Formal Complaint Alleges Systemic Conflicts of Interest at The Assembly, DGI, and CFGG

GREENSBORO, N.C. June 28, 2025 — A detailed formal complaint filed by government watchdog George Hartzman accuses The Assembly, a North Carolina-based news outlet, of systemic conflicts of interest involving its Greensboro coverage, funders, and local institutions including Downtown Greensboro Inc. (DGI) and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG).

The complaint names The Assembly’s Greensboro editor Joe Killian, his wife Amanda Lehmert Killian, and multiple institutions whose financial and professional entanglements allegedly compromise the outlet’s ability to report independently on local government and economic power players.

Allegations of Conflict: Marriage, Money, and Media

At the heart of the complaint is Joe Killian, a veteran journalist who previously worked for the News & Record. Killian is married to Amanda Lehmert Killian, who served as a Senior Communications Specialist for the City of Greensboro for eight years under Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who served on DGI's board of directors. Amandda also held a leadership position with the Guilford Green Foundation while Vaughan was Executive Director, a nonprofit that received a $2,500 sponsorship from DGI earlier this year, paid via CEO Zack Matheny’s taxpayer funded credit card.

DGI used taxpayer funds to provide gifts and favors to public officials and contractors, potentially violating N.C. Gen. Stat. § 133-32 (gifts and favors regulated) and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 138A-32 (State Ethics Act). These gifts were not reported, suggesting willful concealment and potential violations of 18 U.S.C. § 201 (federal bribery) and N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-217 (state bribery).

Hartzman argues that these connections, combined with Killian’s relationships with city officials and prior affiliations with open government groups, create an environment ripe for bias—one in which scrutiny of DGI and city government is systematically avoided.

A Closed Loop of Influence?

More broadly, the complaint paints a troubling picture of a media ecosystem influenced by those it’s supposed to cover. The Assembly receives funding through the Greensboro Community Journalism Fund, hosted by CFGG. CFGG itself is a financial partner of DGI and is led by Walker Sanders, who appears on DGI’s internal expense records as the recipient of multiple meals purchased with public funds.

According to the 23-24 DGI ledger obtained by Hartzman on May 21, 2025, Matheny’s DGI credit cards were used three times between August 2023 and February 2024 to purchase meals labeled as meetings with Sanders—totaling $279.24. Meanwhile, CFGG funds both DGI and The Assembly's Greensboro coverage, raising serious concerns about journalistic independence and potential “excess benefit transactions” under IRS rules for nonprofits.

“This isn’t journalism, it’s a closed loop of mutual backscratching,” said Hartzman.

“Taxpayer money flows to DGI. DGI spends it on influencers like Sanders. Sanders' network funds The Assembly, and then The Assembly runs interference for DGI. The public is left misinformed.”

DGI’s expenditures, funded by city contracts, include questionable uses of taxpayer money, potentially constituting N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-90 (embezzlement of public funds) and IRS Private Benefit Doctrine violations for 501(c)(6) organizations.

Questionable Reporting and Correction Requests

Hartzman also accuses The Assembly of misrepresentation and failure to meet basic journalistic standards in its coverage of his efforts to uncover irregularities at DGI. He specifically takes issue with statements in Joe Killian’s June 2025 article, “A Conflict Over Conflicts,” including a claim that “none of that was true” in reference to emerging allegations against DGI.

“That conclusion is not supported by facts and presumes the outcome of an unresolved situation,” Hartzman wrote in a June 27 letter to The Assembly. “The financial records are real. The program existed in secret. The lack of accountability is evident.”

Further, he alleges that The Assembly’s reporter Gale Melcher failed to contact him for comment despite referencing him directly in a recent article about DGI’s controversial homeless relocation program involving Greyhound bus tickets. Records show that 32 ticket purchases were made using DGI’s credit card—before the program had any public oversight.

Institutional Silence, Public Trust Eroded

Hartzman argues that The Assembly’s refusal to acknowledge or correct these issues is part of a broader pattern of journalism serving power rather than holding it accountable.

“This is how power protects itself—by attacking those who ask questions, dismissing evidence without examination, and manufacturing narratives to discredit critics,” he wrote.

The complaint also highlights The Assembly’s founder, Kyle Villemain, and his background in strategic communications. Hartzman argues that Villemain’s dependence on maintaining relationships with North Carolina’s nonprofit and political elites further undermines the outlet’s claim to editorial independence.

Demands for Accountability

Hartzman is requesting formal corrections to past reporting, transparency about funding sources, and a commitment from The Assembly to avoid conflicts of interest in its coverage of DGI, CFGG, and Greensboro’s city government.

The Assembly has not yet publicly responded to the complaint.

Hartzman says he has filed formal complaints with the City of Greensboro, The State Ethics Commission, Auditor, Local Government Commission, North Carolina Secretary of State’s Lobbying Compliance Division, IRS and FBI regarding the DGI ledger and related issues. He maintains that watchdog efforts like his are essential when traditional journalism fails.

“The public deserves better than sanitized press releases masquerading as news,” he said. “We need a press that investigates, not one that protects the powerful.”

STATE ETHICS COMMISSION AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S LOBBYING COMPLIANCE DIVISION COMPLAINTS ON LOBBYING LAW AND OTHER VIOLATIONS BY AT LEAST ZACK MATHENY, NANCY VAUGHAN, NANCY HOFFMANN, CITY ATTORNEY CHUCK WATTS AND ROY CARROLL

 "The State Ethics Commission has the authority to investigate complaints against those persons covered by Chapter 120C of the North Carolina General Statutes, “The Lobbying Law,” for alleged violations."

"Complaints involving allegations related only to potential reporting and registration violations should be reported to the Secretary of State’s Lobbying Compliance Division."  

Signed complaint form attached.

Key Allegations:

1. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest & Improper Influence

DGI's 1/30/2025 Bi Annual report (attached) states;

"The Bellemeade Parking Deck is another area where DGI has been instrumental in working with all business owners impacted by its imminent removal. This includes relocating existing tenants and working to identify new development opportunities."

And;

"DGI engaged with City staff, Boards, Commissions, and City Council on issues that impact the BID area stakeholders, including Depot activation and renovation, public safety, road construction, Bellemeade Parking Deck demolition, persons experiencing homelessness, parking and transportation, GPD, BHART, city ordinances and codes, and items related to our 2030 Strategic Vision Plan."

