By Nicky Smith
March 19, 2025
As President Trump and Elon Musk lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in identifying and eliminating wasteful federal spending, it’s imperative that we, the citizens of Greensboro, adopt a similar commitment to scrutinize our local government’s expenditures and ethical standards.
DOGE’s recent identification of several federal leases in Greensboro as candidates for termination due to inefficiencies serves as a pertinent reminder. Notable among these are:
This federal initiative underscores local governments’ need to vigilantly assess and optimize their own programs and expenditures.
Concerns about conflicts of interest within our city’s leadership have been highlighted in the past. For instance, John Hammer of the Rhino Times reported on the Greensboro City Council’s allocation of substantial funds to the Cure Violence program, operated by One Step Further—a nonprofit led by a Council Member. Specifically, the City Council approved an additional $400,000 for the program, supplementing nearly $900,000 previously allocated. This decision raised questions about the potential for conflicts of interest and the efficacy of the program, especially when reports indicated limited participation and unclear outcomes.
As your prospective representative for District 4 on the City Council, I pledge unwavering integrity and transparency. I commit to:
Rejecting Unethical Practices: I will abstain from any unethical conduct, including undisclosed financial dealings or accepting personal payments that could influence my decision-making.
Ensuring Transparency: I will advocate for clear and accessible disclosure of all city expenditures, enabling residents to understand how their tax dollars are utilized.
Eliminating Conflicts of Interest: I will support stringent policies to prevent any form of self-dealing among city officials, ensuring that public service remains solely in the interest of the community.
It’s incumbent upon us to mirror the federal commitment to efficiency by:
Conducting Comprehensive Audits: Regularly reviewing city programs to assess their effectiveness and financial prudence.
Promoting Public Engagement: Encouraging active citizen participation in governance to hold officials accountable.
Implementing Ethical Oversight: Establishing independent bodies to oversee and address ethical concerns within our local government.
By embracing these measures, we can foster a culture of accountability and trust, ensuring that every decision made and every dollar spent serves the best interests of Greensboro’s residents.
Additional Reading Resources:
Conflict Of Interest With Cure Violence Contract Continues
City Council Starts New Year Handing Out Money To Itself
Where Is the Greensboro City Council Spending Your Tax Dollars?
Four Greensboro federal office leases up for termination on DOGE ‘wall of receipts’
Department of Government Efficiency – Estimated Savings
Join me in making Greensboro an even better place to live, work, and do business! Together, we can create a city that fosters innovation, supports job growth, and ensures a thriving future for future generations. Your support, vote, and voice will help drive this progress forward. Let’s build a brighter Greensboro—together!
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
