BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

News & Record: Sunday's Letters to The Editor, January 12, 2025

Greensboro News & Record - Letter To The Editor

News & Record: Sunday’s Letters to The Editor, January 12, 2025

January 12, 2025, Source: Greensboro News & Record

 


Johnson’s seat

City of Greensboro applicants for Yvonne Johnson’s at-large City Council seat should be prohibited from using the appointment as a steppingstone for personal political advancement.

For example, Tony Wilkins was appointed to fill Trudy Wade’s District 5 seat in 2012 and was elected in 2013 and 2015.

Justin Outling was appointed after Zack Matheny resigned in 2015. Outling was elected later that year and served until running for mayor in 2022.

Goldie Wells was appointed to represent District 2 after Jamal Fox resigned in 2017 and won reelection in subsequent terms.

Hugh Holston was appointed to an at-large seat following Michelle Kennedy’s departure in 2021 and retained the seat in 2022.

Appointing someone who later runs for office creates an inherent advantage due to name recognition, visibility, and access to resources not available to other candidates. This dynamic can unintentionally discourage other qualified individuals from entering the race, weakening the democratic process. By appointing someone who commits not to run, the council restores balance and provides voters with a fully competitive and transparent election.

The council has a unique opportunity to break with precedent and strengthen the democratic process by appointing a candidate who will not run for election.

George Hartzman
Greensboro

 


Ready to serve now

With the late Yvonne Johnson’s at-large City Council seat now vacant, I am stepping forward as a proven leader with a deep understanding of Greensboro’s needs and a record of delivering results. It would be an honor to serve our city and address the community’s critical issues.

As the leader of the Preserve Friendly Avenue project, I united more than 1,500 homeowners to secure a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay, protecting our neighborhood’s character and integrity. This success reflects my commitment to collaboration, consensus-building and achieving meaningful outcomes for Greensboro.

As the owner of Carolina Digital Phone, a thriving downtown business, I bring 45 years of leadership experience and firsthand knowledge of entrepreneurs’ challenges and opportunities. I will work to make Greensboro a business-friendly city that fosters economic growth and job creation.

I am equally committed to addressing public safety and homelessness. Rising crime requires comprehensive strategies that include law enforcement and community initiatives. The growing homeless population demands compassionate action through programs that provide shelter, mental health services, job training and pathways to stable housing.

I have filed to run for the City Council’s District 4 seat in November but I am ready to serve now. I will address the issues that matter most to our residents: public safety, economic development and strong neighborhoods.

Greensboro deserves passionate, results-driven leadership. I am prepared to bring my skills, vision and dedication to the council and to help our city thrive.

Nicky Smith
Greensboro

 


A health care void

As I read about several large health care systems planning expansion into the Greensboro area and vying for locations, I am disappointed that no mention is made of providing even basic health care services in the southeast corner of Guilford County.

It seems all the systems are looking to concentrate their care in already served areas of the county. The southeast area of the county, where Alamance Elementary, Southeast middle and high schools, housing developments, Hagan-Stone Park and one grocery store are located, does not have any type of walk-in clinic, urgent care or even a minute clinic.

Cone Health Urgent Care at Elmsley is the closest point of care for minor emergencies and illness. The citizens of this area would welcome an opportunity to have some type of after-hours services here.

Kathy Fay
Greensboro

 


Biden abuses power

President Joe Biden telling President-elect Donald Trump about abuse of power is comical. Biden has abused his power many times to get what he wants, even going against Supreme Court rulings because he didn’t like them.

Biden is the worst president ever. He even is using executive orders to try to stop Trump from doing what he was elected to do. The thing about executive orders is that Trump can reverse them.

President Trump and the Republicans were elected to do the opposite of what Biden did.

Morris Wood
Eden

 


 

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

Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.

Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council