Letter to the Editor from Rhino Times reader Joe Waters
Dear Sir
I am a concerned citizen. Check that. I am an outraged citizen.
The current leadership exemplified from the Greensboro City Council, City Manager and Staff, and Police Chief is nothing short of willful negligence.
The basic priorities of local government have always been public/traffic safety, a well maintained infrastructure (water, sewer and roads) and sound fiscal management of tax dollars.
Greensboro leadership fails on all three counts.
Our local newspaper and television stations report daily on shootings and murders. Our unpatrolled streets are filled with scofflaws who hit and run pedestrians, speed at high rates, run stop/yield signs and commit unsafe movements and if and when stopped receive warnings instead of citations. Our water supply exceeds the maximum EPA levels for forever chemicals and our tax dollars are wasted on a bloated city staff that has grown from 3000 employees in 2015 to over 3500+ in 2025. Money is diverted from tax paying property owners for leaf collection services and used instead to fund “surrogate father” programs under the guise of “Community Safety”. Newsflash! Neighborhood Prayer vigils and Community “Stop the Violence” meetings do not stop the carnage visited upon the youth of our city.
More examples.
Failings on Fiscal Responsibility – Our Property Taxes continue rise and the valuation process is a “black box”. Meanwhile city payrolls and salaries continue to grow. Where is the Homeless Shelter plans for the old Summit Executive property on Summit Ave across the street from Mrs. Winters? The property was purchased from the 2023 MWBE Vendor of the year for approx. $900K. The MWBE entity purchased the property for approx. $600K 60 days earlier before flipping it to the City. (Great timing that…hmmm) Are there concrete plans for using the property for it’s intended purchase of a Homeless Shelter? We could sure use one …
Failings on Public Safety – This past July 4th both Greensboro (Center City Park) and Winston Salem (Truist Baseball Stadium) had very disturbing shootings downtown. The Police Chief of Winston Salem went public with a tirade of having had enough of parents dumping their unsocialized youth problems on the police to manage. Where was the similar outrage from our Greensboro City Council and Police Chief. How many shootings and murders have to happen before our economic developers find no takers of job creators looking to relocate here? A 4 year old boy lies in a coma after being shot in a random act of violence recently. Why does our District Attorney decline to prosecute the parents of these teen criminals?
Failings on Traffic Enforcement – This one is personal. I live on a street which has become a favorite cut through street. Commuters routinely exceed the speed limit of 25MPH and run the stops signs right in front of my house. Sometimes at estimated speed of 45MPH or more. This street has at least multiple homes populated by 8-10 children under the age of 11. 2 homes have adults with special needs (mine included) . My petition for sidewalks, speed bumps or at least weekly traffic enforcement have fallen on deaf ears. My City Council representative, Tammi Thurm, is a highly responsive official. Tammi has repeatedly asked the Council for speed bumps only to be told the street does not warrant consideration because the traffic count is too low. Tammi recently walked our street from end to end and witnessed first hand the dangers presented by driver’s reckless disregard for human life by speeding and running stop signs.
My wife was almost hit twice checking the mailbox by drivers running the stop sign this summer. Across the street are two young children only a couple of years away from riding bikes…I fear for their lives. After the latest flurry of stop sign runners, Tammi Thurm put out a call into GPD and the result was an officer who came for 1 hour to my street and pulled 4 drivers for running the stop sign ( no citations were given that I witnessed) and promptly left never to return again.
I want to publicly thank Tammi for trying to resolve the issue but in her own words “she is only one vote” on Council.
Do children HAVE TO DIE before action is taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians and children at play? Does a grieving parent have to drag a maimed child in front of Council and our Police Chief before action is taken.
Just drive down Benjamin Parkway through the Grimsley High School Zone and witness first hand the speeders flying through the school zone at high speed when the yellow 25MPH lights are blinking. PSST…it’s not just happening at Grimsley High!
My street and Benjamin Parkway are but a microcosm of the lack of traffic enforcement problems facing our city. Earlier this year I had lunch with our City Manager and voiced my concerns that lack of traffic enforcement leads directly to a blatant disregard of other laws, resulting in people losing fear of consequences of their actions and aka more criminal activity. I guess my concerns were not taken seriously.
