefits are one thing that can help employee morale so I’d be hesitant to start slashing things left and right.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many? 

As Greensboro continues to grow, so should our police force. When we annex areas such as the Cardinal the City should be able to provide them with the same police coverage that other parts of the city receive. In regards to the number of officers needed, when I did an interview with Chief Bellamy on January 4, for GreensboroPolitics.com, and he mentioned that the department “could probably use 200 more officers.” Since then, new officers have been hired, but I am not in a position to tell you that we need X number of officers - I’d have to defer to recommendations from the Chief.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  No.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? 

Do you feel as though a grown man should be allowed to browse porn at the library while sitting next to a twelve year old? I don’t, and feel as though we should take steps to prevent that from happening. I would be in favor of a filtration system of some sort so long as it did not drastically limit the use of the Internet at the library. If a filter is not an option we could look into lowering the partitions that separate the computers. My campaign has already hit on this issue and I know not everyone agrees with me. I guess when it comes down to it – keeping our youth safe is more important than whether or not someone can get their kicks by watching porn at the library.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? 

I’m in favor of expanding our transportation system and also in favor of improving what we already have. For instance, Greensboro has 1,105 bus stops and only 82 (less than 7%) have a shelter. I’ve previously highlighted that I think we can and should drastically improve that number. In addition, I’d also like to see GTA implement what I refer to as “trip planner technology” on their Web site. This technology allows you to easily input a starting and ending destination and the time you need to leave/arrive. Triangle Transit has already implemented the technology and after talking with them about the system I learned that it played a part in increasing their ridership. I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried to visit GTA’s Web site and figure out how to use the system, but I consider it to be a barrier to entry.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city? 

I’m a believer in community policing and feel as though it can help reduce crime in Greensboro. In addition, I’d like to see the department continue to educate the community in ways that they can help reduce crime. Uniting communities is something that I view as a positive and in fact I have helped bring together more than 110 community watches in Greensboro by creating the Greensboro Community Watch - a program that has been supported by the GPD.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? 

I would favor a merger between the City/County Planning Departments so long as it proves to be a cost benefit for the City. First things first though, we need to have the discussion with the County and make sure they are interested in pursuing the option.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported? 

Bonds should fund capital projects, but projects that do not meet average wage requirements or have to do with routine maintenance should not be supported with bonds.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go? 

Utilizing bonds to fund capital projects is what I prefer, but at times “pay-as-you-go” might need to be an option.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  No. The City Council makes policy decisions.  

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council? 

At this time I would not be in favor of adding additional management responsibility to a body that has yet to show the public that it has a strong grasp on managing its single employee, the City Manager.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  Yes because both groups can have a direct impact on economic development in Greensboro.

Cops in Black and White, Part LXXXIII

Jerry Bledsoe's series in the Rhino Times continues with a discussion of the RMA report's characterization of the "secret police".  The following will represent a listing of the false or misleading statements in the RMA Report on this topic, and Bledsoe's response:

1. The RMA Report indicated Special Intelligence had investigated officers outside of established written procedures.

In fact, written procedures existed that supported the use of Special Intelligence in these cases; and in fact, the Police Chief was given the final authority on these matters as a matter of procedure.

2. The RMA Report alleged that a consultant hired by Wray during 2005 had recommended written procedural changes with respect to how Special Intelligence (SI) should be handled; and RMA said the consultant claimed the division should only be used under extraordinary circumstances.

In fact, SI had only been used under extraordinary circumstances-- and particularly for cases in which leaks needed to be avoided.  But the consultant did not recommend any major changes to SI policies and procedures, contrary to what RMA suggested.  SI had been placed under the direction of the deputy chief (Randall Brady), and the consultant indicated a directive should spell out that the deputy chief was responsible for criminal investigations regarding employee misconduct. RMA failed to discuss the good things the consultant reported regarding the approaches Wray's command team had taken.

3. RMA suggested the decision to use "hire-backs" (like Randy Gerringer) may have been an effort to further secrecy. 

But it was not.  The unit was short-handed at the time.  And RMA failed to provide any facts to support its contention.

4. RMA said switching SI to the direction of the deputy chief was intended to enhance secrecy.  It further said there was a deliberate effort to keep Brady over this unit over a period of several years when he moved to different positions.

These claims were false.  There were operational reasons SI was placed under the deputy chief.  And there had been, in fact, a period when Brady did not oversee SI.  The initial effort by SI to investigate James Hinson had been initiated by two black command officers. 

Again, RMA provided no evidence of its assertions.  RMA failed to discuss the other officers in SI  (other than Scott Sanders) who had been involved; and did not even try to demonstrate why they would have willingly participated in improper activities. 

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Joel Landau, District 4

I have received a questionnaire response from Joel Landau, who is running for a City Council seat in District 4.  He is the first candidate to respond from that district, and I appreciate his participation.  His responses are as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Police, fire, sanitation.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  Generally no, though there might be some scenario where I would consider it.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  Give Chief Bellamy the latitude to run the Dept. without political interference, and implement the recommendations of the Buracker Report as appropriate.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Compatible infill.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  I probably would have voted against the original decision to close White Street to MSW in 2006.  However, the City made that decision and promised it would remain closed.  Businesses and individuals have moved to the area with that promise in mind.  As a matter of integrity, I believe we need to uphold the promise that was made.  So my answer is No. 

In order to reduce the costs of waste disposal, I support an aggressive program to reduce the amount of waste we generate.  Therein is tremendous potential to save taxpayers’ money and extend the lifespan of whatever landfill we use.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Seek – No.   Accept – Yes.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  No.  But in the interest of openness, I have completed and returned their Candidate questionnaire.  I think the public has a right to know as much as they can about a candidate’s stand on the issues.  Similarly I don’t expect your endorsement (that’s an understatement), but believe your readers have a right to know my positions on questions of interest to them.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Have ordinances that simplify permitting and the approval process.  Make businesses feel welcome.  Have strong, accessible support services for businesses.  Maintain an attractive quality of life so people want to come live here. 

