On this last day of the year, I’d like to wish all of our friends, neighbors, and members of our broader community a safe holiday and a happy and healthy new year!  And now, here’s your update from the month of December.

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City voters approved exciting new public facility investments this month.  First, here are updates on the Business 40 closure and on holiday sanitation collection changes.

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Don’t get spooked, but it’s almost here:  the temporary closure of Business 40 through downtown Winston-Salem.

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Water service, affordable housing, and hurricanes.  It's been a busy month.

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In August, the city council approved several economic development investments.  First, here are important updates regarding the week of Labor Day and assorted road work.

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National Night Out is this Tuesday, August 7.  

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In June, we approved the FY2019 city budget.  First, here are reminders about bulky item pickup in July and the Independence Day impacts on city sanitation collection schedules.

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In April, we approved the city's streets repaving contract for this summer's work, and continued preparatory work on the FY2019 budget.

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Opioid crisis intervention and Business 40 closure mitigation strategies were among the city work items in March.  

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The proposed 2018 city projects bond package continued to take shape in February.

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Miller Park improvements and a potential upcoming bond issue were among our January work items.  (Check out the February events items as well.)

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Friends, I'm announcing today that I will be a candidate for NC House from the 75th District (Forsyth County) in 2018.

The website for that campaign is www.bessefornc.com.  

The website you're visiting now is my personal site as City Council Member for the Southwest Ward of Winston-Salem.

I will continue to serve as City Council Member and work on behalf of the people of the Southwest Ward and the City of Winston-Salem during this campaign.

Neither this website nor the one for my NC House campaign is paid for by public funds.

Thank you for the opportunity to work for you in public service.

Dan

 

Recycling and yard waste collection schedules will change for the weeks of Christmas and New Year.  Also in this report:  new extended service hours on many bus routes; a controversial cell tower permit case is decided; West Suburban Area Plan update continues; and other notes.  Because of its length, the cell tower item is last in this report. 

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Business 40 renovation work is underway.  Here’s how to keep up with the latest traffic changes.

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Happy Halloween!  If you drive this evening, please be sure to watch out for children (and sometimes adults) paying more attention to their costumes or candy bags than to traffic.

And here's the rest of my October report:

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The new District 3 Police station opens this month, plus we look ahead at other October activities.

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It’s time for an update on projects and upcoming zoning issues of likely interest to Southwest Ward residents.  First, here’s a note on Labor Day holiday service changes:

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National Night Out is tomorrow--Tuesday, August 1.

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In June, the city council approved the FY2018 budget.  First, here are some important notes on Independence Day week sanitation service changes.  

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In May, the city council approved the contract for Lockland Park repairs, saw continued progress on other capital projects, and received the city manager's FY 2018 budget proposal.  First, here are some important notes on Memorial Day week.  

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Friends,

Supporters of the Welcoming City reaffirmation will release our joint statement this Monday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall at 101 N. Main Street, Winston-Salem.  Supporters of the Welcoming City reaffirmation are invited and welcome to attend.  This will be a brief and respectful event.  If you bring signs, they should be small and handheld by one person, with inclusive messages of "welcome", "community", "inclusion", "respect" and the like.  No divisive, negative, or explicitly political messages please.

The Welcoming City joint statement is included in full below:

WINSTON-SALEM IS A WELCOMING CITY:
Joint Statement

Winston-Salem is a diverse community which draws strength from that diversity.

Winston-Salem is a welcoming community which takes pride in serving and protecting all our citizens, other residents, guests, and visitors, regardless of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

Winston-Salem has a proud tradition which continues today of welcoming refugees from war and hardship to a new home of safety and community in our city.

We, the undersigned, oppose any measures which target populations within our diverse community for legal scrutiny or other challenges based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

We, the undersigned, recognize that our whole community is safer when all victims and witnesses of domestic violence or criminal activity feel safe in contacting our police for assistance without fear.  

