Eugene Myrick is a dedicated community advocate and leader known for his unwavering commitment to speaking up for the voiceless. With a 30+ year strong track record of grassroots activism and advocacy, Eugene has consistently fought for equitable and inclusive policies, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep passion for addressing the needs of all residents. His proactive approach and dedication to community service make him a transformative figure in local politics. He is a dedicated community advocate and leader known for his unwavering commitment to speaking up for the voiceless. With a 30+ year strong track record of grassroots activism and advocacy, He has consistently fought for equitable and inclusive policies, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep passion for addressing the needs of all residents. His proactive approach and dedication to community service make him a transformative figure in local politics.
Myrick submitted the following for publication:
As Raleigh continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the stakes have never been higher for our city’s future. We’re witnessing a city transforming before our eyes—new developments, some booming businesses, and an influx of new residents. But with this rapid growth comes a critical challenge that we cannot afford to ignore: the need for a more expansive and accessible City Council that truly represents all of Raleigh’s diverse communities.
Imagine this: you have a pressing issue affecting your neighborhood—maybe it’s a sudden surge in traffic, a new development threatening to displace long-time residents, or concerns about the lack of affordable housing. You need to speak with your City Council member, the person elected to represent your voice in city government. But instead of having direct access, you find yourself scrambling to catch them during their limited “community hours,” often held in distracting settings where meaningful dialogue is nearly impossible. Your concerns deserve more than a hurried conversation in a crowded coffee shop.
And when you try to reach out through other channels, like sending emails to the mayor, you’re met with silence or even blocked from further contact. The current public comment process seems designed to stifle voices rather than engage with them, making it all the more challenging for citizens to share their perspectives and advocate for their communities. It shouldn’t be this hard for residents to be heard. Our city deserves a transparent and inclusive process that truly values community input and ensures that every voice counts.
This is not just an inconvenience; it’s unacceptable.
Our city’s growth demands more than just building new developments. It demands expanding our City Council. We need more representatives who can give the necessary time and attention to the communities they serve. But it’s not enough to simply increase the number of council members. Each member must have a dedicated office—a place where residents can meet with them, share their concerns, and work together to find solutions.
These dedicated offices should be more than just physical spaces; they should be the heart of community engagement. A place where every resident, regardless of their background or neighborhood, feels heard and valued. A place where the noise of growth and progress doesn’t drown out the voices of those who call Raleigh home.
We must demand better. We must demand a City Council that is not only larger but more accessible. Our leaders should be within reach, ready to listen, and prepared to act—not just during “community hours” but whenever their constituents need them.
Raleigh is at a crossroads. The choices we make now will shape the city for generations to come. We cannot afford to let our voices be lost in the shuffle of rapid growth and development. It’s time to expand our City Council and ensure that every resident has the representation they deserve.
This is our city. This is our future. Let’s build it together—with a City Council that stands with us, listens to us, and works tirelessly for us.
NOTE – Mr. Myrick is a candidate for Raleigh Mayor. We have offered ALL City Council candidates the opportunity to submit commentary on local issues for consideration. To date we have published comments from three candidates. We will NOT include links to campaign social media accounts or include any ask for votes or donations.
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