news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Both want more jobs in District 1. Both want more police on the streets. Both want better access to bus services.

Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small and Tonya Clinkscale want the same things for the Greensboro City Council district they're seeking to represent.

Clinkscale, who will face Bellamy-Small on Nov. 6, said the difference between them is style, not substance.

"Dealing with a group of people doesn't appear to be one of her strengths," Clinkscale said of Bellamy-Small. "And building relationships doesn't seem to be her strength."

Bellamy-Small, who finished first in a five-person primary race, has represented the district since 2003. Bellamy-Small, 55, didn't respond to questions faxed to her Monday, although she did fill out a questionnaire and take part in an interview with the News & Record before the primary.

Clinkscale, 46, has focused her campaign not on issues, but rather on building relationships — within District 1, on the City Council and in the larger community. That's the key to getting anything done in politics, she said.

Clinkscale asks: "If the representative cannot get along with other council members, then what are the odds that those council members will support District 1?"

Bellamy-Small has been at the center of several controversies. Last year, forensics investigators hired by the city determined that her copy of a confidential police report was leaked to a Web site.

She has denied being the source.

Then, Councilwoman Florence Gatten stood in front of City Hall and called for Bellamy-Small's resignation.

In August, Bellamy-Small faced a recall election, which she survived. Recall organizers cited the leaked document and said Bellamy-Small tried to intimidate a police officer who pulled her over for speeding.

The petition also cites what it considers "irrational or irresponsible behavior" — complaining about the office space she was given at City Hall and refusing to answer questions from her colleagues and the media.

Bellamy-Small has denied those charges.

Clinkscale said residents of District 1 want a leader who works well with others.

"They want someone who is professional, who can get along, not just with council members but with the community," she said.

Clinkscale also is raising new criticisms of Bellamy-Small in the campaign. Clinkscale says:

lThere has been no economic improvement in District 1 during Bellamy-Small's four-year term.

lThe streets are more violent than they were four years ago.

lBellamy-Small hasn't presented plans for improving conditions in the district, and she hasn't discussed ways the $10 million economic development bond voters passed in 2006 could help District 1.

Clinkscale said if she's elected, she will ask for a formal economic assessment of the district. She also would work with state and federal leaders, along with private investors, to bring businesses to the community.

Contact Margaret Moffett Banks at 373-7031 or mbanks@news-record.com

At Stake

T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, the incumbent, and Tonya Clinkscale are seeking election Nov. 6 to a two-year term as the District 1 representative. Five district representatives, three at-large candidates and the mayor make up City Council. Council members earn about $11,100 annually. The elected leaders set city policies, supervise the city manager, oversee the budget and decide the property tax rate.

T. Dianne Bellamy-Small

Age: 55

Residence: 3211 Delmonte Dr.

Family: Husband, Andrew Small; three sons; six grandchildren

Occupation: Trainer-consultant

Education: Bachelor of arts, UNC-Chapel Hill; graduate work, UNCG and Duke.

Elective experience: Two terms, Greensboro City Council

Web site: bellamysmallforcouncil.com, http://www.triadblogs.com/TDianneBellamySmall

Tonya Clinkscale

Age: 46

Residence: 617 Doak St.

Family: Five adult children

Occupation: Contractor, construction project management

Education: Bachelor of science, industrial technology, N.C. A&T, with concentration in construction management

Elective experience: None

Web site: vote4tonyaclinkscale.com

On the issues

What are the top three issues in your district?

Bellamy-Small: Crime, economic development, empowering and strengthening neighborhoods

Clinkscale: Divided communities, slow economic growth, increase in violent crime

Have problems been resolved within the Greensboro Police Department?

Bellamy-Small: "I believe every effort is being made at all levels to deal with the issues in the department. And as a result of these efforts, I think the police department will be a strong agency."

Clinkscale: "No, I think it’s clear that there is still widespread distrust in the police department."

How can the city spur more economic development in District 1?

Bellamy-Small: 1) Marketing, incentives; 2) improving the infrastructure to make it more attractive to developers in southeast Greensboro; 3) recruit businesses and services that meet the needs and wants of the specific markets in District 1

Clinkscale: 1) Implement plans to build a more educated and skilled labor force; 2) work to help communities within Greensboro build productive alliances; 3) reduce the bureaucratic barriers that hinder small business growth

Upcoming

Coming Saturday: A preview of the District 2 race, Lance Jones vs. incumbent Goldie Wells.

Coming Sunday: Profiles of mayoral candidates Yvonne Johnson and Milton Kern.

— MARGARET MOFFETT BANKS