On February 18, 2025, Zack Matheny moved, voted and signed for GENERAL BUSINESS AGENDA item I.1; "2025-130 Resolution Approving Bid in the Amount of $2,354,000 and Authorizing Execution of Contract 2024-0610 with D. H. Griffin Companies, LLC. for the Demolition of the Bellemeade St Parking Deck".

https://www.youtube.com/live/5KWl3t1ia1U?si=xc-NQJfwe6XK-cum&t=12041

Zack Matheny voted on June 3, 2025, to approve the transfer of city-owned Bellemeade property to Roy Carroll’s company, despite clear conflicts:

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?si=iZzjqexaj2f_o3GA&t=11978

In the Bellemeade Street Deck deal, Roy Carroll's company essentially received a $570,000 windfall by purchasing property appraised at $2,420,000 for only $1,850,000, while simultaneously leaving taxpayers to absorb a $504,000 loss when the city paid $2,354,000 for demolition but only recovered $1,850,000 from the sale. This arrangement effectively transferred over half a million dollars in public value to a private developer while also forcing the city to eat additional costs, creating a double benefit for Carroll at the expense of Greensboro residents who saw their tax dollars used to subsidize a profitable real estate transaction.

Roy Carroll and his wife each donated $5,000 to Matheny’s 2022 campaign.

Craig Carlock, a Carroll Companies executive, sits on DGI’s Board, while Matheny serves as DGI’s President—creating a direct financial and political relationship.

https://www.downtowngreensboro.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

I was forwarded Downtown Greensboro Inc.’s FY 2023–2024 financial records released by the City on Greensboro May 21, 2025 (attached). I don't have FY 22-23 or 24-25. The City and DGI have not released the other information to date, in non-responses to information requests. It appears the ledger was released by mistake.

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?t=3156s

Greensboro Public Records Request #29695 Ledger Attached.

DGI (under Matheny’s leadership) has Carroll affiliated expenditures of $4,313.53 in taxpayer-funded grants and expenses (FY 2023-24), attached, including:

$2,500 façade grant to Park View Development LLC (Carroll-owned).

$1,762.96 for a "Carroll meeting" at Postino.

$50.57 for "Lunch Roy Carroll" at Green Valley Grill.

2. Potential Bribery or Quid Pro Quo

The sequence of Carroll's campaign donations in 2022, followed by taxpayer funded DGI spending in return and favorable city council votes reveals a clear pattern of reciprocal influence that raises serious questions about money's role in municipal decision-making.

Matheny’s failure to recuse himself from Carroll related votes appears to violate NCGS § 14-234 (Conflict of Interest) and possibly NCGS § 14-217 (Bribery of Public Officials).

3. Unregistered Lobbying & Misuse of Public Funds

DGI (led by Matheny) used taxpayer money to wine and dine city officials who later voted on Carroll’s projects:

$43.08 for City Manager at Liberty Oak (9/27/23).

$62.49 for Mayor Nancy Vaughan at Car Bar (9/29/23).

$55.53 for Councilmember Nancy Hoffmann at Print Works Bistro (3/7/24).

Matheny, Rob Overman or Downtown Greensboro aren't registered as lobbyists, yet DGI actively shapes policy benefiting Carroll and other donors, violating NC lobbying disclosure laws.

There are no entries under lobbying within DGI's available IRS form 990s (attached).

4. No-Bid Contracts & Lack of Transparency

The Bellemeade property transfer handed Carroll a $570,000 windfall through a no-bid deal that bypassed competitive processes, violating public trust and procurement laws while forcing taxpayers to absorb an additional $504,000 loss on the demolition costs.

Requested Actions:

Criminal Investigation into potential violations of:

NCGS § 138A-32(e): Prohibited gifts to public officials.

NCGS § 163-278.12: Undisclosed lobbying. Secretary of State’s Database Confirms Noncompliance. Searches for "Matheny," "Downtown Greensboro," and "Overman" (DGI VP) return zero registrations

North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 14-234) prohibits public officials from voting on matters that financially benefit their associates.

NCGS § 14-234 (Public officials benefiting from contracts).

NCGS § 14-217 (Bribery of public officials).

NC lobbying disclosure laws (DGI/Matheny failed to register and report).

DGI's IRS form 990, attached, states; "FUNDS ARE USED TO POSITION THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AS AN ATTRACTIVE, VIBRANT DESTINATION FOR THOSE WHO WORK, PLAY AND LIVE HERE THROUGH PUBLIC SPACE MANAGEMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, MARKETING SERVICES, SPECIAL EVENTS AND ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES."

Misuse of public funds (DGI’s questionable expenses without explanation of who and why).

Attached;

DGI's 1/30/2025 Bi Annual report proving lobbying activities which states;

"DGI has been instrumental in assisting with the navigation of various City departments as this project has unfolded."

"Ongoing assistance with the Carroll Companies and the anticipated Marriott AC Hotel"

"Our Economic Development Staff-comprised of the President/CEO, Vice President and our Economic Development Analyst-held 242 economic development and planning meetings in Q1 and Q2."

"DGI is currently working in conjunction with the City Manager’s Office, Parks and Recreation, GDOT and various other city departments on a major placemaking project at the J. Douglas Gaylon Depot..."

"DGI is always working to recruit new businesses to downtown through various avenues, including ...advocacy, serving as a liaison with city departments... Currently, DGI is working with several developers to facilitate ongoing development in the center city."

"DGI continues to serve in an advocacy capacity for our downtown business owners. Most recently, we provided valuable feedback to GDOT on the proposed fee increase for downtown parking and cited potential concerns related to the impact of those increases."

"In our role as a connector, DGI serves as a liaison between builders, developers, and investors and the appropriate stakeholders and governmental departments, including Economic Development, Permitting, Water & Sewer, Planning, GPD, GDOT, and GFD. Our economic development staff continue to meet regularly with developers and investors, helping them navigate the development process and connecting them with critical resources to advance their projects."

It was made clear at the meeting that illegal gifts have been flowing to City staff and elected officials from DGI and Matheny;

Greensboro City Council Meeting 6/3/2025

I said; "Their ledger shows over $40,000 in spending on perks: Haunted House tickets, Oyster Roast tickets, Swarm, Tanger, Grasshoppers, and Wyndham events. Then there’s meals with city officials, nonprofit leaders and Matheny political donors at Green Valley Grill, B Christopher’s, Pura Vida, Natty Greene’s, Undercurrent, Lucky 32, Print Works, Sushi Republic, Postino, Inka Grill and more. All on the public’s dime, paid for with our tax dollars."

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?t=13206s

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?t=14655s

If Zack Matheny and DGI spent a total of $60,000 on event tickets over the last three years, with tickets averaging $65 each, they could have distributed approximately 923 tickets ($60,000 ÷ $65 = 923.08). This represents a significant volume of event access that could influence relationships and create networking opportunities between public officials and private interests.

Matheny has been CEO of DGI since July, 2015.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-matheny-27473613/

Zack Matheny has been a City Councilman since for the second time after resigning in 2015 to take his DGI position in 2015 to avoid a conflict of interest;

"A few months ago, I expressed interest in leading Downtown Greensboro Incorporated and have interviewed to become the organization's next President and CEO. Due to the nature of the discussions and my desire to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest, as of today, I plan to resign from City Council at the June 16 meeting."

https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/greensboro-councilman-zack-matheny-resigning-wants-to-be-head-of-dgi/83-223918723

And then;

"At the time, Matheny was advised by the city attorney that he could not serve on the City Council and as president of a nonprofit organization that received funding from the city."

