The News and Record reports this morning that Robbie Perkins and Marikay Abuzuaiter are both running to be Greensboro mayor.
Perkins is a progressive Republican who historically has been aligned with the east Greensboro political establishment and with development interests. When conservative Republicans were elected to the city council in large numbers around 2009, he aligned himself with the democratic socialists; and repeatedly sabotaged what the conservatives were attempting to achieve.
Abuzuaiter is a democratic socialist who has historically had a more moderate position on crime and policing than the rest of the socialists on the city council.
In the event Perkins were to prevail, it is hoped that with age he has also attained more wisdom and political courage to do the right thing. He lacked those things in the past. Character has been an issue.
Abuzuaiter is somewhat of a wild card. It is difficult to know how she would behave as mayor. However, she is a Democrat; and we must presume she would lead accordingly.
With the endless cycle of tax and fee increases Greensboro residents have faced, it is difficult to see that either of these candidates– based on their past record– would fix the situation.
Not much to choose from!
No, there is not much, as you say, Fred. My intuition is that Greensboro– with its majority minority status and its political establishment– has gotten past the point that a great candidate can win.