| November 2019 highlights - Monday, December 2, 2019For the second month in a row, I’ve delayed my monthly report in order to cover final action on an issue that was unexpectedly delayed by council process rules. First, here’s a look at sanitation collection changes for December. read more ... |
| October 2019 highlights - Monday, November 4, 2019The month of October saw action on important traffic and public safety issues. First, here’s a look ahead to important city services news for November: read more ... |
| September 2019 highlights - Wednesday, October 2, 2019Updates on bond construction work, traffic debates, and more. read more ... |
| August 2019 highlights - Saturday, August 31, 2019More gun violence continues nationwide, and Winston-Salem is far from immune. First, here’s info on sanitation collection changes for Labor Day week, a calendar note regarding a rezoning request of substantial public interest, and a brief update on bicycle and pedestrian safety actions. read more ... |
| Mass shootings demand serious action in response. - Sunday, August 4, 2019Two "mass shootings" in two different states within 24 hours this weekend left 29 people dead, many more seriously wounded, two cities terrorized, and no end in sight to the insanity surrounding gun violence in America. read more ... |
| July 2019 highlights - Sunday, August 4, 2019Two more horrific mass shootings took place in our nation this weekend. Thoughts and prayers for the victims and survivors are not enough. Serious action is required at all levels of government. read more ... |
| June 2019 highlights - Sunday, June 30, 2019The city budget for FY2019-20 was finalized in June. First, here are important reminders on sanitation collections during the week of Independence Day, bulky-item pickup, brush collection, and recycling: read more ... |
| Pedestrian safety projects - Tuesday, June 4, 2019The City of Winston-Salem is moving forward with new pedestrian safety projects citywide. Our City Council Public Works Committee has approved a target list of 22 initial high-priority intersections for pedestrian safety improvements, including marked and signalized crosswalks, improved lighting, and other changes. This is just the first batch of projects that we'll be funding with the $2 million of bond funding approved for the purpose this year, and $1.5 million from other sources already in the pipeline.
This list of 22 includes intersections associated with fatal pedestrian accidents over the past 10 years, as well as other projects previously approved. Intersections near pedestrian fatalities are marked in red, the others in blue. https://www.facebook.com/DanBesseforNCHouse/photos/pb.1575930945858435.-2207520000.1559695812./2247481512036705/?type=3&theater |
| May 2019 highlights - Tuesday, June 4, 2019This past month we acted on street resurfacing, pedestrian safety, sidewalks, affordable housing, and more. First, here’s an important reminder on bulky-item pickup collections.
read more ... |
| April 2019 highlights - Wednesday, May 1, 2019April included much focus on pedestrian safety issues. First, here's important information on storm-related brush collection. read more ... |
| March 2019 highlghts - Sunday, March 31, 2019The Broad Street bridge over Business 40 has been re-opened for traffic. In other March updates, we have street maintenance, abandoned vehicle towing, rental scooter rules, and more: read more ... |
| January 2019 highlights - Friday, February 1, 2019Pedestrian safety issues will receive needed attention this coming month. read more ... |
| December 2018 highlights - Monday, December 31, 2018On 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. read more ... |
| November 2018 highlights - Friday, November 30, 2018City voters approved exciting new public facility investments this month. First, here are updates on the Business 40 closure and on holiday sanitation collection changes. read more ... |
| October 2018 highlights - Friday, November 2, 2018Don’t get spooked, but it’s almost here: the temporary closure of Business 40 through downtown Winston-Salem. read more ... |
| September 2018 highlights - Wednesday, October 3, 2018Water service, affordable housing, and hurricanes. It's been a busy month. read more ... |
| August 2018 highlights - Friday, August 31, 2018In August, the city council approved several economic development investments. First, here are important updates regarding the week of Labor Day and assorted road work. read more ... |
| July 2018 highlights - Sunday, August 5, 2018 |
| June 2018 highlights - Sunday, July 1, 2018In 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. read more ... |
| April 2018 highlights - Sunday, May 6, 2018In April, we approved the city's streets repaving contract for this summer's work, and continued preparatory work on the FY2019 budget.
read more ... |
| March 2018 highlights - Saturday, March 31, 2018Opioid crisis intervention and Business 40 closure mitigation strategies were among the city work items in March. read more ... |
| February 2018 highlights - Friday, March 2, 2018The proposed 2018 city projects bond package continued to take shape in February. read more ... |
| January 2018 highlights - Thursday, February 1, 2018Miller Park improvements and a potential upcoming bond issue were among our January work items. (Check out the February events items as well.)
