News-Record.com

Proponents of protest petitions in Greensboro may have made such a compelling case that Guilford lawamakers may push legislation restoring them here even if the City Council says no.

That's certainly the impression I got Tuesday from state Rep. Maggie Jeffus of Greensboro.
Jeffus, who isn't known for her bluntness, was uncharacteristically direct in a brief interview.

When asked if the county legislative delegation would move forward with a bill to re-establish the right to use protest petitions to Greensboro -- even if the council opposed it -- Jeffus said: "I think probably we will. I'm almost certain a bill will be filed."

Jeffus added: "You pick your battles and I think this is something people want."

Jeffus made her remarks after a presentation by UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government professor David Owens.

Owens, an expert on zoning laws, said lawmakers usually defer to the wishes of a local city council in such cases. But they don't have to.

Owens explained the history and impact of protest petitions in a speech to the League of Women Voters.

Attending the speech in addition to Jeffus was newly elected state Sen. Don Vaughan and City Councii member Goldie Wells.

The Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition adamantly opposes protest petitions, saying they will stall growth and hurt the economy.

But what makes Greensboro so special? The rest of the cities and towns in the state have had protest petitions since 1923 and their economies have survived.

As for whether lawmakers should buck the wishes of the council, if it comes to that, why not?

Ultimately, they represent all of the people in Greensboro and Guilford County, not just the City Council.