Council Candidates: T. Dianne Bellamy-Small

I have received a questionnaire response from T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, who is running for reelection to the District 1 Greensboro City Council seat.  I appreciate her participation.

1. What, in your opinion, is the single most important activity in which municipal government engages? (Please identify one program area only)

Providing services for the citizens.  

2. Do you support granting incentive monies for private real estate development?

When there is a partnership. 

3. What steps do you propose to enhance the Greensboro Police Department’s ability to reduce crime levels in the city of Greensboro? 

1. Strengthen community watch

2. Support C.O.P.

3. Support programs to assist ex-offenders not re-offend. 

4. Do you favor allowing the Greensboro Coliseum to continue hosting the Superjam event?  Yes. 

5. Do you favor using the White Street Landfill for residential trash?  No.

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?  They ask, I don't ask.  (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested.) 

8. What steps do you propose to spur the recruitment and creation of jobs in the city of Greensboro? What steps would you not propose?

1. Planning for growth in east Greensboro.

2. Support small business office. 

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

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

11. What measures would you favor to limit the cost of benefits for city employees?  Allow city manager and staff to make recommendations. 

12. Do you support adding more police officers to the Greensboro Police Department; and if so, how many? 

Yes.  As city grows recommendations by staff of how many. 

13. Do you believe the computers in the Greensboro Public Library used by adults should be filtered to prevent the inadvertent viewing of pornography by minors who are nearby?  

I think problem is being address.  In the last year the problem has represented less than .09%. 

14. Which city activities or programs should be reduced or cut back? 

Those programs that we no longer feel are needed or are better provided by private/ non-profit organizations. 

15. Which types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development; and which types should not be supported?

What our policy already does. 

16. What steps would you propose to eliminate the operating deficits at the Greensboro Coliseum complex?  

The complex's economic impact for the first 8 months of this year is approx. $80-90 million. 

17. Do you favor proposing bonds for capital projects, or do you support pay-as-you-go?

Both when recommended by staff. 

18. Do you favor giving Action Greensboro, the Greensboro Partnership and/or Downtown Greensboro Inc. special, increased standing in the formulation of policy decisions?

Whose policy?  (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested.) 

19. Do you favor taxpayer funding of Action Greensboro, the Greensboro Partnership and/or Downtown Greensboro, Inc.? 

DGI should be phased out.  (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested).

20. Do you favor expanding mass transit services in the city of Greensboro?  Yes. 

21. Do you believe the City Council should vote for the first time on the matter of whether or not taxpayer-provided benefits should continue to be extended to the partners of gay city city employees?

We already provide benefits.  (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested.)  

Comments

[Capt. Spalding]

I've never had the (dubious) pleasure of meeting Ms Bellamy-Small. But based on her treatment of people at Council meetings and how she deals with the media, I would imagine that having to deal with Ms Bellamy-Small on a regular basis would be like having a root canal done without novocaine.

[Craftyboro]

Did you think that some questions cannot be properly answered by a yes or no response, unless you phrase the question in order to seek certain responses.

[cheripickr]

...or James Caan living with Catherine Bates
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKHdDAAvHdc/Tc6b9_E5tjI/AAAAAAAAC6o/29Pv2xMRbQ4/s1600/misery-1.jpg

[Joe Guarino]

The candidates were asked to answer no or yes; and were advised they could then provide further explanation if they wished to do so. This was explained in the cover letter.

But yes, there is obviously a desire to have the candidate go on the record and answer the question directly-- instead of evading the need to answer it. I appreciate TDBS' response nonetheless; and it should be noted that quite a number of candidates across the ideological spectrum did not respond at all. At least she participated.

[Ken Hill]

"Providing services for the citizens."
Sometimes the concept of government services appears to be derived from a practice in animal husbandry.

