Occasionally, we have readers inquire regarding the meaning of the term "Melderec" and its origin.
The term was initially coined by a local candidate for public office who read my old "Guarino" blog. It refers to a combination of forces locally that tended to unite with the Simkins PAC in order to anoint and get elected candidates for public office. These were "machine" candidates who would attract substantial campaign finance monies and support.
"Melderec" is a contraction of Jim Melvin, development interests, real estate interests, and the local chamber of commerce (the political influence of which is directed by the Greensboro Partnership and Action Greensboro). At one point, Action Greensboro-- a non-profit under the same organizational umbrella as the chamber of commerce-- actually gave a very large, illegal campaign donation directly to the Simkins PAC.
"Melderec" happens to be a left-liberal coalition here in Greensboro even though the "business interests" might seem, on the surface, to be otherwise. This crowd, in concert with the Simkins PAC, has controlled local government.
(During recent years, Mayor Nancy Vaughan has allied herself with the Guilford County Community PAC, some members of which have historically been associated with undermining local police.)
Greensboro used to be the hub of a vibrant, economically powerful metropolitan area. Now, it is a laggard, with rampant poverty and underemployment, thanks in large part to the influence of the governing coalitions forged by the Melderec crowd over the last couple of decades.
Jim Melvin apparently told Allen Johnson recently, referring to Trudy Wade's bill to change the city council, that "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it.". Some of us might beg to differ.
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