Lexington City manager to host community meetings
When Johnnie Taylor accepted the position of city manager for the city of Lexington, he told the council that community engagement, from the ground up, would be key to success.
Taylor began his new post as city manager on Aug. 28, succeeding an earlier than expected and controversial exit by former city manager Terra Greene on June 1.
Some public sentiments suggest that the city administration has been “quiet” during the midst of a heated mayoral and city council election. During this time, Taylor has taken time to explore the community. From festivals to popping up on routes with sanitation workers to joining grounds workers while getting their “hands dirty.”
Now the manager is heading outside the corridors of City Hall to host a tour of community meetings. “Community engagement is a vital part of creating an environment where residents feel like their voice matters and are considered when decisions are made,” Taylor wrote in a statement. “I hope to create more transparency with the community, demonstrate that we will work on their concerns and educate them on the positive things taking place in our city.”
Residents will have the opportunity to speak with city staff, ask questions and address concerns. Currently, meetings will begin at 6 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
November 30 – Banks-Miller Post 255, 1 Arthur Dr, Lexington, NC 27292
December 7 – Commons on the Green, 200 Country Club Blvd, Lexington, NC 27292
December 21 – High Rock Church, 135 Lowes Blvd, Lexington, NC 27292
Each meeting will begin with staff introductions followed by a question and answer session. Additional meetings will be announced when they are scheduled.
Taylor has a 30-year career in municipal government, starting as a maintenance worker in the Winston-Salem Department of Transportation and rising through the ranks in multiple management positions, including director of sanitation, director of operations and finally assistant city manager.
The newly minted manager explained the purpose of the meetings is to gain insight into community needs from the city. “The purpose of the community meetings is to introduce myself and key staff to the community, talk about where we are as a city and give residents an opportunity to ask questions or offer feedback on city direction or services.”
Taylor is on a mission to elevate voices from various parts of the city. He urges neighbors to come out, speak out and bring out the best in the city.
