Mary Rakestraw is being challenged by Tony Collins and Nancy Hoffmann in the upcoming District 4 Greensboro City Council primary. Mr. Collins did not respond to the questionnaire sponsored by this blog and C4GC; so we must rely on alternative sources in order to discern what his candidacy is all about.
Consider the following:
1. The circumstances of his announcement suggest he will be part of the Melderec con Simkins crowd. It featured former Mayor Keith Holliday, whose period of service brought us Project Homestead, the GPD fiasco and the closing of the White Street Landfill. It also featured "many of the who's who of the Greensboro real estate and building industry". This political crowd has brought us much corruption over the years.
2. Jordan Green posted an interview with Collins. It makes clear several things. The candidate declines to self-identify as conservative, even though he is a Republican. He wants "more cooperation with the city's economic development partners in the non-profit sector". He talks up the Greensboro Partnership, which has tended to advocate for liberal policy outcomes. He obviously opposes what the council has tried to do with regard to waste disposal. The discussion makes it clear he would periodically have to recuse himself if he were elected to the city council because of his business activities. He also indicated he would emphasize "quality of life"-- which are political code words for various liberal spending initiatives on nonessential projects.
3. He has an extensive list of community service activities. He doubtless has formed many relationships in the community, and this will serve him well as a candidate. I am sure he is a very nice guy, and would be a civil presence on the council. He certainly has had an early presence with yard signs. One fact should attract attention, however. He has served as an elder at a church that is part of the Presbyterian Church USA denomination. This is an ultraliberal denomination that believes-- among other things-- in using governmental redistribution to achieve "social justice".
My belief is that Tony Collins would be an ally of Robbie Perkins on the city council. He would give us more of what that crowd had given us for a period of 20 years or more. This is the crowd that gave us massive job losses, declines in per capita income, and lagging job creation. They talk a good line, but we need to examine what they have produced.
Is it district 3 or 4? I cant vote in either anyway.
Posted by: Mick | September 21, 2011 at 11:49 AM
4. My bad, will correct. Thanks.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | September 21, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Joe,
I don't think Mary Rakestraw is going to answer the questionaire either. She didn't last election.
She does have , however, a Facebook page other than her personal one ("Councilmember Mary Rakestraw" ) where voters in D4 can learn about her proven record of service and dedication to good government.. efficent government.
I asy let's keep Mary.
Posted by: Fred Gregory | September 23, 2011 at 04:31 PM