BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Setting the Record Straight: The Unwarranted and Unjustified Attacks on My Leadership

Exposing the Political Smears: Setting the Record Straight on Leadership, Integrity, and Greensboro’s Future

Leadership requires vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. However, what unfolded at the recent Greensboro City Council meeting was not a productive discussion on the future of our city—it was a blatant attempt to discredit my contributions, misrepresent my positions, and undermine my candidacy through false and misleading claims.

Councilmembers Nancy Hoffman and Nancy Vaughan chose to launch an unnecessary and unjustified attack on my leadership, my work in the community, and even my personal choices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their comments were not only unfair but, in many instances, demonstrably false. Let’s break down their statements and set the record straight.


1. My Leadership in the Preserve Friendly Avenue Initiative

Nancy Hoffman stated that my YouTube videos portrayed me as the sole leader of the Preserve Friendly Avenue movement, implying that I failed to acknowledge the community’s collective efforts. This is categorically false.

The Preserve Friendly Avenue initiative was a collaborative effort that involved over 1,500 homeowners, numerous city leaders, and dedicated community activists. I never claimed sole credit for its success—quite the opposite. I have consistently highlighted the work of the many individuals who played critical roles in securing the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO).

Leadership isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about organizing, mobilizing, and ensuring that communities have a voice. That’s precisely what I did. I worked tirelessly to connect residents with decision-makers, facilitate discussions, and drive meaningful action. The idea that my efforts should be minimized or dismissed is disrespectful and unfounded.


2. My Position on Annexation and City Growth

Nancy Hoffman accused me of opposing annexation, stating that a moratorium would stifle Greensboro’s growth and prevent us from addressing the city’s housing needs. This misrepresentation of my stance is both misleading and politically motivated.

Let me be clear: I support responsible growth. I have proposed a temporary pause on annexation, not a permanent ban. The purpose of this is to ensure that our city’s infrastructure, public services, and schools can support the rapid expansion before we continue to stretch our resources further.

This is a common-sense approach that prioritizes sustainability over reckless expansion. Instead of continuing to annex land without a clear long-term strategy, we should focus on revitalizing underutilized areas within our city limits and developing affordable housing options that don’t leave our existing neighborhoods behind.

Hoffman conveniently ignored that Greensboro has struggled to keep up with its annexation-fueled growth. Infrastructure concerns, overburdened public services, and gaps in essential resources must be addressed before further expansion.

If Hoffman and Vaughan believe that unchecked growth is the solution, they are the ones who lack a proper understanding of city planning and economic sustainability.


3. The False Narrative on the First Horizon Coliseum and Homelessness

Another misleading claim was that I proposed converting the First Horizon Coliseum into a homeless shelter—a gross misrepresentation of my actual suggestion.

What I have advocated for is exploring creative and temporary solutions to address the growing homelessness crisis, especially during extreme weather conditions. Cities nationwide have used public spaces, including convention centers and large venues, to provide emergency shelter during critical times.

At no point did I say we should permanently turn a significant economic hub into a full-time shelter. This is a deliberate mischaracterization of my position, designed to create a false narrative that I lack economic foresight.

The fact remains: Greensboro has a homelessness crisis, and it requires innovative solutions. If we continue to dismiss ideas outright without proper discussion, we will never make progress.


4. The Attack on My Voting Record

Perhaps the most petty and disingenuous attack came when my past voting record was brought up as a measure of my commitment to Greensboro. Vaughan attempted to equate missing some municipal elections with a lack of civic responsibility, implying that I couldn’t be trusted to lead if I didn’t vote in every election.

This argument is a desperate and weak attempt to discredit me. Let’s set the record straight:

✅ I have been deeply involved in the civic and business community for decades.
✅ I have fought for community-driven policies and worked with city leaders to bring positive change.
✅ I have built businesses, created jobs, and mentored young professionals, all while actively engaging in local governance discussions.

To imply that missing some municipal elections somehow negates my contributions to the city is laughable. The real question should be: What have I done to improve Greensboro? The answer to that is well-documented.

Hoffman and Vaughan’s attack on my voting record is a political distraction—an attempt to ignore my leadership, accomplishments, and commitment to Greensboro’s people. 

As Nancy Hoffman, who attacked me for only voting in 2 of the last 5 municipal elections, looked for local voter engagement, she moved to Greensboro in 1998. She did NOT vote in ANY local election until 2009, and then in 2011, she was elected to the City Council. 

Now we discover Jamilla-Aisha Dacoa Pinder whom Hoffmann voted for has been registered in Guilford County since 1997 and the ONLY municipal election she voted in was in 2022. Looks like an interesting double standard. Maybe Nancy Hoffmann might comment on this? 🧐

Is this what is commonly called “the pot calling the kettle black”?

Please do your research at https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/ to see her voting history.


5. The COVID-19 Smear: A Political Low Blow

Vaughan’s attempt to paint me as someone who disregarded COVID-19 protocols was nothing short of a smear campaign.

She relied on unverified complaints and hearsay, suggesting that I failed to comply with mask mandates and even went as far as to claim that I “fake coughed” in elevators—an outrageous and baseless accusation.

Here are the facts:
✅ My business followed all mandated safety protocols during the pandemic.
✅ Employees were allowed to make personal decisions in their private office spaces while respecting public health guidelines when required.
There is no credible evidence to support Vaughan’s claims, making this an attempted character assassination rather than a factual discussion.

COVID-19 policies were complex and ever-changing, and like many businesses, we did our best to navigate those challenges while balancing health concerns and operational needs. Vaughan’s weaponization of the pandemic for political gain is disgraceful.


Conclusion: Greensboro Deserves Better Than Baseless Attacks

The people of Greensboro deserve leaders who debate policy with integrity—not personal attacks, misrepresentations, and cheap political shots.

Hoffman and Vaughan deliberately distorted my record, policies, and intentions to fit their political agenda. Instead of addressing Greensboro’s real challenges with facts and solutions, they chose a path of negativity and division.

I remain committed to responsible leadership—to making Greensboro safer, stronger, and more business-friendly.

I will not be intimidated by baseless attacks or false narratives. I will continue to stand up for the people of Greensboro, advocate for responsible policies, and work towards a city that truly serves its residents.

Greensboro’s future is too important to be overshadowed by political theatrics. Let’s rise above the noise and focus on real solutions that benefit all citizens.


Stay Engaged. Stay Informed. Stand for Greensboro.

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A Vision for a Safer Greensboro – But I Can’t Do It Alone

Greensboro is a city full of potential, but we cannot thrive if our residents feel unsafe. By investing in our police force, improving infrastructure, and fostering community trust, we can create a city where families flourish and businesses grow. Together, we can make Greensboro a place where safety and security are priorities and opportunity is within reach for everyone.

But I can’t do this alone. Running a successful campaign requires reaching voters through social media, hosting community events, and spreading our message of leadership and change—which takes resources. I need your financial support to make this vision a reality.

Your donation today will help us engage voters, expand outreach, and ensure that every Greensboro resident knows the importance of this election.

Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.

👉 Donate today and be part of the movement for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Greensboro. Every dollar counts, every vote matters, and together, we will make a difference.

Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4