What would you not do to attract more employers?  I would not scrap programs that give Greensboro a unique character and make it an attractive place to live.  When an employer is considering where to locate, they have to consider whether key employees will want to live in the town they choose.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  My first preference is to reduce taxes.  Failing that, then to maintain the current rate.  Would I ever vote to raise taxes?  Only if it was necessary to provide the services our community needs. 

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  See my answer to question 9.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  I don’t know that I would.  I’d be interested in hearing suggestions.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD?  If so, how many?  We have coverage per capita comparable to similar sized NC cities.  First we need to look at more efficient deployment of the current force (eg, do we have uniformed officers doing desk jobs that non-sworn civilians could perform?).  If we then determine there’s a need for more coverage, I’d support adding as many as are needed to provide full coverage.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  No.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  Yes.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Community policing seems to work well, as it establishes more personal relationships between officers and the community they patrol.  This results in greater trust, which leads to more cooperation.  Community Watch programs help.  I would ask the Police Chief for further suggestions.  But most causes of crime, as I’ve heard Chief Bellamy say, involve societal issues beyond the scope of the Police Dept. to deal with.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Favor, if it produces cost savings without sacrificing effectiveness or standards.  

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  Would like more input on this.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  My preference is Pay-as-you-go, but I would look at this on a case by case basis, since bonds can sometimes allow us to leverage other available sources that will save us money in the long run.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Oppose, but would seek their expertise and participation in areas they’re involved in.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Favor.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  If it’s to provide under contract a specific needed service for the City, yes.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Nettie Coad, District 2

I have received a questionnaire response from Ms. Nettie Coad, who is running for a Greensboro city council seat in district 2. I appreciate her participation.  Her responses are as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Serve the community.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  Yes, in some cases. Particularly for non-profits.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  The truth must come out. How can we correct something if we don't know the truth of what happened?

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Higher levels of density.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  No. I favor supporting the quality of life for the citizens in the area.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Yes.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  Yes.  I will work with all people.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Clean up neighborhoods.  Improve roads. 

What would you not do to attract more employers?  I would not engage in any "backdoor" deals.  

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Yes.  It would depend on the needs of the city.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  Yes. I would have to examine the policies.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  I would not reward inefficient service.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  I support examining the current use of officers and where there are needs and gaps before making decisions. 

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  Given the sensitivity of the issue, I think there would need to be detailed discussion.  However, I don't believe this is what the Council is for.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  Yes, some should be filtered for exclusive use by young people.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes.  Expanded mass transportation would reduce parking needs and traffic jams for starters.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  I don't believe that jail is a deterrent for crime. There needs to be increased engagement and dialogue about what we are currently doing.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  I need to continue to study this issue as does the city and county.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  The benefits to the city would need to be extensively reviewed before determining if a project should be funded through bonds.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Again, the investment gains for the city as a whole would need to be considered.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Both have done great things for the city.  I think they should continue to adhere to existing policies.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  This would need further study, but I don't think the Council should be micromanaging.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  It would depend on the project, but I would consider it.  There have been successful and beneficial ventures funded this way in the past.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, District 1

I have received a questionnaire response from Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small.  I very much appreciate her taking the time to participate.  Her responses are as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Providing appropriate governance.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  Yes, if it will help bring parity to east Greensboro.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  Continue to work through the legal process we are currently in.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Both.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  This issue was voted on by previous councils.  I support their decision.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Not my choice.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  Not my choice.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Using recruiting tools we have.  Promote college and university assets. 

What would you not do to attract more employers?  (no response)

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Yes, with the ability to reduce them later.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  Yes, with the ability to reduce them later.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  Seek recommendations from City Manager and Human Resources.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes, as recommended by the Baraka Report.  

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  No. 

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  Yes. 

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Community Watch, Crime Stoppers, other tools based on what is effective.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Oppose.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development?  Infrastructure, job creation.

And what types of projects should not be supported?  (no response)

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Bonds for capital projects, when it seems reasonable.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Their input is helpful.  

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Oppose.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  This funds should be for start-up but phased out over time.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Julie Lapham, At Large

I have received a response from Julie Lapham, who is running for an at-large seat on the Greensboro City Council.  I appreciate very much her participating.  Her responses are as follows:

1.What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Represents Greensboro citizens.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  Yes.

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  To begin with, City Council/staff needs to respond to the recent report recommendations.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  A mix.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? 

A: Do I favor expanding the White Street landfill - No
B: Do I favor seeking other solutions such as "Green" technology to produce methane and bio diesel fuels - Yes

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Yes, meaning I'll respond to their questionnaires just like I'm responding to yours.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  Yes, meaning I'll respond to their questionnaires just like I'm responding to yours.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Create a strategic plan inviting all the stakeholders to the table. 

What would you not do to attract more employers?  (no response)

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Maybe, if circumstances warrant it and all other courses have been exhausted. I would oppose raising real estate taxes though, and feel they could be reduced.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  Maybe, if circumstances warrant it and all other courses have been exhausted.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  (no response)

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? Yes.

If so, how many? (no response)

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council? No.

14.Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? (no response)

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16.What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Utilize citizens and Neighborhood Watch more.

17.Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Oppose. Cooperation, yes.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  (no response)

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  A mix.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Oppose.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Oppose.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership? Yes.

Some of these questions are unclear which is why I've not answered some.

Fruits of the NC Legislature

Kevin Siers, the Charlotte Observer:

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Nancy Vaughan, At Large

I have received a questionnaire response from Nancy Vaughan.  She is running for an At Large seat on the Greensboro City Council.  I appreciate her participating.  Her responses are as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Public safety.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  (No) I believe, in order to be competitive in a global environment, we are forced to play the “incentives game”. However, the intention of our incentive guidelines is to attract new business/industry and to encourage expansion.