"Chip Roth has announced he is running for the District 3 seat, and when it was rumored that Matheny was going to run for his old seat, Roth sent out a press release attacking Matheny for having a conflict of interest as the head of DGI."  

https://www.rhinotimes.com/news/zack-wants-his-old-city-council-seat-back/

Meaning;

Violation of North Carolina Gift & Ethics Laws

A. NCGS § 138A-32 (Gift Ban for Public Officials & Employees)

Prohibition: Public officials and employees (including city council members and staff) cannot knowingly accept gifts from a "person" (including organizations like DGI) that:

Do business with the city (e.g., DGI receives taxpayer funding).

Lobby the city (if DGI advocates for policies benefiting specific developers).

Have financial interests affected by the official’s duties (e.g., Carroll’s property deals).

B. NCGS § 14-234 (Conflict of Interest for Public Officials)

Prohibition: Officials cannot participate in votes or decisions that financially benefit themselves, family, or business associates (e.g., Matheny voting as a Councilman on Carroll projects while a Carroll employee sat on DGI's board, while DGI funds Carroll’s ventures with taxpayer money after accepting campaign contributions).

Penalties: Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 120 days jail) or felony charges if corruption is proven.

C. NC Lobbying Laws (Unregistered Lobbying)

If DGI (under Matheny) is influencing city policy without registering as a lobbyist, it could violate NCGS § 120C-101.

Gifts to officials from unregistered lobbyists are explicitly banned.

If DGI is a city contractor (receiving taxpayer funded grants or managing downtown projects with public money), its meals for officials could be expressly forbidden.

3. Potential Criminal Implications

A. Bribery (NCGS § 14-218)

If gifts were given to influence official actions (e.g., DGI wining/dining officials coincident with Carroll-related votes), this could constitute bribery (a Class F felony).

On December 5, 2023, Zack Matheny charged a $300 lunch at Undercurrent Restaurant to his DGI American Express card for a meeting with powerful real estate developers and city contractors including Samet, Dick, Carroll, Hoyle, Baxter, Waldeck, and Smith, suggesting DGI was facilitating access between these private interests and the city councilman who votes on their projects.  

B. Misuse of Public Funds (NCGS § 14-254)

If DGI used taxpayer money (e.g., city grants) to pay for officials’ meals, this could be embezzlement or fraud.

Zack Matheny misused taxpayer-funded DGI resources to wine and dine key city employees - spending $42.30 on December 21, 2023, to take Parks and Recreation's Josh Sherrick to Mellow Mushroom, and $44.30 on February 22, 2024, for a meal with Parks and Recreation Director Phil Flieshman at Cille & Scoe, essentially using public money to cultivate relationships with the very city staff who implement policies he votes on as a councilman.  

Key Takeaway:

The repeated pattern of DGI (led by Matheny) funding meals for officials who later vote on Carroll’s projects creates a strong appearance of quid pro quo corruption. At minimum, this violates ethics laws; at worst, it could justify criminal charges.

If DGI staff, friends, or family members used event tickets purchased with taxpayer or organizational funds;

A. Misuse of Public Funds (NCGS § 14-254)

If DGI receives city funding (taxpayer money) and uses it to buy tickets for personal use (e.g., staff, friends, family), this could be considered embezzlement or misappropriation of public funds.

Example: If DGI used a city grant to buy concert/sports tickets and gave them to employees’ relatives instead of for official business, this could be illegal.

B. Violation of IRS Rules (Taxable Income)

Gifts of tickets to employees/friends may count as taxable income (IRS "fringe benefit" rules).

If DGI didn’t report these as income on W-2s/1099s, it could face IRS penalties.

Nonprofit Compliance Issues (If DGI is a 501(c)(3) or (c)(6))

Private Benefit Doctrine: Nonprofits cannot use funds for private gain (e.g., giving tickets to board members’ friends without a valid business reason).

IRS Form 990 Reporting: DGI must disclose related-party transactions (e.g., tickets given to insiders), which appears to not have happened if so.

If City Attorney Chuck Watts (who accepted at least $64.17 DGI-funded meal on 11/9/2023) advised Zack Matheny that he could vote on a Carroll-related matter—despite clear conflicts—this raises serious concerns about:

If Watts knew Matheny had a conflict (due to DGI’s financial ties to Carroll) but still approved his vote, this could be obstruction.

Obstruction of Justice (NCGS § 14-221)

Violation of NC State Bar Rules (Legal Ethics)

Rule 1.7 (Conflict of Interest): Watts had a personal conflict (he took DGI gifts) but still advised Matheny—a clear ethical breach.

Rule 8.4 (Misconduct): Knowingly giving bad legal advice to enable corruption violates attorney ethics.

Conspiracy to Violate Ethics Laws (NCGS § 14-223)

If Watts and Matheny colluded to bypass ethics rules, they could face felony conspiracy charges.

DGI’s Financial Ties to Carroll = Clear Conflict

DGI (led by Matheny) gave Carroll $4,313.53 in grants/meals.

Carroll donated $5,000 to Matheny’s campaign.

Carroll’s employee sits on DGI’s board.

Matheny voted to give Carroll city property (Bellemeade) at a loss to taxpayers.

NCGS § 138A-32 prohibits officials from voting on matters benefiting donors/business associates.

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Watts' inaccurate comments at the end of the meeting;

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?t=18028s

Watts’ Own Conflict (DGI Meal) Disqualifies Him

He cannot impartially advise on DGI/Matheny ethics issues because he took taxpayer funded gifts from the same organization.

He should have recused himself and let an independent attorney review the matter.

The Greensboro City Council should have hired an outside attorney (not Watts) to investigate.

When a city attorney has a conflict of interest due to receiving gifts from an organization under ethical scrutiny, yet fails to recuse himself and instead provides legal advice that clears that organization, it raises serious questions about;

Article 30 - Obstructing Justice (N.C.G.S. Chapter 14)

Various obstruction statutes could apply if Watts knowingly provided biased legal advice to impede proper investigation of ethics violations.

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?t=8994s

https://www.youtube.com/live/oc73M2bFEpg?si=L-yfOdA-yZsShc1v&t=9926

The second link covers items G.11 and G.12.

N.C. General Statute 14-234 (Self-Dealing/Conflicts of Interest)

If Watts received gifts from DGI while providing legal advice that benefited them, this could apply.

N.C. General Statute Chapter 138A (State Ethics Act)

The Ethics Act establishes conflict of interest standards, a ban against the acceptance of certain gifts by covered officials, and restricts the use of official positions for private gain. This would cover the gift acceptance and potential misuse of official position.

Article 31 - Misconduct in Public Office (N.C.G.S. Chapter 14)

This covers misconduct in public office Chapter 14 - Article 31 and could apply to a city attorney failing to perform duties impartially due to personal interests.

