Putting People Over Politics: Why Greensboro’s City Council Must Be Truly Nonpartisan

by Nicky Smith
March 6, 2025

Greensboro is at a pivotal moment. Our city is growing, attracting new businesses, and making strides in economic development. Yet, amid all this progress, our local government continues to be shadowed by partisan politics—even though our City Council elections are officially nonpartisan.

It’s time for Greensboro’s City Council to live up to the spirit of nonpartisanship and genuinely represent the citizens, rather than acting as an extension of national party politics.

A Nonpartisan System in Name Only

Officially, Greensboro operates under a nonpartisan municipal election system. This means candidates do not run with a party label next to their name on the ballot. However, in practice, party affiliation is outsized in local elections. Political parties endorse candidates, fund campaigns, and push agendas that often reflect national talking points rather than the unique needs of our community.

This reliance on party loyalty undermines the very foundation of what a city council should be—a governing body focused on local issues like public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and quality of life. Instead, we see City Council members aligning their decisions with their party’s interests rather than those of their constituents.

Local Government Should Be About Local Issues

Most of the challenges Greensboro faces—roads, public transportation, crime reduction, housing, business development—are not inherently partisan issues. Fixing potholes, supporting local businesses, or ensuring our first responders have the resources they need should not be dictated by national party platforms.

Yet, too often, Council decisions appear to be influenced by political considerations rather than what’s best for Greensboro. This kind of governance breeds division alienates independent voters and discourages solutions that require cross-aisle cooperation.

The Citizens Deserve Representation, Not Party Politics

A truly nonpartisan City Council would:

• Listen to citizens, not political parties. Council members should engage directly with their constituents rather than catering to party leaders or ideological groups.
• Prioritize problem-solving over party loyalty. The best ideas should rise to the top based on merit, not on which party proposed them.
• Work together across political lines. Greensboro’s leaders should be willing to collaborate and compromise to achieve real results for the city.
• Encourage voter participation for all. When partisan interests dominate local elections, independent and unaffiliated voters can feel left out. True nonpartisanship ensures that every resident’s voice is valued, regardless of political affiliation.

When I Am Elected, I Will Truly Represent District 4 and All of Greensboro

When I am elected to the Greensboro City Council, I will be a leader who truly represents the citizens of District 4 and the city as a whole. I will not allow party affiliation to influence my decisions on the issues that directly impact our neighborhoods, businesses, and families.

I have lived in this community for more than forty years, raised my family here, and built and grown a successful business here. I know firsthand what Greensboro’s residents want and need, and my commitment is to them—not to a political party.

Unacceptable Name-Calling by a City Leader

Recently, City Council member Nancy Hoffman called me out as being “as MAGA as it gets.” I take offense to this characterization, not because I approve of some of the new federal initiatives, but because I refuse to be labeled in a way that misrepresents my leadership and priorities.

I support policies that benefit Greensboro—regardless of whether they come from the left or the right. My focus is on real issues that matter to our community: safer neighborhoods, a stronger local economy, improved infrastructure, and responsive city government.

This kind of political name-calling by a sitting City Council member is the problem we need to avoid. It is divisive and dismissive and does nothing to solve the real issues facing our city. Greensboro deserves better than elected officials who resort to partisan labels instead of engaging in meaningful discussion.

The Future of Greensboro Depends on Independent Leadership

As Greensboro continues to evolve, we need a City Council that governs with integrity, independence, and a clear commitment to the community. Residents deserve a Council that puts the city first—above political ambitions, party loyalty, and national ideological battles that have no place in local government.

If Greensboro is genuinely committed to a nonpartisan system, then it’s time for our City Council to act like it. Our city’s future depends on leaders who are accountable to the people, not to political parties.

When I am elected, I will be that leader. My decisions will be based on what is best for Greensboro, not political labels. Our community deserves real solutions, not partisan rhetoric.

The question now is: will our elected officials rise to the challenge? I know I will.

Greensboro’s future is bright, and as always, I remain committed to ensuring that our city’s growth benefits everyone.

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