Greensboro Primary '07: Goldie Wells

The following is City Council District 2 candidate Goldie Wells's complete response to our survey. Click here for the list of questions.

Goldie Wells
• Date of birth: Nov. 8, 1942
• Professional background: Retired educational administrator
• Previous political experience: City council member since 2005
• Highest level of education: Doctorate, educational administration and supervision, UNC-Chapel Hill

1. I think that the city is working to decrease the excess levels of smog by participating in the HEAT program, which reduces the number of cars that the college students drive. The city has added hybrid vehicles to the fleet, and the mayor has signed the “Cool Cities” agreement. (50)
2. Increased bus service — Because ridership has increased and there is a need for more buses. This would also help to reduce the smog. / More bicycle facilities — Because there are many citizens who own and ride bicycles we need to provide them with more safe accommodations. This would also help to maintain a cleaner environment. / New roads — The funds have to be available to build new roads. I think the need and the cost of the first two projects make them the priority. / Light rail — I think this is a long-range project that should be a joint regional project. (102)
3. Companies that provide jobs should be invited to come to our city and our workforce needs to be trained and/or retrained to do more highly skilled technical jobs. (29)
4. Yes. When weighing an incentive request I consider the number of people the company will employ, the salaries it will pay, the number of minorities it will hire, and the amount the company will add to the tax base. (40)
5. Local small business owners should be encouraged and supported, and given incentives to help them with the growth and development of their business. They need to know how important they and their business are to the city. (38)
6. Yes, I support the initiative because every worker should be able to make wages that he/she can afford food, clothing, shelter and health care. They should not have to choose one or the other. (35)
7. I support development at our city’s fringe because I think that it’s a sign of growth. (17)
8. Yes, because it is based on the regional concept. I think the unity of the municipalities will strengthen the economy in the Triad. (24)
9. I’m waiting for the findings of the investigation. (9)
10. I am reluctant about creating a police review board with subpoena power, because the research shows that they have not been successful in other cities. (26)