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News & Record election questionnaire - Greensboro City Council District 1

Office you seek
Greensboro City Council Dist 1

Occupation
Financial services, The Assurance Group

Age
52

Education
BA - Political Science, Economics - UNC-CH; MBA, Marketing, International Bus. - Univ of Pgh Katz Gr Sch Bus.

Address
303P Avalon Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27401

Web site/blog/email address
http://www.watchfulnetwork.com
luthertfalls@yahoo.com

Previous elective experience
None

Other relevant experience (boards and commissions, etc.)
Community Resource Board, Watchful Network, Wiley Oak Grove Community Board

Family
Single

Why have you chosen to run for this office?
I would like to serve my community that produced me. I have a thorough knowledge of the important issues. I am qualified through education and training to be a very effective council member. I have existing and can form new relationships to help my district and the city.

Key qualifications you would bring to the job.
Experience in business and community affairs.
Formal training in business and government.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s)?
I am a native of District 1 and have long time relationships to utilize to improve the District. I have strong relationships throughout the city also.

Please list the top three issues in your district and your stances on those issues (briefly, please).
* Economic development and job creation - attracting large business with greater emphasis on small business.
* Crime and public safety - addressing and reducing crime with emphasis on the growing gang presence.
* Enhanced city services - all taxpayers should receive the best services possible.

If different from above, please list the top three issues citywide and your position on them (briefly, please).

What lessons do you think should be drawn from recent problems in the Greensboro Police Department?
The Greensboro Police should have the highest quality of leadership. Improper actions cannot be tolerated and will addressed appropriately.

Have those problems been resolved? Why or why not?
These problems have not been resolved because the City Manager and City Council have not been aggresive enough in moving to a conclusion. Chief Bellamy is doing a fine job in a short time to begin to address many of these issues.

Should this district have had a recall election on Aug. 21? Why or why not?
This district should not have had a recall election because the incumbent was democratically elected. The only reason that it was not really supported is the voters want to decide who represents them.

Should the rules for recall elections in the city be changed? Why or why not?
The rules should be changed because a small minority of voters should not be able to demand an election and use scarce resources.

Have the mayor and City Council done an effective job in addressing Greensboro's economic needs? What more should they do?
The mayor and City Council have done an adequate job addressing Greensboro's economic needs. I would like to see more emphasis on providing resources for businesses in District 1 and other small businesses.

Does Greensboro have a gang problem and if so, how should the city address it?
Greensboro has a serious gang problem. The way to address the problem is greater parental involvement with the entire community working together. The Police Department and citizens must work together.

How can the city spur more economic development in District 1?
The city can begin by encouraging businesses and business related organizations to seriously consider District 1. The city also needs to provide the necessary infrastructure or other requirement for business.

How would you evaluate the City Council's handling of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report?
I do not feel that the City Council handled the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report at all. I think that several members had already decided before they received the report to not consider the findings.

If you are not an incumbent, what vote or decision of the council would you overturn? Why do you disagree with the decision?
I would vote to consider the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I feel that great work by a variety of participants produced the final report with recommendation that merit consideration.

A recent social capital study cites not only continuing distrust among citizens in Greensboro but higher-than-average distrust of the police department and city government in general. How would you address those problems?
The only way to reduce distrust is to interact and get to know people well. We have many similarities and concerns that universal. The distrust of the Police Department is been address by have officers including Asst Chiefs meet with the community to provide information and answer questions.

What current council member do you admire most? Why?
I admire Council member Yvonne Johnson most. She is a dediced, competent experienced public servant. She works very well with diverse groups of people. She listens carefully then makes the best decision she can.

What should be the vision for Guilford County be?
The vision for Guilford County should be a place where all people feel welcome and can raise their families. Guilford should educate its children and adults successfully. People should have a high quality of life. The necessary county services should be available to all people.