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.