By Dr. LaToya B. Gathers, Candidate for Greensboro City Council At-Large
I’ve spent the last 15 years in politics in Greensboro—not just talking about change, but
doing the hard work to make it happen. From the Planning Commission to the Juvenile
Crime Prevention Board, from the AAUW Public Policy Committee to the Junior League
Funding Committee, I’ve served in spaces where policy meets people. I’ve walked the
neighborhoods, listened to families, and fought for solutions that protect—not displace—
our communities.
I’m also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—an organization
rooted in service, scholarship, and sisterhood. That legacy of leadership and civic
engagement runs deep in me. It’s shaped how I show up, how I lead, and how I fight for
equity in every space I enter.
Let’s be clear: some candidates are misleading you. They’re asking to put signs in your yard
while quietly supporting policies that gentrify your neighborhood and displace families.
Worse, they’re turning real concerns into political theater—rallies, slogans, and divisive
tactics that pit neighbor against neighbor. That’s not leadership. That’s distraction.
Leadership means protecting property rights and neighborhood integrity. It means showing
up—not just for photo ops, but when zoning decisions threaten your home, when crime
prevention needs real investment, and when families are being priced out of the
communities they built. I’ve been there. I’ve testified. I’ve organized. I’ve fought for
transparency and accountability in every space I’ve entered.
With Doctors Without Borders, I walked into places with no infrastructure—no electricity,
no running water, no safety net—and helped build makeshift hospitals from scratch. I had
to be creative, resourceful, and intelligent under pressure. I solved problems with limited
tools and unlimited determination. That experience shaped how I lead today: with clarity,
courage, and a refusal to back down when things get hard.
Because being in politics is more than picking an issue and rallying around it. It’s about
working with people—across differences, across departments, across neighborhoods—to
actually solve problems. It’s about listening, adapting, and staying grounded in the realities
our communities face. It’s not about slogans. It’s about substance.
I’ve written and influenced public policies that impact real lives. I have the experience, and
I have the platform—with a plan for Greensboro that includes protecting establishedneighborhoods and keeping them the way they are, the way that made Greensboro great.
Many say Greensboro has a problem. I disagree. Greensboro is facing a transition. And we
need to vote in leaders who will guide that transition toward prosperity—not stir conflict
over every decision.
I have a platform and a plan to implement—because that’s what politics is. It’s not about
running in a race just because you developed a program or helped only a certain part of the
population. I love Greensboro and its people, and I want to see it thrive—all of it. Every
neighborhood, every family, every voice.
This campaign isn’t about theatrics. It’s about solutions.
Greensboro deserves leaders who don’t just show up during election season. We need
people who understand policy, who respect community history, and who aren’t afraid to
call out hypocrisy. I’ve seen candidates flip-flop on zoning, dodge questions about
displacement, and cozy up to developers while claiming to support affordable housing.
That’s not leadership. That’s opportunism.
I’m running for Greensboro City Council At-Large because I believe in principled,
transparent governance. I believe in protecting what makes our city strong—its families, its
neighborhoods, and its sense of community. I believe in showing up, speaking out, and
standing firm.
Every life matters in Greensboro. I’m about inclusion, not exclusion. I’m about making
Greensboro better—not working with those who quietly undermine it.
If you’re tired of politics as usual, I invite you to join me. This campaign is powered by
resilience, strategy, and a deep love for Greensboro.
So before you put another sign in your yard, ask yourself: who’s really fighting for you?
Who’s showing up when it counts? Who’s telling the truth?
Vote LaToya B. Gathers for Greensboro City Council At-Large.
Remember: you can vote for up to three candidates in the At-Large race—make sure
one of them is a voice you can trust.
I am. And I’m ready to serve.
Author Bio:
Dr. LaToya B. Gathers is a candidate for Greensboro City Council At-Large. She is a longtime
public servant, community advocate, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated. Her campaign is built on transparency, inclusion, and a bold plan forGreensboro’s future—grounded in real policy creation and program building that serves all residents.
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Prolix platitudes and pablum.