I am not alone in all these concerns. Safety and good government are not a Republican/ Democrat, Black/White or rich/poor issue. We all deserve better from our elected officials and law enforcement.
Joe Waters
Greensboro, NC
Regarding the violence aspect of this letter and public safety, it all starts at the top with our governor.
Governor Stein, often criticized for his ‘soft-on-crime’ policies, used the tragic death of a White Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, to further his political agenda. His delayed response, ‘finally speaking more than two weeks’ after a Black man killed the NC resident, raised questions about his commitment to public safety.
Despite the severity of the crime, Stein’s lack of accountability and his prioritization of politics over public safety in this egregious murder should serve as a stark wake-up call. This incident alone should ignite a sense of urgency for profound change.
Stein’s response to the horrific tragedy was to call for more funding for the police. However, his attempt to shift the blame to the Republican legislature is not just a political game; it’s a dangerous one. It’s this kind of mindset that allows high crime rates in NC: 2024, homicides in Charlotte spiked by nearly 20%.
Decarlos Brown was arrested over a dozen times. Yet, the Democratic-controlled justice system, so-called Judge Stokes, Mayor Lyles, and AG Jackson, looks the other way. The responsibility ultimately falls on the Democratic governor; Stein’s ambush actions directly and severely impact the safety of NC residents.
Brown’s mother questioned why NC laws let her son walk the streets. Forget mental illness, Brown knew what he was doing: “I got that White girl.”
Left-leaning Bill Maher says Democrats stay soft on crime and are reluctant to get tougher to “appease” white liberal voters. Charlotte Mayor Lyles ridiculously said, “We can’t incarcerate our way out of the problem.” We should not accept Lyles’ response to violence in our cities.
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The savage murder of Iryna Zarutska is the most evil thing I’ve ever seen. I hope the animal who killed her is executed.
“I got that white girl” – If that isn’t a hate crime, what is?
Not a hate crime. Mental illness in this person’s case. Schizophrenia is an ugly disease that likely had this guy hearing voices making him believe he was acting on orders. I fully understand this doesn’t fit your narrative so you will reject it regardless of the facts.
But you be you.
The guy who killed Iryna Zarutska should have been put in a sanitorium a long time ago.
Yup. Or……public health should have paid for his meds and oversight.
In response to Iryna Zarutska’s slaying, Black Lives Matter (BLM) itself stated, “We have a right to violence. All oppressed people have the right to violence. It’s like the right to pee. You gotta have the right place, you gotta have the right time, and you gotta have the appropriate situation. And I am absolutely convinced that this is it!”
That’s BLM is no longer relevant. They have never been good at messaging. At least they took that awful post down.
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ALL murderers hide behind the “mentally ill” defence.
Only naive idiots like you believe it.
No. Most murders are heated relationships between people who know each other. The last stat I saw was just over 50% for men and over 80% for women.
In this case Schizophrenia is well documented for this individual. He will still be convicted without an insanity plea as he fully understood his actions.
But you be you
I can’t believe what an apologist you are for the most lawless, anti-social, criminal acts perpetrated on society. All in the guise that society is the problem, and not the evil doer.
Tom, Leftists like Chris do not believe in any degree of personal responsibility. This allows them to behave in all kinds of wicked ways.
Leftism permits this, and encourages this, because it is evil.
I am not an apologist for the crimes at all.
I just don’t see this as a failing of our justice system as much a failure of our mental health systems. I see this as a typical conservative move to politicize a very tragic event and deflect from how we have failed our communities for decades over mental health.
But you be you
Chris your mental illness issue is moot here. When he said “I got that White girl” it became a hate crime
Quick trial, public execution no more problems
Firstly, lynchings are the act of a lessor evolved society, and due process defines a mature civil society. I am sure justice will be swift in the case. But let’s let it takes it directed course.
Second the words he spoke do not mute his mental illness as it is common with schizophrenia to speak to and have conversations with people who are not there….let’s let due process figure it on a factual basis including an evaluation by a professional he actually understands mental illness.
But you be you
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Exactly! A clear murderous hate crime. I vote he be hung, drawn and quartered.
I think that life in prison without parole is worse punishment than execution.
