news-record.com

With Greensboro's City Council election less than three weeks away, we wanted to give readers the chance to discover more about the candidates. We asked them to respond in 150 words or less to two important questions.

1. What would you do to help heal the rifts in the community created by the controversy in the Greensboro Police Department?

2. What have you heard during the course of the campaign that has prompted you to rethink an issue?

Mayor's Race

Milton Kern
Age: 63
Occupation: Building Contractor, Milton Kern & Co.

1. I want to voice my support for the brave men and women in our police department who protect the citizens of our community every day. One of my first actions as mayor will be to conduct an open and thorough review to ensure that our police department is free of discrimination and corruption. I will fight to bring both sides to the table to handle matters face-to-face rather than in the media where competing stories have pitted our community against each other. It is time to get all the facts out, solve our problems, and move forward so citizens can trust the police department once again to act with professionalism and respect.

2. Nothing at this time. I continue to support the need for a more open and efficient local government, protecting everyone in our community from crime and gang violence, and attracting new businesses, as well as making sure that existing businesses have the support they need to succeed.

Yvonne Johnson
Age: 64
Occupation: Executive Director, One Step Further, Inc. City Council member.

1. The Greensboro Police Department is functioning well under the leadership of Chief Tim Bellamy. He assumed the role of chief under difficult circumstances and has done an excellent job of bringing the department together, ensuring excellent police protection and maintaining a dignified and responsive department. We have an excellent department.

The community is divided over the resignation of former Chief David Wray and the way the city managed complaints against the chief and his administration. To rebuild trust, the city should release information so citizens can make informed judgments about the city's actions. I would also favor an open forum where citizens can address the City Council on this matter. I don't believe the citizens will reach consensus. Ultimately, we will have to agree to disagree and move on. But before that is possible, citizens need the opportunity to view the information available and discuss it openly.

2. My thinking about an effective approach to gangs has expanded to include using our UNC system to assist in strategies to work with gangs to motivate positive change in behavior and perception. I believe it will take a diverse number of institutions with a shared plan of involvement to begin to address successfully this problem.

District 1

T. Dianne Bellamy-Small
Age: 54
Occupation: Trainer/consultant; City Council member.

1. I think there needs to be a series of public meeting with the chief, city manager, city attorney and any members of council who wish to participate to answer questions that the public and communities have, not the press. I tried to start this in May 2006.

2. Not so much to rethink but reinforce what I have been concerned about.

People want smart growth. They want the council to take a hard look at expansion if we cannot support it with the basic services. People want our mass transit to be more accommodating to the needs of the users, especially workers.

Tonya Clinkscale
Age: 46
Occupation: Contractor, Construction Project Management

1. First, have an open forum where all residents of District 1 could present their questions and vent their concerns to Chief Bellamy personally. Have the GPD discuss its specific plans to be more open and transparent in the future.

Second, have social functions involving church, community organizations and the police department that would allow residents of District 1 to personally interact with police officers.

Third, have regular church/community-supported sports events between police and children and teens.

2. Taxes: When I talk to senior citizens, I feel so badly for them at times when they tell me how taxes are forcing them to consider giving up their homes, homes they lived in and worked for all their lives. You can see the tears in their eyes. It's so sad. But what do we do? Greensboro residents want more than our current tax revenue can afford. Our infrastructure needs upgrades we also cannot afford.

District 2

Lance A. Jones Sr.
Age: 43
Occupation: State correctional officer.

1. This is a great opportunity for leaders of community organizations and government to host community events on the problems found within our police department. One of America's worst realities is racism. There is no difference between racism in Jena, La., and Greensboro when looking at the judicial system as it relates to the poor black, white and Latin-speaking communities. Racists in powerful positions are also victims. The way to fix the problem in Greensboro is in the atonement process: 1. Point out the wrong. 2. Acknowledge the wrong. 3. Confess the fault. 4. Repent. 5. Atone. 6. (Victims may) forgive. 7. Reconcile and restore. 8. Perfect union within our police department, the community, the wrongdoer and God. When these steps are practiced, they will bring about a healing in our city and open up the way to a culture of peace based on genuine forgiveness and an understanding of historical prejudices.

2. I would release all of the facts found about the police department and future issues. The taxpayers deserve to know what is happening within their police and emergency agencies.

Goldie Frinks Wells
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired educational administrator. City council member.