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  I believe that the situation with our Police Department was a lesson in “How Not to Handle a Public Crisis”. We need a full airing of the facts. If the City is guilty of institutional racism, we need to address it. If not, the City needs to be vindicated.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  I would like to see higher levels of density with infill. In order for this pattern to be successful it will require staff, developers and the surrounding neighborhood to work together, appreciate each other’s viewpoints and be willing to compromise. Ultimately it will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  (No) At this point in time, I would like to see what alternatives we have. It is not fair for one area of our City to be the bear the brunt of our trash and wastewater. We may be able to find a way to work with the surrounding neighborhoods. I would like to investigate new technology – people have been burning and burying trash since the beginning of time.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  (Yes) I am willing sit down and talk to any group that is interested in hearing my viewpoints. It is up to each group to determine if there is common ground. I have attended numerous community meetings and met one-on-one with many individuals. (If you recall I even contacted you.) I will not ignore or discriminate against any particular group.

I would like to address one issue specific to the Simpkins PAC endorsement. Any payment that is made to the PAC is for printing and distribution of their endorsement.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  (Yes) See (6) above.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? Continue to invest in public infrastructure. What would you not do to attract more employers?  I believe that in order to attract more employers we need to demonstrate that we have a business-friendly environment (steady tax rates, modern infrastructure, and a high quality of life).

I believe the way not to attract more business would be to allow our City to deteriorate.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  (Yes) I can’t say that I will never vote for a tax increase. Time and circumstances change.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  (Yes) See (9) above. Before we look at raising taxes or fees, I believe as a City resident, we should insure that non-City residents are paying their fair share of our facilities and services. If the County won’t reimburse us for our expenses we need to look at charging User Fees to non-City users of things like our libraries and parks and recreation programs (etc.)

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  Typically the public sector pays less than the private sector for similar jobs. Benefits are an important ingredient of attracting and retaining quality employees. This may be another area where we can partner with the County and realize a greater economy of scale.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  I do support adding more police officers to the GPD. I am not in a position to specify an exact number. I will rely on the police department to provide that figure.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  (No) I do not support bringing the Police Chief under the direct control of the City Council. I believe that will make the position too political.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  (No) I do not think that the libraries’ should filter computer content. Parents should take responsibility for their children’s computer use.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  (Yes) I am in favor of expanding mass transportation within the City if there will be sufficient ridership to support that expansion.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  I believe in Community Policing. Increasing visibility and creating relationships and trust within the community is a deterrent to crime and will assist in solving crimes faster.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? (Favor) I favor merging the City’s and the County’s planning department as long as we realize a measurable cost benefit. We must not sacrifice efficiency or standards.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  Bonds should be used for capital projects, not routine maintenance.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  (Bonds for Capital Projects) I would prefer “pay-as-you-go” but I don’t think it is feasible that all capital projects can be financed this way without a significant increase in taxes or decrease in services. Additionally, Bonds give the voter’s a say in capital projects. I will not support 2/3 Bonds. I believe that if the voters voted on the original issue, debt should not be reissued without voter approval.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  (Oppose) I do not favor giving any group “increased standing” in policy decisions. Council should make the final decision on what’s in the best interest of the City, after weighing all the facts.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  (Favor) I do favor bringing the City Attorney under the direct control of the City Council. I believe we should be able to rely on unfiltered legal information and opinion from the City Attorney. If the attorney’s advice goes counter to the manager’s opinion he/she would be put in a difficult position.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  (Yes) Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Partnership are the primary economic development arm of the City. Prospect employers usually contact one of these two organizations when considering a relocation therefore I support their efforts.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Jay Ovittore, District 3

We have now received responses from all three candidates in District 3.  I received Jay Ovittore's response tonight, and he is challenging the incumbent, Zack Matheny.  I appreciate his participation:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Job creation.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  No.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  We must bridge the gap in trust between the public and the GPD.  I believe securing our neighborhoods by implementing roving patrols of marked vehicles will show presence and deter home and car break-ins.  If you are referring to the law suits, well that is up to the legal department and the judge for the case.  It has gotten beyond councils reach.  I do believe that the new reach that has been agreed to by the GPD and passed by council for the Complaint Review Committee of the Human Relations Commission will help nip further situations in the bud.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  High-Level w/Infill.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  No.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Yes- will accept, but am not seeking endorsement.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  Yes- will accept, but am not seeking endorsement.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? What would you not do to attract more employers?  We must first identify what kind of city we want to be.  We must get over the "Mill town" mentality we still embrace and realize that the mills are gone.  I believe we can play to our natural strengths, which I believe are logistics and transportation.  We also are set up for bio-tech and nano-tech in the area.  If we strengthen our community college curriculum to provide classes for training in those fields, we will have a base of workers ready to go for incoming companies.  I would not offer any tax-incentives to attract companies to the area, unless we offer competitive incentives for small-businesses as well, and certainly not without any strings attached.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Yes and No.  It depends on the situation.  This is a very broad question.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  No.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  I would favor negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to get our employees a better deal and to cut costs, as well as negotiating rate with insurers to get the best deal available.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes!!!  We actually need a force twice the size that we have right now, based on the population of our city.  They are stretched way too thin right now and that is also bad for moral and stress levels.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  I do support bringing the Police Chief under control of Council, but that would require that we change the form in which our city government operates.  The hierarchy would have to switch to a full time council, over the city manager and department heads, instead of vice versa.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  Yes and No.  I don't believe we should allow pornography sites on public library computers, but I am opposed to the banning of blogs and social networking sites.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  The GPD is already decreasing crime overall in our city.  I have been pushing for roving patrols in neighborhoods to increase visibility and deter crime.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? Oppose.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  I am generally a pro-bond individual.  That said, I do believe that there are limits and that explanation of the bond issues needs to be more transparent and in depth for our public to decide.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Bonds for capital projects.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Favor. 

