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The hallmark for this week was attending, "Seamless Solutions for Urban Crime," a conference hosted by the North Carolina Mayors' Coalition. I had read about this conference several weeks ago, and thought it would be a great opportunity to educate myself. Registration was a bit of a challenge, as it was open to mayors, city managers, police chiefs, judges, and city council members. When I explained to the Registrar that I am a candidate for City Council looking to educate myself, she got the go-ahead to let me attend.

The speakers included top public servants from the state: Governor Beverly Purdue was the luncheon speaker. Also sharing the dais were

• Attorney General Roy Cooper,
• Alvin Keller, secretary for the Department of Correction,
• William Lassiter, director of communications for the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention,
• John W. Smith II, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts,
• and Jonathan Williams, deputy secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

We learned about several hallmark programs right here in North Carolina that work to turn around known gang members -- programs being held up as models around the nation. We learned about the challenges in the judicial system. We learned about the challenges in the prison system, and the need to reassimilate ex-cons as they return from prison or Youth Detention -- before the gangs do. We heard what's working, and what's not.

I was able to talk with, make that, listen to, my table-mates, who included the mayor of Goldsboro, the mayor-pro-tem of Jacksonville, the interim city manager of Lenoir, the deputy city manager of Winston-Salem, a councilwoman from Charlotte, and a police chief from Jacksonville.

I am in the process now of researching some of the model programs presented at yesterday's conference.

I was honored on Tuesday to visit with a venerable leader from the West End Community. I learned about the joys and challenges of living in that neighborhood.

Also on Tuesday I participated in our Planning Board meeting, where we considered the proposed Bicycle Plan for Salisbury. Ultimately, the plan was referred to the sub-committee that I chair. This ninety-plus page document will take some time to review, but I look forward to the challenge so our city can provide safe, clean alternatives to driving cars through town.

On Thursday, I briefly attended a local political gathering, an annual picnic, where I met many fine folks and shared my vision with them on a one-to-one basis.

Looking forward, we have a private event coming up this Thursday night, and I look forward to seeing my friends there.

The campaign traditionally starts in earnest on Labor Day, which is only ten short days away. I appreciate your continued interest and support.