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GREENSBORO — There was a little singing, some praying and lots of grandchildren as sitting mayor Yvonne Johnson kicked off her second campaign for the city’s highest office.

“She will be your voice in the government,” said Johnson’s grandson, 12-year-old Kenji, who prompted the crowd to chant, “Yes we will” elect Johnson.

If re-elected, she will aggressively pursue bringing businesses to Greensboro to get people to work, Johnson told family members and supporters at the Coliseum on Sunday afternoon.

“We can find answers to these hard economic challenges if we work together,” Johnson said. “It’s time to rise above the conflicts in city government and move this city forward.”

Johnson also said she wants to consider the city’s options for its trash disposal, including possibly converting it to energy.

More than a dozen other speakers sang Johnson’s praises, telling stories about how she has inspired them and welcomed them into the city.

Councilman Robbie Perkins, who was rumored to be considering a run for mayor himself, said he’ll be casting his vote for Johnson.

Perkins joked about Johnson’s trademark friendliness.

“She has tried to hug all 250,000 of us. She is the only person in this city who could do that,” Perkins said.

So far no one has announced plans to run against Johnson.

 County budget update

The votes appear to be in line for Guilford County’s $585 million budget to pass.

Steve Arnold, vice chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, said last week that he expected the budget to be passed after another public hearing this week.

“I think we’ll do it on Thursday,” Arnold said. “This would be very early in the cycle.”

Commissioners must pass a budget before July 1 under North Carolina statute.

Commissioners generally wait until late June to pass their budget as they negotiate what last-minute items will be funded.

Commissioners are discussing Brenda Jones Fox’s budget recommendation, which often happens outside of the public eye.

What’s likely to change? At this point, Arnold said, it could be funding for Greensboro and High Point libraries that face $400,000 and $90,000 cuts, respectively.

Discussion at a commissioners work session last week also made it seem as though money for transportation could squeak back in the budget.

Fox recommended that the department lose $948,000 and cut out riders who use county services for rides to work but don’t qualify for them because of a disability or medical reason.

But the fare could increase to $2; currently it’s $1.60.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on their recommended budget at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 301 W. Market St.

Open city manager search?

The Greensboro City Council could be headed toward an open interview process for the next city manager — if it follows the plan laid out by the consultant hired to find that person.

Consultant Colin Baenziger recommended that council members observe the finalists in a variety of situations, including an open interview with the public and media.

A public meeting and other tests will reveal a candidate’s demeanor in different situations, he said.

Baenziger is from Florida, a state well-known for its open-government laws. North Carolina, in contrast, has an open-meetings law that allows closed meetings to discuss hiring a specific new employee.

In practice, the local executive hiring processes take all forms.

The Guilford County school board brought in two final candidates to meet the public before it hired Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. But searches for university chancellors under Erskine Bowles, including the hiring of the new UNCG and N.C. A&T chancellors, have been confidential until after they have been formally appointed.

The same goes for the appointment of Guilford County Manager Brenda Jones Fox.

Recruiting consultants say some candidates won’t apply for a job if they know they could be publicly known — an issue Mayor Yvonne Johnson mentioned in May. Baenziger said that can be a trade-off.

But if council members want an open process, they should consider the public option, Baenziger said.

The City Council has not ruled on this issue.

But it will be interesting to see how they vote — especially those members who frequently espouse a desire for transparency in government.

Reporters Gerald Witt and Amanda Lehmert contributed.