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Favor.  Although I would like to see council have more responsibility in the grand scheme of things.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership? Yes.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Zack Matheny, District 3

Councilman Zack Matheny has responded to my candidate questionnaire.  He is running for re-election in District 3. 

Readers are reminded that all of the candidate questionnaires received thus far may be found by clicking the category "City Council Candidate Questionnaires" in the upper right hand corner of this blog page.

I appreciate Councilman Matheny's responses, which are as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages?  Set Policy, Budget.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?  Need more information. It will all depend on a case by case basis.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  City Council has made actions over my first term to get through controversy's that have lingered.  We now have a few lawsuits pending that we will continue to work though and hopefully bring to an end soon.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Higher levels of density with infill.  We need to be careful of sprawl which we will need to work with the County planning department in future development.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  I favor finding a way to utilize one of Greensboro's assets the best possible way.  We need to be able to discuss the landfill openly.  It takes 5 votes to do anything.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  Yes.  Both my opponent and I did last year as well.  Throughout my first term I have kept my door open, for example, I am filling out this questionnaire, which means I would appreciate your endorsement as well.

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  As I stated last year, I am not sure that TREBIC offers endorsements, however, I will fill out their survey, just as I am filling out yours.  If they gave an endorsement I would welcome it, as I would yours.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Continue to be an advocate of the City of Greensboro.  I would like to work with any company considering Greensboro that wants to bring us jobs.  I would consider incentives and have voted on them in the past.  They are a necessary evil in today's world, but in growing our employment, per capita income, and tax base, it is an evil we have to use wisely if presented.

What would you not do to attract more employers?  Raise taxes and fees unnecessarily. I would also not give up or let a solid opportunity slip through to another city.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  As I stated last year, I have absolutely no intention of voting for a tax increase.  I have showed this the two budget sessions I have been able to go through for the citizens of Greensboro.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  I have not voted to raise fees and do not plan on ever voting to raise fees.  Joe, I understand the ever, but, we have to be more realistic. If we are put in a drastic situation then we may have no option.  I will fight in every way, as I have done, to avoid increases.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  Interesting questions because this crosses into micromanaging the City.  As a Council, we could request staff for an cost analysis and comparison of other municipalities in North Carolina as well as municipalities that are progressive.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes.  How many is based on numerous variables including: how many positions the GPD has unfilled, the growth of Greensboro, how many individuals we can get in to the recruiting class, and how many will graduate.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  No.  I have voted on this during my term.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? No.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  I have been working with the Police department in District 3 since elected in response to the community.  We need to continue being visible and catching criminals.  City Council needs to be active with Police and aware of budget needs, i.e. hiring more Police Officers.  Working with media, the Guilford County Most Wanted being in the newspaper has helped.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? Favor.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  Infrastructure, land, anything that will help create jobs.

Not support: Anything that will not meet the minimum City requirements via wage, jobs, tax base.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Both have their purpose.  I have personally voted (not only as a Councilman but as a citizens at the polls) to utilize bonds to fund capital projects, i.e. transportation bonds.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  No. City Council sets policy.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Yes.  I have voted on this as a Councilman and am disappointed our majority vote has not been enacted at the State level.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  We have the Greensboro Partnership in our budget.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Art Boyett, District 5

Art Boyett has responded to my questionnaire.  He is running against incumbent Trudy Wade in District 5.  I appreciate his responses, which are as follows:

1.What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Public safety.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development? No.

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  Open up to the public all records, findings and reports of all parties who investigated any matters related to the polkice department over the last ten years.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  Higher level of ensity with infill.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  It should be considered, but I have not made up my mind, bcause I don't have enough information at this time.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  No.

7.Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  No.

8.What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  Would work with UNCG and A&T to develop a strong business incubator program and give support to new businesses that are starting up.  Would not give "Outlandish" incentives to existing large businesses to move here.

9.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Yes - never say never.

10.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  Yes - never say never.

11.What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  Look for competitive providers that can provide the benefits at a lower cost.  City workers' benefits are not unreasonable at this time.

12.Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  I need more information to be able to answer this question.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  The Police Chief answers directly to the City Manager and the City Manager answers directly to the City Council.  To me, this means that the Police Chief is already onder the cotrol of the City Council.  I don't think that having the Police Chief report directly to City Council will improve his/her responsiveness to City Council's concerns about the Police Department's activities.

14.Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  No more than they are now.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes - but I realize that it will be a slow process.  Perhaps, fast train service to raleigh and Charlotte would be a beginning.

16.What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Work more closely with neighborhood groups to get their cooperation, especially in high crime areas.

17.Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Generally, I favor intergovernmental cooperation and interation.  The merger of the planning function should provide greater compatibility, but often causes friction.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  Business incubators, helping existing successful businesses expand.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Bonds are useful for funding capital projects that will clearly benefit future periods.  Pay-as-you-go should be used for projects whose future benefits are not quite so certain.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  They should be given the opportunity to make proposals, provide input, and collect data; but they should not be given special status in formulating policy.  Formulating policy is City Council's function.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  See my answer to question 13 about the Police Chief.  The situation is very much the same.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  I do not favor providing city moneys to fund the operations of Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership.  I do not see a problem with the City contraction with either organization to perform an activity and report its results for use by the city in formulating policy.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Ben Holder, District 1

Ben Holder has responded to our questionnaire, and has posted it on his sites as well.  I appreciate his taking the time to do this. 

Ben is challenging T. Dianne Bellamy-Small in District 1.  His response is as follows:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Telling the truth.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development? Favor? No, I don’t. I don't favor a colonoscopy either. However, they can be necessary.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy? The wrongs that were committed can never be corrected. I can promise you that if I am elected, I will do my own research instead of blindly following the staff. I will never tell the citizens anything is a fact without researching the entire story. I would also like to reinforce the fact that I released the RMA report to the public. As a matter of fact, I hand delivered a copy to you. That’s how I roll.