In light of the current national environment of excessive fear and suspicion directed by some toward immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers, this is a time for community leaders to reaffirm our personal commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

 

In April, we approved funding for resurfacing the streets impacted by the latest round of water/sewer lines renovation.  We also have a new facility ribbon-cutting coming up May 5 in Little Creek Park. read more ...

In March, we dealt with some challenging neighborhood and zoning matters.  First, here's a word about bulky item pickup.

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In February, we dealt with building city bond projects, reviewing transit fares, and more issues.  First, here’s a word about bulky item pickup. 

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Important city work in January included city park renovations, transportation system improvements, and public safety issues. 

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As we wrap up 2016, I’d like to thank you 

all again for the opportunity to work for you.  I’m looking forward to representing you again in the coming year.  In this month's report, you'll find info on leaf collection, Christmas tree recycling, Hawthorne Road work, and more.  

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In November, the city council approved assisting in a study of redevelopment potential for the Peters Creek Parkway/Academy Street area.  First, here’s a look at sanitation and leaf collections as well as the Hawthorne road closure during December.

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Neighbors and friends,

Every election year, I am asked for my recommendations in that year's judicial election contests.  I try to keep up with the candidates and their qualifications for these important seats, and am happy to let folks know the choices I am making on the ballot.  For those who are interested, here are my judicial contest recommendations for 2016 (NC statewide, and local in Forsyth County):

 

In October, we moved forward on important projects in parks, transportation, and public safety.  First, here's information on fall leaf collection, which begins October 31.  

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In September, we continued progress on important bond issue projects--plus a look ahead to events in October.  

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In August, the city council adopted the Southwest Area Plan Update, and also updated our economic incentives deal with Caterpillar.  First, let me note the sanitation collections schedule changes associated with the Labor Day holiday.

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National Night Out takes place this Tuesday, August 2.  

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In June, the city council adopted Winston-Salem city government’s FY2016-17 city budget.  We also saw major progress continue on street resurfacing and other projects financed using the 2014 city bonds funding.

First, a quick note about city sanitation collections for the week beginning July 4, Independence day:  Garbage will be collected on the usual schedule.  Recycling (Red Week, which covers most of the Southwest Ward) and yard waste collections will all be postponed by one day (Monday routes collected on Tuesday, Tuesday routes collected on Wednesday, etc.).

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In May, several key sidewalk projects received final funding approval, and the city manager released his proposed 2016-17 city budget. 

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In April, we continued our progress in implementing major bond construction projects, and received a preview of prospects for the FY 2016-17 city budget.

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HB 2:  Statement by Dan Besse; and Resolution Expressing Concerns and Calling for Reconsideration of the Legislation (as adopted by Winston-Salem City Council on 4/18/16).

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In March, we made progress on a variety of transportation projects.

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February closed with a major windstorm that left much of the Southwest Ward dealing with fallen trees, utilities damages, and power recovery for days.   In the process of helping with neighborhood communications during that time, my usual monthly update was delayed. read more ...

In January, the city council approved pay raises for police officers and firefighters, plus other important project progress. 

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In December, we approved Winston-Salem Transit's first comprehensive bus system overhaul.  read more ...

In November, work continued on city bond projects and other key local issues, including competitive salaries for our police officers. read more ...

In October, we announced big positive news about chronic homelessness.

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Improved safety for city vehicle driving, and promotion of new developments that are more bike/pedestrian-friendly, were among the issues that saw city action in September.

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Affordable workforce housing issues were the big debate drawing attention in August.  First, though, I'll take a look at progress on capital projects investing the voter-approved city bond funds.

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Public safety, utilities, and streets issues all received major attention during July. 

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In June, the city council approved the city budget for FY2016.  But first, let me pause for a word on the recent tragedy in Charleston.

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In April, the legal fight over electronic sweepstakes reached a conclusion.  May will be both Historic Preservation Month, and National Bike Month, with multiple activities on both fronts taking place in Winston-Salem. 

