The following is City Council District 1 candidate Charles Dayton Coffey's complete response to our survey. Click here for the list of questions.
Charles Dayton Coffey
• Date of birth: July 24, 1955
• Profession, or former profession if retired: Machinist
• Name of employer, if applicable: Industries of the Blind
• Previous political experience, if any: Ran for City Council District 1 2005
• Level of education & name of school from which highest degree was received: GTCC – Associates in Police Science
1. The City of Greensboro should take every step in the assurance of good air quality. The use of alternative fuels, proper maintenance and updated vehicles is a step in that direction. The use of hybrid vehicles should also be considered. We need to expand the bicycle lanes and encourage more people to use the bus. Greensboro should press the state to re-instate emissions test on older vehicles and mandatory emission testing statewide. (73)
2. Bus service is not being used to its capacity. We need to look at ways to entice more people to ride the bus. Expanding the routes, building more shelters, and adding a concrete landing so handicapped people can reach the sidewalk safely may be some ways. I fully support safe bicycle facilities. Light rail needs to be expanded for commuters. UNCG has a wonderful plan for its students. We need to look at the future. (76)
3. The City of Greensboro needs to be more supportive of our existing small and medium sized business. It is essential that we keep the cost down on fees that are associated with the operation of a business. I have always believed that there are qualified people out there that would start their own business if they had a little help. This may be done with interest free loans and the proper encouragement from the City. (76)
4. I am not real fond of incentives. I do not understand how a company that has never done anything for our community can come in and get a large sum of money. The cost of paying for this is strapped to the back of the taxpayers of Greensboro, the ones that have been feeding the City in the past. If we are going to consider giving incentives, let us keep it in our community. (75)
5. A strong police force is critical for the survival of business. An overwhelming criminal element will be by far the first thing to destroy even the best planned business. Police protection is definitely an incentive to promote business. Good investors always look at the crime statistics of an area before they invest. My plan for District One is to help build the Greensboro Police Department. We are on the tipping point of doing this or failing. (77)
6. For a long time I have believed that the minimum wage has been too low. We need to look at how a sudden jump in this wage would affect our local business. The increase should be put on a timetable. Any quick fix has its ramifications. If the extra cost cannot be placed on the consumer, then will employees be cut to make up the short falls? We need to look at everything. (74)
7. The City of Greensboro cannot provide necessary services for its citizens now. Any expansion would further weaken our police force and cut back on service as a whole. Why add more on when you cannot take care of what you already have? There are plenty of areas in District One that need to be redeveloped. The infrastructure in the City is in desperate need of repair. We need to strengthen before growth. (73)
8. Developmental planning is important for the future of Greensboro. Without proper planning, growth can end up as leap frog sprawl. Sprawl would end up wasting our tax dollars when trying to provide service to these areas. We need to strengthen Greensboro before we can expect smart growth. Protecting our neighborhoods is another reason to plan properly. A vote for me would insure smart growth, protecting neighborhoods and saving tax dollars. Help protect our future. (75)
9. I do not know firsthand about these allegations. All I have heard are the rumors and media reports and what certain people have said. I do know that all discrimination whether it be racial or religious is simply wrong. We all need to learn to get along with one another. District One is divided right now. I want to pull all of the good people of District One together and create some positive change. (75)
10. At this time I feel we do not need a police review board. Every Police Department has its own procedures on checks and balances. We need to make sure as City Council that these procedures are being correctly followed. Complaints against any officer will be reviewed and investigated. A citizen board with subpoena power may possibly endanger an ongoing investigation. It is up to the City Council to police the police. (72)
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