Public Service is a Privilege, not a Self-Serving Opportunity

Public Service is a Privilege, not a Self-Serving Opportunity

I stand before you today as a concerned citizen deeply troubled by recent actions taken by this Council. I refer to the rising crime in our city under your watch, but specifically, decisions to increase your own salaries, extend your terms from two to four years, and reject additional representatives on this Council—all without allowing the citizens of Raleigh to vote on the matter.

Raleigh is underreporting noise complaints to the residents and the media

Raleigh is underreporting noise complaints to the residents and the media

I am here tonight to talk about noise. In Glenwood South we have been very suspect about the numbers being reported by the city. And we were right to be suspect as we now have evidence that the city has downplayed and grossly under-reported noise complaint calls. Every citizen and every news outlet who unwittingly reported the city provided incorrect statistics to the public should be outraged.

Does Mayor Baldwin give a damn about Raleigh’s reputation?

Does Mayor Baldwin give a damn about Raleigh’s reputation?

They went so far as to make an offer on a home, only to withdraw it days later. The constant news headlines reporting assaults, stabbings, and shootings downtown ultimately scared them away. A direct quote is, “while Denver has a major homelessness problem, they have services in place and the city maintains control of their drunks.” They did not feel that was the case in Raleigh.

The Price we pay for Glenwood South

The Price we pay for Glenwood South

The shirt I am wearing tonight I had made for and wore to the July meeting. It reads I went to Glenwood South and made it out Alive. Unfortunately, David Millette did not. I wear this shirt tonight in memory of David and as a reminder of the price he paid just for going out to Glenwood South one night.