Not the way I’d do it
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I have no sympathy for such animals, but as a libertarian I don’t believe the state has the right to take the life of a citizen. It DOES have the right to remove the criminal from society, so as to protect the innocent.
I would permanently incarcerate these scum for life. No parole, ever, but I would allow them the option of choosing suicide, on one occasion each year or so. We’d be glad to help.
I think the city of Charlotte, and the Judge who released Brown, are responsible. My information that the Judge does not have a law degree, or any related education.
On what basis did they have to justify cash bail for an abuse of 911 charge? He hadn’t been charge in a violent crime in over 10 years and had complete his prior prison sentence? I suspect you are using 20/20 hindsight to judge an advent with your personal bias and lack of respect for a democrat lead city pointing to an inaccurate conclusion.
He had been in prison for a number of years and had 13 other convictions. You must take into account prior convictions when serving as a judge. He was a violent person.
I believe all other convictions had been prior to his prison term and he had not been charged with a crime since his release from Prison 6 years ago. 20/20 hindsight is all anyone really has in making the case he should have been locked up as a criminal. Different discussion about how we identify and manage people with mental illness who pose a danger to themselves and others.
Chris public hanging in the West of yesteryear were not considered lynching. The hanging came after a trial with a judge and sometimes a jury. It was normally reserved for the worst crimes, horse thieves,military deserters or murderers. This crime fits into the category Life in prison or appeals should not be considered
Fair enough. Quick executions are not a part of our judicial system and nor should they be….
Death sentences require so many appeals it is years if not decades before it is carried out which is also crazy expensive and drags the family in and out of the process. I am a huge fan of life without parole with a plea deal that exempts appeals.
I wonder what Chris would say if a White man killed a Black girl and said, “I got that Black girl”. I know what he would say, but he’ll never admit it.
Racist remarks: The North Carolina chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NC) called for a hate crime probe after video footage reportedly showed the attacker twice saying, “I got that white girl”.
Brown now faces the federal charge of “a terroristic act”
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Precisely!
Imagine the uproar if a white man had murdered a beautiful young black girl on a tube train, and muttered “I got that black girl!” as he walked away.
It would be immediately categorized as a hate crime, and that would be correct.
But Chrissy will never admit it, because he will never admit to being mistaken. He’s perfect.
Perfect a**hole, that is.
Pubic execution. Just like the old days.
I believe those are called lynchings. Do you propose everyone wear hoods like the did in the past?
Chris there you go again putting words in my mouth. I never said lynching. Various other methods have been used. Public hanging by a judge’s order, French be heading, Roman draw an quartered even military firing squad. Any of this will serve the purpose. Time to bring them back.
I much prefer a mature civil society that follows a due process of law and works to assemble real facts about a case. Including mental evaluations etc… But calling for a public execution is very much the same as calling for a lynching.
But you be you.
I still remember a scene from a movie very long ago. In it, the boys parents were murdered by a drug gang. He was given the opportunity to execute all of them, which he did.
Why would you believe my comment to be any different? Mental illness is the core issue here from my perspective. I understand the Right wants to make this about the left being soft on crime but I see it as strictly a mental health failure.
Ok so let’s say it’s a mental health issue. I saw on video in real time someone cold heartedly stab an innocent woman to death for no reason. It’s on film. No reason not to have a speedy trial, then a public execution. Mental illness can’t be cured just like a chicken killing dog That’s my perspective
Couldn’t agree more and that goes for Guilford County government too
As it relates to Guilford County, the media needs to see how many “residents” as Sheriff Cowboy calls them are in Jail pending Murder charges. I bet they would find close to 100, with many having been held 4-7 years without trial or a plea deal and sent to Prison. The District Attorney (Democrat Crump) fails in her job to move these cases and the families of the victim continue to endure the pain of not getting some closure. Crump could get with the defense attorneys and make offers (today your client can get 20 years or if they don’t accept, we will go for 30-35 years at trial). I bet a lot of offers would be taken, the families will be a little happier, the jail population can be reduced, the understaffed Detention officers can get a little break and then more criminals can be put in jail to make our communities safer. Let’s make some progress, what has been going on isn’t working!!
Mr. Waters,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed letter. I share your outrage and concern. Greensboro is indeed moving in the wrong direction, and many of the issues you outlined are the very reasons I am running for City Council.
