Greensboro Mayor Files Bankruptcy

                                    LIFE HAPPENS TO EVERYONE...EVEN THE MAYOR

                                                     Mayor Robbie Perkins, Greensboro, NC

Life is like a roller coaster.  It has its up and downs, smooth curves, thrilling hills and terrifying dips. Currently, no one knows the course of life’s roller coaster better than Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins.  Perkins is $10.8 million in debt and has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. His home is in foreclosure and he is also dealing with a messy divorce.  If life is like a roller coaster, it appears the mayor is taking an extended ride.

Perkins, a longtime member of the Greensboro City Council, has been the mayor since 2011. He plans to run for re-election in November.  With the onset of all of his personal problems, should Perkins run for re-election?  The answer to that question should be left to the people to decide.  Who among us have not had personal and financial problems in our lives?  Unfortunately, the mayor’s problems are in the public eye and scrutinized daily. 

“It’s no secret that I have been experiencing financial difficulties resulting from the downturn in the economy and a domestic situation which I have been unable to resolve to date,” Perkins said in a statement to the News & Record. “As such, I felt that I had no choice other than to file for bankruptcy today.”

The good news is the city of Greensboro is not in financial jeopardy with Robbie Perkins continuing to be mayor.  There is no connection between Perkins’ financial issues and the city’s finances.  However, the citizens of Greensboro can request a recall election of any council

member for “cause, misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, or a violation of the oath of office,” according to the city charter.

Robbie Perkins said the decision to file for bankruptcy was difficult. “I did not arrive at this decision lightly and regret that it has come to this point,” he said in the prepared statement. “It is my intent and hope that this action will allow me to move forward and focus positively on what is best for my family and for the City.”

A difficult divorce, $13,000 a month in child support, $10.8 million in debt, filing bankruptcy and considering re-election is a lot on anyone’s plate.  Many may feel if Perkins cannot manage his personal finances how can he manage a city?   The mayor is just like any other citizen trying to live a good life. He wants the support of his constituents.  If Perkins was not the mayor of Greensboro he would be just another person hit hard by the economy and a string of bad luck.  Does the title he carries change the perspective of sympathy? Should it? 

The city of Greensboro and his family are Perkins’ priority.  As citizens, Greensboro is our priority.  We are the election judge in the fall.  We are also passengers on this roller coaster ride; the mayor just happens to be in the front seat.  Hang on.