I also would like to remind everyone about my work regarding the surveillance issue. I, on more than one occasion, appeared before the council begging them to reveal the truth about the surveillance story. When they refused to do it, I created a public awareness campaign to reveal the entire story. I worked to create the most accurate history of the surveillance story. The campaign included video testimony from previous council meetings, audio from the police captain that authorized the surveillance, documents and an email from the person that wore the wire. I complied all of this research into a video presentation and played it for the council. I can’t fix what was done. I can prevent anything like that from happening again.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern? I am going to have to consult with Ed Cone on this one, Joe.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? I favor, above anything else, being fair. I need to research the entire issue before saying yes or no. I can say that I am one of the few that brought questions to the council concerning how the land for the transfer station was purchased.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC? I am seeking the endorsement of the entire City of Greensboro. I want everyone to endorse me. After all, I am trying to win! Vote for me, I’ll set you free!

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations? I have their questionnaire but failed to fill it out and mail it back to them within the time allowed. Contrary to popular belief, I am not a perfect man.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? Clean up the blight and get tough on the crime.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents? No.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents? No

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees? I would eliminate all of the unnecessary benefits that are currently being provided for city employees. I need to find out if the city pays for Tater’s scanner.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many? When the city grows, the GPD should grow as well. The city has annexed more areas recently and can barely cover the area they had. I would make sure that I researched the entire city and the problems before guessing how many more cops we need.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council? In reasonable world, I am in favor to the top cop being under the manager. However, Greensboro aint necessarily normal.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? Yes.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city? See the following video.  (The video is found at the bottom of this post).

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? No.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported? Good ones should be supported and bad ones should not.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go? Damn, Joe. These questions are killing me.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions? No. However, I am sure whatever policy I create will be loved by Action Greensboro and The Greensboro Partnership.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council? Yes.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership? See answer to question 2.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire-- Sandra Anderson Groat, At Large

I have received a questionnaire response from incumbent Councilwoman-at-large Sandra Anderson Groat.  I appreciate her participation:

1.What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Spending taxpayers'' money.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development? Yes.

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  It was my understanding that a lot of people would be satisfied if our former City Manager was removed.  We need to move forward; we can't redo the past.

 

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  High levels of density with infill along with some suburban patterns also..

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? No.  Our removal of trash will be a big issue with the incoming Council.  We need to consider all aspects of this.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC? Yes, I will accept it.

7.Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations? Yes.

8.What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro?  We have to have more jobs.  We have to have a ready workforce.  If this question is about incentives, as long as other localities swaying companies, we will have to do so.  I want our quality of life to remain the same, and I believe that it can - and better.

9.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents? Yes.

10.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents? Yes.

11.What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  The benefits to Greensboro City Employees are standard in most municipalities.  We do have no definite requirements for retirement.  I believe that we should look at when retirement begins.  I hear people talk about a succession plan.  I don't understand how we can have someone moving up if no one is moving out??

12.Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes.  Yes.  Public Safety is our most important service to our citizens.  I don't know how many police officers we need right now.  I would discuss it with the Chief to determine that, but I do believe we spend money wisely when it comes to further our Police Department.

 

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council? No.

14.Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? Yes.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16.What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city? They are making many arrests and solving crimes.  They have adopted a more agressive attitude which helps in these areas.  The Gang Unit seems to be successful.  Neighborhood policing would help.  If there were consistent police officers in an area who developed trust with the residents, they would get more information.  This is true especially in our high crime areas. Known consequences of crime should be made widely available.  Our PD appears to be after those who break the law, and it should be publized.

 

17.Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? Favor.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  This should be decided on a case by case basis.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go? Bonds for capital projects, if necessary.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Favor. 

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Yes.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership? Yes.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire: George Hartzman, District 3

I have received a questionnaire response from George Hartzman, who is challenging the incumbent Zack Matheny in District 3.   I appreciate his responding:

1.What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Keep the peace.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development?   Depends on what is in the best interests of the City of Greensboro.  But on the face of it, No. 

The first truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe, if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself  That, in essence, is fascism, ownership of government by an individual,  by a group or by any other controlling power--

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committedduring late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  The police department issue is racially divisive.  I believe we need to resolve any outstanding issues as soon as possible, to revive a positive impression of Greensboro to businesses with good paying jobs that will be looking to relocate away from higher taxes, crime and debt in places like California and Florida.  Not fixing the GPD ASAP is not in the best interests of the city’s children.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  I believe sprawl will be a self correcting economic phenomena that will lead to a more residents in the city centers as cost of living to income rises. 

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? Yes.  

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  No. I am not accepting donations of more than $100 from anyone or endorsements and/or donations from lobbyists or  PACs.

7.Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  No. I am not accepting donations of more than $100 from anyone or endorsements and/or donations from lobbyists or PACs. I did fill out TREBIC’s questionnaire, which I found to be educational.

8.What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? By not spending more than we make on what we don’t need, to emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression, with the least amount of debt, the lowest taxes, the safest community, and the most educated workforce, so the Triad can attract good paying jobs with our centrally located transportation and technology infrastructure.

I would not attract more employers by building the northern Urban Loop in its current planned route.  It should be routed north or cancelled.  Now that 29 is to become a major highway, the DOT is projecting 72,000 cars a day driving through.

9.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Increasing debt is raising taxes.  If the city borrows to not raise taxes, they are raising taxes on the future income of our children.  Ever is a big word. Tax issues have to be dependent on the best interests of the City of Greensboro’s future.

10.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  There are three ways to maintain spending as revenue falls: tax increases, debt and spending cuts.  I will prioritize spending cuts first.  If we continue to offer up profligate borrowing proposals, we may become cut off from debt markets.  Increasing fees slows economic growth. We are going to be faced with some tough choices.  Saying “ever” would be irresponsible, if confronted with a 30% revenue drop.

