A Community Message from the new Councilman

From the Desk of Councilman-elect Michael S. Bell

The election is over and we now have an opportunity to work together to make Wilson the most progressive city in the Eastern Region.

Residents of District 2, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you on the Wilson City Council. I plan to serve the city in a positive, practical, and purposeful way and work with all to find solutions to the challenges facing us.

As we go forward, there will be critical and challenging times; however, I believe that, as a community, we will prevail.

We have the assets, the skills and capacities of our residents, the strength of our business community, and the power of our local institutions and community groups to build on. Our city needs more innovative ways to create jobs and expand our tax base. Indeed, economic development must be a driver to lower our high unemployment rate. However, our workforce must be educated and skilled to take advantage of future opportunities.

We need look at a micro enterprise strategy to simulate jobs and services in the underserved areas of Wilson.

There are neighborhoods in our city that need attention.

To build healthy neighborhoods, we need to address blighted properties develop quality affordable housing, develop a skilled workforce, improve community leadership and community safety.

Our downtown development must continue to be strategically managed to ensure that our historical heritage and character is not destroyed. Our downtown amenities, businesses and housing must benefit all our residents. In my 12 years living in Wilson, we have talked about a civic center. It is time for us to seek investors and developers for partnerships to bring this to reality. A feasibility study on the current Wilson Mall is a good place to start.

Most large cities of our size have a civic center with multiple streams of income. Rocky Mount, New Bern and Greenville are examples of cities with civic centers that attract small to medium size conferences and events. We have the potential to divert some of these conferences to our beautiful city. A project of this magnitude will have its challenges. However, when we focus on the possibilities, the solutions to our problems will be apparent. We need the input of everyone to make Wilson a better place to live work and play. Our best days are ahead.

Michael S. Bell
City Councilman-elect

Read More

2015 CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Read More

Upcoming Series - Who's Running Where

We're voting in March, those of us who are registered voters. December's not here yet and January will be here before you know. So, who's running for what where ? And who should we be voting for anyway ? No clue ?

We feel ya ! At this point in the game we're not sure 'who's who' either. BUT, we're gonna find out and when we do, WE GOT YOU !!!

Look for our new 'Upcoming Political Series 

Who's Running Where in 2016

 

A few folks have recently announced their candidacy, while some have been running for over a year. Betcha' didn't know that! Especially, if you haven't heard their name mentioned or have had the opportunity to see them on television or meet them in person.

Listen, did you know there's an African American man running for office to become the Governor for the State of North Carolina. There's also several candidates running to become the Lt. Governor. And while, Deborah Ross recently announced she's running to represent North Carolina in Washington as a Senator, taking on Richard Burr, there is an African American man who is also running. He is a military veteran who currently serves as Mayor of Spring Lake, NC. He announced he was running for the US Senate seat before she did. (Yeah, we know),
BUT WE GOT YOU !!!

Well, we're getting it all together for you. Info You Need to Know.
Posting Soon ! Look for It  !

Read More

Coming Soon

In Theaters on December 4th

Read More

Oh, For Goodness Sake

No need to pout, no need to cry, here's the reason, let me tell you why, while you’re gearing up for the Christmas holidays and all of its festivities, politicians will be doing the same…but for a different reason.

Thanks to the folk in Raleigh, you’ll be voting in March 2016 instead of in May. Tis the season for politicians to hit the campaign trail, hard & heavy.

 

Back in September, NC Republicans, in both the House and the Senate passed a bill that determined NC voters would cast their ballots seven weeks earlier than usual on March 15.

In making this move, it also hastens the process for those thinking about running for  office to make a decision much sooner. The filing period begins at Noon on this coming Tuesday, December 1^st and runs through December 21^st.

So while the majority of us are deciding what gifts to purchase for whom, politicians will be deciding what office they’re going to pursue, if they haven’t already done so. Oh wait a minute, on second thought, perhaps it's too late to already to make that decision.

We almost forgot this bill also specified a candidate must be affiliated with a political party for at least 75 days before filing to run as a candidate for that party's primary. Umm, this information came out towards the end of September. That requirement has surely passed its deadline. It’s certainly gonna be a 'holly jolly' Christmas this year, indeed.

Read More

Nine injured, Gunman Kills 3

Amid the thoughts of holiday greetings and well wishes, we're rudely reminded it doesn't matter the season, evil is always lurking amongst us. The day after Thanksgiving in the State of Colorado, a gunman armed with an AK-47 stormed a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs. In the aftermath, he shoots 11 people, leaving 3 dead, including a police officer.

How was it this man made it out alive?
How is it the police didn't take him out as they've done so many other Americans.

Why did they negotiate his surrender?
A five hour standoff before they apprehended him.
No bullets. No bruises. No blood.
Read More Here

Read More