Compare the Records: Will Bell vs. Portia Willis
Two Very Different Approaches to Leading Greenville
The Greenville City Council At-Large seat is about leadership that works for all residents. When you compare Will Bell and Portia Willis, the differences in leadership style, fiscal priorities, and community involvement speak for themselves.
💰 Fiscal Responsibility
Will Bell
Championed record low property tax bills during his three terms on City Council—putting money back in residents’ pockets. Believes in common-sense budgeting and responsible stewardship of tax dollars. Served on the City Audit Committee, helping ensure transparency and financial accountability. Opposed to wasteful spending—would have saved taxpayers $460,000 by having the city’s own HR and purchasing departments review vendor diversity data rather than outsourcing to an out-of-state private firm.
Portia Willis
Voted to raise property tax bills by 20% or more for many Greenville residents. Voted to spend $460,000 of taxpayer money on a DEI study by a private firm in Atlanta, rather than using internal city resources to conduct the review at no extra cost.
🧭 Leadership Style & Core Values
Will Bell Leads with practical solutions, not politics or ideology. Supports free expression and local business rights—would never support legal action to force a business to take down an American flag. Brings people together and focuses on what’s best for the city—not partisan agendas.
Portia Willis Voted to sue a private business to force them to take down an American flag—a decision many residents saw as out of touch with Greenville values. Often lets partisan ideology shape policy decisions, rather than pursuing practical, local-first solutions.
👥 Community Involvement
Will Bell Founder of “Sanitary Sundays,” a monthly cleanup initiative in the University Neighborhood. Served on the Young Professionals of Pitt County Steering Committee, mentoring and building civic engagement among future leaders. Served on the Downtown Greenville Partnership Board, working directly with small business owners to improve the aesthetic and business climate of downtown. Advocated for downtown small businesses during the two-year-long BUILD Grant construction, bringing attention to their challenges and helping push for better communication and mitigation from the city. Known for showing up, listening, and taking action on the issues that affect residents and business owners alike.
Portia Willis Less engaged in hands-on community improvement efforts. While small businesses faced major disruption from long-term downtown construction, Portia Willis was nowhere to be found and instead focused on efforts to take down an American flag from a local business. Has not led or regularly participated in community-based programs or service initiatives.
⚖️ Experience and Perspective
Will Bell Three-term City Council member with a track record of getting results. Works in global sales leadership and owns local small businesses—bringing real-world experience to city issues. Understands how to balance economic growth, smart development, and responsible spending.
Portia Willis First-term council member with limited experience in navigating complex budget or growth issues. Focuses heavily on symbolic or ideological issues rather than practical improvements to city services.