Platform
Issues - Promises Made, Promises Kept
Jobs
"Economic development begins with jobs. We should never lose focus on attracting high paying, quality jobs. As a community, we are fortunate to have East Carolina and Vidant Health in our area, but we must focus on attracting new jobs to our area, as well as assisting current businesses to expand their work force. Improving the quality of life begins with increasing household incomes, If we want to grow as a city, we must understand that our primary focus should be on attracting jobs. I have been outspoken while on the council for the reduction of useless regulations and creating job incentives to attract new jobs. I want Greenville to be a business friendly environment and we as a city need to understand that growing our tax base only happens with high-paying, quality jobs for our citizens."
Promise Kept
Mayor Connelly led the successful effort to create the Greenville ENC Alliance in which city government works together with the private sector to attract new industry, retain existing industry, and create more jobs for the citizens of Greenville. Greenville has added more jobs in Mayor Connelly's first term.
Safety
"Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. We should never lose focus of this duty and continue to invest in the individuals and departments that keep us all safe. We must be vigilant on combating crime, but we can only be successful when the proper resources are allocated. While on the council, I have been focused on public safety. This past budget cycle lead the charge to double the lighting budget from $100,000 to $200,000 and over the past two years, we have added as many as 10 additional officers to the police department. We also must focus on pedestrian safety as this is also a major issue we face. During the 2016-2017 budget cycle, I presented a budget that would invest an additional $250,000 a year towards pedestrian safety. Our focus should never waiver from the importance of public safety and I am prepared to continue to lead the change."
Promise Kept
Mayor Connelly has worked with and strongly backed the Greenville Police Department in fighting crime, including new initiatives like the spot shotter program. He has also successfully pushed for more investment in street lighting in our neighborhoods to deter crime, spending $250,000 a year on new lighting. Crime in Greenville has dropped by 22% in Mayor Connelly's first term. He is endorsed for reelection by the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association.
Fiscal Responsibility
"Since being elected to the council, I have worked diligently for fiscal responsibility. As the elected leaders, we are the stewards of the taxpayer's money and we must invest those funds in the most financially prudent manner possible. Raising taxes is not financially responsible and should not happen as a result of wasteful spending. As someone that thoroughly examines the numbers, I am not afraid to address items in the budget that are questionable or wasteful. Public safety and infrastructure should be the primary focus of the elected leaders and we should not lose focus on these important needs in our community. When funds are allotted for pet projects, more important items like our roads and public safety are neglected. I will continue to fight for fiscal responsibility as the Mayor of Greenville."
Promise Kept
There have been no tax increases or fee increases in Mayor Connelly's first term. Mayor Connelly led the successful effort to change the city's banking operations, saving the city $150,000 a year in banking fees. Greenville has finished the fiscal year with a surplus.
Infrastructure
"Greenville has made great strides with our infrastructure, but the work isn't complete. The NC DOT continues to invest in our roads and we as a city must continue to prioritize this most important investment. A strong infrastructure is a key component to attracting businesses to our area and demonstrates we are investing in our community. This past budget cycle I was proud to lead the charge to increase our street resurfacing budget to $2.2 million which will improve many neglected roads in our community. With expansion, we also must be mindful of the residents in which will be effected. As the District 5 representative, I stood up for my constituents that felt their voices were not being heard. After working hand in hand with the NC DOT and neighborhood homeowner's associations, the Evans Street/Old Tar Road expansion project moves forward with the support of my constituents."
Promise Kept
Under Mayor Connally, Greenville is investing $2.5 million a year in street improvements, which is five times the amount spent on streets in 2013-2014. Mayor Connelly also worked to secure funding for the Town Creek Culvert Project, a $34 million improvement that will help protect our city from storm water flooding.
Quality of Life
"Greenville is on the cusp of greatness and we must focus on retention. Improving the quality of life is imperative to future, sustainable growth but at the same time we must be smart with the decisions we make. Every year students from ECU and Pitt Community College leave Greenville and establish residency in other communities. We as a city, need to harbor fun and exciting events to retain the young adults that graduate from our fine institutions. Many times young adults and families leave Greenville to attend concerts, parks, shopping and attractions in other cities. We as a community want residents to stay in Greenville and spend money within our local economy. In addition, we want to be the regional attraction in Eastern North Carolina and attract visitors to eat, shop, and patronize our local establishments."
Promise Kept
Mayor Connelly worked with the private sector to initiate the popular Concert on the Common public concert series. Under his leadership, the city has purchased additional parkland along the Tar River to give citizens more public river access.
