Why I Ran for Mayor of Raleigh-Again

My candidacy for Mayor of Raleigh has been a journey towards righting wrongs. It's less about the incumbent than it is about utilizing the office for the good of the entire public. 

I can name 10 people who would make an awesome Mayor. Unfortunately, none have an interest in local politics. Each has a comfortable job and a literally controversy-free home life. 

There will always be times that the office of Mayor gets mired in controversy. We still don't know why Raleigh Police Chief Harry Dolan or City Manager Russell Allen departed. We also haven't been honestly told why the selection of a new city manager was cloaked in secrecy. One news source indicated that he has a strong connection with a certain political party.

We don't know how city staff will react to its new  manager nor vice versa. We can only hope that continued employment won't be based on having the proper political credentials.  

That said, we now move forward to the final vote today, October 8. It's reported that around 5,000 Wake County voters cast an early ballot. I don't know how many were Raleigh voters.  

Raleigh's homeless population isn't decreasing. Sadly, sympathy is decreasing. Out of sight-out of mind will continue until we face some hard truths. Some feel that the homeless are in that condition by choice while others recognize the need for a serious intervention.

All we know for sure is that the next time that questionable staff decisions are made public (and council members plead ignorance), that it will take a strong retirement-ready manager to fearlessly tell the truth. 

And we'll all be the better for it.

I want to take this time to thank the people who so tirelessly helped in this effort. Our campaign treasurer, Ms. Trevena Garel, made each George Washington dollar wince, by tightly controlling expenses and weekly checking with the Board of Elections on reporting requirements. And, Ms. Thea Monet, a 20+ year friend, serving as Campaign Advisor, gave hours of guidance and approved campaign material.

Donors and volunteers were extraordinary. We spent as if the funds were taxpayer dollars. Nothing frivolous. Just good old-fashioned hard work. 

I especially thank the media who offered an occasional opportunity to fill in where paid advertising couldn't. Campaign financing is always tricky in a nonpartisan race when it isn't supplemented by solid funding. 

When I was orphaned at 16, I knew that I would see the world differently than my friends. I'll rest easier believing that I did the right thing by challenging City leaders. I pray that future generations too will fearlessly do so.

Thank you for allowing me to (sometimes) be your voice.

Raleigh's New City Manager-Thin Resume

Well, now a new City manager is under contract - days before the October 8 election. Is this not weird?

Apparently 'select' persons were invited to the announcement of this Charlotte official. What's troubling is that his resume is thinner than the interim manager and 

decades thinner than former City Manager Russell Allen.

And, this gentleman's selling point is that he knows how the legislature works? Who doesn't?

No problem. Anything done in the dark(ness) eventually comes to light. And, seeing how Charlotte has had its share of problems, we can only assume that he was the quickest who could be named by those who still refuse (beyond the parking space debacle) why Russell was fired. 

We can't miss that the Charlotte connection plays loudly. 

Those of us who study politics know how useless this hire will be when (attempting) to negotiate with the General Assembly's Wake (County) delegation.

Even if (what's his name?) may be a friend of the Governor.

Raleigh Mayor Secrecy Continues

Well, the die is cast. Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarland, as leader, has convinced her fellow Councilors to name a new City Manager behind closed doors. And, without the consideration of the public. 

In this display of pure arrogance, one can only wonder what's next. Will they have the Raleigh Police Chief answer directly to the Mayor and Council and not the City Manager? If so, then all our personal business will be in the hands and minds of people who have no respect or dignity for citizens.

They've already proven little regard for human decency - as noted in the crass firing of the City Manager and the disruption of serving the needy. Russians seem to have more power than Raleighites.

With sworn law enforcement officers we (usually) believe that investigations are related to public safety. But with this Mayor and her cohorts who can (and will) fire anyone at any time, who's to believe that opening ALL of our closet doors won't be more unchecked power? 

And pure nosiness?

My Message to Student Voters

Student voters should study several sources to understand local politics. 

The Raleigh mayor and Council set policy on local issues, including housing, transportation, garbage collection, water and sewer. They oversee millions in federal funds for community development. 

In a City as rich as Raleigh, unemployment, homelessness, unavailability of Section 8 housing nor inability to site grocery stores should be issues. We should not have young men lining up daily to donate plasma in exchange for money. We should not have children living in a homeless shelter at night while attending Wake County Public Schools during the day. Perhaps the Council doesn’t consist of the voices of people who truly care - until re-election time.  Students should be cautious of words that sway emotions but don’t produce action.

Students are vulnerable to people who want to use their attractiveness and zeal to further personal causes. Students should ask, “Will this action assist me in graduating or employment? Are their children also on the front line? Or, will they be beneficiaries of my efforts while I’m left behind - again"?