County officials need to practice cooperation
Doug Clark's May 27 description of the cooperation and congenial relationship between the leaders of two rival hospitals in Guilford County gives me hope. Perhaps next their example will inspire two of our county commissioners.
As Billy Yow and Skip Alston personify the cultural differences between rural and urban, and white and black people in our county, their views understandably clash sometimes.
But, if these two leaders were to find common ground and show they can respect each other as individuals, it might help ease the racial misunderstandings and city/county divisions that often hinder Guilford County's progress.
Perhaps these gentlemen could try sharing cultural interests, like food or sports or even
music. Yow could listen to A&T's 90.1 radio station for a week, and Alston can tune in to a country station like 93.1. Then they could explain some of the lyrics to each other and laugh over a plate of barbecue or a game of golf, celebrating the diversity that many think is a positive feature of Guilford County.
As a resident of District 5, I ask my commissioner, Mr. Yow, to be the first to step forward.
Sharon Shepard
Jamestown
Comments (6)
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Not all rural people are as dispicable and ignorant as Billy Yow. Not all urban people are as power drunk as Skip Alston.
Posted on June 5, 2007 9:09 AM
They counterbalance each other perfectly and I believe they DO represent a significant portion of Guilford County.
Posted on June 5, 2007 9:58 AM
Nit,
You are spot on! While Alston represents his constituency well, so does Yow. Look at the commissioners that District five has sent us before! Robert Moores, Phyllis Gibbs and Calvin Hinshaw. Rogues, all of them!
Posted on June 5, 2007 12:44 PM
Sharon...let me get this straight.
At the next Commissioners meeting Billy Yow shows up with a boom box on his shoulder wearing pants 8 sizes too big hanging half way down his ass.
Skip Alston comes in wearing coveralls, a straw hat, smoking a corn cob pipe listening to the theme from the Beverly Hillbillies.
This "sharing cultural interests" is supposed to change their views on spending taxpayer's money and the running of county government?
You may be right, I just don't think so.
And a note to TLC. While I agree with many of your posts I strongly disagree with your description of Billy Yow as "ignorant".
Get into a conversation with him about county government and poll the other commissioners about his effectiveness. You'll quickly change your mind.
Posted on June 5, 2007 1:46 PM
93-1 The Wolf and 102 JAMZ are in the same building. In fact, off the same hallway. And their staffs are great friends.
I think it'd be a wonderful idea for Billy and Skip to appear on the Wolf's morning show for an hour, then JAMZ' morning show for another hour.
Tell them to contact the stations' Program Directors at (336) 605-5200.
Posted on June 5, 2007 3:48 PM
TonyWilkins,
Yow may be versed in matters of well drilling and even in backroom deal making, but he falls short in the gray matter. His crudeness, his inability to control his emotions, and his overt racism are evidence of a man who can only thrive in district five.
He IS crazy like a fox, I will hand you that. Anita Sharp would be a great commissioner from District five, but I'd hate to see her replacement on the school board! Sharp is the best school board member, and from my experience, the BEST elected official to EVER come out of district five.
Posted on June 5, 2007 6:01 PM