1. I think the rifts in the community created by the police controversy can only be healed by having the truth revealed and having discussions that will allow the citizens to vent and then make a decision to move on. There are some citizens who will always believe what they have heard and read from the unreliable sources no matter what the true facts are. But I believe we have citizens who will accept the truth and realize that we have to focus our attention on restoring trust in the Greensboro Police Department and city government. Then we can move on to the more important issues.

2. During the campaign I have been prompted to rethink the issue of gangs. I now realize that it is not a problem that can be solved by hiring more police officers. The whole community has to face the fact that we have gangs in Greensboro, and we have to form a partnership with community, church, schools and home to solve the problem.

District 3

Zack Matheny
Age: 34
Occupation: Financial consultant, A.G. Edwards Investment

1. It appears that one of the biggest sources of tension over this controversy is that the public doesn't think the city is providing them with all the information it should, and this notion breeds suspicion regarding our leaders at all levels. We need to be honest and forthcoming so that every citizen can form their own opinion on the events that occurred. We may even take affirmative steps to educate citizens as to what happened (e.g., neighborhood meetings). If there were mistakes made, we do our best to rectify them and make sure they are not repeated. Otherwise, I would hope we could move forward. Either way, by offering full disclosure, we would only be discussing something that happened in the past, rather than a continuing stigma of suspicion and frustration due to our inaction.

2. Hearing from voters has made me rethink how I can (and should) be an effective city councilman. We have a great municipal system where the public can participate and advocate for both sides of an issue. However, my recent experiences on the Zoning Commission and discussions with voters have made me appreciate that all sides of an issue may not be represented and communicated equally in a single hearing.

I need to be knowledgeable about an issue and surrounding circumstances before the part you see on TV begins. I also want to encourage those citizens who have a position not frequently heard during the deliberations to come out and be a part of the process. Ultimately, it is my judgment that will govern my decisions, but I want my vote to be cast only after considering as many perspectives as possible.

Joe Wilson
Age: 45
Occupation: Real estate broker, developer

1. The truth will set us free. I will call for the city manager to produce hard evidence that he used in forcing David Wray's resignation and distribute it publicly. I will ask him to tell the public why Lt. James Hinson has not been fired for blatantly violating police department procedures regarding performing off-duty work while on duty.

I will require the city manager's office to put in place leadership in our police department that is willing to tell the truth about crime in our city.

I will require the city manager to order the police chief to improve response times by not "stacking" 911 calls, and by increasing numbers in patrol divisions with those sworn officers currently serving in administrative positions. We can make the reserve officers a more integral part, incorporating stronger Neighborhood Watch programs. In other words, I will require the truth and better leadership in order to heal the rifts.

2. I think in the beginning an issue was made of the political insiders being unstoppable unless someone was really well-funded and connected. I was told by people who have followed elections for years that the money wins every time in Greensboro. I originally heard that an unknown outsider has no chance of getting elected in District 3. Now, after having finished second in the primary, I have to rethink that issue.

I have now come to believe the citizens of Greensboro are ready for a change and are willing to get out the vote to obtain that change. The other three candidates and I took 57 percent of the vote. People have responded to my straight talk and real answers on issues in a big way. My opponent has 10 times the money and staff but little else. I now believe the voters decide who wins District 3.

District 4

Mike Barber
Age: 45
Occupation: Attorney, Barber and Barnes; City Council member.

1. I have advocated for the following for many months, primarily in closed session.

• Immediately settle many pending legal matters.

• Mark a moment in time when this matter is officially behind us by using specially held meetings, public meetings or joint meetings with the police and community. To the extent we can, make the public a part of closure to this chapter.

• Within the law, publicly evaluate the performance of staff as it relates to this issue. The personnel aspect of this has become a public issue. Either move forward with our current team and explain why they deserve our confidence, or make a change. This could be a part of closure and/or a fresh start. There are legal constraints, but as council goes forward, we have got to make sure we are making big-picture decisions based upon the continued success of Greensboro.

2. I constantly re-evaluate the "growth vs. no growth" debate. However, I come to the same conclusion virtually every time. With our job losses, if not for the construction industry, Greensboro would have shriveled up and died. Most, if not all, projects over the past 10 years were properly planned and built and were profitable due to demand by our community. Our growth has lagged behind other similar cities because this is a difficult place to do business. Our city government, with some exceptions, is a barrier to economic success, not a helping hand. It is my hope that the new council will reflect five votes to change the culture.

