I don’t know why I find these things interesting, but I do.
…For some reason, the N&R doesn’t name the “few council members” who opposed the motion to record closed sessions in today’s editorial. Those council members voting in opposition were Dianne Bellamy-Small, Goldie Wells and —- last but not least — our Harvard-trained Mayor Yvonne Johnson. You have to wonder what they’re teaching the mayor about open government up in Cambridge.
In fairness to the N&R, the editorial supported recording closed sessions.
….I’m not down with the City of Greensboro’s plan to put cameras in cemeteries. For starters, a loud “You’re picture was taken!” message will disturb peaceful –yet respectful walks through Green Hill Cemetery. Next, if you read the Fisher Park listserv, you’d be surprised at the number of car break-ins, and since Green Hill is right on the edge of Fisher Park, why not include it as part of a beefed-up patrol in the neighborhood? It seems to me like the City Council is always coming up with ways to help our police force avoid doing its job — and that’s not a knock on the honest cops on the force —- they simply do what they’re told.
….On that subject, note —- via Meck Deck— that the City of Charlotte walked away from a deal to buy a convenience store to help revitalize a run-down neighborhood. The plan blurred the lines between crime fighting and economic development —- exactly what GSO’s purchase of the Canada Dry and Coliseum Inn properties is supposed to do along Lee Street. However, some some council members — namely Trudy Wade — wondered aloud why the city just doesn’t increase police patrols and enforce nuisance abatement laws.
Meck Deck cheers the rare victory for common sense down in Charlotte —- wish we could get that lucky once in a while.
….In these troubled financial times, Greensboro Transit Authority is moving ahead with plans for a $20 million headquarters. The N&R notes “city does not yet have all the money needed to begin construction of the GTA building,” and it “needs another $3.3 million from Uncle Sam, and money from local and state sources to cover the remainder of the building costs.” All to serve the small percentage of people in this city who actually ride the bus. And we wonder why we’re in the mess we’re in.