Professional Conduct Rules

North Carolina has special conflicts of interest rules for current government officers and employees Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees that could create attorney disciplinary issues for Watts.

The most directly applicable would likely be N.C.G.S. 14-234 for deriving benefit while administering government matters, and the State Ethics Act for gift acceptance and misuse of position.

The Pattern of Misconduct;

Watts received gifts from DGI, then provided legal advice clearing DGI and Matheny of ethical violations, while failing to disclose his conflict or recusing himself. This creates an appearance that he used his official position to protect an organization that provided him personal benefits, potentially obstructing proper oversight of public officials.

The city council's failure to recognize this obvious conflict and hire independent counsel suggests either negligence or complicity in allowing a compromised attorney to clear his own benefactors.

If the less detailed DGI meeting minutes show Zack knew he was lobbying, it suggests he deliberately began concealing his activities to avoid documentation that could expose illegal lobbying conduct. The sudden reduction in detail after his reelection indicates consciousness of guilt - he recognized that his dual role as both councilman and DGI leader created lobbying violations, so he started hiding the specifics of DGI's interactions with city government to avoid creating a paper trail of evidence. This pattern of concealment actually strengthens the case that he was aware his conduct violated lobbying laws and was attempting to cover his tracks.  

Thanks,

g

Leon Black, worth $7.8 Billion, is going to take Greensboro and Guilford County for $407,000 in taxpayer funded handouts via Fresh Market

https://www.google.com/search?q=leon+black+net+worth&rlz=1C1CHZL_enUS712US712&oq=leon+black+net+&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l2.6853j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

"In 2016, Apollo Global Management LLC acquired the stock and Fresh Market is now a privately held company with over 13,000 employees, headquartered at 628 Green Valley Road."

https://www.rhinotimes.com/news/greensboro-and-high-point-to-hold-rare-joint-meeting-on-incentive/

"Leon David Black (born 1951) is an American investor and art collector. He specializes in leveraged buyouts and private equity. He founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management in 1990.

...Two months after the May 2012 anonymous purchase of one of four versions of Edvard Munch's The Scream, The Wall Street Journal reported that Black had been the one who had paid $119.9 million for the pastel, the highest price ever paid for a work of art at auction as of that time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Black

"The Fresh Market is not only likely getting help from the Guilford County taxpayers, but also from the Greensboro taxpayers who are Guilford County taxpayers as well.

The Greensboro City Council is holding a special-called joint meeting with the High Point City Council on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Guilford Technical Community College Center for Advanced Manufacturing, 6012 Gate City Blvd.

At that meeting, the Greensboro City Council plans to consider an incentive not to exceed $301,000 based on the Fresh Market creating 53 new jobs and retaining 248 jobs with an average wage of $86,000 and a capital investment by the Fresh Market of about $2 million."

https://www.rhinotimes.com/news/greensboro-and-high-point-to-hold-rare-joint-meeting-on-incentive/

County Taxpayers May Help Grow Fresh Market

While the Guilford County Board of Commissioners hasn’t discussed the project publically, the board has scheduled a public hearing for its Thursday, Nov. 21 meeting, when the commissioners will listen to any pro and con arguments from citizens and then vote on a proposed incentives package for the upscale grocery store chain.

According to county documents, the proposal is “to appropriate and expend $106,000 in county funds to The Fresh Market, Inc. for the creation of 53 new jobs and retention of 248 positions at an average wage of $86,000.”

https://www.rhinotimes.com/featured-article/county-taxpayers-may-help-grow-fresh-market/

In the past 37 years, Fresh Market has grown to a chain of 160 stores in 22 states. In 2010, the company held an initial public offering raising $290 million and the stock began trading on Nasdaq.

https://www.rhinotimes.com/news/greensboro-and-high-point-to-hold-rare-joint-meeting-on-incentive/
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Fake fiscal conservative Tony Wilkins and Justin Outling vote for City of Greensboro Tax Increase

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/04/fake-fiscal-conservative-tony-wilkins.html

Justin Outling: $500 from Marty Kotis, who he voted to give taxpayer monies to

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/roch-smith-jr-kotis-showers-council.html

The Rhino's Hammer, a lying liberal when told to be as Roy Carroll's crony faux journalistic boy toy to cover for City Council's handouts to John's boss

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-rhinos-hammer-lying-liberal-when.html

Think about how much taxpayer money Nancy Hoffmann has voted to give to Marty Kotis

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/10/think-about-how-much-taxpayer-money.html

A taxpayer funded parking deck for Roy Carroll and Tuggle Duggins moved by Councilmember Outling, seconded by Councilmember Hoffmann, to adopt the resolution. 

The motion carried on the following roll call vote:

Ayes, Nancy Vaughan, Yvonne J. Johnson, Mike Barber, Marikay Abuzuaiter, Jamal T. Fox, Sharon M. Hightower, Nancy Hoffmann, Justin Outling and Tony Wilkins"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/09/greensboro-council-to-consider-taxing.html

Goldie Wells signs on to be just like Justin Outling and Tony Wilkins; Appointed before an election

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/07/goldie-wells-signs-on-to-be-just-like.html

Premeditated fraud on the City's taxpayers by Justin Outling and City Council

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/12/tonight-greensboros-city-council.html

I made a bunch of phone calls today trying to find out who the realtor is for Roy Carroll's Publix Greensboro incentive deal

I saw Robbie Perkins huddled with Marlene Sanford at the Council meeting Tuesday night, waiting for the vote to give Roy Carroll millions more on top of the $32 million he just got with the Tuggle Duggins's boys from the Triad Good Government PAC, which gave to 7 out of 9 City Council members last election cycle.

Yvonne Johnson didn't even know where the money came from.

I asked Robbie if he was going to be the real estate agent for the retail space the City/Roy was building into the deck taxpayers were paying for by the ballpark.

He said he didn't know anything etc...

https://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2018/03/i-made-bunch-of-phone-calls-today.html

Robbie Perkins led the effort to line his and his friends pockets with taxpayer money without creating more jobs.

http://hartzman.blogspot.com/2013/10/on-robbie-perkins-dishonest-campaign.html

Mayor Perkins and Crony Capitalist Roy Carroll seeking millions in taxpayers monies for water and sewer to Eastern Guilford County

http://hartzman.blogspot.com/2012/03/mayor-perkins-and-crony-capitalist-roy.html

A sign of panic; "Wilkins, Barber win nods from 5 former Greensboro mayors"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-sign-of-panic-wilkins-barber-win-nods.html

Mike Barber personally profiting from Greensboro taxpayers with some help from Amanda Lehmert

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/03/mike-barber-personally-profiting-from.html

City Council Give Away; June 16, 2015; $188,280.87 of water and sewer for Roy Carroll hidden in item 9 of the consent agenda for Greensboro's City Council meeting

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/06/city-council-give-away-june-16-2015.html

How much did the city spend to get the sewer line installed under I-40 for Roy Carroll's AMEX backup data center project?