I agree with the writer’s observation. The signage around Greensboro has become increasingly congested, and in many areas, it’s difficult to read or navigate. Clear, well-placed signs are essential—not just for aesthetics, but for safety and accessibility. I support efforts to streamline and improve signage so residents and visitors alike can move through our city with confidence and ease. I guess it is easy to be rude when you have nothing of substance to add Al, Hare so the same to you “prolix platitudes and pablum” The people of Greensboro are ready for real change—and they respect candidates who speak the truth without hiding behind politics. We need candidates who are transparent .
Al, if your only contribution is to insult and dismiss others, that reflects more on your emotional and intellectual engagement than on anyone’s writing. Disagreement is fine—condescension and mockery are not. They’re not substitutes for substance, and they don’t move Greensboro forward.
I won’t stand by while contributors who have the courage to speak the truth are attacked or bullied. We’re here to solve real problems, not play word games or tear down those doing the work. If you have something meaningful to add, say it. Otherwise, we in Greensboro will keep building solutions while you waste time on snark.
Al, disagreement is welcome—dialogue is how we grow. But vague insults like “prolix platitudes and pablum” are counterproductive. I’m focused on real solutions—not platitudes, not theatrics. Greensboro deserves leadership rooted in truth, not performance.
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NOT A SINGLE SPECIFIC POLICY outlined in this candidate’s vague and rambling attempt to win support. Nothing.
Just “every life matters” , “I love Greensboro”, politics is “about working with people”, and other vacuous inanities.
So – as I said – platitudes and pablum.
Response to Al Hare’s Comment:
I appreciate the passion behind Mr. Hare’s critique. It’s clear he wants substance—and so do I. That’s why I’ve spent this campaign not just talking about values, but translating them into action:
• Public Safety: I support expanding community-based violence prevention programs and ensuring our police department is accountable and well-trained.
• Youth Empowerment: I’ve proposed a Youth Council to give young people a seat at the table, and service-learning partnerships with local universities to connect education with civic impact.
• Housing Solutions: I’m advocating for transitional housing initiatives and partnerships with nonprofits to address homelessness with dignity and urgency.
• Neighborhood Integrity: I’ve stood firm against overdevelopment that threatens property rights and community character.
Yes, I say “every life matters” and “I love Greensboro”—because those aren’t platitudes to me. They’re the foundation for policy that respects people, protects neighborhoods, and builds trust.
I won’t match Mr. Hare’s tone. I’ll match his demand for clarity—with action, not slogans.
Okay, those initiatives are indeed less vague, but still clouded in buzzwords and woke-speak that make the details impossible to discern. Maybe that’s the point. Just more feel good flannel.
And my “tone” is merely that of veracity and honest language. If you object to being challenged I suggest you drop out of the race and return to private life. Thin skinned people don’t belong in politics.
Sanctimony and cant won’t get you far.
Dr. Gathers brings to her campaign. It’s deeply affirming to see that her commitment to respectful, values-driven leadership resonates.
When someone like Mr. Hare singles out a candidate who speaks from experience, community connection, and principled independence—while ignoring others who offer far less substance—it’s fair to question the motives behind that critique. Whether it’s rooted in bias, discomfort with authentic leadership, or a resistance to change, it’s clear that his comment says more about him than it does about Dr. Gathers.
But here’s the strength in her approach: she doesn’t match hostility with hostility. She meets it with clarity, policy, and grace. That’s not weakness—it’s strategy. It’s how real leaders build trust, especially in communities that have long been dismissed or misrepresented.
Al Hare, your comments are irrelevant and your obsession with targeting minorities is disgusting. You’ve made it clear who you are—a bitter racist with too much time and too little purpose. While the rest of us are out here living real lives and building real communities, you’re stuck online spewing hate like it’s a hobby. We see you. We laugh at you. It’s pathetic—and so are you. No one cares, Al. Get a life.
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No Sue, you are mistaken. I’m not a racist. I will not be intimidated by baseless character assassination and silenced by the Liberal thought police who try to smear anyone who dares to contradict them.