Public safety must be the top priority of city leadership. Families should not live in fear of speeding traffic through school zones, drag racing on major roads, or random acts of violence in our neighborhoods. I support providing our police department with the necessary staffing, tools, and clear direction to effectively enforce traffic laws, reduce violent crime, and maintain order. That means hiring more officers, allowing them to take patrol cars home to increase visibility, and focusing on actual enforcement rather than empty programs that fail to address the real problems. Watch my newest campaign video at https://youtu.be/k207H6La12c
We also need stronger fiscal management. Residents are paying higher property taxes while city payrolls grow unchecked, services like leaf collection are taken away, and questionable land purchases leave taxpayers wondering who really benefited. As a business owner in Greensboro for over 45 years, I understand the importance of accountability and transparency in every financial decision. Our citizens deserve straight answers about where their money goes.
Finally, our infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, water, and sewer systems—must be maintained before we invest in pet projects. Parents shouldn’t have to beg for basic safety measures, such as speed bumps. Seniors shouldn’t be left without services they’ve relied on for decades.
This year’s municipal election presents an opportunity for Greensboro to reset its priorities. We need experienced leaders who have managed businesses, created jobs, and understand how to run an organization responsibly. I am asking for your vote so we can bring back common-sense leadership that puts citizens first.
The challenges we face are not partisan; they are about safety, trust, and good government. Now is the time for every Greensboro resident to make their voice heard at the ballot box. Together, we can get our city back on track.
Sincerely,
Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
Thank you Nicky!
What is amazing is that the local Guilford County Republican Party does not run, endorse or support local candidates, thus leaving the door open for Skip and the Simpkins PAC to dominate Greensboro government. Chris Meadows has a lot to answer for.
There should be an SBI investigation into the Summit Executive Park land deal with that MWBE. If that MWBE made a campaign contribution to the city council representative then it will be noteworthy of the corruption in our city.
TJ,
Your statements are false. Plenty of info being shared on endorsements including Republican web site, texting, social media, and sample ballots at the polls. Come to the monthly meetings and see for yourself. Rather than slinging false accusations, bring your concerns forward at meetings. I personally have bern handing out literature for four years at the polls.
Not true TJ.
Funny you say that. I’ve spoken directly with 3 local candidates who speak directly to the lack of endorsements and financial support. Handing out leaflets at a polling station as commendable as that is does not come close to the level of support needed to win elections.
District 4, 5 and At Large candidates are being flooded by big Democratic donors.
I stand by my comments.
TJ,
I assure you there is more going on than handing out leaflets. I am not going to divulge all that is going on, but candidates are being endorsed in several ways. You take care and maybe we will see you at a meeting or two. God bless.
The U.S. is the only country that allows a criminal with felonies and 14 arrests to roam the streets to commit more violent crimes.
The judge had no law degree, couldn’t pass the bar, but let a career felon out of jail without bail. No confinement, no ankle monitor, just a promissory note to show up for his trial. The judge is Black, and the felon is Black. Coincidence? I think not.
The judge sentenced Brown to alternative treatments, of which she has had a financial interest. Only in the U.S.could that happen.
We have a crime problem within African-American inner cities. But we were told by the mayor not to politicize this. She politicized the issue by stating that arresting people would not solve the problem.
If arrests keep people from being killed, I’m all for this, whether they are homeless or mentally ill.
A law degree wouldn’t help that judge. She’s stupid.
Crime is a choice, and Cooper decided to side with criminals as governor. Over his eight years in office, Cooper issued a total of 43 commutations and 34 pardons, including fifteen on death row — the most of any NC governor.
Cooper has issued no pardons for people on death row.
But for the record, Trump gave full pardons to people who physically attacked police officers….one of which died as a result (if not directly, he would be alive today if not for the attack). Trump also aligned to give a sex trafficker a easier prison term in a minimal security facility for what purpose……we don’t know as it is apparently a secret. Trump also had the DOJ cancel investigations for brides and fraud for people he views as loyal.
So, who is soft on crime?
Unfortunately, you have the right to be wrong.
He commuted the sentences of 15 death row prisoners. Additionally, Cooper issued 34 pardons and another 28 commutations, which is the most of any governor in America in the 21st century if not all of American history. Salt life’s numbers are accurate, you just like to keep your blinders on. Cooper is soft on crime.