http://hartzman.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-much-did-city-spend-to-get-sewer.html
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Adam Smith, the father of modern economics wrote “The proposal of any new law or regulation which comes from [businessmen], ought always to be listened to with great precaution, and ought never to be adopted till after having been long and carefully examined, not only with the most scrupulous, but with the most suspicious attention.”
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If a democratically elected government is supposed to protect the public from profit-seeking special interests, so the people don’t end up living “in a van down by the river,” while the “Man” captures the community’s regulatory and political apparatus with campaign cash, are Roy Carroll's actions symptomatic of a systemic disease afflicted on an apathetic population, enabled by a majority of Greensboro's City Council?
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Hartzman's prepared statement on John Hammer, Roy Carroll and the Rhino Times, from last night's City Council meeting

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2014/12/hartzmans-prepared-statement-on-john.html

Roy Carroll's Tony Wilkins stealth donation via the Triad Good Government PAC

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/02/roy-carrolls-tony-wilkins-stealth.html

Roy Carroll funneling money to Nancy Vaughan via the Triad Good Government PAC

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/02/roy-carroll-funneling-money-to-nancy.html

John Hammer goes to the Infrastructure Committee meeting, doesn't report Marty Kotis getting a City property for less than the appraised value = John Hammer isn't a journalist

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/john-hammer-goes-to-infrastructure.html

Congrats to Roy Carroll and Randall Kaplan; Your names appear nowhere on $56 million in taxpayer handouts

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/11/congrats-to-roy-carroll-and-randall.html

Nancy Vaughan's 2017 Roy Carroll payoff for his parking deck

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2018/01/nancy-vaghans-2017-roy-carroll-payoff.html

Roy Carroll and Tuggle Duggin's Triad Good Government PAC, Nancy Hoffmann, and the rest of our bribed politicians

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/10/roy-carroll-and-tuggle-duggins-triad.html

Nancy Hoffman's post election filing take from Roy Carroll via the Triad Good Government PAC

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/03/nancy-hoffmans-post-election-filing.html

Today's City of Greensboro is the result of a transformation into an oligarchy"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/10/todays-city-of-greensboro-is-result-of.html

Greensboro, North Carolina; "Crony capitalism is the worst case in point"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/08/greensboro-north-carolina-crony.html

"North Carolina is no longer classified as a democracy"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/12/north-carolina-is-no-longer-classified.html

The Declaration of Independence and Our New Crony Royalty

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-declaration-of-independence-and-our.html

"In the mid–20th century, fascism actually meant something.

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/01/in-mid20th-century-fascism-actually.html

"Consider Greensboro's News Media.

"Our community's only defense again crony capitalism is a strong independent media.

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/consider-greensboros-news-media.html

"CRONY CAPITALISM THE CAUSE OF GREENSBORO’S PROBLEMS"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/crony-capitalism-cause-of-greensboros.html

This Is The Kind of City Mayor Nancy Vaughan Is Building

This is the kind of city Mayor Nancy Vaughan is building: https://www.kcet.org/shows/city-rising/episodes/city-rising-gentrification-and-displacement?fbclid=IwAR0sG8vuia8AOuSb3-Brad2Utyxx1TdU0IFAMeyCdS51b66K7J_gn2rgsM4

Hat tip Karen D. Spigner

Nancy Vaughan Makes False Accusations Against Constituent

From our Mayor's Facebook Constituent Page. Be sure to note the time stamps.

No apologies, no remorse, she just doesn't care. These are the people who lead our city.

Remember when Billy Jones won a public records lawsuit against the City of Greensboro; Most in our community don't, as they weren't informed by most of our local press corps

If the City collaborated with Say Yes, which looks likely, 
considering they were some of the same people on both sides,
there may be criminal consequences associated with actions taken 
by both City employees, executives and elected officials
and former employees who were in charge of public records requests
which would be Donnie Turlington and Mary Vigue
as it looks like they personally gained financially from stifling information
as City employees to get the jobs they were given,
and then as Say Yes employees who violated IRS records laws

Billy Jones sued the City for records the City refused to produce, 

noting Say Yes Guilford and Say Yes to Education also refused to produce 

in concert with the City 

after Vigue and Turlington stopped working for the City

and started working for Say Yes, but most have no knowledge of the action,

because our local press didn't report it.

"City of Greensboro, mayor sued over access to public records" by Roch Smith Jr.

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/city-of-greensboro-mayor-sued-over.html

Friday, August 12, 2016; The City of Greensboro has prevented an information request concerning Say Yes to Education for more than 38 weeks

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-city-of-greensboro-has-prevented.html

Greensboro's City Council should be ashamed of themselves

for misleading our community

"In February, when Say Yes to Education Guilford requested proposals for an outside group to hire family-support specialists to work with students at 12 schools, leaders hoped to have a contract signed by the end of March and personnel in place at the end of last school year.

But that’s yet to happen. Say Yes still hasn’t inked a contract with a potential vendor to hire anyone.

According to the chapter’s new interim director Donnie Turlington, the plan stalled because the committee overseeing the initiative is looking for a recurring source of money that would pay for the specialists beyond this first year, which is covered.

After Donnie lied through his teeth with full knowledge

the payouts could not be made, months before the story broke

Say Yes National’s $15 million commitment to the Guilford chapter hasn’t changed, he said.

No mention of money Say Yes' money invested in the founder's fund

with most of the investments located in "South America and the Caribbean".

But the committee wants to find money that will help keep the initiative going before the specialists are ever hired and sent into schools.

How much of "Say Yes National’s $15 million commitment to the Guilford chapter"

has been delivered?

One would think a reporter would ask and deliver the information, 

but not at the News and Record, which is a propaganda outlet

which keeps our community in the dark

about actual facts that really matter  

It’s a little unclear yet whether that’s going to be a boon or a stumbling block for the much-heralded program that’s dealt with some blows in the past year, mainly from being unable to live up to some expectations related to its scholarship program.

The Say Yes Guilford Scholarship Board should be ashamed of themselves

for misleading our community

Getting future financing for the specialists would provide stability for the program...

Say Yes is a massive fraud 

committed by those who knew the program was unsustainable

including Guilford County's School Board and Greensboro's City Council

with zero accountability as usual by the News and Record,

while our paper of record kisses local municipal ass

as they try to unload their property in downtown Greensboro

Reached by phone this week, Turlington sounded optimistic about the situation and said he applauded the committee’s desire to focus on long-term sustainability...

Turlington pulled a fast one on Guilford County's kids and their parents,

and should be tarred, feathered and shipped out of town in a trash truck

for misleading so many while knowing what would happen

...Say Yes to Education is a New York-based national education nonprofit with a chapter in Guilford County. The 2015 announcement of the Guilford chapter came with much fanfare after the county raised millions of dollars for scholarships and competed with other cities across the country to nab the partnership.

But since then, things haven’t always gone smoothly.

How much money has Say Yes Guilford actually raised Jessie Pounds?