If I am a racist because I criticized a letter to the editor by a black woman, by the same logic I must be a white hating misandrist because I criticized a letter by Candidate Nick Smith (a white male). That’s how absurd your argument is.
I don’t hate white men and I don’t hate black women. It is you who is publicly displaying a breathtaking degree of prejudice and vitriol, not me.
Hope you can exorcise your anger.
Al, we stand united—and we don’t care about your tired, hateful rhetoric. Your words are meaningless. Every comment you make reeks of racism and a desperate attempt to undermine intelligent, capable minorities. It’s transparent. It’s vile. And nobody’s buying it. You don’t matter here. Move on and get a life.
Al Hare is a walking code for racist language. Every time he posts, it’s the same tired pattern—targeting minorities with smug, twisted language and pretending it’s clever. It’s not. It’s pathetic. “Prolix platitudes and pablum”? You think you’re witty, Al. You’re just a racist hiding behind a thesaurus.
We stand with Dr. LaToya Gathers. Her piece was well-written, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience—unlike the endless rants we’ve seen from others here who somehow escape criticism. She spoke honestly about campaign signs, and that was enough. She didn’t need to justify her perspective with policy breakdowns just to be respected. Others have written about signs and weren’t attacked. The double standard is glaring.
Enough is enough. Your obsession with undermining intelligent, capable people of color is transparent and vile. Your racism has no place here—or anywhere. Move on, Al. You don’t matter.
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I’m calling your bluff Tom. And all the others who scream “racist!”.
– Tell me exactly – but EXACTLY – what I have ever said that’s racist.
Go.
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And it’s…. crickets.
They have nothing, but their lies and smears.
Al, your fixation on attacking women is cowardly and transparent. You posture like you’re making intellectual arguments, but all you’re doing is targeting strong, outspoken women with veiled insults and racist undertones. That’s not strength—it’s weakness. You’re not here to debate. You’re here to tear down. And we see it.
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Oh My God, now I’m a misogynist !
This candidate sure has her acolytes lined up to attack me, doesn’t she?
In their totalitarian bigotry you can’t criticize a woman or you’re a misogynist, and you can’t criticize a black person or you’re a racist. They don’t hesitate to smear people with these labels when they know nothing about the person, and cannot back up their odious claims.
To Al,
I find it troubling that you’re choosing to single out Dr. Gathers’ post—a valid and thoughtful contribution—when similar posts over the years have gone without comment. If you have something to say, you’re welcome to submit a commentator post like anyone else. But this targeted response feels less like constructive engagement and more like an attempt to isolate someone for being different.
That’s not what we stand for at the Rhino Times. We value diverse voices and respectful dialogue. If your issue is with difference itself, then your commentary doesn’t belong here. We don’t tolerate hostility toward those who challenge norms or bring fresh perspectives.
Let’s keep the focus on ideas, not personal bias.
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I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you saying she’s too precious to be subjected to a four word criticism?
Or are you trying to insinuate something?
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Do you work for The Rhino Times? If not, who appointed you spokesperson for the it?
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PS I recently criticized candidate Nicky Smith for pandering to school teachers, so don’t say that I give other candidates a pass – because that’s just not true. In fact, your entire snide comment is a farrago of fabrications and fantasies.
Al, we stand united—and we don’t care about your tired, hateful rhetoric. Your words are meaningless. Every comment you make reeks of racism and a desperate attempt to undermine intelligent, capable minorities. It’s transparent. It’s vile. And nobody’s buying it. You don’t matter here. Move on and get a life.
Yes, you’re a racist. Al Hare, your comments are irrelevant and your obsession with targeting minorities is disgusting. You’ve made it clear who you are—a bitter racist with too much time and too little purpose. While the rest of us are out here living real lives and building real communities, you’re stuck online spewing hate like it’s a hobby. We see you. We laugh at you. It’s pathetic—and so are you. No one cares, Al. Get a life.
There is no place for people like you anymore.
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Careful Sue, your hate is showing.