[Top10]

I went to the forum last night. TDBS left me with the impression that she lacked self-discipline and/or she believed she was the on intellectual(I use that loosely) person on the stage. When other candidates answered their questions she either shook her head in agreement or disagreement. What I also found interesting was how she skirted around the question of crime in her district, simply stating you can find crime in any district. Ta-da! It is clear that the crime in districts 1 & 2 are being committed by individuals who live in these same communities. So let me see if I understand this: She wants to increase community watch programs in areas where the criminals are already watching the neighborhoods? How can you determine who is joining the watch program. Sounds like an invitation to disaster. Likewise, with District 2 going through the same perils, according to Jim Kee the Greensboro PD is doing a great job. This is the truth and these two candidates need to address the issue that Districts 1 & 2 will not see REAL economic development unless the crime rate is under control & maintained. As long as they are in office the city mapped crimes listed every Sunday in the N&R will still look like it does a year from now and so forth.

I also made a list of candidates who did not show at the forum. I don't know what they were doing, but don't think that I'm going to run all over town for a little Q&A. I won't have the time to cast a vote for for the no-shows so please save the postage for the postcard you'll be mailing. Two candidates sat in the audience. What did that mean?

Tom Phillips was my favorite. I'm hoping the citizens of GSO will stop allowing their votes to be bought, used as bargaining chips (with no meaningful return) & used for ill gotten gain. Can we please get Tom Phillips in office and everyone please find a forum to attend.

[Tony Wilkins]

Capt.: "I would imagine that having to deal with Ms Bellamy-Small on a regular basis would be like having a root canal done without novocaine".

About fell out of my chair laughing at that one Cap'n.

I have discovered that if you tape a three hour council meeting, fast forward TDBS's fondness of seeing herself on tv, you can usually get through the meeting in about two hours.

[Abner Doon]

"DGI should be phased out."

Agreed.

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

? I don't think Dianne gets along with Skip and some others.

"15. Which types of projects should be funded through bonds for economic development; and which types should not be supported?

What our policy already does."

Swimming pools, Loans for County Commissioners,
bond incentives and tax breaks for high paying donors?

[Abner Doon]

"Do you believe the City Council should vote for the first time on the matter of whether or not taxpayer-provided benefits should continue to be extended to the partners of gay city city employees?

We already provide benefits."

Would the Hate Gay People Ammendment eliminate gay spousal benefits?

[sensei]

Apparently those folks who continue to re-elect tdBS, don't watch the council meetings and just vote for her because someone tells them to.

[Harold]

Met Diane in public, no political venue, was personable and conversational. 'course there's the political Diane. She's plays to her constituencies requirements - be angry at what's been done to them, we're victims, that sort of thing. She does it quite well. Acknowledges her voters by installing them in meaningless committees more than the other Council members, recognizes them from the floor. Makes her voters feel warm and fuzzy even when they must know she's blowing smoke. Old school politician imo.

[Steve]

Does anyone know the percentage of whites in District 1? Her mission seems to be a voice for one race of people. How about all At-Large candidates?

[Billy Jones]

Joe, Three things I found interesting:

"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? They ask, I don't ask. (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested.)"

and

"19. Do you favor taxpayer funding of Action Greensboro, the Greensboro Partnership and/or Downtown Greensboro, Inc.?

DGI should be phased out. (Editor's note: A yes-no response was requested)."

It would appear that TDBS is at odds with the same groups/associations (Simpkins, Trebic, Meldric) that you are at odds with. My guess is that her sudden change of mind about running for Mayor might have something to do with that.

Walk softly... sometimes political allies are found in the enemies of enemies.

[conservativewatcher]

Would the Hate Gay People Ammendment eliminate gay spousal benefits?

There you go again Abner with the victim mantra, I thought we already addressed this in another thread. I guess if you play victim enough people listen?

[Roch101]

""I will be happy to quote verse and chapter if you believe Jesus didn't speak against murdering innocent children and homosexuality." -- conservativewatcher

Yes, please.

[Steve]

"...murdering innocent children and homosexuality. BETTER YET why don't you tell me where he spoke in favor of it."

You really don't like the "BETTER YET" part, do ya?

[bubba]

"Yes, please."

Look, blowhard.......it's been provided to you several different times.

The fact that you don't understand that is not a matter for dispute nor discussion . The only matter of discussion here is one of why your level of emotional maturity is permanently stuck at 15 years of age.

[Roch101]

He didn't.

[Roch101]

The above to Steve.

[Roch101]

"Look, blowhard.......it's been provided to you several different times."

I cannot communicate with people who deny the meaning of obvious words, like "quote," "speak" and "against," so please butt out.