read more ... |
| Dan Besse is running for NC House District 75 - Monday, January 29, 2018Friends, 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 |
| December 2017 highlights - Thursday, December 21, 2017Recycling 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. read more ... |
| November 2017 highlights - Thursday, November 30, 2017Business 40 renovation work is underway. Here’s how to keep up with the latest traffic changes. read more ... |
| October 2017 highlights - Tuesday, October 31, 2017Happy 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: read more ... |
| September 2017 highlights - Saturday, September 30, 2017The new District 3 Police station opens this month, plus we look ahead at other October activities. read more ... |
| August 2017 highlights - Friday, September 1, 2017It’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: read more ... |
| July 2017 highlights - Monday, July 31, 2017 |
| June 2017 highlights - Friday, June 30, 2017In June, the city council approved the FY2018 budget. First, here are some important notes on Independence Day week sanitation service changes. read more ... |
| May 2017 highlights - Sunday, May 28, 2017In 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. read more ... |
| Welcoming City joint statement - Saturday, April 29, 2017Friends,
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.
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| April 2017 highlights - Saturday, April 29, 2017In 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 ... |
| March 2017 highlights - Saturday, April 1, 2017In March, we dealt with some challenging neighborhood and zoning matters. First, here's a word about bulky item pickup. read more ... |
| February 2017 highlights - Friday, March 3, 2017In February, we dealt with building city bond projects, reviewing transit fares, and more issues. First, here’s a word about bulky item pickup. read more ... |
| January 2017 highlights - Sunday, February 5, 2017Important city work in January included city park renovations, transportation system improvements, and public safety issues. read more ... |
| December 2016 highlights - Saturday, December 31, 2016As 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. read more ... |
| November 2016 highlights - Saturday, December 3, 2016In 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. read more ... |
| 2016 Judicial Contest Recommendations - Monday, October 31, 2016Neighbors 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):
NC Supreme Court:
--Mike Morgan
NC Court of Appeals:
--Linda Stephens
--Margaret Eagles
--Abe Jones
--Vince Rozier
--Rickye McKoy-Mitchell
NC District Court (Forsyth County):
--Carrie Vickery
--Eric Morgan
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| October 2016 highlights - Monday, October 31, 2016In 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. read more ... |
| September 2016 highlights - Saturday, October 1, 2016In September, we continued progress on important bond issue projects--plus a look ahead to events in October. read more ... |
| August 2016 highlights - Wednesday, August 31, 2016In 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.
read more ... |
| July 2016 highlights - Sunday, July 31, 2016National Night Out takes place this Tuesday, August 2. read more ... |
| June 2016 highlights - Thursday, June 30, 2016In 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.). read more ... |
| May 2016 highlights - Tuesday, May 31, 2016In May, several key sidewalk projects received final funding approval, and the city manager released his proposed 2016-17 city budget. read more ... |
| April 2016 highlights - Saturday, April 30, 2016In April, we continued our progress in implementing major bond construction projects, and received a preview of prospects for the FY 2016-17 city budget. read more ... |
| HB 2: Statement by Dan Besse, and Resolution as adopted by Winston-Salem City Council on 4/18/16 - Monday, April 18, 2016HB 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). read more ... |
| March 2016 highlights - Thursday, March 31, 2016In March, we made progress on a variety of transportation projects.
read more ... |
| February 2016 highlights - Tuesday, March 29, 2016February 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 ... |
| January 2016 highlights - Sunday, January 31, 2016In January, the city council approved pay raises for police officers and firefighters, plus other important project progress.
read more ... |
| December 2015 highlights - Friday, January 1, 2016In December, we approved Winston-Salem Transit's first comprehensive bus system overhaul. read more ... |
| November 2015 highlights - Monday, November 30, 2015In November, work continued on city bond projects and other key local issues, including competitive salaries for our police officers. read more ... |
| October 2015 highlights - Saturday, October 31, 2015In October, we announced big positive news about chronic homelessness.
read more ... |
| September 2015 highlights - Thursday, October 1, 2015Improved 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. read more ... |
| August 2015 highlights - Monday, August 31, 2015Affordable 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. read more ... |
| July 2015 highlights - Friday, July 31, 2015Public safety, utilities, and streets issues all received major attention during July. read more ... |
| June 2015 highlights - Tuesday, June 30, 2015In June, the city council approved the city budget for FY2016. But first, let me pause for a word on the recent tragedy in Charleston.
read more ... |
| April 2015 highlights - Friday, May 1, 2015In 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.
read more ... |
| March 2015 highlights - Tuesday, March 31, 2015In 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.
read more ... |
| February 2015 highlights - Saturday, February 28, 2015In addition to a lot of snow, this February saw city action on rules regarding recycling and regarding cell towers in residential areas. read more ... |
| January 2015 highlights - Saturday, January 31, 2015January 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. read more ... |
| December 2014 highlights - Wednesday, December 31, 2014New 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.
read more ... |
| November 2014 highlights - Sunday, November 30, 2014Winston-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.
read more ... |
| National League of Cities (NLC) Conference report - Wednesday, November 26, 2014Sessions 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.
