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I agree completely with your comments regarding the Bellamy-Small recall election. I would only add the following note:

I assume that the folks who pushed for the recall election want to see Bellamy-Small kicked out of office. It's my prediction that their plan will backfire. I think that this whole episode has increased her chances of holding onto her council seat.

(Yes, Allen, it's really me.)

Wendell,
The Pulpit Forum has called for two rallies to show support for DBS and hardly anyone showed up for either. The second rally had less than 20 people and the media was asked to leave.
With only District 1 voters in mind, what do you base your prediction of this new support on?

Allen, the fact that you and Doug are even questioning the discretion or motivation of the Pulpit Forum, whether you realize it or not, is "coded racism".

Shame on you both. Shame on the N&R.

What on earth is the previous poster trying to say? That if you question the Pulpit Forum, you are automatically racist?

That's perhaps the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen here on this blog - and that takes in a lot of ground.

I think he was being sarcastic.

"What on earth is the previous poster trying to say? That if you question the Pulpit Forum, you are automatically racist?
That's perhaps the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen here on this blog - and that takes in a lot of ground. "

Really? Try doing it publicly on a hot-button issue and see how long it takes before you're branded a racist.

I think that what they are saying is the "Recall Small" movement is diluting minority strength as far as speaking out for minority districts. The facts are that T. Dianne Bellamy-Small has made the city of Greensboro accountable for issues in the Black community, specifically District 1. District 1 has been mired with ineffective leadership and has never had a representative that has spoken up for the needs of the community. In T. Dianne Bellamy-Small they have that. So what happens the next time a minority leader stands up and makes the city accountable...they get Recalled? That is what the Pulpit Forum is saying.

I would really like to know how many of you responders actually live in District 1? Probably none, Allen do you live in District 1, if so have you seen a change during Bellamy-Small's tenure on council?

I do not live in District 1.
As for the logic of the recall, how can it possibly threaten black voting strength or hurt black representation on the council? I just don't buy it.
District 1 is majority black. A recall won't work if voters in District 1 don't support it.

If you lived in District 1, you might buy it. Yes, District 1 is majority Black, but by having a recall against an outspoken advocate for the community it sets a precedence that this will happen to anyone that stands up for that District. We did not have a recall when Earl Jones gave the key to the city to James Brown, or was as ineffective as an "Elected Official" can be. T. Dianne Bellamy-Small has an annual report that outlines problems in the district and the things that the city has done to correct these problems. I suggest you get a copy I am sure that she would love to give you one. She also has a meeting with all the City of Greensboro Department Heads that addresses issues in District 1. What other council member does this? None.

I agree with you that the people should be allowed to use the electoral process to address any concerns over her leadership, but with all of the propaganda that has been put out there (by residents of other districts, that are not minorities), one must wonder what prompted this "Recall" effort. From the past efforts of District 1 Representatives, we know that it can not be ineffective leadership. It must be some other factor...

Good points, Gatsby. But obviously not everyone in your district agrees, and signed the recall petition.

And if Bellamy-Small was doing such wonderful work, why did she barely beat newcomer Luther Falls in the last election?

"Why did she barely beat newcomer Luther Falls in the last election?"

Answer: Simpkins PAC

The Simpkins PAC endorsed Luther Falls in the last election and that is how he came so close to winning.(or rather should I say she came to losing)

We all know that an uninformed section of the registered voters of Districts 1 and 2 still rely on the Simpkins PAC to make their decisions for them as who to vote for.

Good point as well there were valid signatures on the petition, but the recall law needs to be changed. The law should only allow constituents that vote in the prior election to sign the petition. The way the law currently reads it gives people that did not vote the opportunity to negate the voters of the prior election. I know you will say "well they can come out and show their supprot during the recall election". Which is true and I hope they do. It has been great having this debate. I guess you are more open minded then some might say.

sorry, the last post was by me.

Nah, I'm not so bad when you get to know me. By the way, "The Great Gatsby" is a favorite of mine (I was an English major in undergrad).

Mine as well, great writing, great novel.

Allen,
Just fyi...George Gilbert (GCBOE) today confirmed that he estimates the maximum cost of this election to be $15,000 and does not know where the $30,000 figure came from as stated in the letter you mention above.
Also, the Recall Small effort has never been associated with Florence Gatten or had any previous knowledge of her resignation request.
There appears to be many untruths in the letter from the man who supposedly heads the "Truth" movement.