I am very proud, honored and excited about the opportunity to serve as the City Council representative from District 1 on the Greensboro City Council. I want to thank everyone who went to the polls to vote in November 2003. Being involved in government at all levels is what makes government effective and responsive to the people. I have stayed focused on my four campaign concerns:

Economic Development & Growth
Equity of Services
Empowering Communities
Community Programs for Families, Seniors and Youth

I have made a concerted effort to communicate with my constituency through mailings, phone calls, radio, television, public meetings, attending neighborhood and community meetings, church and special events, school visits and this newsletter.

I have also spent time and effort learning how government works and how to get services to respond more effectively around the needs and concerns in District 1. I’ve spent time riding with City department heads and staff through the district, observing and documenting problems up close and personal, as well as viewing photographs and written concerns sent to me by my constituents. I have requested direct follow-up from City staff on how certain situations have been handled. If I felt the responses were not satisfactory, I requested further follow-upto get a more suitable resolution for everyone involved.

My attendance at Council meetings, board meetings and community functions related to Council duties, has been very good. I have attended several conferences in an effort to learn more about municipal governance. I have presented recognitions for birthdays, class reunions, special events, and resolutions in memory of members of our community. I am a fellow in the Institute of Political Leadership (IOPL). IOPL is a 5 ½ month political leadership institute located at NCSU. I have also attended other local, regional and national leadership training conferences to better understand how to be an effective representative.

Finally, I feel this first year as your District 1 representative has been a positive learning experience on how to deliver what is needed and wanted in the District. It has also been demanding on my family. We have had to adjust to my new role in public life. I appreciate all the support from everyone who has helped me to be the “servant leader” I feel I am. I believe I am making a difference for our District and the City at large. I seek the support, input and participation of everyone in District 1--from the youngest of age to the oldest. I look forward to continuing to serve you for the next year and beyond.

Thank you.