After the 2019 election, we reported to you how much money the development industry poured into the candidates’ campaigns. Those developers found out how easy it was to buy council seats for their preferred candidates. It appears they plan to run the same playbook again in 2022. When you ask yourself, why do councilors vote the way they do? You will always find the answer when you FOLLOW THE MONEY.
Good, thoughtful, inclusive processes result in good decisions. It takes a diversity of perspectives to avoid the most damaging, unintended consequences. Mary-Ann Baldwin is selling the lie that growth and development at any cost is good for the people who live, work and visit Raleigh.
First we “Showed You the Money.” Then we “Followed the Money.” In this third of our series about the money in Raleigh’s politics, we examine the effects of Special Interest money pouring into the campaigns.
Mary-Ann Baldwin, the mayor of Raleigh, has some $500,000 banked for her election campaign. It’s a tribute to how completely she’s owned by Raleigh’s developers – led by mega-spender John Kane, a right-wing Republican known for backing, among other crazies, our very own GOP Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. (And, of course, Trump.)
“I have $500,000 in the bank,” she said in an interview with The News & Observer. Her response was in sharp contrast to the more statesmanlike response from challenger Terrance Ruth:
As a follow-up to Livable Raleigh’s previous blog, “Show Me the Money”, about the development community money spent in the 2019 City Council election, this time we look at the specifics for individual Councilors.
But wait, it’s also the case that state law allows the open carry of firearms not just in downtown Raleigh but everywhere. Raleigh has seen its share of armed “Proud Boys” and other Patriots on downtown streets already. What we haven’t seen yet – but may soon – are armed drinkers in the streets, with our under-staffed police force watching and, uh, watching – because drinking while armed will be perfectly legal.
Your relentless drive to spread density everywhere is going to be the death knell for the remaining urban forests in our older subdivisions. You are riding the crest of the tree removal wave, as well as the steady progression towards increased traffic gridlock.
The filing period for candidates in Raleigh’s November 8th Mayoral and City Council elections closed Friday, July 15, at noon. It’s an interesting slate of candidates, with a mix of returning incumbents, unknown newcomers and even a couple well known Council retirees coming back for another run. Raleigh voters will be able to count on Livable Raleigh to provide all the information needed to be an informed voter in November.
Raleigh’s City Council makes decisions that impact your daily life. Tuesday, November 8, will be your opportunity to make your voice heard.
Litter is not just an eyesore. Litter and trash on our city streets and sidewalks also tell people it’s ok to drop their disposables anywhere, and it tells visitors that we don’t give a darn about how our inner city looks. Conditions here will not positively impress anyone thinking about moving to Raleigh or locating a business here.
The Mayor and Council members need to step up and prove what they’re worth, especially after voting substantial salary increases for their positions. They need to do the right thing…listen to ALL their constituents and perform or get fired!
With your help, we are expanding our outreach and partnerships to engage voters and candidates about the most important city issues and highlighting the better answers Raleigh residents want and deserve.