[conservativewatcher]

Roach, when you show me verse and chapter where Jesus spoke in favor of murdering the innocent babies and your beloved Homosexuality, I will be happy to show you where he spoke against it. Until then be the Cockroach that you are and hide somewhere.

[Roch101]

Good one! I see what you did there. You made fun of my name! Ha! And so original. How clever you are, I cannot imagine why you do not want your identity known.

I never claimed Jesus spoke in "favor" of homosexuality. You, on the other hand, claimed that he spoke against it and offered, unconditionally, to quote me "verse and chapter." Is your word no good? I mean, it sure seems that way, but I don't want to jump to conclusions.

[cheripickr]

Roch, are you really like this in real life? And if so do you have any friends? I can see you at the dinner table now; "Roch, please pass the salt." "But how do you KNOW it's salt?" Besides, it's the weekend now. Don't you have some nitpicky WFMY error to obsess over? The night's still young...PARTY!

[Misty]

Whyyyyyyyyy?

Ok Roach, here are your scriptures: Lev. 18:22, 1King 14:24, Lev. 20:13, Rom. 1:24, 26, 27.

[cheripickr]

Michele left some too. I tried to help him, bless his heart...

[bubba]

"Bob, I cannot communicate with people who deny the meaning of obvious words, like "quote," "speak" and "against," so please butt out."

You keep establishing yourself as a first class jerk whenever you post.

Let's escalate this little game you like to play........how about I start by publishing your address and phone number?

[Steve]

Roch, your view is that the Bible is unclear on the issue thus leaving you the option of promoting it? And attacking folks for not following your interpretation?
CW did put himself out there… to someone who could challenge salt on the table. lol
But you were promoting Homosexuality before CW’s comment, right?

For those of us who don’t know, it would be helpful to answer Joe’s question about your view on the Holy Scriptures. Still holding out?

[Roch101]

Misty, thanks for the reply, none of those quote Jesus.

[Roch101]

... on the topic of homosexuality.

[Roch101]

Steve, my view is that if someone says, "I believe this because Jesus said it," and Jesus didn't say it, that maybe their opinions are ill-founded.

[cheripickr]

Folks, I believe he's holding out for a live CNN interview preserved on Youtube.

[Spag]

I remember when I couldn't get an answer as to whether Barack Obama is a bigot for having his Justice Department defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court and his own opinion that marriage is between a man and a woman.

It's been over a year and I still don't have an answer.

I'm a big fan of straight answers and providing evidence to support them, but you can't expect from others what you refuse to do yourself.

[Joe Guarino]

I don't know why this particular dispute had to find itself onto TDBS' questionnaire post.

But I think I had previously asked Roch if he believes in the canonicity of scripture; and if he believes that scripture is inspired by God. He has yet to answer directly.

[cheripickr]

Joe, I can tell you exactly how it found it's way here:
http://guarino.typepad.com/guarino/2011/09/1-what-in-your-opinion-is-the-single-most-important-activity-in-which-municipal-government-engages-please-identify-one-p.html?cid=6a00d8341d1c8253ef015391d34110970b#comment-6a00d8341d1c8253ef015391d34110970b

[Roch101]

Sam, I answered your question. In case you don't remember, the answer was no.

Joe, the answer to your question is, I'm not sure.

So when do we begin encouraging concervativewatcher to step up and provide what started this all, what he/she promised: "Verse and chapter" of Jesus speaking against homosexuality?

[Misty]

Roch, only because I care. John 10:30. You can't run from the old testament. I don't think the issue is homosexuality. It's sin. Everyone of us have done something we've had no business doing whether we'd admit it or not. The difference in such a matter is that a few of us realized it was a pathway we didn't want to willingly walk down anymore. If we're more than Conquerors, surely there are many things we have to overcome. Peace & love, Roch!

[Abner Doon]

We had to put our dog down today.

I think there is probably not a "heaven" he gets to go to.

The closest thing his atoms probably got to heaven,
was being my wife's dog.

What would Jesus have said about whether he gets to go
to the Christian idea of heaven?

To say he did not have a soul
would seem to be a bit nonsensical.

He was a better person than some people I've met.

Who is anyone to tell me what happens to the dead?

There is no way to know.

