An “Angry” Woman?
Give Fayetteville the Greene light, and give labeling the red light!
I was speaking to a friend yesterday when I was told that I need to say less, because one of my opponents is saying that voters “do not like angry men, and they like angry women even less”. I took this to mean that I am not supposed to speak out about the things that I want to fix in our city. I guess a woman cannot speak her views and justify her opinions with valid statements without being labeled “an angry woman”. I guess a woman cannot speak out on issues that affect me and you and support those views with evidence without being labeled “an angry woman”.
So, I think our city should be safer! We have 33 homicides already through June compared to a total of 22 in 2018. You are twice as likely to be a victim of violent crime in Fayetteville than the state average. I think we need to fix this! We must support our police department, and we also need to understand how proper economic development might reduce these numbers. Does this make me an angry woman?
I am concerned about the automated gunshot detection system recently approved by the City Council. I appreciate that this technology may improve emergency response time to victims and increase reporting, however I am concerned about whether this data can be used to enter our homes without warrants. Will it escalate violent interactions between police and citizens? Could it be inappropriately used to draw police into dangerous situations or away from other areas? It costs $200,000 per year to cover a 3 sq. mile radius. While I can see some benefits, I do have questions and 4th Amendment concerns. Does this make me an angry woman?
Our property taxes are going up 4% in 2024. Our vehicle registration fee is going up 400% (from $5 to $25), and our trash service fee is going up 17.7% ($40) in a year that recycling service was also cut from every week to every other week. I own a personal home in Fayetteville, so the increasing property taxes affect me. I am concerned that the reduction in sales tax revenue and the increasing interest rates on the bond money will require even more tax increases. Yet, when I look at the delinquent tax bills at https://taxpwa.co.cumberland.nc.us/.../BillDelinquentSear... , I wonder if uncollected taxes are adding another burden to the citizens that actually pay. Does this make me an angry woman?
A stoplight has been approved for the intersection at Northview Drive and Morganton Road. I understand the cost of this stoplight is estimated at $800,000. At the same time, a median down Morganton Road has been proposed. I presume this stoplight will be removed later, as a stoplight will be unnecessary if there is no left turn. I don’t understand the use of tax money to install something that will be removed at some point. Should we delay this project until we know more about the median project? I think we should demand judicious spending of our tax dollars, or they will continue to rise. Does this make me an angry woman?
We need council members who are going to bring our community together and embrace the hard work of achieving true change in public safety, economic growth, and the plans for Fayetteville’s future. We need leaders who are transparent and focused on our community. I think we need to replace leaders that spend their time trying to get more retirement benefits for themselves and health insurance benefits after their service. Does this make me an angry woman?
So, am I angry? No! Am I disappointed to see the community’s concerns continue to be unresolved? YES! I am also disappointed that a woman who speaks her mind with logic and facts is labeled “angry”. Surely, we have progressed past the time of calling women “angry”, “hormonal” or “emotional”.
But I am hopeful too! We live in an incredible community with smart, caring, and concerned citizens. Fayetteville has a bright future ahead. It is time to address our ongoing issues with public safety, business and job growth, and our community identity. The important decision NOW is to choose the team that you want to represent you in these decisions. I ask for your vote on October 10.
#lynnegreeneforcitycouncil #greenelightfayetteville #stopthelabels #iliveinfayetteville #FocusOnFuture #winwithlynne
