Simkins PAC endorsements

Not sure if anyone has written about this, so I'll confirm that John Hammer's reporting about the Simkins PAC's endorsements is accurate.

The PAC endorses Yvonne Johnson for mayor; Robbie Perkins, Marikay Abuzuaiter and Nancy Vaughan for at-large; Luther T. Falls Jr. for District 1; Jim Kee for District 2; Zack Matheny for District 3; Joel Landau for District 4; and Trudy Wade for District 5. It recommends approval of the Natural Science Center bond.

The PAC only provides reasons for the three African-American candidates that received its endorsement.

For Yvonne Johnson, the mailing reasons: "Our mayor has made us proud, improved this city and will continue this effort."

In endorsing Falls over incumbent Dianne Bellamy-Small in District 1, the PAC would appear to be testing its clout. "He is the change that District 1 needs," the mailing reads. "He will fight for the people of this district to increase police presence, to stop crime, focus on economic improvements and respond to the wishes of the district."

Jim Kee "has worked in [District 2] for years on community issues and will do the same on the council."

The mailing also includes quite a bit of historical background to establish its credentials for vetting the candidates on behalf of black voters:

"We are your George C. Simkins Jr. Memorial Political Action Committee, formally known as the 'Citizens Committee.' The 'Citizens Committee' jwas founded in the early 1960s to 'give 'our' community a voice.' Dr. George Evans, Mr. Vance Chavis, Rev. Otis Hairston, Atty. Henry Frye and Dr. George Simkins were among its founders. For more than 40 years the 'Citizens Committee' has worked for equal rights and justice in our community.

"We were there to force the issue when you needed voter registration, when you needed access to hospitals, public libraries, tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, public schools and restaurants.

"We were there when you needed a district system to assure African-American representation in city government, and we are still here in 2009 researching the candidates so that you can know which candidates have your best interest at heart.

"It is urgent that we vote to protect our community and advance the causes of justice and fairness. These persons are highly likely to conduct government business on an equal basis for all citizens of Guilford County."