How much is actually left?

Don't the answers to the former two questions seem important to know?

Say Yes distributed about $5.8 million to fund scholarships for 2,426 graduates from the class of 2016, drawing on money raised from local and regional donors — and spending way more than expected.

Who would have thought?

In response, Say Yes’ scholarship committee introduced a plan to drastically reduce the overall amount of money given. Fewer students will get money for scholarships and many will get less than before.

Turlington has yet to disclose how much the Greensboro Community Foundation 

and the High Point Community Foundation 

are going to take in fees for money management,

which Jessie doesn't know enough about to ask or was told not to

or decided not to to support a Ponzi scheme

With one problem solved, now it’s on to another.

...When or if the family specialists do enter the schools, they’ll help answer questions from families about college scholarships and other topics.

“We have a group we’ve identified that can do the work,” Turlington said. “We don’t have a contract yet, but we feel good about that group and their abilities to help us.”

Contact Jessie Pounds at 336-373-7002 and follow @JessiePounds on Twitter

http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/school-year-starts-in-guilford-but-with-no-say-yes/article_2095904a-502f-5a79-b555-bca6d01779b0.html

"Turlington named interim director for Say Yes Guilford

Donnie Turlington, the communications director for Say Yes to Education Guilford, took over as interim executive director last month.

He replaces Nadia Del Valle, who assumed the interim role last winter, following the departure of former executive director Mary Vigue.

...“We’ve got a great team here that’s responded very favorably to my role,” he said.

Turlington’s past experience includes nearly six years working in communications for the city of Greensboro. Before that, he was the director of public relations and digital engagement for Bouvier Kelly, a Greensboro advertising and marketing agency."

http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/turlington-named-interim-director-for-say-yes-guilford/article_83e97a7a-fc46-56e2-8e8e-4efe0330ff26.html
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Ponzi needs a new town; Jul 25, 2016 4:59 AM; "Say Yes to Education" program could mean free college for Louisville students"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/ponzi-needs-new-town-jul-25-2016-459-am.html

Richard (Skip) Moore's misleading statements; "8 Things to Know About "Say Yes To Education"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/richard-skip-moores-misleading.html

Wednesday, June 29, 2016; Please ask Greensboro's City Council, Guilford County's Commissioners and School Board a version of the following questions

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/06/please-ask-greensboros-city-council.html

The salaries of some Yes to Education Executives, which just took Guilford County for more than $25 million

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-salaries-of-some-yes-to-education.html


Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey; President at Say Yes to Education, Inc.; Professional Fundraising Organization

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/mary-anne-schmitt-carey-president-at.html

"No answer still as to how much Susan is expecting from Say Yes"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/no-answer-still-as-to-how-much-susan-is.html

Lex Alexander on how Guilford County's Judicial corps could make Billy Jones' demand for an immediate hearing on his public records lawsuit remain out of sight

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/lex-alexander-on-how-guilford-countys.html

Guilford County Superior Court Clerk Lisa Johnson-Tonkins needs to recuse herself from any involvment in Billy Jones' City of Greensboro Lawsuit

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/guilford-county-superior-court-clerk.html

About That Lawsuit

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/about-that-lawsuit.html

New Guilford County Schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras' = Say Yes to Education, Say Yes Guilford and Say Yes Syracuse = Say Yes now owns Guilford County Schools

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/06/new-guilford-county-schools.html

John Hammer on new Guilford County Schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras and Say Yes to Education

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/06/john-hammer-on-new-guilford-county.html

Alan Duncan and Amos Quick; "Through Say Yes to Education in Syracuse, Contreras has worked with her community..."

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/alan-duncan-and-amos-quick-through-say.html

"City of Greensboro, mayor sued over access to public records" by Roch Smith Jr.

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/city-of-greensboro-mayor-sued-over.html

Ponzi needs a new town; Jul 25, 2016 4:59 AM; "Say Yes to Education" program could mean free college for Louisville students"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/ponzi-needs-new-town-jul-25-2016-459-am.html

Just in case any of those involved with Say Yes to Education want to say they didn't know

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/just-in-case-any-of-those-involved-with.html

"Council for Say Yes will hold public meeting Monday"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/friday-november-11-2016-740-pm-council.html

"Newcomers join Greensboro school board this month" and Say Yes Guilford

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/12/newcomers-join-greensboro-school-board.html

Dear Donnie Turlington and Mary Vigue; Please explain why Say Yes to Education's money is in Central America

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/02/dear-donnie-turlington-and-mary-vigue.html

An email sent to Say Yes to Education folks this morning;

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/an-email-sent-to-say-yes-to-education.html

John Hammer at the Rhino Times is starting to get the fcukedupness of Say Yes to Education

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/03/john-hammer-at-rhino-times-is-starting.html

The beginning of the middle of the eventual end of Say Yes to Education in Guilford County

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-beginning-of-middle-of-eventual-end.html

Former City of Greensboro Assistant Manager Mary Vigue used her position to personally profit via Say Yes to Education and Say Yes Guilford

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/09/former-city-of-greensboro-assistant.html

Guilford school board seeks more information from Say Yes

http://www.greensboro.com/news/schools/guilford-school-board-seeks-more-information-from-say-yes/article_dcde8eee-fcdb-5c3a-99d7-1447ae62d009.html

Interim executive director named for Say Yes to Education Guilford

http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/interim-executive-director-named-for-say-yes-to-education-guilford/article_1e112125-23c7-5b2d-86a5-882da9b1e1e9.html

I handed out about 100 fliers of this at the meeting; "Say Yes to Education and Say Yes Guilford Unanswered Questions"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/i-handed-out-about-100-fliers-of-this.html

It's been about a month since the News and Record hasn't reported Say Yes Guilford has less than $11 million, and charter schools have to pay 100%

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/12/its-been-5-days-and-news-and-record.html

A comment awaiting moderation at Triad City Beat's "Say Yes says maybe to undocumented Guilford students"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-comment-awaiting-moderation-at-triad.html

Say Yes to Education and Say Yes Guilford questions for Monday night at 6 pm

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/11/say-yes-to-education-and-say-yes.html

Say Yes to Education Red Flag; Mary Vigue; She is about to be in charge of more than $25 million for a 'non-profit' after shafting City of Greensboro employees out of investment fee cuts

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/say-yes-to-education-red-flag-mary.html

Mary Anne Schmitt-Carey; President at Say Yes to Education, Inc.; Professional Fundraising Organization

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/mary-anne-schmitt-carey-president-at.html

Say Yes to Education Independent Contractor Compensation the News and Record's Susan Ladd failed to report

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/10/say-yes-to-education-independent.html

Say Yes to Education, Inc. (Say Yes), and Say Yes Guilford appears to be a legal Ponzi scheme and/or a Racket

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/11/say-yes-to-education-inc-say-yes-and.html

How the Triad Business Journal got played for chumps by Say Yes to Education and Say Yes Guilford