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In March, the city council got an early look at prospects for our FY2016 budget, and continued to move forward with work authorized by city voters in the bond approvals last fall.

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In addition to a lot of snow, this February saw city action on rules regarding recycling and regarding cell towers in residential areas. 

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January saw continued progress on implementing voter-approved bond project priorities.  First, here's a reminder about public meetings on the Southwest Suburban Area Plan Update.  

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New safety equipment for firefighters and stronger limits on electronic sweepstakes operations were among the issues acted on in December.  First, here’s an update on curbside collections for January.

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Winston-Salem citizens overwhelmingly approved five key investment packages in our city's future, and we're making a hard push to get project work underway.

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Sessions and discussion on transportation and on public safety issues were the focus of my time at the National League of Cities conference in Austin.  My conference report summary notes are posted.

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Now through this Tuesday November 4, Winston-Salem citizens are deciding whether to approve five key investment packages in our city's future. 

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In September, the city council approved a recommended option for Business 40 exits redesign through downtown Winston-Salem.  In October, public voting will begin on the proposed city capital projects bond referendum.

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In August, the city council voted to send the final proposed package of city capital needs projects to a vote by the public in November. First, here's a reminder about sanitation collection schedule changes for Labor Day week.

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In July, the city council finished preparing a proposed package of city capital needs projects, and will decide August 4 on whether to send these to a vote by the public in November.

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In June, the city council adopted the final city budget for 2014-15. In other news, important decisions are being made this summer on new transportation projects, new rules on door-to-door solicitations are taking effect, and there are many activities available for kids in our city this summer.

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In May, the city council approved new rules on door-to-door solicitors, and the city manager released his proposed 2014-15 city budget. First, for Ardmore area residents, there are two street closing alerts.

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During April, work progressed on a proposed city capital needs bond referendum.  First, though, here's a note regarding some major street work beginning this month.
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March saw important progress toward funding city capital projects needs, plus a successful gun buyback event and other news.
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Cell tower zoning changes were approved, and the process of setting the size and content of a possible public bond referendum was started in February. First, here's an important announcement regarding "bulky item pickup".

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Cell tower regulations, public safety data, and economic revitalization efforts are among the topics in this month's report.

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The last month of 2013 saw a major tightening of rules on where electronic sweepstakes businesses (a.k.a., "internet cafes") can be located. read more ...

Elections, leaves, zoning debates--November was a full month, and at least two hot topics will start discussion before City Council committees in December: read more ...

Happy Halloween! My report for October includes updates on a number of city transportation projects, plus notes on several events/activities coming up in November. A lot of interest is happening, so this is a long report this month.

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I was asked at an event this evening if there is an online option for contributing to my re-election campaign.  There is.  Here's the link:  http://www.payitsquare.com/collect-page/13844

For those who asked, and others who are interested, thanks for your support!

Dan
 

 

Early voting for the Winston-Salem city general election starts Thursday, October 17. 

Early voting for this election runs October 17 through November 2.  There is one early voting site:  Forsyth County Board of Elections, 201 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem.

Hours for early voting:

Weekdays, Oct. 17 -- Nov. 1:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2 only:
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Early voting ends at 1 p.m. on November 2. 

Election day is Tuesday, November 5.  On that day, all regular polling places will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Please vote!

 

Households in the western part of the city should watch out for discolored water this week due to water line repairs.  And please remember that early voting for the city general election begins October 17.
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Winston-Salem's municipal primary elections are today, Tuesday, September 10, 2013.  All regular polling places in the city are open the usual hours:  6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Today's voting includes the contested Democratic primary for mayor.  I strongly recommend the re-election of Allen Joines for mayor.  I have worked with Allen for a dozen years now, and can vouch for him as a thoughtful, hard-working public servant who puts the interests of the people of Winston-Salem first.  He is particularly skilled at recruiting beneficial economic development projects to our city, and he works effectively as a unifying figure to bring our entire community together.

