Advisory board to Raleigh City Council: oppose HB2

A group of residents appointed to advise Raleigh leaders on human rights issues wants the City Council to formally oppose HB2, the controversial new state law that affects transgender people and other groups.

Raleigh’s Human Relations Commission, comprised of 10 residents the council appointed, voted 5-4 Thursday to urge the council to pass a resolution that asks the General Assembly to repeal HB2. Most of the dissenters said they supported the idea but wanted more time to review the resolution.

“I just think this General Assembly has gone after people’s personal lives when there is no abuse, so I feel strongly that a (resolution) like this that is well thought-out wouldn’t offend anyone,” said commission member Gail McDonald.

HB2 prevents transgender people from using the bathroom meant for the gender with which they identify and prevents local governments from adopting their own laws that punish discrimination. Supporters say the law protects women and children from potential abuse, while opponents say it’s insensitive and discriminatory.

Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane last month issued a statement affirming the city’s support for the transgender community. Members of the Human Relations Commission on Thursday said city leaders should take a stronger stance because the new law likely affects an anti-discrimination ordinance they crafted and the City Council passed in 2014. The ordinance prohibits the city government and companies it contracts with from discriminating against anyone based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

“I appreciated what the mayor said. But she spoke as herself, not the city, to reassure businesses ... and welcome visitors,” said commission member Dave Parnell, who wrote the draft resolution.

Poverty commission proposed

Raleigh City Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin says the council should create a commission to address poverty in the wake of the officer-involved shooting that some say exposed lingering community issues that might have led to the incident.

The commission would include Southeast Raleigh residents and representatives of the city and county governments and the public school system, among others interested in listening to the community’s needs and lobbying for funding and resources, Baldwin said.

“The goal would be to look at gaps, how we leverage all our assets, listen to the community’s needs and come up with an action plan,” she said.

Baldwin’s push comes as some Southeast Raleigh residents say their trust is waning in elected officials, government and the criminal justice system. Those feelings deepened after a Raleigh police officer shot and killed a 24-year-old man, Akiel Denkins, who was wanted for missing a court date on felony drug charges.

“The community is dealing with a terrible tragedy,” Baldwin said. “I’m hoping we can turn that tragedy into positive action.”

Cary addresses HB2

Cary was hit by the backlash to House Bill 2 this week, starting with the announcement that Deutsche Bank wouldn’t bring 250 high-paying jobs to Cary, as originally promised, followed by Ringo Starr’s decision to cancel his June 18 concert at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Friday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht issued a statement – titled “The Bottom Line” – on behalf of the Town Council but made a point not to call it a formal resolution.

“As the seventh largest municipality in the state, we embrace the gifts, talents, and experiences that each of us has to offer,” Weinbrecht said. “It is through mutual respect and understanding that we can reach our full potential.

“While we and our staff work to understand the legal and practical effects of HB2, we want to take this opportunity to assure our citizens and others that Cary is a welcoming community that is dedicated to the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection for all.”

Council members have said the council likely won’t pass a resolution taking an official position on HB2.

“We’ve actually got an unwritten policy of not taking a stand on state and federal issues to not politicize our community or the council,” councilman Don Frantz said.

Fund helps commissioners

When Wendell commissioners approved a request for a facade grant to make improvements to a downtown building, the number who voted on the matter was barely larger than the number who recused themselves.

Commissioner Ben Carroll recused himself from considering the request because his wife operates a business in the building at 8 E. Third Street. Commissioner David Myrick took himself out of the conversation because his father-in-law owns the building.

That left three commissioners to approve the request for $1,000 to help pay for new awnings, new outdoor lighting and a new coat of paint.

Carroll was the applicant. In documents provided to the town, he estimated the project’s total cost will run about $5,000. Carroll’s company, Old Oak Construction, will be paid for the work. The company that will operate from the store is 1903 Clothing and Home Interiors.

Political events

▪ Walter Smith, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, and Charles Meeker, candidate for Commissioner of Labor, will speak to the Wake Senior Democrats on Wednesday, April 20, at the Crabtree Marriott. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. with lunch followed by the program at 11:30. Visitors welcome.

Compiled by Paul A. Specht, Kathryn Trogdon and Johnny Whitfield.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Advisory board to Raleigh City Council: oppose HB2."