11.What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  I believe the city’s 457 and 401k plans could cut costs significantly and create local, instead of outsourced jobs.  NC unfunded liabilities are probably more than 25 billion, on top of the states 28 billion in debt.  Something will have to give at some point.  The city’s health care costs have shot up even though they are self insured.  It needs looked at.

12.Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes.  Also see an idea on downtown loitering problems including “Street Teachers” at questionsforgreensboro.com.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  Don’t have enough data to say.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  First Amendment.  It is up to parents to raise their children, not the state.  Next thing you know somebody is burning books.  Who gets to decide what’s filtered? 

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Transit growth should be organic relative to demand. Energy costs and economic reality will force the issue sooner than later.

16.What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  Religious and Retired groups are going to have to step up.  The NC Department of Health and Human Services got cut 29% in the budget and more cuts will be sooner than later once they realize and/or disclose their revenue projections are off farther than they actually are. 

17.Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  Don’t have enough data to say.  If there are efficiencies in consolidation, it needs to be looked at.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  Let’s not spend more than we make on what we don’t need.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  Pay as you go. 

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?   From what I have found, Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Partnership represent local business interests.  Seems kind of Orwellian to give special, increased standing to anyone over all others.  Isn’t that how we got into the economic mess we are in now?

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Providing more power to the City Council under current circumstances seems like not such a good idea.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  Don’t have enough data to say.  For what?

City Council Candidate Questionnaires: Dan Fischer, District 2

I have received a prompt response from Dan Fischer, who is running for a seat on the City Council in District 2.  I appreciate his participating.  The following are his responses:

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Please provide a very concise, specific response in three words or less:   Helps with Government.  Let me explain.  This is where the rubber meets the road for Government, where money from the Federal and State Governments.  It also is where the Government can get one on one with its constituents, and I can advocate at higher levels…and set up meetings between elected reps and district constituents.

2. Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development? No.  Unless it is for affordable housing for low income families and then with strict stipulations.

3. What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy?  I would set an oversight committee, like Los Angeles did in the 1970’s after several debacles, and give them wider authority then what we have set up.  Also after reading some of what the D.C. police chief is doing I would want our police to do the same.  The first step would also be to get his number out to everyone he meets, work with communities and gangs to help make our police department better. 

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern?  We have enough land developed that we can tear down old and build new.  But I would like that to be on some of the more active bus lines and with a mixture of retail businesses added in.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money?  Yes, but for a specific purpose.  To provide methane gas to help with making electricity so that we can become a little less dependent on Duke Energy.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC?  No.  PAC’s and other groups like them have been treated by the Supreme Court as one entity.  Though I answer their mail, I am not looking for an endorsement or money from them. 

7. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations?  No.  See previous answer, and to explain a little further.  That is not what government is supposed to be.  I am trying to do this campaign without any money at all.  Just by me going out and talking to the people in District 2 and finding out what it is that they want from me is what I am planning on doing.

8. What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? What would you not do to attract more employers?  I am not sure on how to attract businesses to Greensboro other than to let them know that we have a diversified work force and a great place for community building.  I would not give them tax breaks and other tax incentives to come here.

9. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents?  Yes, but only temporary ones so that I could put solar panels on municipally owned buildings to help cut the cost of electricity and free up some budget moneys and once that is paid for then stop it.

10. Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents?  Not if I can get electricity like I have proposed in answers 4 & 9.

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees?  When I get the city to bite off on these ideas we could pay for some of their benefits before they even get their checks to provide a benefit and raise all at the same time.

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Only if we grow, the police already have use of police from UNCG and A& T so there should be no need to do that right now. 

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council?  I support bringing the Police Chief under the control of the Mayor and whomever the Mayor decides.  Especially if we can get a better grip responsibility for our actions and who our police force reports to.

14. Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people?  No.  I want our children to be able to look for what they need to for research purposes.  And there are plenty of people who use the library computers other than our children. If we had a section just for children then yes, I would want some kind of filters on the computers.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes I do.

16. What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city?  I believe that they need to get out and meet their neighbors.  As a child I can remember Lawton, OK.  The local police department had the cars parked in the drive way by the homes they lived in.  They also got out and met their neighbors; I believe we need to start doing that again.

17. Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department?  I am in favor of that with an appointed person to run both.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported?  We should fund growth projects that stressed neighbor hood well being, low income/affordable housing efforts, and I would not fund issues that dealt with sprawl or any type of underhanded techniques for building something that most of the residents do not want.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go?  I am not sure, if we are fiscally responsible we can pay as we go and not have to worry about bonds of any sort.  But if I were to support bonds, it would have to be for educational purposes first.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions?  Opposed, the city council has the final say as to what happens in Greensboro, and through them the people of Greensboro, not some group who thinks that they know what is best.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council?  Yes, but under direct control of the Mayor with guidance from the Council.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership?  No, I do not favor giving them money.

City Council Candidate Questionnaires: Robbie Perkins, At Large

I have received the first response to my questionnaire for City Council candidates from Councilman Robbie Perkins who is running for reelection in the at-large race.  These questionnaires were mailed out late Wednesday.   I appreciate his promptness in responding, and his willingness to participate. 

All the candidates' responses will be found at a "category" to be found in the upper right hand corner of this blog page.  They can be accessed by clicking there.

Below is Mr. Perkins" response:

1.What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? Public safety.

2.  Do you favor taxpayer money being used to provide incentives for private real estate development? Yes.

3.  What actions do you believe are necessary to correct the wrongs our city government committed during late 2005 and thereafter with its response to the Police Department controversy? No actions are necessary.

4. Which pattern of development do you prefer for the city of Greensboro's future-- higher levels of density with infill, or a more suburban pattern? Higher density.

5. Do you favor markedly expanding the usage of the White Street Landfill for residential trash to save taxpayers' money? No.

6. Will you seek or accept the endorsement of the Simkins PAC? Yes.

7.Will you seek or accept the endorsement of TREBIC-affiliated organizations? Yes.

