A public opinion poll last year revealed that public safety is the top concern for Raleigh citizens and 75% of respondents supported a substantial police pay increase. To reference Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, everything that allows us to enjoy life in our city relies upon a foundation of safety.
On May 7th of this year City Council voted to switch to 4-year staggered terms without putting the issue on the ballot for voters to decide, effectively buffering city council from the corrective action of Raleigh residents’ voting power. While I have heard and respect the arguments in favor of 4-year terms, it should be voted on by residents.
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.
Highlights from May 14 work session and public comments session
Raleigh should not have needed the US Marshals help. Raleigh should not be where it is today. But, Baldwin took pride in wanting to be Mayor of Drunktown.
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.
Highlights from the November 14 City Council meeting.
Highlights from October 10 Work Session and Public Comments Meeting
Highlights from the October 3, 2023 City Council Afternoon and Evening Meetings
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.