Read the new blog post on 2-17-26 at 7:30AM Still Waiting: When Leadership Is Measured by Outcomes

As I spend time with Theodore Roosevelt in Bret Baier’s new book, To Rescue The American Spirit and the Birth of a Superpower, I find myself thinking again about the greatness of men and women. In our American story, individuals step forward whose loyalty, discipline, and vision become the architecture of change. I have lived … Continue reading While Still Waiting: Another Stepheny Thought – The Measure of Leadership →

For years it has been said that a mayor can only do so much, that the role is largely ceremonial, ribbon cuttings, speeches, appearances, a steady hand but little real influence. I have never believed that, and the story of Charleston in the late twentieth century proves why that assumption is wrong Mainstreetrockymount.com is honoring … Continue reading Let’s Look At The Role A Mayor Played In Charleston, SC →

It is clear that Rocky Mount needs leadership elected by the whole city, accountable to the whole city, and willing to place the public good ahead of private agendas. Under the current ward-only voting system, City Council members are elected by a small portion of the electorate while making decisions that affect the entire city. … Continue reading How We Do It: Restoring Citywide Accountability in Rocky Mount →

As a child, I loved maps showing the mythical place of the story. I was drawn to them the way children are drawn to pictures before they know how to read words. I knew nothing about cities, boundaries, or responsibility. These maps were not the modern kind on our cell phones, but the old ones, … Continue reading Still Awaiting Audit Results: Here Be Dragons →