In the vibrant tapestry of Raleigh’s political landscape, recent events have unveiled a troubling reality: some of our city’s influential, wealthy Democratic leaders are employing questionable tactics to shape our community to their liking. These actions not only undermine democratic principles but also threaten to stifle genuine citizen engagement. Why? Because these city leaders are threatened by Councilmember Christina Jones, District E’s true champion of citizen engagement and accountability. Jones’s willingness to hold real estate developers responsible and demand more for Raleigh’s citizens has made her a target for those who prioritize unchecked growth over the well-being of our community.

The Attack on Democratic Endorsements

On August 9th, 2024, a coalition of prominent figures, including real estate developers and former city officials, penned a letter to the Wake County Democratic Party Chair Kevyn Creech and executive director Wesley Knott, urging them against endorsing Democratic candidates in Raleigh’s local elections. Among these individuals were:

These city leaders, many of whom earn all or most of their income from real estate development, are using these tactics because they know that Councilmember Christina Jones stands in the way of their greed. Jones has made it clear: if developers want big zoning exceptions, they need to bring more to the table for Raleigh’s citizens. She advocates for responsible and inclusive growth, and her strong stance on holding real estate developers accountable is precisely why these greedy leaders want to block her endorsement from the Wake County Democratic Party Executive Council.

Christina Jones’ Track Record of Service

Christina Jones has a proven track record of service to Raleigh. She has been deeply involved in the community both before and during her two years on City Council. Prior to being elected in 2022, she served as the head of Raleigh’s Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs), where she spoke at City Council meetings 44 times, consistently advocating for the needs of her community. From the start of her tenure, she demonstrated her commitment to fostering a strong connection with residents, holding her first community meeting two months before even being sworn into office. Her focus has always been on prioritizing the interests of Raleigh citizens, ensuring that growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.

Legal Challenges and Allegations

Shortly after, Wake County Democratic Part Executive Councial released their endorsements, attorney Seth Morris, whose livelihood is tied to the development sector, filed a formal complaint within the NC Democratic Party specifically targeting the endorsement of Christina Jones for City Council District E. The complaint alleged deceit and dishonesty, claiming that these endorsements misrepresented the state of the race to voters. But let’s be clear: this legal maneuver is a thinly veiled attempt to derail Jones’s campaign because she has the courage to stand up to developers and fight for Raleigh citizens. The complaint centered solely on Jones’s race and none of the other endorsed races, further signaling that her commitment to holding developers accountable is what truly threatens these powerful, influential figures.

Intimidation and Coordinated Efforts

The situation escalated further when the Wake Democrats’ Executive Council faced intense pressure and scrutiny, including threats, harassment, and even financial inducements to forego all nonpartisan endorsements—not just in the City Council race but across the board. This coordinated effort, as described by Wake Democrats Chair Kevyn Creech, highlights a deliberate attempt to influence and disrupt the democratic endorsement process. The goal? To silence those like Christina Jones, who prioritize citizen engagement over developer profits.

A Call for Genuine Engagement

At its core, this controversy is not just about endorsements but about the fundamental right of citizens to participate in shaping their community through informed choices. Raleigh deserves leaders like Christina Jones, who prioritize transparency, fairness, and community welfare over personal agendas and industry interests. Jones’s dedication to fostering a strong connection with residents and advocating for responsible city growth has made her a true champion of citizen engagement. Her willingness to hold developers accountable for their impact on Raleigh’s future is precisely what we need more of in our leadership.

Conclusion

Former city leaders like Charles Meeker, Nancy McFarlane, Smedes York, and their allies may claim to act in Raleigh’s best interests, but their recent actions suggest otherwise. By attempting to block the endorsement of Christina Jones, they reveal their true motive: to shape Raleigh in their self-centered, greedy image, one that favors unchecked development and profits for a select powerful, elite few. Jones’s track record of putting Raleigh citizens first, demanding accountability from developers, and promoting inclusive growth stands in direct opposition to their vision.

As Raleigh’s self-proclaimed champion of local advocacy, I urge all citizens to remain vigilant, engaged, and informed. Let us build a Raleigh that reflects the voices and aspirations of all its residents, not just those with the deepest pockets.