If you are registered to vote in Winston-Salem as a Democrat or as unaffiliated, you can vote in today's Democratic mayoral primary.

 

Have a great Labor Day holiday--and remember the sanitation collection schedule changes.

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National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, August 6.
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The city council in June approved a new budget which reduces spending through efficiencies while maintaining or enhancing city services. (And unlike Congress, our budget is balanced, as always.) First, here's a note on collection changes for Independence Day week.

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The city manager's proposed budget, a new police chief, and decisions on the coliseum and stadium are among the news items for May.  First, a word on road closings in June: read more ...

Budgets are tight.  Why spend anything on travel to meetings on city business?  It's simple:  If we don't, then we can't protect our residents' and taxpayers' interests in the policy decisions that affect cities in Congress and our state legislature.  And that means that our taxpayers lose millions of dollars, from service cuts or tax increases.
To do my job as a city council member, I have to go to the job site.  That's usually at city hall or in the neighborhoods I respresent, but sometimes my job site is at a working meeting in another city.  For details of one example, see my report on the March NLC meeting on this page:  http://www.danbesse.org/Issues/CurrentTopic3.aspx.
For pictures of how my work at these meetings is working for the residents of the Southwest Ward, see examples here:  https://www.facebook.com/dan.besse?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?fbid=10200588659775402&set=pcb.10200588666455569&type=1&theater
and here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200579772233219.1073741829.1126494468&type=1  

Police chief finalists, neighborhood street repaving, sidewalk construction, and budget savings are all in the news for April. read more ...

Advocacy for the interests of Winston-Salem residents at the national and state levels took a lot of my time during March. I've prepared reports on both.

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During the March 2013 National League of Cities conference in Washington, I and other Winston-Salem representatives concentrated on dealing with federal tax proposals that could have a serious adverse impact on services and tax rates in Winston-Salem. read more ...

The Forsyth County tax revaluation of 2013 has produced concern in some neighborhoods that it may adversely affect their mortgages and resale opportunities. read more ...

The newly released tax revaluations have created a major headache for the funding of critical city services.


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January saw attention to city issues to be reviewed by the upcoming state legislative session.

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In December, Winston-Salem landed a major new manufacturing facility. I've included more information on that and other current issues from December. Happy New Year to all of you and your families!

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My notes from the National League of Cities conference Nov. 28--Dec. 1. read more ...

We took action in November on a number of items of interest, including city planning, economic development, greenways, and even chickens. Plus, I've included information on planning for leaf collection.

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Notes from the workshops I participated in on water resources management, the connections between land use decisions and economic development, effective legislative advocacy, and current transportation issues are found here. read more ...

I recommend these candidates in the 2012 North Carolina statewide judicial elections:

NC Supreme Court:
Sam J. Ervin IV

NC Court of Appeals:
Linda McGee
Wanda Bryant
Cressie Thigpen

 

Considering the great issues of the day: disaster aid and recovery, national elections...and front-yard parking? At any rate, here's wishing a safe and fun Halloween to you and your families. read more ...

Are Winston-Salem's guidelines for the use of economic development incentives adequate, or do they need to be strengthened? That was a current topic of debate in September.

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Fall is on the way, to the relief of those of us who like cooler weather. Happy Labor Day to all!

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The annual National Night Out for neighborhood safety and crime prevention is coming up next week.
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The FY 2013 city budget maintains core public services, imposes new spending efficiencies, and includes a small tax rate increase.

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The city manager's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 has been released, and discussion is underway.
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Veterans' housing, public infrastructure updates, and other news items are in my report this month.

 

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Six members of the Winston-Salem City Council have endorsed a statement opposing voter photo identification requirements.
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Public safety and budget items top my March report.

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Neighborhood safety, as well as recycling and trash pickup, lead my report this month.

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