You do know what commuted means right? Life without parole is not soft on crime.
Isn’t life without parole just another burden on taxpayers
A jury of those gentlemen’s peers decided they should die. He overrode that decision. I get maybe one or two cases, but like has been pointed out, he has done it more than any other governor in the nation. He is soft on crime. Here’s a couple examples of the commutations, and yeah Dummy I know what it means:
Nathan Bowie murdered 2 men with his uncle after an earlier argument. They left, got guns and came back after hunting the victims down. The last shot was fired into the victim’s head after he was already down. The victims were unarmed.
Iziah Barden beat a coworker to death after robbing them of their paycheck. He hit him over fourteen times in the head with multiple weapons.
I can keep going. Just pointing out that these are not special cases that deserve special consideration. They are just cold blooded murderers. You may be against the death penalty. But a jury chose that fate and it was upheld through appeals. He is soft on crime.
Will, every study I have read notes that it is more expensive to have a prisoner on death row then life in prison once you consider the cost of all the mandated appeals etc…
How is life without parole soft on crime Don?
Well. If you were in death row and suddenly you weren’t, you would feel relieved. These gentlemen obviously did because they filed the appeals. Hence you got a SOFTER sentence, despite what a jury ordered. Let’s not forget the record breaking number of pardons. Soft on crime.
Please keep your comments focused on the topic at hand. What is truly amazing is how a handful of commenters keep showing up on these pages and hijacking the topic with their same old tired troupes. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year the same people keep a running litany of complaints against the left and right. Their mean spirited behavior and comments keeps otherwise thoughtful debate from other readers from joining in.
The upcoming election in Greensboro is critical. The Simpkins PAC along with Skip Alston have flooded the at large field with 9 out of 10 candidates who’s stated goal is more equity for “disadvantaged communities”. WTF up. Stop your tireless bickering and pay attention. Try to do something positive other than sitting at a keyboard and bitching all day.
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I have been contributing to the Rhino Times ever since its earliest days, in Letters to the Editor and “The Sound of the Beep”.
I welcome you as a contributor to this free speech forum. Everyone is invited to speak. It’s called freedom.
Knock yourself out, “Thomas”. But please accept that everyone has the same right to speak out.
And Thomas by that right it means to speak about what we want and when we speak. Feel free to
We need to get Greensboro back in shape folks. Economic Milken Index has our area falling from 106 in 2023 out of 200 largest USA areas to 187 in 2025. Raleigh is in 1st place. Guilford County has the most foster children of the 100 counties in NC with over 700. Eviction rates are at 14% and the 4th highest of the 100 NC counties. 2023 saw Greensboro with a record homicide rate and a 42% increase over 2022. The highest increase of any NC city. Homelessness is up about 42% in our area over the last two years. Property Taxes went up on average 27% with revaluations in 2022 and could go up 47% on average in 2026. That jacks up rents as well. Here are some great candidates for the Greensboro primary to vote for to help improve our area. We need a change folks!!
District 2 : Jim Kee
District 3 Zack Metheney
District 4: Nicky Smith
District 5: Jeannette Davidson Mayer ( general election)
At Large: Carla Franklin
At Large: Richard Beard
Mayor: Robbie Perkins
Jamestown Council: Jim Westmoreland
Jamestown WriteIn for Mayor: Greg Pittman ( General Election)
Get out and vote!!
Hey Vote for Change
Thank you for your fact filled comments. I did not know Ms. Franklin was good choice until you posted.
Great timing!
Greensboro deserves leaders who respect voters—and know how to control their emotions.
Thomas Jefferson research confirms CF in the At-Large , you are referring to, attacked voters at Bur-Mil and the Coliseum.
We do not need unstable, reactionary candidates who can’t conduct themselves professionally.
You can find more on the Greater Greensboro Politics Facebook page. I had to join the group to get the information but it was there. That would be a move Skip would want us to make. His hands are everywhere. We need new leadership in the Guilford GOP. I don’t follow insider scripts.
I stand for voters—and I encourage you to research and build your own list too.
Please research for yourself. If you’re looking for real change in Greensboro—choose like many are doing who want take back city council someone who respects voters.