David Crawford
Age: None given.
Occupation: Computer store owner; community activist.

1. I would have a day where the people can come out and talk to the police in a park, have live music, food and some real police cars there for the kids to see and get in and look at. Also, I'd have some people from GTCC there talking about how to join. But most of all have a stage set up where people can come face to face and voice their minds and ask the police information.

When I was in the Winston-Salem police Explorer program, we had one such day each year. It was fun, plus the community bonds with the cops better, plus it got men and women into looking at a job in law work!

In total, it created a link with the police and the people.

2. None! My issues and campaign are the same. We need a change in all of the governmental offices, not just some.

District 5

Sandy Carmany
Age: 58
Occupation: City Council member

1. Continue to authorize the release of information and explanations of GPD issues as allowed by state personnel laws to restore public trust and confidence and to promote clearer understanding of the actions that were taken and the reasons for those actions.

• Support Chief Bellamy's efforts to administer the department under professionally recognized operating standards and procedures that assure fair and equal treatment to all citizens and officers; make sure the department, its officers and their activities are above reproach.

• Personally communicate, communicate, communicate with citizens and respond openly to their questions and concerns to the best of my ability within the boundaries of the law, both in group and one-on-one situations.

• Listen to citizens' fears and concerns and take action to resolve them if possible.

• Support and participate in the "town hall meeting" format proposed by Council member Yvonne Johnson to address and clarify the issues.

2. Nothing in particular has prompted me to rethink a particular issue, but I have been struck by the lack of basic understanding of some issues displayed both by citizens and candidates.

Specific topics/issues where misunderstanding and/or errors have been apparent include:

• The city's economic incentive program. (City recoups investment in three to five years.)

• Blaming growth and/or incomplete Randleman Lake for the current need for water restrictions. (Water consumption is down despite an increase of 18,000 customers.)

• Lack of knowledge about the proactive steps the City Council took to address crime and gang issues. (Funded 35 additional police officers, authorization to form a gang squad.)

• Overstating the amount of property tax increases over the years. (Current rate is less than it was in 1987-88.)

I realize that the city and I personally must enhance efforts to effectively communicate with citizens to dispel misinformation and misunderstanding.

Trudy Wade
Age: 56
Occupation: President, Jamestown Veterinary Hospital.

1. I would immediately work to build consensus on the council to release as much data as possible within legal guidelines. The dissemination of information for public scrutiny is essential in restoring the public trust.

2. The numerous complaints about crime, violence and gangs have made me fully aware that our community deserves better. More officers, better response times and attention to gang-related issues might be funded by working cooperatively with GTCC to train our force rather than running our own training facility.

At-large -- Three Seats Open

Marikay Abuzuaiter
Age: 53
Occupation: Self-employed, Mahi's Restaurant

1. The community feels as though the information that could have been released at the onset of the investigation(s) was withheld for no reason. And the question remains about what led up to the police chief being locked out of his office and basically being forced to resign. Perhaps if the City Council and appropriate staff could have the public briefings that were supposed to have happened several months ago, then information could be given to the public so it doesn't appear that everything is kept in secret.

Yvonne Johnson's suggestion that there be town meetings could be a way of letting those interested voice their concerns and suggestions. Healing the rifts in the community created by the controversy will not be easy, but I believe I can be instrumental in working with other council members to help mediate and/or seek answers to the questions that will arise.

2. I am rethinking the idea of the Heart of the Triad concept, although I am not quite "sold" on it yet. I have heard some great comments about it during my campaign, yet I still have some concerns on how it would directly benefit Greensboro. With the municipalities not quite getting along on all current issues (i.e., the water treatment plant for Randleman Dam), I have the cautiously optimistic approach about the Heart of the Triad concept.

This is an issue that would certainly need to have the public's input along with their suggestions and concerns.

Sandra Anderson Groat
Age: 62
Occupation: Owner, residential home-building and development company; City Council member at-large

1. The public perceives elected officials as having secrets and hiding information. They are suspicious of the elected officials and of the state of public safety in our community. Restoring trust comes with openness and availability of the elected officials. Transparency. I would work to have the press conferences that we voted to do. I would tell the community that I am sorry for the way they were treated during this ordeal — that I have empathy for them. I would be happy to talk to anyone or be in a meeting to discuss this if asked. I am available to discuss the reasoning behind unwillingness to release information. We were consistently informed that the SBI investigator did not want information released because it might hinder the investigation. I should have called him and pled my case for the sake of the community.

