This is a woman who does NOT possess the requisite demeanor to be mayor. She is unable to deal with criticism from the public nor with a challenge from her peers to her “alpha” position without lashing out in anger.
I quote the Mayor, “Obviously that fell on deaf ears, so that’s unfortunate.” A couple of fitting expressions come to mind. “Welcome to the club!” and, “Now, the shoe is on the other foot.” Do our citizens who feel concerned about the sweeping changes proposed for the New Bern Avenue TOD corridor feel that ears are hearing what they have to say about the risks of gentrification and displacement of Raleigh’s most economically challenged citizens?
I am writing in response to the effort by some Raleigh City Council folks to move the City Clerk’s position into the City Manager’s office. I believe that the Raleigh community is best served by an independent City Clerk, who operates as a sworn City of Raleigh Official. Please honor the intent of the creation of the City Clerk position. The City Clerk is not your secretary!!
I’m here asking that the council has staff go back to the original study goals, look at the budget and rework the project in a manner that improves the roadway in meaningful ways. The voters approved the funding for THAT purpose, CAMPO gave us money for that purpose, and we must honor that trust. I know that greater transparency is a goal of this council – Let’s get serious folks, there are residents and business owners in the ROW acquisition zones, who are living in limbo now, this indecision and constant delays are wreaking havoc with people’s lives.
City Council should provide every neighborhood protection from the unintended consequences of Missing Middle through adopting the reforms which have been proposed by Livable Raleigh and the ad hoc task force, both of which have made sound recommendations for revision. I encourage you to direct City Planning to study these recommendations and for you to take action.