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/11/how-triad-business-journals-reporter.html

On October 3, 2015, Guilford County's Board of Education was shown a "Full Tuition Scholarship Incentive" plan, for every GCS graduate who goes to college

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/11/on-october-3-2015-guilford-countys.html

Monday, November 16, 2015, I crashed the Say Yes to Education and Say Yes Guilford meeting at Smith High School and passed out fliers asking the following questions;

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2015/11/i-crashed-say-yes-to-education-and-say.html

"Guilford commissioners hear update on Say Yes"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/02/guilford-commissioners-hear-update-on.html

Say Yes Guilford Questions for Guilford County Commissioner and School Board Candidates

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/02/say-yes-guilford-questions-for-guilford.html

Ponzi? From Say Yes to Education's 7/1/2014 to 6/30/2015 IRS 990 tax form

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/10/from-say-yes-to-educations-712014-to.html

Gag order and censorship for Guilford County teachers by Say Yes to Education and Angela Jackson of Guilford County's Association of Educators

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/gag-order-and-censorship-for-guilford.html

George Weiss doesn't mind using massive leverage and illegal tax avoidance

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/george-weiss-doesnt-mind-using-massive.html

One Dollar; "Resolution Requesting Approval of Lease Agreement with Say Yes to Education"; Tuesday, November 17, 2015

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/one-dollar-resolution-requesting.html

George 'Say Yes to Education' Weiss and Associates;"...the hedge fund portfolio reportedly returned more than 50% per year on an annual basis", except for when it didn't

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/09/george-say-yes-to-education-weiss-and.html

Susan Ladd's oldest daughter appears to be in line for a Say Yes to Education scholarship

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/08/susan-ladds-oldest-daughter-appears-to.html

If Say Yes Guilford has $35 million,...

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/if-say-yes-guilford-has-35-million.html

$832,000 Payoff; "Buffalo Public Schools award the contract to Say Yes for community program"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/832000-payoff-buffalo-public-schools.html

Richard (Skip) Moore's misleading statements; "8 Things to Know About "Say Yes To Education"

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/richard-skip-moores-misleading.html

Why did the Hartford Chapter of Say Yes close in June 2005?

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/07/why-did-hartford-chapter-of-say-yes.html

Thursday, June 30, 2016; Say Yes to Education's amazing, quite unbelievable investment performance; This is a George Weiss special

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2016/06/say-yes-to-educations-amazing-quite.html

Proof of Control Fraud by Kathy Manning, City of Greensboro's Matt Brown, CFGG's Walker Sanders and everyone else who knew and didn't say anything, especially the elected officials who voted for it

Matt, Kathy and Walker conspired to mislead the public with farcical, unattainable math;

330 spaces x $18 = $5,940

$5,940 x 150 = $891,000

Which matches within $20,000 of what was presented to the public 

and voted on by City Council;

$10 million + 2.1 + $1.079 million = $13,179,000 million from VIP parking,

which is just about $13,195,710.  From Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 4:24 PM;

330 x 18 = $5,940

$5,940 x 150 = $891,000 per year, from 330 VIP parking spots at $18 a piece 

sold out at every event for 150 events

$13,195,710 / $891,000 = 14.81 years of 330 VIP spots 

sold out at every event for 150 events every year

for almost 15 strait years

The paid consultant said the center could host about 149 events per year after 3 years, some of which obviously couldn't get sold out VIP parking money;

The STPAC is not going to sell 330 VIP parking spots at every event

31 events don't look like they can charge $18 for VIP parking


149 - 31 = 118

66 annually projected performances are expected to bring in less than 2,000 patrons, which are not going to sell 330 VIP parking spaces for $18 a piece

There are 12 expected student plays or concerts, which will likely have no VIP spaces sold for.

The 11 recitals won't sell 330 VIP spaces

CTG's Wizard of Oz etc... can't/won't be able sell 330 VIP parking

So how much is the parking going to cost, 

relative to taking a Uber/Lyft, or parking for free?

There were 488 free on street parking spots within 1,200 feet of the site, 

not counting the VF and the Marriott parking across the street,

and another couple thousand in two more parking decks on the way;

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yYf-FgaVvhZqm5CUFD95KQcGbAYKnfPEdcoaaR-MTUU_nwOjbn6I_xWlRX-WeYMoq8gWu_16EiroPZNyJ4S50BA2A8E9bTQYcv5bOi6YOhvdBisOAQ1PRntNBHJqZTH9b0URpz11Vow/s1600/Inside+Circle.jpg

The Bellemeade Deck across the street has 1,276 spaces

DPAC charges $5 per car in a similarly proximate deck.

The public presentation didn't include how much the parking would cost at $18 per spot, and certainly didn't include the projected 2019 rate and potential more VIP parking

on top of the 330 spaces currently planned;

As of November 14, 2017, only $20 million of the $40 plus million in private donations have actually been "raised", not counting expected interest payments on the loan CFGG took out to make up the difference;

http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2018/04/as-of-november-14-2017-only-20-million.html

Manning and Walker Sanders, the president of the Community Foundation,

also announced that they had met their goal

of raising $38.5 million from private donors.

Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane

Financially Illiterate News and Record reporter who lied to her readers

Dec 17, 2016

Manning and Walker among others purposefully misled our community

and have conspired against Greensboro's taxpayers for personal profit

Costs for the entire project will be covered by private donations,

hotel and motel tax revenues, ticket fees and parking revenues

— not taxpayer money, [Matt] Brown said.

Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane

If taxpayer money becomes involved, 

Matt Brown should be removed from his position

.

.

Performing Arts Center: "[Notable]...Task Force Members";

GPAC Development / Marketing Task Force; Kathy Manning, co-chair

GPAC Economic Impact / Feasibility Task Force; Randall Kaplan and Roy Carroll

GPAC Development / Marketing Task Force; George House, one of Randall's partners

.

.

Two reasons among many that a GPAC with 3,000 seats probably won't work as well as DPAC with 2,700 seats

http://hartzman.blogspot.com/2013/06/one-reason-among-many-that-gpac-with.html

City Council voted to for this project knowing this information

or should have, and/or willfully ignored data,

violating their fiduciary duties to Greensboro's taxpayers,

and should be removed from office

"§ 14-230. Willfully failing to discharge duties.

(a) If any clerk of any court of record, sheriff, magistrate, school board member, county commissioner, county surveyor, coroner, treasurer, or official of any of the State institutions, or of any county, city or town, shall willfully omit, neglect or refuse to discharge any of the duties of his office, for default whereof it is not elsewhere provided that he shall be indicted, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If it shall be proved that such officer, after his qualification, willfully and corruptly omitted, neglected or refused to discharge any of the duties of his office, or willfully and corruptly violated his oath of office according to the true intent and meaning thereof, such officer shall be guilty of misbehavior in office, and shall be punished by removal therefrom under the sentence of the court as a part of the punishment for the offense."

.

.

