The 7-member Board of Commissioners sets the policy for the county, determining the strategic vision for the county, appoints a county manager, attorney and others to serve the county, adopts ordinances, including zoning, and establishes an annual budget, which includes setting the tax rate and calling bond referendums. The Board consists of the Chairman, the Vice-Chariman and five Commissioners.Commissioners are elected at large in partisan elections in even-numbered years to serve staggered 4-year terms. Six must reside in a specific district; one Commissioner represents the district at-large and can reside in any of the districts.
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Position/philosophy statement
Putting Dare County first.
Current Occupation
County Commissioner
Age (optional)
73
Campaign Phone
6128047495
I have an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania and MBA from Xavier University. My 36 years in financial management with P&G, PepsiCo, Carlson Companies and Limited Brands afford me a particular strength in financial matters. I have applied this strength in providing oversight for our county finances.
I have also served 9 years on this board and bring a wealth of experience to the position.
There are actually three. One, permanent improvements to hwy 12 on Hatteras Island. Two, better access to housing. Three, combating the heart breaking effects of mental health disorders and substance abuse in our community. Solutions to the highway issue will require funding from NCDOT to improve hwy 12 long term. Housing will require close cooperation among the county and the towns to seek acceptable solutions to all. People need clean, safe and affordable housing. We must find an answer.
And finally broad community involvement, such as the saving Lives Task Force, is needed to help those dealing with the challenges of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
I sit on the 5 on 5 committee which is a joint committee of the commissioners and the school board. We reach decisions about funding, capital investment and related matters through dialogue and collaboration. This is a highly effective group and ensures that we always keep our kids and our teachers first. I have voted to increase teacher supplements, provide no cost lunches to all, offer Dare guarantee scholarships to our graduates and build a new early college building on the COA campus. I promise to continue this tradition of cooperation and excellence for our schools.
Our economy is strong. It is based on tourism and this allows us to pay for excellent schools, world class EMS services, our own hospital, numerous beach nourishment projects and more. My board and I have not increased property taxes in over 8 years and this is due to our strong economy and sound fiscal management.
However, better access to long term housing will be a major factor to sustaining this strong economy. We need a great work force, and they need a place to live.
I have maintained a sharp focus on 4 key priorities during my time in office.
-Safety and security
-Education and our schools
-Clean water, clean beaches and open waterways
-And, providing a social safety net for those who need it most…young children and the very elderly.
This fourth priority is vitally important. I work closely with our department of health and human services to make sure we are never falling short. From staffing to program funding, this group is a high priority for me. Policies involving school counseling, in home health care services and caring for victims of child or elder abuse are top of my list. No community must ever accept less.
I care deeply about this special place we call home. We face a number of challenges, but we are blessed with resources and committed, talented people to address those challenges. It has been my honor to work with many of them over the past 9 years and to learn from them. I’m committed to applying my own skills plus all I’ve learned to help solve the issues facing Dare county. I respectfully ask for your vote to allow me to continue this service. Thank you.