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You’re deranged. Give us ONE shred of evidence that I have an “obsession with targeting minorities”.
You’re just making stuff up and lying through your teeth.
You and all the rest of her gang.
This is Dr. Gathers’ opinion—and she has every right to express it. Al, you’re attacking her not because of the content, but because you have nothing better to do than troll the Rhino Times comment section pretending to be intellectual. You haven’t gone after anyone else who’s written about signs. Just her. That’s racism, plain and simple.
Her article is well-written, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience. We stand with her. Many others have posted rants and been left alone, but when a Black woman speaks with clarity and conviction, suddenly it’s a problem? Enough. This isn’t journalism—it’s overstated reporting and selective outrage.
She speaks for many of us, and she does it well. Move on, Al. Get a life. Your racism is transparent, and it has no place here.
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LBG does indeed have every right to express her opinion. That’s not being questioned. But so do I.
It’s called free speech, and while I celebrate it, she tries to shut down and censor those who dare to criticize her. What a fascist.
And no-one else has written about street signs but her! So it’s impossible for me to ‘go after” anyone else on this issue! Your attribution of vile motives on my part is baseless and incorrect, and says more about you than me.
And her appeal for our support is not well written, it is vacuous and verbose – as I dared to point out.
Dr. Gathers, I couldn’t agree more. Your commitment to truth, transparency, and real solutions is exactly what Greensboro needs right now. The signage issue is just one example of how everyday concerns get overlooked—and you’re the only candidate I see addressing it with clarity and action. Thank you for standing up to the negativity and defending those who speak honestly. We need more leaders like you who listen, lead, and protect the integrity of our neighborhoods. You have my full support.
Al, disagreement is welcome—dialogue is how we grow. But vague insults like “prolix platitudes and pablum” are counterproductive. I’m focused on real solutions—not platitudes, not theatrics. Greensboro deserves leadership rooted in truth, not performance.
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But it is your request for our support that is vague, not my criticism of it, which is concise and to the point.
What are your “real solutions”, then? How will you tackle the deterioration of Randleman Road? How do you feel about forced annexation, should it be permitted? Should the White Street Landfill be re-opened to relieve the trash disposal problem? Are you in favor of red light cameras?
You offer no concrete solutions or ideas, just empty platitudes. That’s why you deserve the critique. Richly.
Al Hare, your comments are irrelevant and your obsession with targeting minorities is disgusting. You’ve made it clear who you are—a bitter racist with too much time and too little purpose. While the rest of us are out here living real lives and building real communities, you’re stuck online spewing hate like it’s a hobby. We see you. We laugh at you. It’s pathetic—and so are you. No one cares, Al. Get a life.
Al, we stand united—and we don’t care about your tired, hateful rhetoric. Your words are meaningless. Every comment you make reeks of racism and a desperate attempt to undermine intelligent, capable minorities. It’s transparent. It’s vile. And nobody’s buying it. You don’t matter here. Move on and get a life.
Al, it is you who offer us nothing
here in this format. Al Hare is a walking code for racist language. Every time he posts, it’s the same tired pattern—targeting minorities with smug, twisted language and pretending it’s clever. It’s not. It’s pathetic. “Prolix platitudes and pablum”? You think you’re witty, Al. You’re just a racist hiding behind a thesaurus.
We stand with Dr. LaToya Gathers. Her piece was well-written, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience—unlike the endless rants we’ve seen from others here who somehow escape criticism. She spoke honestly about campaign signs, and that was enough. She didn’t need to justify her perspective with policy breakdowns just to be respected. Others have written about signs and weren’t attacked. The double standard is glaring.
Enough is enough. Your obsession with undermining intelligent, capable people of color is transparent and vile. Your racism has no place here—or anywhere. Move on, Al. You don’t matter.
Al, your fixation on attacking women is cowardly and transparent. You posture like you’re making intellectual arguments, but all you’re doing is targeting strong, outspoken women with veiled insults and racist undertones. That’s not strength—it’s weakness. You’re not here to debate. You’re here to tear down. And we see it.
