As Greensboro Council Changes Become Law, Local Officials Consider Legal Action

It's official – the Greensboro city government is getting big changes, much to the chagrin of the local government.

First, the state House narrowly voted down the changes Thursday. But it wasn't over. In an unusual move, Republicans met behind closed doors and mustered enough votes to pass it on a second try. The state Senate then quickly approved it.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan says she's disappointed by the final outcome, and says the city may take legal action to try to stop the changes.

“I think this sets a very bad precedent and I think other city councils and town councils ought to be very concerned,” she says.

A move to give voters a say on the changes was not approved. In comments on the House floor, Guilford Republican John Blust says that's raised concerns among his constituents.

“I think the biggest thing that engenders opposition is just the very fact that some of you down there in Raleigh are deciding for Greensboro, and we don't get to have input into that,” he says.

The changes were initially proposed by Senator Trudy Wade who says this will make the local government more efficient.

The new law restructures the districts in a way that will pit some incumbent Democrat council members against each in the next election. And the mayor will now vote only to break ties.

The bill also reduces the number of town council seats in Trinity from eight to five.