The outcome of the District 5 race in Tuesday's election was a disappointment to me, but it certainly was not the end of the world. The sun still came up the next morning, and I woke up as usual and proceeded with yet another busy day, explaining the functions and operations of the city council to a visiting delegation of Russian officials.
I ran a positive campaign, highlighting key issues facing our city and presenting my approach to address them along with my strong experience and leadership skills. Apparently this straightforward approach was not sufficient to overcome my opponent's attack strategy of gross distortions of my past statements coupled with those silly cartoon caricatures. Voters often decry the use of negative campaigning, but in this case, it seemed to work.
Whatever the reason for the final outcome , I will accept the voters' decision with grace and move on with satisfaction, knowing that I have made a difference in this city and this region. Working with fellow councilmembers and leaders in other communities, we have made tremendous progress over the last 16 years. Some of those accomplishments include the following:
a Greensboro's first Comprehensive Plan to set policies and guide our growth for the next 20-25 years.
a Upgrading of the GTA bus system, expanding routes, and providing weekend service and 30-minute service.
a Creation and implementation of a successful, growing regional bus system -- PART.
a Increasing Greensboro's water resources (Randleman Lake, Haw River pipeline, purchases from adjacent cities) and sewer treatment capacity (expansion of the Osborne plant)
a Revitalizing our economy with the successful recruitment of new business such as FedEx and HondaJet and expansion of existing ones such as RF Micro and Kay Chemical as well as support for creation of small businesses through the Targeted Loan Pool.
a Completion of major portions of our Urban Loop/Painter Boulevard.
a Promotion of better housing and stronger neighborhoods through RUCO, neighborhood plans, increased lighting and sidewalks, community policing and neighborhood crime watches.
a Creation of a strategy accepted by EPA to improve our air quality.
a Strengthened public safety through the addition of new officers and programs to our police department and the building of new fire stations throughout the city.
a Secured a new recreation center for Southwest Greensboro.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my service to the citizens of District 5 and to the whole city (most of the time). I have met so many people and developed lasting relationships, and those friendships will remain strong although I will be leaving office.
Yes, I will be experiencing a major change in my life -- no more meetings and tons of paperwork and a whole lot less stress. I've already warned my husband -- "For better or worse, you have me back, dear!"
Thank you for the opportunity to serve Greensboro in an official capacity all these years. I'll rest for a while and examine my options and opportunities, but I can absolutely guarantee I WILL continue my service in one form or another.
Sandy Carmany is NOT going away!
8 comments:
Yaye Sandy!
Sandy,
I regret your loss as you were the only council member who isn't a coward. I know, honey instead of vinegar but like I've told you before the only honey in my neighborhood uses crack, heroin and stands on the corner... I won't mention what she does there.
This is an opportunity for you to do more for Greensboro than you could have ever done while seated. Stand up, we'll make you proud!
You're a class act, Kiddo!
If our new representative's campaign literature is any indication, we will be the laughingstock of the community!
Janet
You forgot to add "presided over significant increases in taxes and city government expenditures".
All the best, Sandy.
Good luck Sandy!!!
You can now blog like the rest of us....without all the facts..but plenty of theories.... GRIN.
Meblogin,
And that is exactly the problem I am facing with the continuation of this blog or not.
My whole focus has been to provide "the rest of the story" with inside information and detailed explanation of the issues. When I go out of office, I will no longer have access to those details and behind-the-scenes discussions, thus will not be able to provide FACTS and reliable information.
My previous statement about potentially dropping this blog was NOT whining or sour grapes as some trolls have dubbed it. It is all about not being to fulfill its mission. I could just throw my opinions and unverified assumptions around like certain bloggers do. One possibility is to to critique, criticize and second-guess the actions of the new council and or the District 5 member, but I have a feeling the very trolls who say I'm whining would then be saying "She just won't let go," "Sour grapes", "sore loser" and so on. Want to take bets on that one? {grin}
Please continue the blogging, Sandy. It is most of our hope that you will begin fund raising for either the District 5 or an At-Large seat in 2009 as well.
Reading your blogs is fun! Keep it up!
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