Position/philosophy statement
My priority is to maintain a consistent role in Laurel Park’s efforts toward Helene Recovery and see it through to the end. I can say the same about the Hwy.64 Expansion and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan – both started during my tenure. Having ser
I have served on the Council since 2022.
1) Helene Recovery
2) Infrastructure
3) Land Use
By staying knowledgeable about the issues and keeping the concerns of residents in the forefront.
It has been both an honor and a pleasure to serve the folks of Laurel Park.
Position/philosophy statement
Mary Margaret’s campaign is focused on three priorities: improving roads and infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and preserving nature. She approaches these priorities with humility and urgency.
Current Occupation
Real Estate Project Manager
Age (optional)
45
Campaign Phone
828-575-3962
Mary Margaret Licisyn is running for Laurel Park Town Council to bring practical planning experience, real estate finance knowledge, and local civic service to the decisions shaping Laurel Park’s future. She serves as Chair of the Planning Board for the Town of Laurel Park, where she reviews development projects, and her professional background includes real estate project management, development, owner representation, and finance.
Mary Margaret does not claim to have all the answers. She believes the best local solutions come from listening carefully, testing practical ideas, learning from results, and improving over time. Laurel Park will benefit from a Town Council willing to experiment, iterate, and work creatively.
Mary Margaret’s campaign is focused on three priorities: 1) improving roads and infrastructure, 2) strengthening connectivity between our people and places, and 3) preserving nature.
She approaches these priorities with humility and urgency. She does not believe local government should pretend to have every answer in advance. Instead, it should listen, test ideas, measure what works, and keep improving.
My approach is structured around three key priorities:
1. Learn, Listen, and Understand: First, I will focus on fully understanding the current situation.
2. Set Measurable Goals: Next, I will establish clear, measurable goals to direct resources toward high-priority issues.
3. Develop a Project Plan: Finally, I will organize a comprehensive project plan to achieve results.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community and make an impact locally. Laurel Park is a special place and I look forward to ushering it into the future.
Position/philosophy statement
Laurel Park is a unique community; friendly, open, and beautiful. I want to work to maintain this outstanding Town on the Moutain.
Current Occupation
Retired
Age (optional)
72
Campaign Phone
8643500941
I have been either a company president or chief operating officer for nearly 25 years. During those 25 years, my position required I deal with a number of requests, issues, and opportunities on a daily basis. These experiences taught me to listen, think outside the box, develop relationships, and try new ways. I also have an engineering degree which has made me think in logical steps and data. I think those skills and experience give me an edge on others who have not had the same career I have had. I have also had a great deal of non-profit work in the community and it has given me a great desire to serve my neighbors and friends in this capacity.
1. Financial stability without large tax increases on the current population. With the state legislature poised to put a cap on what communities can do for property tax adjustments, it will become very difficult for town councils to meet financial obligations. Laurel Park does not have infinite land for residential growth.
2. Helene recovery and hardening. We must continue to fix the issues left behind by Helene and perhaps more importantly, find ways to make sure the next weather disaster is not as problematic as Helene.
3. Continued improvement in Laurel Park’s infrastructure, particularly road maintenance and sewers. Laurel Park has 35 miles of road to maintain and there are many old septic systems which will fail overtime.
Push development of the area around the highway 64 improvements; this should be a great opportunity to attract commercial development. While new commercial opportunities may help some with sales and use tax, the available property taxes would be very helpful for town finances.
Find a way to get Ingles to do something with the land they have in a positive way for the town of Laurel Park.
Work with town management to keep an eye on costs and improve efficiencies without reducing services.
This is a difficult time in Laurel Park with remediation of Helene damage, the state legislature trying to cap property taxes, the highway 64 redevelopment, infrastructure issues, a fairly defined tax base and a small town offering great services. This is a tightrope which we must walk everyday and there are many pitfalls ahead of us. No one has a crystal ball as to what will happen, but I believe hard work, honest discussions, and working together will lead to opportunities for Laurel Park.
