A Letter To The Editor From Rhino Times Reader Nicky Smith
Taking a Stand for Accountability and Safer Streets in Greensboro. As we move forward, I’d like to share a few critical updates:
- Addressing Crime and Accountability in Greensboro
In January 2024, John Hammer reported in the Rhino Times that the City Council approved over $1 million in funding for nonprofits through the Community Violence Intervention and Interruption Project. According to a report in the Rhino Times, these funds were allocated to nonprofits linked to Council members, yet this approach has shown no measurable impact on reducing crime in Greensboro. In fact, crime has increased over the past year. I firmly believe that public safety cannot be improved through misdirected or ineffective spending. The City Council must ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, prioritizing initiatives with proven results, rather than supporting pet projects that may benefit Council members but fail to address our community’s challenges.
I will attend [a recent] City Council meeting to advocate for a more transparent and effective approach to public safety funding. Your voices are critical—let’s demand accountability together.
- Filling the Vacant City Council Seat
As you may have seen in the news, Yvonne Johnson’s vacant seat will be filled on January 28th. I am honored to have applied for this position to serve our community until the next election. While others, including Ms. Johnson’s son, have expressed interest in the seat, I firmly believe that Greensboro needs fresh leadership, innovative ideas, and a commitment to progress—not a continuation of the status quo. With over 45 years of business leadership and a passion for Greensboro, I am confident I can bring meaningful change to the Council…