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I attended last night's meeting, and I must say, "I am proud to have voted for Yvonne Johnson"!
She is the embodiment of the Southern Woman--smart, articulate, and compassionate. She handled questions well, and was very attuned to her audience.
After reading Jim Melvin's piece in "Scoop" I must agree, that nitpicking over little things must end. Mitch Johnson is a good city manager and good citizen. People like Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade hope to bring 'County Commisioner Style' antics to the council and we must stand up and stop it!
God Bless Yvonne Johnson and God bless Mitch Johnson!

Elvis,

Is that you Nick?

Last night's meeting was a good start toward addressing issues confronting the community. A lot of work remains for the council and citizenry; the ultimate value of the meeting may be that it established a beginning point toward tackling our problems.

It is wrong to characterize criticism of the status quo as naysaying. If everyone agreed on every issue we would be doomed to stalled, unresponsive and ineffective leadership. There would be no reason to hold elections: just send the same ones back at each election. Rock throwing and hiding behind a fictitious name can be replaced with self identification and choosing to becoming a candidate with a better solution.

Mayor Johnson's first statement regarding the Wray debacle was a declaration that she desired to sweep it under the carpet and move forward.

Sweeping a dead boy under the carpet ain't gonna make it stop stinking! Maybe if it's buried enough.

This is none of Jim Melvin's business. There's no reason that the truth of the Wray debacle should stand in the way of other city projects.

The only reason it might cause postponements of other matters is if they are too busy hiding stuff and protecting their butts.

This issue is important to the citizens of Greensboro and surrounding areas. We want closure, NOT denial.

Elvis
I wasn't at the meeting last night, but I have read some of the answers Yvonne Johnson gave. From what I have heard, she didn't say anything. Her only answers were evasive just like a seasoned polotician. Examples: We're going to have an update on Thursday, When we get the audit, We should have an outside audit. And as far as Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade, they are the ones trying to correct the problems which Yvonne have been part of. Even Yvonne says "we need to communicate better". She is one of the ones who has back Mitch Johnson, who tries to find every excuse there is NOT to give out information. She has help in creating that monster. Mary Radestraw and Trudy Wade are going to FIX IT.

I just want to know whats the deal with the $300 million downtown project called "Greensboro Triumph Center" you know the project with high-rises and Disney style entertainment.

Mayor Johnson has already been bought and paid for by the Gso developers. I have no confidence in this woman. She's been on the council all these years and is just anxious to let Mitch be the fall guy.

Dan the man,
Point #1--you admit you were not at the meeting.
Point #2--If Rakestraw's performance is anything like her County Commissioner gig, she's already toast. She is destructive and wants to cause trouble. Businesses looking at Greensboro don't want to see folks like her on boards--she adds little to the mix--just intrigue in the palace.

Billy Hamilton,
Sorry, but the only "Nic" I know is my doctor, doctor George Nichopolous here in Memphis. Thank you. Thank you vury much.

"Elvis" has left the building (figuratively speaking, of course).

If you put big sunglasses, wide sideburns and about 40 pounds on Mitch - he could be pass for a late 60's early 70's "Elvis" look-a-like....hmmmmm.

Our new councilmembers needn't be chastised for seeking out answers to questions that MANY in Greensboro have asked - and not gotten answers to.

Clearly, this is not an issue created by one or two busybodies looking to stir up problems just for Mitch Johnson; since he himself admits that there are problems that need fixing.

Elvis, thought you were dead, but once again
the mayor failed to answer the questions and gave very canned answers. One thing the mayor said was she like to treat all people with dignity. Would that be the same dignity she
gives the citizens of GSO when they come before the council on matters concerning their neighborhood or the same dignity she gave the
former police chief(guilty before investitation). I wish she would give us her meaning of the word dignity.

I thought all those policeman standing at the front door when you entered the meeting
was just to imtimidate people. Please take a seat next time and don't crowd the front door.
All your'e doing is showing people what fools you are. People don't respect you. That's one
thing you earn not steal.

Elvis
I gave specific examples of Y. Johnson's poor performance as both a Council member and Mayor. You gave NOTHING specific in regards to Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade. And do you really think businesses want to come to a city where there are thugs and criminals on the police force? That is a problem Y. Johnson and Mitch Johnson have created, not Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade. The city of Greensboro would be much better off if Mitch had been locked out of his office and David Wray was still Police Chief. He was getting rid of the thugs and troublemakers. But now because of sorry council memebers like Y Johnson we now find ourselves in the mess we are in. Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade will be the ones who help bring us out.