2. I have heard much discussion about the police investigation, lack of information forthcoming to the public and mistrust. I need to speak more publicly about what I believe and where I stand. I have decided that I will not again just take someone's word. I have heard much discussion about budget and taxes. I hear people interested in having however many policemen we need. Knowing right now that we can't have it all, I hear the citizens say that they would accept cuts in other areas in order to ensure essential services.

We should include citizens in the decisions of what to cut as we have to do that. We could do so with town hall meetings, surveys and just asking for opinions.

Kevin Green
Age: 51
Occupation: Real estate broker with Yost & Little

1. It is time for the community to read and process the information that the City Council and the city manager have released and then move on. The content of the documents released to date provides a clear picture of what was happening in the Greensboro Police Department under David Wray's administration and outlines the steps that have been taken to rectify that situation under police Chief Tim Bellamy. It is essential that due process be afforded to those officers currently under indictment. With the election of a new City Council (even with the expectations some incumbents will be re-elected), the citizens need to grant local government a "clean slate" to focus on a variety of issues we, as a city, face including water and energy conservation, land-use planning, new job creation and, most of all, protecting our quality of life.

2. Being on the campaign trail has reinforced my concerns about communications with the citizens. Having served and chaired various boards and commissions for the city, I have learned how local government works as well as the limits of its powers — something the average citizen does not get to experience. Attending candidate forums and reading blogs has underscored the challenge of getting information about key issues into the hands of the people, whether it is new recycling policies (every other week), leaf pick-up, water restrictions, hazardous waste disposal, land-use policies or even basic facts like number of days of water left in our lakes. An intentional, well-thought-out program of communication that uses news conferences, the media and Internet-based communications is essential if we are to keep our citizens informed.

Bill Knight
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired certified public accountant

1. I don't believe the election of a new council will in itself bring about healing; prompt action by the City Council in addressing several burning questions about city government and its management must be addressed and dealt with as soon as possible. I will urge an open council discussion of issues that have been raised and discussed during the election campaign and through various media outlets. These matters deserve full and decisive action in a forthwith manner; only then will confidence in City Council leadership begin to be restored and healing across the city truly begin.

2. At the Northeast Citizens forum several weeks ago I heard a number of sincere citizens express concern about the state of small business development in east Greensboro and the problems with dilapidated housing and crime in that area. I believe the city can become engaged with the residents and work on solutions to these problems — not necessarily spending more money — by looking for answers that make sense and have a good chance of working with a focused joint effort. This was not high on my radar when the council campaign began, but listening to the sincerity of the residents convinced me more can be done to tackle these problems through a dedicated joint effort.

Robbie Perkins
Age: 51
Occupation: Co-owner of NAI Piedmont Triad Commercial Real Estate

1. The controversy surrounding the police department has to end so that our city can move forward in a positive direction. Our police department is working hard to protect all of us and deserves our full support. The citizens need to know all information that can be released without compromising the legal position of the city. Only by involving the citizens in the rebuilding process will trust be restored. An independent committee of community leaders needs to be convened to study ways to reestablish community trust in the department and city hall. These recommendations would go to City Council for immediate implementation.

The lesson learned is that the city must release information in a timely manner and dramatically improve its communication with the media and its citizens. In this situation, "business as usual" is not enough to heal our city. We need extra effort and full communication — now.

2. "Greening" of our city has emerged as a very popular issue among our citizens. Incentives to save energy, increase tree preservation and replanting and promote construction of "green' buildings need to be moved up on the city's priority list. Interestingly, both environmentalists and developers are adopting the "green" mentality. When the marketplace and environmental stewardship are moving in the same direction, Greensboro's city government needs to do its part.

Mary Rakestraw
Age: 59
Occupation: Broker /Agent, Prudential Carolinas Realty Residential

1. This controversy did not begin in the police department. It began at the instigation of the council and manager. There has been a lack of full disclosure, and recent attempts at providing bits and pieces should be replaced with truthfulness.

If the public has the duty to pay taxes, it should be treated with respect and be able to handle the truth, good or bad. I have had leadership positions in government and business and will serve by example.

2. The issues with which I began my campaign are still the same issues resonating with our citizens: the unprofessional way a high-profile employee was treated by being locked out of his office; the lack of confidence in the City Council and manager and the police department; and the critical need for water, which is growing and remaining unresolved.