Tim Niles is a founding member of Livable Raleigh and has been a resident of Raleigh for over 30 years.
At a candidate forum last week, David Knight falsely accused Livable Raleigh of being a Super PAC (Political Action Committee).
We’re NOT.
We’re a registered 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.
PACs are organizations like the “NC Property Rights Fund” and “Triangle Government Alliance” who together supported Knight’s 2019 campaign with spending of nearly $70,000 during an election where Knight got over 70% of his campaign financing from the development industry.
It’s sad when a politician resorts to making false attacks on community organizations like CACs and Livable Raleigh, as Knight as done repeatedly.
It’s even worse when the attacks are made at an event hosted by another organization who, because of their own non-profit status, couldn’t legally hold Knight accountable for his LIES.
Knight may not be able to be held accountable for false claims against a political opponent.
But, that lack of accountability does not apply when he falsely accuses Livable Raleigh in public on a recorded broadcast.
Such statements are libelous and we DEMAND that he cease and desist immediately.
This is the third time I’ve had to come before this council to explain basic legal concepts to Knight, who is supposed to be a trained lawyer.
First it was “Freedom of Speech”. Then “All are created equal”. Now I have to explain libel.
Both Knight and Mary-Ann Baldwin need to stop the baseless accusations that Livable Raleigh is a Super PAC.
We’re NOT.
Although we are SUPER!
If you feel a need to respond with anything other than a public apology, let me remind you of two points from your Council Code of Conduct.
1. Be welcoming to speakers no matter their point of view.
2. Avoid debate and argument with the public. It’s never appropriate to challenge a speaker.
Read about more of David Knight’s LIES here: David Knight is having a terrible, no good, very bad week.