8.What would you do to attract more employers to the city of Greensboro? Continue to invest in public infrastructure. What would you not do to attract more employers? Talk negatively about our city.

9.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing taxes for Greensboro residents? Yes.

10.Would you ever vote in favor of increasing fees for Greensboro residents? Yes.

11.What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits provided for city employees? Benefits must be competitive to other employers in the area and consistently reevaluated in order to contain costs.

12.Do you support adding more police officers to the GPD? If so, how many?  Yes.  The number depends on substantiated recommendations from the Police Chief and his management team.

13. Do you support bringing the police chief under the control of the City Council? No.

14.Do you think our libraries' computers should be filtered to protect young people? No.

15. Do you favor expanding mass transportation services in the city of Greensboro? Yes.

16.What approaches do you think the police department should employ to decrease crime in our city? More community policing.

17.Do you favor or oppose the city planning department merging with the county planning department? Favor.

18. What types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development, and what types of projects should not be supported? A) water and sewer infrastructure, site development, land acquisition for projects that will create jobs.  B)  Projects that do not meet average wage requirements in the County.

19. Do you favor proposing bonds to fund capital costs, or do you favor pay-as-you-go? Bonds for capital projects.

20. Do you favor giving special, increased standing to Action Greensboro and/or the Greensboro Partnership in the formulation of policy decisions? No.  However, I will not penalize Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Partnership for being pro-active, well informed and organized.

21. Do you support bringing the city attorney under the control of the City Council? No.

22. Do you favor providing taxpayer money to Action Greensboro or the Greensboro Partnership? Yes.

Cops in Black and White, Part LXXXII

Jerry Bledsoe's series in the Rhino Times continues with a discussion of the RMA Report's representation of David Wray's June, 2005 public statement.  The following is a synopsis.

In response to the crisis created by James Hinson's going public with his allegations of racial profiling, David Wray decided to release a statement to the public.  It was written by Dave Watterson, an assistant, and Maurice Cawn, the police attorney who worked under the direction of the city attorney, Linda Miles.  It was cleared with both the US Attorney and Linda Miles.

RMA called the statement deceptive and misleading, but offered no explanation or proof of this characterization.  It attempted to minimize the risk to ongoing investigations that would have been associated with providing the public with more information than Wray's statement had contained.  But in fact, there was a distinct possibility that a detailed statement on Wray's part could have jeopardized the ongoing Turnbull investigation.  Wray had to be vague in his statement for legal reasons as well.

RMA said there had been a 3-year long effort to catch Hinson, but this was plainly untrue. 

RMA also suggested Wray had attempted to avoid telling the truth by using the term "connect the dots"; but he had only used this term in a phone conversation with Lorraine Ahearn during which she was pressing for more information than he could release.  She then reported his "connect the dots" statement in a manner that created a false impression.

Wray had never characterized Hinson as a "bad officer"-- even though RMA alleged that he had. 

The RMA report also commented on the long-discredited story of Hinson's wife, Beverly, charging that the GPD had been surveilling her in the neighborhood in which she lived.  Art League was monitoring another person in that neighborhood-- not Hinson.  When she made a complaint in May 2005, League offered to move the car he was using to another location.  But she expressed no objection to his remaining after police investigated her complaint.  League provided a full explanation of what he was doing.

RMA alleged that the police investigation of Beverly Hinson's complaint was rushed at David Wray's prompting, but this was untrue.  The substantive work of that investigation had been completed satisfactorily.  RMA said a police investigator suggested League had been untruthful, but there was no evidence of this.  RMA claimed police investigators said League had been speaking on his cell phone with Randy Gerringer-- who had been investigating James Hinson-- but in fact, League had not spoken with Gerringer. 

RMA, at the time it interrogated GPD officers like Matt Lojko on this matter during November 2005, had already concluded in error that the GPD had been monitoring Beverly Hinson, and that Wray had attempted to cover it up.  Lojko was accused of lying by RMA on this particular issue, but ironically he passed his polygraph--even though it was administered to him in violation of standards.

Health Care Reform: What's Been in the House Bill

A friend forwarded to me an e-mail description of what is in the House health care reform bill (#3200).  The bill has undergone some changes, and I am not vouching for the accuracy of this particular e-mail.  But I thought it would be interesting to post it because the contents seem, for the most part, fairly plausible:

Page 22 - MANDATES the Government will audit books of ALL EMPLOYERS that self insure.

Page 30 Section 123  - There will be a Government COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get.

Page 29 lines 4-16  - Your Health Care is RATIONED.

Page 42 - The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your Health Care Benefits for you. You have no choice.

Page 50 Section 152 - Health Care will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise.

Page 58 - Government will have real-time access to individual's finances and a National ID Health Card will be issued.

Page 59  lines 21-24 - Government will have direct access to your bank accounts for electrical funds transfers.

Page 65 Section 164 - A payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in Unions & community organizations (ACORN).

Page 72 Lines 8-14 - Government is creating an Health Care Exchange to bring private health care plans under Government control.

Page 84 Section 203 - Government mandates ALL benefit packages for private Health Care plans in the Exchange.

Page 85 Line 7 - Specifications for Benefit Levels for Plans = The Government will ration your Health Care.

Page 91 Lines 4-7 - Government mandates linguistic appropriate services. Example - Translation for illegal aliens

Page 95  Lines 8-18 - The Government will use groups i.e., ACORN & Americorps to sign up individuals for Government Health Care plan.

Page 85 Line 7  - Specs of Ben Levels for Plans. AARP members - Your health care WILL be rationed.

Page 102 Lines 12-18 - Medicaid Eligible individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice.

Page 124 lines 24-25 - No company can sue Government for price fixing. No "judicial review" against Government Monopoly.

Page 127 Lines 1-16 - Doctors/AMA: The Government will tell you what you can make.

Page 145 Line 15-17 - An Employer MUST automatically enroll employees into public option plan. No Choice.

