Robert Clark
Title: Council Member
Municipality: City of Winston-Salem
Position Interested In: Second Vice President
Tell us why you would like to serve in a leadership position at the League. In particular, specify goals you would like to accomplish as an officer or board member and indicate how, if attained, they will help to achieve Vision 2030 – the League’s future vision of how cities and towns will operate in 2030.
I truly believe that our cities and towns are the principle factor making our state one of the leading ones in this country.
At times I feel that the general assembly forgets this. One of the Leagues major functions is to remind them of this.
With my recent retirement, I have the time now to become more involved in local government hence my appointment to the NCLM board.
Our state is changing and the League must be a leader in managing this change. We are becoming more urban. This is good news for our larger cities but has a negative impact on our smaller ones. This trend is resulting in a shift in employment away from our agricultural roots. We are also becoming more purple which is causing friction between the red rural and blue urban areas.
One specific area where the League can help is in regional collaboration. Landfills and water and sewer facilities are examples where we can help. The work the League is currently doing with our ARPA grant is great example of the type of help we can bring to our smaller and more vulnerable communities.
Tell us about your experience as a municipal official. You may want to include information on your service on the municipal governing body, other related boards and special areas of interest.
I am the senior member of the Winston-Salem City Council having served 23 years. I have served on the Finance, Public Works and Housing committees. I have been the chair of the Finance Committee for 16 years and vice chair prior to that. In these 23 years the city has achieved a AAA bond rating every year, something that neither the Federal nor North Carolina governments can claim. Winston-Salem is a typical southern city with a diverse racial mix. We are also dealing with the transition from tobacco and textiles to 21st century industries.
I have demonstrated and have a good reputation as someone who can work across the aisle to get things done. We are a two party state and it is imperative to have a good working relationship with both parties if you to advance your agenda.
My resume includes some of my other community involvement.
Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities.
As noted in resume I have a BA degree from The University of the South, and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. My experience as a small business owner is very relevant to the NCLM. For example, I have negotiated health, workman's comp, and general liability insurance for my companies every year for 35 years. The insurance pools provide vital cash flow to the League. It is imperative that we keep them profitable and solvent.
Also, my experience as a business owner and my financial training at Wharton give me valuable knowledge in these areas.
I also serve on the Board of Triad Business Bank, a community bank headquartered in Greensboro. This board gives me a front row seat to the business climate in the state.
Lastly, I have been on the board of the Twin City Development Foundation for many years. This foundation specializes in work force job training and economic development.
Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees?
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CityVision Annual Conference
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Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
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Regional Meetings
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Legislative Lobby Days
Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.
The dispensation of our property in downtown Raleigh is an immediate issue for the board. The consequences of our decision in this area will have a permanent impact on our organization. While I do not know the answer, I do know how important a decision it is.