"§ 14-209. Punishment for perjury.

If any person shall willfully and corruptly commit perjury, on his oath or affirmation, in any suit, controversy, matter or cause, depending in any of the courts of the State, or in any deposition or affidavit taken pursuant to law, or in any oath or affirmation duly administered of or concerning any matter or thing whereof such person is lawfully required to be sworn or affirmed, every person so offending shall be punished as a Class F felon."

.

.

"§ 14-210. Subornation of perjury.

If any person shall, by any means, procure another person to commit such willful and corrupt perjury as is mentioned in G.S. 14-209, the person so offending shall be punished as a Class I felon."

.

.

2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes § 97-88.2. Penalty for fraud.

§ 97‑88.2. Penalty for fraud.

(a) Any person who willfully makes a false statement or representation of a material fact for the purpose of obtaining or denying any benefit or payment, or assisting another to obtain or deny any benefit or payment under this Article, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if the amount at issue is less than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Violation of this section is a Class H felony if the amount at issue is one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more. The court may order restitution.

(a1) When a person is convicted under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission may enter such orders as necessary to ensure that the person convicted does not benefit from the unlawful conduct.

https://law.justia.com/codes/north-carolina/2005/chapter_97/gs_97-88.2.html

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N.C. GEN. STAT. § 75-1.1. Methods of competition, acts and practices regulated; legislative policy

(a) Unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, are declared unlawful.

...North Carolina enacted the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“UDTPA”) to benefit consumers, but “its protections extend to businesses in appropriate situations.”[3] Creating a private cause of action for consumers was the Act’s primary purpose.[4] Also, the statute was enacted “to provide a civil means to maintain ethical standards of dealings between persons engaged in business and the consuming public” within North Carolina because “other legal remedies were inadequate or ineffective.”[5] It applies to dealings between buyers and sellers at all levels of commerce.[6]

Under the North Carolina statute, both individuals, through a private cause of action, and the State, through the Attorney General, can raise a claim for unfair and deceptive trade practices.[11] The Attorney General is responsible for investigating all corporations or persons in North Carolina doing business in violation of the law.[12] Persons or corporations that violate any of the provisions of Chapter 75 may be subject to criminal sanctions in prosecutions brought by the state Attorney General, remedies through civil actions brought and prosecuted by the Attorney General, damages in private causes of action by injured persons, or any permissible combination.[13]

Prima Facie Case

Three-Part Test

A claim under this statute requires proof of three elements: (1) an unfair or deceptive act or practice; (2) in or affecting commerce; (3) which proximately caused the injury to the claimant.[15] [16] A court will first determine if the act or practice was “in or affecting commerce” before determining if the act or practice was unfair or deceptive.[17]

Unfair and Deceptive Definition

A practice is unfair when it offends established public policy or when the act or practice is “immoral, unethical, oppressive, unscrupulous, or substantially injurious to consumers.”[18] A party is guilty of an unfair act or practice when it engages in conduct which amounts to an inequitable assertion of its power or position.[19] [20] For an act or practice to be deceptive it must have “the capacity or tendency to deceive” but proof of actual deception is not required.[21] [22]

Deliberate acts of deceit or bad faith do not have to be shown, rather, the claimant must demonstrate that the act or practice possessed the tendency and capacity to mislead or created the likelihood of deception.[23] Additionally, it is not required that the claimant actually relies on the deception in order to prevail; actual reliance is not a factor to be considered.[24] 

Unfairness is a broader concept than, and includes the concept of, deceptiveness.[28] However, only one—either unfairness or deceptiveness—is required to bring the act or practice within the statute.[29] There is no requirement that the act or practice be both unfair and deceptive.[30]

A plaintiff can prove that an act was “in or affecting commerce” by demonstrating that the parties were “engaged in an activity involving an exchange of some type in which a participant could be characterized as a seller.”[38] However, the activity need only to “surround or affect a sale,” it does not need to meet a stricter standard of “inducing a sale.”[39]

In its broadest sense, commerce includes “intercourse for the purposes of trade in any form.”[40]

Causal Requirement

A claimant must prove that a defendant’s unfair or deceptive acts were the cause of the injuries the claimant incurred. Proof of actual injuries can include: loss of the use of specific and unique property, the loss of any appreciated value of property, and other elements of damage shown by plaintiff’s evidence.[44] Reliance on the defendant’s unfair or deceptive act is not necessary to show that the defendant was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. 

The Burden Shifting Scheme

North Carolina’s UDTPA created a statutory burden-shifting scheme. At the outset, the Plaintiff bears the burden of proof,[47] and must provide sufficient evidence to support his claim that he has suffered actual injury as a result of the defendant’s actions.[48] Then the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions “were in or affecting commerce,” and that they constituted an unfair or deceptive practice. Once a plaintiff has established his prima facie case, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove that he is exempt from the UDTPA.[49]

Fraud is sufficient evidence of an unfair or deceptive act, including fraud in the inducement;[81] [82] the use of coercive tactics is also covered by the statute;[83] negligent misrepresentation, including failure to disclose that amounts to misrepresentation;[84] and, a broken promise can also qualify if the promisor had no intent to perform when he made the promise, which amounts to promissory fraud.[85] 

Intentionally and Knowingly Making False Statements: Torrance v. AS&L Motors, Ltd., 119 N.C. App. 552, 459 S.E.2d 67 (1995).

A used car salesman told potential buyers a specific car had not been involved in an accident when asked by the buyers, even though the seller knew that statement was false. The buyer then relied on the statement that the car had never been in an accident and purchased the car. Because the car salesman knowingly lied to the buyers about the car’s accident history, the act was unfair or deceptive under the statute.

Failure to Inspect: Huff v. Autos Unlimited, Inc., 124 N.C. App. 410, 477 S.E.2d 86 (1996).

A used car salesman failed to conduct a simple visual inspection of a car that he knew had been in an accident. Even without the visual inspection, and with the knowledge that the car had been wrecked, the salesman sold the car with assurances of its reliability, subjecting him to liability for an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/N.C._Gen._Stat_%C2%A7_75-1.1:_Unfair_%26_Deceptive_Trade_Practices_Under_North_Carolina_Law

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FRAUD: The Supreme Court has concluded that there are two types of fraud in a civil context: Actual and Constructive.  The Court has determined that Active Fraud is the false representation of a material fact or, in the alternative, the concealment of a material fact.  Moreover, the misrepresented material fact must be known to be false or made recklessly, without any knowledge of its truth or falsity.  A fact is considered “material” if, had it been known to the party, it would have influenced that party’s decision in making the contract at all.  Constructive Fraud, on the other hand, is based on the relationship between the parties.  It requires the existence of a relation of trust and confidence, in which the bad actor is alleged to have taken advantage of his position of trust, resulting in injury to the harmed party.  

http://hslc-law.com/deception-ruse-subterfuge-when-does-act-rise-to-fraud-or-unfair-and-deceptive-trade-practice/