Page 126 Lines 22-25 - Employers MUST pay for Health Care for part time employees AND their families.

Page 149 Lines 16-24 - ANY Employer with payroll 400k & above who does not provide public option  pays 8% tax on all payroll.

Page 150 Lines 9-13 - Business with payroll between $251k and $400k who does not provide public option pays 2-6% tax on all payroll.

Page 167 Lines 18-23 - Any individual who does not have acceptable Health Care according to the  Government will be taxed 2.5% of income.

Page 170 Lines 1-3 -  Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (American Citizens  will pay).

Page 195 - Officers & employees of Health Care Administration (Government) will have access to ALL American's finance/personal records.

Page 203 Line 14-15 Health Care - "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax". Yes, it says that.

Page 239 Line 14-24 - Government will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors, low income, and poor will be affected.

Page 241 Line 6-8 - All doctors will be paid the same regardless of their specialty.

Page 253 Line 10-18 - Government sets value of doctors time, professional judgment, etc; literally the  value of humans.

Page 265 Section 1131 - Government mandates and controls productivity for private Health Care industries.

Page 268 Section 1141 - Government regulates rental and purchase of power driven wheelchairs.

Page 272 Section. 1145 – Treatment at certain CANCER HOSPITALS; rationing for cancer patients.

Page 280 Section 1151 - The Government will penalize hospitals for what Government deems preventable readmissions.

Page 298 Lines 9-11 Doctors, treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission and the Government will penalize you.

Page 317 Lines 13-20 - PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. Government tells Doctors what/how much they can own.

Page 317-318 Lines 21-25,1-3 - PROHIBITION on hospital expansions.

Page 321 2-13 - Hospitals have opportunity to apply for exception BUT community input is required. Approval by ACORN?

Page 335 Lines 16-25; Page 336-339 - Government mandates establishment of outcome based measures. Health Care the way they want it. Rationing.

Page 341 Lines 3-9 Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advance Plans, HMO s, etc. thus  forcing people into Government plan.

Page 354 Section 1177 - Government will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs people. 

Page 379 Section 1191 - Government creates more bureaucracy - Tele-Health Advisory Committee. Health Care by phone?

Page 425 Lines 4-12 - Government mandates Advance Care Planning Consults. Think Senior Citizens end of life.

Page 425 Lines 17-19 - Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney. Mandatory!

Page 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 - Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in death.

Page 427 Lines 15-24 - Government mandates program for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends.

Page 429 Lines 1-9  - An "Advanced Care Planning Consultant" will be used frequently as patients health deteriorates.

Page 429 Lines 10-12 - "advanced care consultation" may include an ORDER for end of life plans. AN ORDER from Government!

Page 429 Lines 13-25 - The Government will specify which Doctors can write an end of life order.

Page 430 Lines 11-15 - The Government will decide what level of treatment you will have at end of life.

Page 469 - Community Based Home Medical Services = Non profit organizations. ACORN Medical Services?

Page 472 Lines 14-17 – Payment to community-based organizations; 1 monthly payment to a community-based organization like ACORN.

Page 489 Section 1308 - The Government will cover Marriage & Family therapy, which means they will insert Government into your marriage.

Page 494-498 - Government will cover Mental Health Services including defining, creating, and rationing those services. 

 

Cops in Black and White, Part LXXXI

Jerry Bledsoe's most recent installment appeared in the Rhino on July 23.  The following is my belated summary.

The RMA report discusses the meetings held by David Wray immediately after James Hinson went public with his accusations of "racial profiling" in June of 2005. 

The first meeting was with various members of his command staff and the officers directly involved.  The RMA report said there had been "various" investigations of Hinson, but in fact, there had only been two; and both had been justified.  The report also suggested that "others" were present at the meeting who were not rightfully involved, but this was untrue.  The only officer present who was not involved and who did not have direct knowledge-- Dave Watterson-- was filling in for other command officers who could not be there.

The RMA report also suggested that the prior Walton investigation had not been discussed at the meeting.  But in fact, this was not an investigation.  It was only an inquiry.  In addition, David Wray did not even know about the prior Walton inquiry at that point.

Later that night, Wray met with some union members.  The union had been mobilizing against Wray on the issue of rotating shifts.

The RMA report indicated that David Wray said he knew he was "taking a chance" by holding this meeting.  But Wray did not remember saying this.  RMA claimed he discussed allegations against four officers with the union members, and that he conceded he may have violated the Personnel Privacy Act.  But Wray said he only discussed the Hinson situation. 

Wray felt discussing the matter with the union members was warranted because Hinson had gone public with allegations against the department.  He wanted to reassure them the department had acted properly. He felt he did not violate the personnel privacy law, and certainly did not release any portion of Hinson's personnel file.

RMA also alleged the information shared at the meeting would have violated the federal gag rule regarding Grand Jury 6E information, and that Wray had acknowledged this.  But Wray said none of this was 6E information, and he had no knowledge of it being presented to a grand jury.

RMA accused him of participating in collective bargaining with the union.  But in fact, he did not bargain with the union.

The RMA report further indicated that Captain Rick Ball insisted Wray go to the US Attorney's office for clearance before making any public statement regarding the Hinson matter.  But no one insisted on it, and Wray did not even recall Ball mentioning it.  Instead, officer Brian Bissett made the suggestion that Wray inform the US attorney's office in the spirit of coordination.

RMA said Hinson had not been the target or a person of interest in a federal drug investigation.  RMA had created the appearance that Wray had said this in his public statement.  But in fact, this was a "straw man".  No one ever said that Hinson had been a target--  but he was, in fact, a "person of interest".  And one of the US attorneys, when Wray met with them, "expressed appreciation that Wray seemed to be attempting to clean up some things in the Police Department that federal authorities long had been worried about. Another attorney, Wray recalled, spoke of continuing concerns about Hinson and Fulmore."