You can hope so,
you can pray,
you can cope,
but you can't really ever say for sure.

It's all good
if you hope everything happens exactly the way it does.

[Joe Guarino]

Jesus is part of the triune God. If you do not believe that scripture is inspired by God, and if you do not believe in the canonicity of scripture, then you would not tend to believe that Jesus Christ viewed homosexual behavior as sin.

The bibilical warnings against homosexual behavior are not confined to Old Testament law. They are also found in the New Testament. But if you are "not sure" about the legitimacy of scripture, then it is easier to minimize the importance of these warnings.

God's orientation toward family and sexuality is for His people to produce descendants who will also be part of God's family. That is one of the messages that tends to recur at various places throughout scripture.

[Abner Doon]

"I and my Father are one."

If something started everything
and everything’s the same only different
is everything everything?

If there was, is, and will be only so much stuff
how old are you?

If what is, is until it’s not
is non-sentiency more probable than sentiency?

If there’s no certainty of what was, is, will be, or why
is the only certainty present thought?

Is everything just right?

[Abner Doon]

"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers
exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here
it will instantly disappear and be replaced
by something even more bizarre and inexplicable

There is another theory which states that this has already happened"

Douglas Adams

[Spag]

"Sam, I answered your question. In case you don't remember, the answer was no."

I don't recall that, but if you did (maybe it's because I was banned by Ed Cone during that cross-blogged dialogue) then you must surely agree that people who support the Defense of Marriage Act and believe that marriage should only be between one man and one woman are not bigots. That is unless there is something special about Obama that exempts him from that standard.

You press Joe for standards and consistency, does that apply to you as well?

[cheripickr]

"Jesus is part of the triune God. If you do not believe that scripture is inspired by God, and if you do not believe in the canonicity of scripture, then you would not tend to believe that Jesus Christ viewed homosexual behavior as sin."

Interesting. In light of that, I wonder what 'faith' Roch was referring to as his below?:

http://guarino.typepad.com/guarino/2011/09/what-god-loves-vs-what-liberals-love.html?cid=6a00d8341d1c8253ef015391c69453970b#comment-6a00d8341d1c8253ef015391c69453970b

[Spag]

What is canonical is open to debate and has been for nearly 2000 years. I think you can deduce that Jesus was opposed to homosexuality because he was a Jew and thus would follow the teachings of the Torah. The Torah (containing Leviticus) speaks against homosexuality.

On the other hand, I don't believe Jesus Himself actually ever spoke on the issue specifically.

If you are a fundamentalist, then you can't really pick and choose which parts of the Bible are subject to literal interpretation and which parts are not. Well, you can, but that would be inconsistent and not really fundamentalist at all.

So points on both sides as well as deductions in this debate.

[cheripickr]

I keep hearing that argument. So which parts of the scripture are fundamentalists excluding from literal interpretation?

[Roch101]

Misty, peace to you to.

[Roch101]

"Jesus is part of the triune God. If you do not believe that scripture is inspired by God, and if you do not believe in the canonicity of scripture, then you would not tend to believe that Jesus Christ viewed homosexual behavior as sin." -- Joe

That's fine, Joe, but then we run into the selectivity that Hoggard and I were noting previously. Yes, one can say that Jesus "said" everything that is in the Bible, but then we are left with the glaring contradictions of people using that method to condemn homosexuality while arbitrarily abiding wearing poly/cotton blends, eating selfish, shaving their sideburns and a multitude of other Old Testament prohibitions that they tolerate under the arbitrary slicing and dicing of what applies and what doesn't.

And still, no answer from conservativewatcher.

[Roch101]

"Interesting. In light of that, I wonder what 'faith' Roch was referring to as his below?:" -- Dr. John Hayes

You are welcome to judge.

[Roch101]

"You press Joe for standards and consistency, does that apply to you as well?" -- Sam

Rather than risk treading down the same blog comment dead end, maybe we should get together and discuss. Smith Street breakfast someday?

[cheripickr]

"You are welcome to judge.":--Mr Roch101

To ask a question is not to judge. If you prefer not to answer, I understand.

[Steve]

It would be interesting if TDBS dropped in and saw the recent comments full about HER. Upon scroll down she’d have to say ”thank you Jesus”.