This is Dr. Gathers’ opinion—and she has every right to express it. Al, you’re attacking her not because of the content, but because you have nothing better to do than troll the Rhino Times comment section pretending to be intellectual. You haven’t gone after anyone else who’s written about signs. Just her. That’s racism, plain and simple.
Her article is well-written, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience. We stand with her. Many others have posted rants and been left alone, but when a Black woman speaks with clarity and conviction, suddenly it’s a problem? Enough. This isn’t journalism—it’s overstated reporting and selective outrage.
She speaks for many of us, and she does it well. Move on, Al. Get a life. Your racism is transparent, and it has no place here.
This is Dr. Gathers’ opinion—and she has every right to express it. Al, you’re attacking her not because of the content, but because you have nothing better to do than troll the Rhino Times comment section pretending to be intellectual. You haven’t gone after anyone else who’s written about signs. Just her. That’s racism, plain and simple.
Her article is well-written, thoughtful, and grounded in lived experience. We stand with her. Many others have posted rants and been left alone, but when a Black woman speaks with clarity and conviction, suddenly it’s a problem? Enough. This isn’t journalism—it’s overstated reporting and selective outrage.
She speaks for many of us, and she does it well. Move on, Al. Get a life. Your racism is transparent, and it has no place here.
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SIX – count ’em – six people attacking me within a 48 minute window.
She obviously put the word out to her army of acolytes to target me. And target me they did, with the most vile smear that can be aimed at anybody. And without a shred of evidence.
Libel… pure libel.
What a nasty bunch of Brownshirts.
Do you want to answer the questions, LBG ?
Do you not believe in accountability and transparency?
Dr. Gathers brings to her campaign. It’s deeply affirming to see that her commitment to respectful, values-driven leadership resonates.
When someone like Mr. Hare singles out a candidate who speaks from experience, community connection, and principled independence—while ignoring others who offer far less substance—it’s fair to question the motives behind that critique. Whether it’s rooted in bias, discomfort with authentic leadership, or a resistance to change, it’s clear that his comment says more about him than it does about Dr. Gathers.
But here’s the strength in her approach: she doesn’t match hostility with hostility. She meets it with clarity, policy, and grace. That’s not weakness—it’s strategy. It’s how real leaders build trust, especially in communities that have long been dismissed or misrepresented.
I agree with Dr. Gathers and applaud what she wrote. Dr. Gathers please ignore the racist Al Hare. We support you here .
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How pathetic. How predictable.
No-one’s allowed to criticize a black female – or YOU”RE RACIST !! What BS. What lazy prejudice. What bigotry.
LBG’s Letter is verbose and vague. That’s why I called it out as such.
There’s something wrong with YOU Donna, when you can’t abide a four word critique of one of your favored group. You need to grow up and understand that when people put themselves forward for a political position, they are going to attract criticism as well as praise – regardless of their race and sex.
Al Hare is a coward who consistently targets women, trying to mask his attacks with faux-intellectual language. But let’s be clear—he’s not insightful, he’s not clever, and he’s certainly not worth engaging. Do not respond to him. His pattern is obvious: racist, misogynistic, and deeply pathetic. Anyone reading these comments can see it for what it is. His words expose him, and they speak volumes about the kind of person he really is.
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* If I’m not worth engaging, why are you engaging with me?
* If my language has been racist or misogynistic, please show us all where I expressed such alleged racism and misogyny. C’mon, go ahead buddy.
* Sorry you feel threatened by my erudition, but a lack of education on your part does not constitute a problem on my part. Buy a dictionary. And get rid of that chip on your shoulder.
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And suddenly… it’s crickets. When Gathers’ Gang are challenged to produce any evidence for their smears, insults and ad hominem attacks, they disappear.
That tells you all you need to know.
What saddens and dismays me is the vitriol and venom in their remarks. All because someone dared to criticize their leader – with a four word comment. What breathtaking vindictiveness.
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Sorry, I was wrong. It’s not six but SEVEN individuals who attacked me within that same 48 minute period. Tim’s tirade was further down the page.
Wow.