Mayor Bill Knight visited Guilford College on Dec. 1, exactly one year to the day of being sworn into office in 2009, to speak to students about Greensboro’s local government and the highlights of his first year in office.

Mayor Knight serves on the Greensboro city council along with eight other elected council members. Prior to taking office, Knight had no political experience, but worked as an accountant.

“Five years ago, I would have never dreamed I’d be mayor,” said Knight.  

Knight is the fourth speaker invited by the Guilford College Republicans since they were founded in spring 2010. Previous speakers include N.C. House Candidate Jon Hardister, U.S. Congressman Howard Coble, and N.C. House Representative Dale Folwell. 

“It is good to know who handles what,” said junior Claire Massagee, president of the College Republicans. “I thought it would be really interesting to get a chance to learn about local politics.” 

Knight explained Greensboro’s council-manager system of government and highlighted what he believed were some of his greatest achievements in office, including the formation of the city’s audit committee and changes to the police department. 

Knight encouraged Guilford students to be active in Greensboro politics and gave volunteer incentives. 

“I’d advise students to pay attention to what goes on locally,” said Knight. “Voter apathy can be deadly. Some say that politics exist more on the local level than anywhere else. There’s more of a direct impact.” 

At the end of the event, Knight hosted a question and answer session, during which some students raised concerns about the city council’s recent vote to instate a curfew law.

The law bans minors under the age of 18 from downtown Greensboro after 11 p.m. 

Knight advised those opposed to the ban to bring their suggestions directly to council meetings. During the session, Knight promoted communication between the council members and citizens. 

According to News & Record, however, Knight has pushed to limit public speaking time by reducing commentary during zoning hearings from 25 to 20 minutes and restricting public comment periods during council meetings to once a month. 

“If our meetings can be more focused, we can make better decisions,” Knight said according to News & Record. “Having to endure long meetings — I don’t see how that benefits anyone.” 

Knight said that his job as mayor is non-partisan, but that he is still affiliated with the Republican Party outside of his position. 

Janet Wright, a Guilford staff member involved with local politics, believes political affiliation has some influence on non-partisan roles. 

“A candidate’s party is a great starting point for people to learn about a candidate,” said Wright. 

Massagee hopes that the club’s guest speakers will continue to attract student interest. 

“More people should come,” said Massagee. “It’s important to get political perspective. Republicans are a minority on campus. Of course we’d encourage them to come out and see our speakers, but it’s not necessarily a political thing. Everyone can come.”   

Although Wright did not support Knight’s campaign, she supports the College Republicans’ decision to bring him to the campus.  

“I think it helps students make informed decisions,” said Wright. “Students getting involved with local politics is important, and they have every right to.” 

Although no plans have been made for the fall semester, Massagee believes the club will continue to bring speakers, and says that potential candidates will not be limited to republicans. The club itself is composed of both republican and non-republican members, with many students who are unaffiliated or libertarian. 

“We want to hear from diverse and different perspectives,” said Massagee.