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VOTE411 Voter Guide

CITY OF NEW BERN MAYOR

The City of New Bern operates under the Council-Manager form of government.The Governing Board of New Bern is made up of a Mayor and six Aldermen, each representing one of New Bern s six wards. The Mayor is elected at-large in non-partisan elections for four-year terms.The aldermen are elected by ward in nonpartisan elections for four-year terms. Aldermen must reside in the ward that they are elected to represent.

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    Scott Andrews
    (NON)

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    Gregory Ryan Fahy
    (NON)

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    Jeffrey Odham
    (NON)

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    Holly Raby
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority. (Max. 750 characters)

How will you address the top issue once you are in office? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

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Position/philosophy statement As the current Mayor of the City of New Bern, my goal is to make New Bern the best New Bern we can be.
Current Occupation Division Manager
Age (optional) 46
Campaign Mailing Address 5003 MORTON RD
NEW BERN, NC 28562
Campaign Email jeffrey@jeffreyodham.com
Campaign Website http://www.jeffreyodham.com
I have held the office of mayor since 2022. Prior to that, I was the 6th ward alderman for nine years. That gave me a solid foundation of knowledge when moving into the mayor role. Experience matters. Government moves slow, so the last thing that is needed is a learning curve with an inexperienced mayor. My record speaks for itself when it comes to accessibility and accomplishments.
The top priority is the redevelopment of Trent Court and the Duffyfield community. We have invested over $5MM in drainage improvements over the last several years. The redevelopment commission is making strides on improving the health and well-being for the residents. The second priority is getting the general obligation bond projects. There are three on this ballot and we will be ready to move full steam ahead with whatever the public decides to support. Lastly, we need to continue our efforts in growing the economy by building our tax base. There are many retail and residential projects on the horizon. I want to see those through in our efforts to make New Bern even better.
Continue working closely with the New Bern Housing Authority and our federal delegation to bring home a successful CNI implementation grant which could be worth $40-60MM.
The job of mayor is not a popularity contest or a hobby. It is a job that I take very seriously. I spend time with constituents whether they live in Sunnyside or Blue Water Rise; we’re all New Bernians and deserve to be heard.
Position/philosophy statement Let's Plan For A Future
Current Occupation Senior Pastor
Age (optional) 65
Campaign Mailing Address 117 WALDEN RD
NEW BERN, NC 28562
Campaign Website http://www.raby4mayor.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @rabyformayor
I bring to the office 28 years of of experience as a U.S. Marine, serving in various leadership roles as a chief logistician, serving on command staff, experienced in budget preparation, long term planning, asset management, and a proven leader of Marines. I have accelerated from the rank of E1-E9, while obtaining a Master Degree. I have attended leadership training at every level of my occupational skillset as well as for my rank.
Fragile Power Infrastructure, City-wide Storm Water concerns, and Economic Development.
Closely coordinate and collaborate with the City Manager, leadership staff, and board of Aldermen to address and prioritize bringing our power infrastructure to standards of excellence and implement methods to ensure that a sub-standard posture will not repeat itself. Likewise, I will place a great emphasis in ensuring our public works is fully funded, properly staffed, and aided by our citizens to share in our efforts to minimize storm water issues within our communities. I will initiate the planning of a stronger economic development plan that will include newer industry, city (self) investments, powering up local businesses and partnering with their set visions and goals.
The city of New Bern is rich in history, culture and diversity. It is a great place to work and raise a family. We are at a prime time to advance as a city while guarding our history and rural landscape. Strong, purposed, and transparent leadership will lend heavily of our pursuit to collectively advance. As an already "proven leader" with 28 years of military experience, 21 years as a faith leader, and a concerned listener of the citizens, "we" can expand far above where are; leaving no one behind.