Mayor of Greenville
Two Candidates; Voters Choose One
Barbara D. Gaskins
Your current job and title:
I am a community advocate, reentry professional, author and consultant. I am currently providing project management for a Community Violence Intervention program through the U.S. Department of Justice. I am also a founder of a nonprofit.
Your highest level of education:
Master of Science, Justice and Security Administration
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
One of my top priorities will be safety. Currently crime has skyrocketed within this community, and we need to get a handle on it. But we need to find ways to work with our police officers and communities in ways that empower both.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
If elected, I will be transparent when it comes to making decisions that affect my community that are a problem that I feel is currently lacking. As the mayor my job is to lead Greenville forward, and that includes ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and implemented.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
Voters should choose me, because not only was I born in this community I remember how close-knit this community used to be, I remember how people from all over eastern North Carolina would come and frequent Greenville. That is what I’m trying to bring back. Greenville is nicknamed the Emerald City, but we need to make sure that it is inclusive and supports everyone.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I will stand up for what’s right even if it is not popular, I will stand up for all of my community, and I will ensure that together all voices are heard in order to move Greenville Forward.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
In addition to safety being a priority, community members need affordable housing. I am more than willing to speak with investors and developers to ensure that we can bring (housing) that is affordable to everyone. Growing up in this town, I remember when businesses flourished, especially small businesses, so I will ensure that we find ways to bring small businesses back to Greenville that are accessible to everyone. I also have seen how upon graduation many students and families often leave this community. That is not acceptable. We need to ensure that original residents continue to call Greenville home and are not forced to feel like they have to leave.
P.J. Connelly
Your current job and title:
Real Estate
Your highest level of education:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Representing the people of Greenville and focusing on keeping Greenville safe by focusing on public safety, growing our tax base by working with our local partners to bring jobs to our community, investing heavily in our public infrastructure, and growing recreational amenities to keep Greenville as a fun place to live.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
I would encourage all citizens to participate in local government and many of our boards and commissions have frequent openings to allow citizens to participate in the process. Our city is a better place when we are all working together to grow our community.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am hardworking and I feel that my record over the three terms I have served as mayor of our city show that I take the position serious and I truly appreciate the opportunity to represent the citizens of Greenville.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I am hard working, I have experience from serving three terms as mayor and one term as a city council representative, and I am dedicated to the position.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I believe Greenville has seen incredible change over the past six years and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that progress if the voters allow me to represent them for another term.