✅ LaToya B. Gathers is the only declared Republican in the At-Large race.
✅ She stands for transparent tax incentives
My slate reflects real leadership—not branding:
✅ District 2: Jim Kee
✅ District 3: Zack Matheny
✅ District 4: Adam Marshall
✅ District 5: Jeannette Davidson Mayer
✅ At-Large: LaToya B. Gathers, Hugh Holston
(I haven’t seen Richard Beard anywhere—presence matters.)
✅ Mayor: Robbie Perkins
We don’t need candidates who are packaged. We need leaders who are prepared. Think for yourself. Choose your own slate. Vote for integrity.
Remember Skip already has his picks .
.
LaToya B. Gathers is no conservative.
Barry,
I am shocked at your choice for District 4, as he was hand-picked by the current City Council leaders and clearly is NOT a conservative but backed by the Democrats and their big money machine. I encourage you to do your homework on this election if you want a change in leadership. My campaign is clear, and I am in this election to win the voters of District 4. https://nickyforgreensboro.com
Nicky Smith,
Canidiate for District 4 City Council
.
Nicky, the reason she’s endorsing a liberal is because she IS a liberal, masquerading as a conservative and trying to deceive us. She is sly and disingenuous, and even here in this comment she slips up when “Barry” says “My slate reflects real leadership – not branding”. MY Slate…?
She’s fond of posting comments under multiple fake names.
But we needn’t worry. She out of the race, having garnered less than 4.5 per cent of the votes cast.
— — Bye-Bye Barry!
I’m not part of the platform—but I’ve noticed “Vote for a Change” is heavily pushing a slate that’s getting more traction than even Rhino Times coverage. Is that usual? Is this coordinated? Is it truly voter-driven—or is it choreography? My husband and I moved to Greensboro last year and this is our first election. We researched candidates and would not vote for most on this list from “Vote for a Change.”
The best change that could happen to Greensboro in the upcoming municipal election would be not to re-elect anyone that is currently on the Greensboro City Council. All of the current members of the Greensboro City Council have been a complete disgrace to this city, state, and nation! Nobody has stood up to the corruption prevalent throughout our city Mayor’s Office, our Greensboro Police Department, our City Council, our City Manager’s Office, our City’s Legal Department, our City Code and Ordinance Enforcement leaders, and numerous City of Greensboro Department Heads. Crime and Traffic control offenses have gotten out of control, and our city currently resembles a war zone with no respect for any form of law! Please vote, and please vote for a significant change in the California Way the City of Greensboro has been run for the past eight years! These current leaders have virtually destroyed the once fine city of Greensboro, NC.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9, has formally requested federal law enforcement assistance, including National Guard deployment, citing what the organization describes as violence and a staffing crisis.
“This isn’t politics — it’s a fight for our neighbors’ lives,” FOP Lodge #9 said in a Facebook post.
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/charlotte-mecklenburg-fop-wants-national-guard-deployed-to-combat-crime/275-3c940753-3d64-415c-9a9f-0da33b062cf4?tbref=hp
Furniture removed from downtown Winston-Salem park in response to ‘disruptive behavior’
https://www.wfdd.org/politics-government/2025-10-02/furniture-removed-from-downtown-winston-salem-park-in-response-to-disruptive-behavior
Let’s be honest, the African American community has lost control of its youth. It’s not racist to present hard core facts. How far it is allowed to progress in Greensboro is up for debate. What’s not up for debate is what needs to change…the leadership in Greensboro and Guilford County. The current liberal candidate slate say the answer is jobs. And while that is true, what is not true is that racism is the roadblock to gainful employment. It’s 100% cultural and self inflicted. To be hired, one needs to have skills that are marketable and have a reasonable expectation of attained education. GTCC offers many great career paths, some that offer guaranteed jobs and amazing starting salaries. The bad news is there is no pathway to pro sports star, hip hop mogul or Instagram influencer. My comments may seem harsh but the truth is that I desperately want to see that community succeed. It’s really hard to get hired with an empty head and a felony conviction. Let’s elect leadership who will not enable poor, unsocialized behavior.
T J you wrote a reply that you and Ivan agree on. Could not have put it better myself. Thank you.