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More on Nancy Vaughan's run for council

Check out the new of Nancy Vaughan's plan to run for re-election here.

This was the press release she sent this mornging:

"Last November, I said that I felt I could better serve the City of Greensboro as a community volunteer. However after a great deal of deliberation, and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to seek re-election as an At Large representative in the upcoming City Council election, in addition to my community activities. I have become increasingly concerned with the tenor of our meetings, the direction of this council, and the impact recent decisions have had on the citizens of Greensboro. I was faced with the choice of watching from the sidelines or trying to work within the Council system to bring about effective change. It will be up to the voters to decide what type of government they want – more of the same, or a Council that pledges to put aside personal agendas and to work for the good of the entire City.

"When a small group of council members decides issues behind closed doors, they violate the spirit of open government and transparency - ideas which every council member claimed to embrace during the last election. We must be united and focused in the fight to attract high-quality jobs, increase public safety, and maintaining our infrastructure. We cannot allow petty bickering and side issues to derail us from those goals. Creating a safe, business-friendly environment is essential to the future of Greensboro and all its citizens.

"In the last election, I was gratified to enjoy a broad base of support throughout the City, receiving more votes than any other candidate, including the Mayor, and I believe that I would be letting those voters down if I give up and allow the current status quo to continue."

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Posted by Amanda Lehmert on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:09 am

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Mr. JMS

June 29, 2011 - 6:41 pm EDT

Vaughan let's a few loud mouths scare her. As an at large canidate she can't let these few loud mouths scare her into voting against what is best for Greensboro as a whole. She has also had to recuse herself from too many votes due to conflicts of interest. But yet she complains about "When a small group of council members decides issues...". Maybe Greensboro needs a council person who doesn't have so many conflicts of interest.

buzzman

June 30, 2011 - 1:08 am EDT

I agree completely! Vaughan seems to be out of touch with the real world. An example at the last council meeting was wanting to continue to pay reserve police officers when the CHIEF was the one who eliminated that pay from his budget. Even after it was made clear that the GPD provides training and the ROs give service in return, Vaughan just wouldn't let it go. She continued to say that the ROs were putting their lives in danger, so they should be paid. They are volunteers!
Vaughan has too much baggage (her husband) which doesn't allow her to vote on some issues and she has to be careful not to do or say anything that goes against her husband's point of view. So, not a valuable council member for the majority of Greensboro's citizens. But, we all know that she'll be re-elected, because there are so many folks who don't have a clue as to what is happening with city govt' and vote simply by name recognition.

Amanda Lehmert

June 30, 2011 - 9:54 am EDT

The chief recommended the reserve officers be cut because he had to make cuts to fulfill the council's direction to show seven percent budget cuts. Miller was limited as to what he could cut, since he the council did not want to cut sworn personnel. He said he would prefer not to cut any officers, but if he had to cut something, he would have to start with part-time staffers over full-timers.

buzzman

June 30, 2011 - 10:03 am EDT

Amanda! You missed the point and you don't need to try to educate ME! I watch all council meetings.
I probably know more about what's going on in Greensboro than you do, because I have an open mind and pay attention.

Amanda Lehmert

June 30, 2011 - 10:12 am EDT

Your point was that you don't like Vaughan as candidate or her advocacy on the reserve issue. I get it. But I wanted to clarify that the chief making the suggestion was merely part of the budget process. If he had been told that he would have a million extra dollars and asked how to spend it, you wouldn't have seen him do that.

I have no doubt you watch the council meetings. But given that the budget direction was given in briefing session that isn't televised, I don't know that everyone else knows that.

GsoFan

June 30, 2011 - 1:22 pm EDT

Buzzman, the reserve officers are sworn officers. They perform every task a a paid officers does. They patrol, they arrest people, they carry guns, they put their life in danger. I agree with Vaughan, they should be compensated. Do we want a volunteer police force? Just because the CHIEF thinks these people will work for free, doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. Are we going to balance our budget on the backs of public safety officers? If two officers walked up to you one a reserve and one paid - you wouldn't know the difference.

springdalemayor

June 30, 2011 - 10:50 am EDT

I am very happy to see that Nancy has changed her mind and will run again. Hopefully, others will come forward who really care about Greensboro and our future, and compete against those on the council who are so very one-sided and closed-minded and need to be voted out of their districts come November.

Good luck Nancy! Don't let them stress you out!

Ronnie1964

June 30, 2011 - 1:31 pm EDT

I'm glad to see that she did NOT allow a few loud mouths run her off. We need more people who decide issues based on facts not "party loyalty". The city council is a non-partisan board. It's been destroyed by former county commissioners who have succeeded in making the city council as non-functioning as the county commissioners. I'm glad she's running!

GreensboroObserver

June 30, 2011 - 1:44 pm EDT

I think her deciding to run is good news. The current crop of at-large candidates isn't very strong. Vaughn brings good judgement and experience. The last few councils have not been good for Greensboro.

Mr. JMS

July 1, 2011 - 3:04 pm EDT

I would remind you that Vaughn has been part of the last council that you say has not been good for Greensboro.

willhoward

July 5, 2011 - 8:54 pm EDT

July 5, 2011

To all concerned:
My name is Will Howard. I reside in Greensboro, NC. I have known and become good friends with Council Woman Nancy Vaughan. I regularly talk with her about a variety of issues and concerns. I am an advocate for the homeless and at risk population. I am very proud to say that my friend, Nancy Vaughan, is an advocate of those who need help the most, as well.
She has not only spoken up in support of this much disenfranchised and at risk group, but has used her time, position and resources to facilitate the improvement of their lives, as she has consistently done where all citizens of Greensboro are concerned.
Now that she has chosen to continue serving the citizens of this wonderful city, I would like to remind everyone that we are without a doubt very fortunate to have her as a public official. I urge you to take a very close look at this wonderful person before you decide on supporting a candidate that may be less experienced, less compassionate, and less honest and certainly one that may not have your best interest at heart. GREENSBORO, we are lucky to have her. Come election time, please don’t forget this.
Will Howard