read more ... |
| October 2014 highlights - Friday, October 31, 2014Now through this Tuesday November 4, Winston-Salem citizens are deciding whether to approve five key investment packages in our city's future.
read more ... |
| September 2014 highlights - Tuesday, September 30, 2014In 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.
read more ... |
| August 2014 highlights - Sunday, August 31, 2014In 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. read more ... |
| July 2014 highlights - Thursday, July 31, 2014 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. read more ... |
| June 2014 highlights - Monday, June 30, 2014In 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. read more ... |
| May 2014 highlights - Sunday, June 1, 2014 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. read more ... |
| April 2014 highlights - Saturday, May 3, 2014During 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. read more ... |
| March 2014 highlights - Monday, March 31, 2014March saw important progress toward funding city capital projects needs, plus a successful gun buyback event and other news. read more ... |
| February 2014 highlights - Friday, February 28, 2014Cell 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". read more ... |
| January 2014 highlights - Friday, January 31, 2014Cell tower regulations, public safety data, and economic revitalization efforts are among the topics in this month's report. read more ... |
| December 2013 highlights - Tuesday, December 31, 2013The 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 ... |
| November 2013 highlights - Saturday, November 30, 2013Elections, 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 ... |
| October 2013 highlights - Thursday, October 31, 2013Happy 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. read more ... |
| Campaign contributions - Wednesday, October 16, 2013I 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
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| Early voting starts October 17! - Wednesday, October 16, 2013Early 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! |
| September 2013 highlights - Monday, September 30, 2013Households 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. read more ... |
| Please vote today! - Tuesday, September 10, 2013Winston-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. |
| August 2013 highlights - Friday, August 30, 2013Have a great Labor Day holiday--and remember the sanitation collection schedule changes. read more ... |
| July 2013 highlights - Friday, August 2, 2013National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, August 6. read more ... |
| June 2013 highlights - Monday, July 1, 2013The 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. read more ... |
| May 2013 highlights - Friday, May 31, 2013The 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 ... |
| Travel on city business? - Friday, May 3, 2013 |
| April 2013 highlights - Sunday, April 28, 2013Police chief finalists, neighborhood street repaving, sidewalk construction, and budget savings are all in the news for April. read more ... |
| March 2013 highlights - Sunday, March 31, 2013Advocacy 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. read more ... |
| National League of Cities (NLC) Conference Notes--March 2013 (Washington DC) - Friday, March 29, 2013During 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 ... |
| Forsyth tax revaluation 2013 - Monday, March 4, 2013The Forsyth County tax revaluation of 2013 has produced concern in some neighborhoods that it may adversely affect their mortgages and resale opportunities. read more ... |
| February 2013 highlights - Thursday, February 28, 2013The newly released tax revaluations have created a major headache for the funding of critical city services.
read more ... |
| January 2013 highlights - Thursday, January 31, 2013January saw attention to city issues to be reviewed by the upcoming state legislative session. read more ... |
| December 2012 highlights - Tuesday, January 1, 2013In 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! read more ... |
| National League of Cities conference notes - Sunday, December 30, 2012My notes from the National League of Cities conference Nov. 28--Dec. 1. read more ... |
| November 2012 highlights - Friday, November 30, 2012We 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. read more ... |
| NCLM Annual Meeting workshop notes - Wednesday, October 31, 2012Notes 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 ... |
| Statewide Judicial Election Recommendations - Wednesday, October 31, 2012I 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 |
| October 2012 highlights - Wednesday, October 31, 2012Considering 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 ... |
| September 2012 highlights - Monday, October 1, 2012Are 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. read more ... |
| August 2012 highlights - Friday, August 31, 2012Fall is on the way, to the relief of those of us who like cooler weather. Happy Labor Day to all! read more ... |
| July 2012 highlights - Tuesday, July 31, 2012The annual National Night Out for neighborhood safety and crime prevention is coming up next week. read more ... |
| June 2012 highlights - Saturday, June 30, 2012The FY 2013 city budget maintains core public services, imposes new spending efficiencies, and includes a small tax rate increase. read more ... |
| May 2012 highlights - Thursday, May 31, 2012The city manager's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 has been released, and discussion is underway. read more ... |
| April 2012 highlights - Monday, April 30, 2012Veterans' housing, public infrastructure updates, and other news items are in my report this month.
read more ... |
| Statement on Voter Photo Identification Requirements - Friday, April 20, 2012Six members of the Winston-Salem City Council have endorsed a statement opposing voter photo identification requirements. read more ... |
| March 2012 highlights - Saturday, March 31, 2012Public safety and budget items top my March report.
read more ... |
| February 2012 highlights - Tuesday, February 28, 2012Neighborhood safety, as well as recycling and trash pickup, lead my report this month.
read more ... |
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