“The city of Greenville is already--in commerce, education, and health care--a leader in our part of the state.  It is in our interest as a city, and in the interest of eastern North Carolina, for us to build aggressively on that,” Mercer told the group.  “We do that by forming a city of excellence, building into our growth a quality that will continue to attract the people and businesses we want here, and that will create a climate to allow small and local business to flourish.”

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, MEET AND GREET EVENTS

Calvin Mercer is a frequent speaker at area churches and other organizations.  He speaks about city affairs or about his research--he has authored or edited four books.  He is also available for small home parties and coffees.  Contact him at mercerc99@yahoo.com to schedule an event or appearance.  For a brief resume, see the "Mayor and City Council" page on the city website (www.greenvillenc.gov).

MERCER'S TOWN HALL MEETINGS

A Town Hall Meeting is an informal public meeting where everybody in a community is invited to attend, voice their opinions, and hear responses from public figures and elected officials.  Democracy literally means “rule by the people.”  The Greek dimos can be translated “people” or “the many,” and kratos is translated “rule” or “power.”  The Constitution, a revered foundational document for our country, begins “We the people.”  Democracy, however, is not automatic.  A culture conducive to democracy is required for democracy to flourish.  Such a culture will include an informed citizenry and citizen participation at a level that makes the system meaningful.

Just to give the flavor, here are summaries of a couple of Mercer's Town Hall Meetings

RAINY NIGHT TOWN HALL MEETING

On a rainy and cold night, 83 people came out to a community Town Hall meeting.  Brief reports on salient city issues were presented by city staff members.  For example, Community Development Director Merrill Flood gave a presentation on the city’s Horizon’s Land Use Plan, currently being updated, and explained how it plays an important role in growing our city in a way that benefits all our citizens, large and small businesses, and neighborhoods.  Many citizens met for the first time Cori Hines, our Neighborhood Liaison who is doing good work with our neighborhood associations.  Police Chief Anderson was present an answered a number of questions.

Nearly an hour was devoted to citizen input.  I took good notes and incorporated citizen concerns and suggestions into the annual Council planning session where we produced our goals and objectives for the coming year.  Here is an example.  A major topic at the Town Hall was group homes in neighborhoods.  Mr. Flood explained the complicated legal situation under which the city operates regarding group homes.  I incorporated into the council objectives a suggestion about notifying communities when group homes are proposed.

DEER IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS' TOWN HALL MEETING

Seventy-five citizens turned out for Mercer's very first Town Hall Meeting and engaged vigorously and productively with public and elected officials about their concerns.   In the spirit of a traditional Town Hall Meeting, three high level figures from our city government were on hand.  City Manager Wayne Bowers, Police Chief William Anderson, and Director of Community Development Merrill Flood made brief presentations and then took questions and comments from the audience.

Safety
A safe city is appropriately a major concern of our citizens.  I explained my view that addressing crime in our city involves both immediate and long-term initiatives, and city and citizens responding in partnership.  One example of an immediate response is making sure we have the number of officers appropriate for a city of our size and composition.  A long-term response is working with at-risk youth in ways that divert them from a life of crime.  In addition to things the city can do, citizens and neighborhoods can take a number of actions, such as beefing up neighborhood watch programs.

Neighborhood Preservation
As I observed meetings of the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and other boards in the past, it was clear how important organized neighborhoods are to the welfare and livability of our communities.  As I now sit on City Council and serve as liaison to three boards, I observe more closely the work of boards and commissions that impact neighborhoods.  I am even more convinced of the value to our city of strong neighborhood associations.

When we talk about neighborhood associations, what people often hear is more work, meetings, and time commitment.  But having strong neighborhood associations does not have to be burdensome.  Every neighborhood minimally needs to have (1) a structure in place with a president identified and (2) a communication system—address, phone numbers, and email of people living in the neighborhood.  When something comes up that potentially impacts the neighborhood, a structure and communications system is in place to respond effectively and efficiently.

Some neighborhood associations are very active and find it useful and enjoyable to produce newsletters, community crime alerts, and block parties.  However, some neighborhoods may simply want to have a structure and communication system in place so they can respond to occasional and particular critical events that might negatively impact livability in the neighborhood.

Discussion and Debate
Nearly an hour was devoted to citizens expressing their opinions about many issues related to our city.  They raised a variety of concerns, ranging from the nuisance of deer in the neighborhoods to cross walks at particular locations to the general walkability of our city.  City officials either responded in detail to every concern or made notes to follow up.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

At the end of City Council meetings, each Council member has an opportunity to make a comment.  A few people have asked me to summarize my comment at the January 7, 2008 meeting.  This is roughly what I said:

When we met in December it was in the middle of a week that Former Mayor Don Parrott had proclaimed “Human Rights Week” and two days prior to the day he proclaimed “Bill of Rights” day.  Because our December meeting was going so late, I delayed any comments.  What I was going to say is, in my opinion, timely every week of the year, and so I’d like to give them now.

Former Mayor Parrott wrote in his proclamation that “The Constitution … contains the foundation for freedom and democracy that holds our country together today.  When the new Constitution was presented to state legislators and the American people, there were protests that it did not contain a “Bill of Rights,” preserving to the people and to the State those inalienable rights proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence.”  Closer to home, “the State of North Carolina declined to ratify the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was adopted.”

I appreciate Mayor’s Parrott’s proclamation.  I think in some important ways it provides a safe context for what we do in city government.  I’m now going to read the First Amendment to the Constitution.  Of the reasons that have me be proud to be an American, this is at the top of the list.  I’ve probably read the First Amendment thousands of times, and I’ve never read it without chills going down my spine.

It is one sentence—45 words—that contains three sections.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

 I consider it a great privilege to read these words from the Council Chambers, and there’s really nothing else that needs saying about it.  Thank you.