Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Born in Reidsville NC
Educated in the public schools and received a certificate in French from the University of Brussels (Belgium)
Has a Broker's license in real estate.
Lived in Germany in 1968 and in Waterloo Belgium in 1972 thru 1974.
Worked at the Guilford County Department of Social Services as a case worker and supervisor.
Served as a Guilford County Commissioner for 8 years.
Currently serving as an at-large representative on the Greensboro City Council since 2007.

Boards and Commissions:

Red Cross Board of Directors
Summit House Board of Directors
Guilford County Agricultural Advisory Board
Guilford County Social Services Board 9 years - chairman 1 year
Friends of the Library Board
Piedmont Triad Council of Governments liaison
Courtwatch Advisory Committee

Other:

Class sponsor at Cone Elementary School
Co teacher of the Senior Women's Class of First Baptist Church
Greensboro Kiwanis Club
Paul Harris Fellow, Crescent Rotary Club
Awarded "Friend of the Farmer Award" for 2007

In 2007 I ran for and won an at-large seat on the Greensboro City Council.  I ran on a platform of handling personnel issues fairly and professionally, regaining the trust of our citizens in the police department, better recognition of the importance of small businesses as the backbone of our economy, and a dollar's worth of value for a dollar in taxes.  We are taxed to the max and I know who pays the bills.

During my term we have addressed all the issues on which I ran, but there is work left to do.

For the two years I have been on Council, we have had no property tax increases and no increase in water rates in this budget year.

I oppose tax increases, involuntary annexation, and I supported the protest petition movement which gives our citizens a stronger voice for their neighborhoods.

Vote for Mary Rakestraw, an independent thinker, a person of integrity, experience,  and accessibility.