The following is a letter to the editor by Rhino Times Reader Nicky Smith.
At the recent Greensboro City Council meeting, Councilmembers Nancy Hoffmann and Nancy Vaughan unjustly attacked me. They misrepresented my leadership and policies to discredit me. This was an orchestrated and planned attack on me and my conservative views and values. Interestingly, they did not spend time questioning other candidates—what are they afraid of?
I never claimed sole credit for the Preserve Friendly Avenue initiative; over 1,500 homeowners worked together to secure the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO). If you ask any of the Preserve Friendly initiative committee members, they will tell you that I was the driving force behind all the activities to achieve the NCO. Authentic leadership is about mobilizing communities, not self-promotion.
My stance on annexation has been distorted. I support responsible growth and advocate a temporary pause to ensure infrastructure and public services can keep up. However, our city services are not ready to annex more space, and without proper planning, we risk overwhelming essential resources. Reckless expansion without planning harms our city.
Contrary to false claims, I never proposed permanently turning First Horizon Coliseum into a homeless shelter. I suggested exploring emergency solutions for extreme weather conditions—a practical, compassionate approach.
Attacking my voting record is a weak political distraction. My decades of civic involvement, job creation, and advocacy speak louder than missed municipal elections. Ironically, Hoffmann herself did not vote in local elections for 13 years before running for office.
The baseless COVID-19 accusations are pure smear tactics. My business followed all mandated protocols, and Vaughan’s claims are unsubstantiated attempts at character assassination.
Greensboro deserves leaders who focus on real solutions, not political theatrics. This only fuels my strong campaign for City Council District 4 in the Fall 2025 election. I remain committed to responsible leadership and prioritize our city’s future over partisan attacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNrrk6CVvnc
Sincerely,
Nicky Smith
Nicky, invest in some level 5 body armor, hold out an olive branch in your weak hand and a spiked mace in your strong, behind your back. Remember the old adage by Teddy.
Uh, walk with a stick, while secretly whacking those in your way?
Participation in local government is an act of service to your community. It is an often thankless job full tough decisions that often involve choosing the lesser of the evils or backing the “least bad” choice. Council members know that their efforts and judgement must set a course for this city that is a half a century or more away — while managing the day to day trials that impact (and upset!) their friends and neighbors. Being a council member involves demonstrating the ability to work with others, compromise, and to put the overall best interests of the residents of Greensboro over ones own.
Leadership is about making tough decisions. Hearing things you don’t want to hear, sucking it up and dealing with it. Ms Hoffmann and Mayor Vaughn responded to your public presentation of your self and the history of your behavior in a calm and professional manner. They (appropriately) responded to your presentation at this public meeting — at the public meeting. Elected officials expressing their concerns (about you) on the record is wholly appropriate and consistent with acting in the best interest of the city.
It’s an attack. It’s unjust. It’s a misrepresentation. It’s distorted. Pointing out the fact that you couldn’t be bothered to vote — while you seek a council seat is a “distraction.” It must be anti-conservative. It must be partisan.
This was a job interview. The people who do the job currently and know the job best provided you (and the residents of Greensboro) with a list of concern about you; but you refuse to hear it.
The residents of Greensboro deserve thoughtful, resourceful, and effective leadership. Someone who brings more to the situation than partisan discontent, grievance and an overwhelming sense of entitlement. Someone whose ideas stand on merit rather than leaning so heavily on your identity as a conservative.
Nicky has made it all about Nicky.
Public service is indeed a responsibility that requires making difficult decisions, listening to all voices, and working toward the best community outcomes. I fully respect that accountability and transparency are essential in leadership, and I welcome fair and constructive dialogue about my qualifications and vision for Greensboro.
However, I firmly believe that political discourse should focus on issues that matter most to our residents—public safety, economic growth, infrastructure, and responsible governance—rather than personal attacks or attempts to discredit someone’s commitment to serving. My campaign is not about me; it’s about the people of District 4 and ensuring that their voices are heard.
Engagement in local government should encourage diverse viewpoints and solutions, not discourage those willing to step up and serve. I aim to bring common-sense leadership that prioritizes our community’s needs over political gamesmanship. I appreciate those who take the time to be involved in the process, and I remain committed to running a campaign based on integrity, transparency, and results.
Nicky Smith
https://nickyforgreensboro.com