Ethics
Ethics Questions Posed by News & Record Editor Allen Johnson:
Where do you stand on the council/manager form of city government? Is it working for Greensboro, and if it isn’t, why not?
Bill Knight: I favor the council/manager form of city government. It will work well for Greensboro so long as clear guidance and backing is provided by the City Council, and the manager is able to carry out his duties unhindered by outside special interest groups.
How would you address the problems concerning poor planning and communication for the Urban Loop that has resulted in development being approved in the path of the highway and some home buyers not knowing the road was coming?
Bill Knight: The Urban Loop has been publicized numerous times by media and DOT staff in public meetings for many years, yet we fell short in protective planning for Greensboro citizens.
I would like for the city manager and an appointed member of City Council to be present at DOT meetings concerning the loop and represent Greensboro property owner interests. As mayor, with council concurrence, I would ask the manager to review the role of city commissions and departments that are concerned with the location of planned future roadways. Is it possible to improve the role they play?
In addition, I would like to know how we can better prepare for future projects involving other agencies of government that are long-term in nature and that have the capacity for unknown consequences. More consultation with private industry for their ideas and recommendations should benefit this process.
Where do you stand on merging some city and county services to improve efficiencies and save money? Which ones need to be considered and how would you make them happen?
Bill Knight: I favor merger of departments where it leads to measurable improvement in efficiencies and cost savings. I also favor competitive sourcing of many city services, excepting public safety. Unlike privatization, this means comparing public and private sources that will provide the most efficient and cost effective service and choosing the lowest bidder. As for merger, I would not be against considering a merger of any department (with the same county department) that could improve government effectiveness and eliminate unnecessary costs.
What should be Greensboro’s plan for long-term waste disposal? Is reopening the White Street landfill part of that equation? Why or why not?
Bill Knight: I believe the city wastes millions of dollars by transporting household waste to Montgomery County, millions that could be saved by using the White Street landfill. As mayor I intend to review the costs associated with the transfer of household waste to Montgomery County and the costs associated with White Street. I believe the cost difference is staggering.
What, if anything, needs to happen to bring closure to the lingering wounds created after the resignation of former Police Chief David Wray?
Bill Knight: A lawsuit by former police Chief David Wray is still outstanding. It could be settled quickly by following the city policy enacted in the eighties that calls for the city to pay legal expenses of a city employee sued in the course of employment by the city.
In addition to a prompt settlement of the lawsuit, the City of Greensboro owes David Wray an apology.
One city expense you seriously question is…
Bill Knight: Waste disposal (see answer to question above about long-term waste disposal).
Which current council member do you admire the most and why?
Bill Knight: Mike Barber for his leadership and willingness to speak out in the face of criticism.
What community or business interests could possibly create conflicts of interest for you on the council, and how would you handle them?
Bill Knight: None
How long is long enough for a council member to serve? How long is too long? If elected, how long do you plan to serve?
Bill Knight: 3-4 terms are sufficient for any council member. More than this leads to stagnation and ineffective leadership.
I will serve no more than two terms.
Should the city manager be evaluated according to a predetermined set of goals and measures?
Bill Knight: Yes. As mayor I will make this a priority matter for the new city council.
Should the council also be graded according to a set of objective goals and measures? Would you pledge to set up such a system?
Bill Knight: As a kickoff to such a system I challenge the current mayor, members of council, and candidates for 2009 election to answer this set of questions (introduced by the News & Record), and to complete the ethics form available from the NC Ethics Commission. I would be honored to participate in the establishment of a system of goals and measures for City Council members.
And if you failed to deliver on a majority of those goals, would you agree not to seek re-election?
Bill Knight: Yes.
Bill Knight
Candidate for Mayor of Greensboro
