Last week I wrote that bashful is not a word I would use to describe Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins. So last Friday Perkins calls a press conference in his new digs to set the record straight:
“I want to stop people saying that Robbie Perkins is a deadbeat dad. I am not a deadbeat dad,” Mayor Robbie Perkins told reporters Friday morning at a news conference. “I don’t know anyone that’s paid $78,000 over 10 months of the year that could be called a deadbeat dad. It’s just not factual and it’s got to stop.”
..Perkins hasn’t been shy about discussing his troubles, placing some blame on what he considers an uncooperative former spouse.
But he chafed at suggestions that he shouldn’t be mayor because of his personal financial problems. And he didn’t like the accusation that his priorities were out of whack because he failed to pay private school tuition for his teenage daughter but was up-to-date on his country club dues.
Perkins characterized the country club dues as a measure of support for his daughter, saying it wouldn’t fair to her to take away club privileges. Of course Perkins added that the club was necessary for networking in the real estate business, which in turn is necessary to keep the lights on.
Strange timing for such a press conference too. Obviously it’s too little too late given that –when you consider third candidate George Hartzman’s 12 percent take in Tuesday’s primary– 61 percent of Greensboro residents don’t want Perkins as mayor any longer.
The other problem is right before an election the person putting Robbie Perkins personal problems in the spotlight is —-Robbie Perkins. Perkins opponent –City Council member Nancy Vaughan —has kept quiet about Perkins personal problems and indications are she will continue to do so during the campaign. No doubt she’s content to let Perkins to talk about his personal problems all he wants. And he’s not bashful.
The new Rhino put its new new videographer good use. Watch the mayor’s press conference below.