Position/philosophy statement
I believe local government should be transparent, accountable, and focused on daily life. I listen first, lead with integrity, and use facts to guide decisions. I support smart growth, clean water, affordable housing, and county services.
Current Occupation
Wilmington City Councilmember
Age (optional)
66
Campaign Phone
(910)520-1851
My experience as a Wilmington City Councilmember has prepared me to serve effectively as a New Hanover County Commissioner. I have worked on complex budgets, managed competing priorities, and collaborated with residents, staff, and regional partners to deliver results. I bring strong skills in policy analysis, consensus-building, and transparent decision-making. My background includes advocating for responsible growth, infrastructure investment, environmental protection, and affordable housing. I understand how local governments function and how city and county decisions intersect, allowing me to approach challenges with both practical experience and a countywide perspective.
Managing growth responsibly will be the most important issue facing the County Commission over the next two years. New Hanover County continues to grow rapidly, and that growth affects housing affordability, traffic, infrastructure capacity, public schools, and environmental health. The Commission must ensure development is aligned with infrastructure, protects clean water and natural resources, and includes housing options for working families, seniors, and young people. Thoughtful planning today will determine whether our county remains livable, equitable, and economically strong for decades to come.
The County Commission’s most effective role in improving local schools is providing stable, adequate funding and long-term planning support. While the School Board manages day-to-day operations, the County is responsible for capital funding, facilities, and helping ensure schools can meet the needs of a growing population. I will advocate for investments in safe, modern school buildings; support funding for school nurses, mental health professionals, and support staff; and prioritize capital planning that keeps pace with growth. I also support partnerships that expand early childhood education, career and technical training, and workforce readiness.
A strong county economy depends on smart planning, workforce development, and quality of life. I will support policies that invest in infrastructure, education, and public health, which are essential to attracting and retaining employers. I support expanding workforce and career-technical training partnerships, strengthening small businesses, and promoting industries that offer good wages without harming our environment. Protecting clean water, supporting affordable housing, and planning for sustainable growth are also economic priorities, because communities where people can afford to live, work, and raise families are the ones that thrive.
Improving social services requires stable funding, coordination, and a focus on prevention. I will support policies that strengthen core services such as public health, mental and behavioral health, housing stability, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. I support investing in early intervention programs that reduce long-term costs, improving coordination between county departments and community nonprofits, and using data to evaluate outcomes. Ensuring services are accessible, culturally responsive, and aligned with real community needs will be a priority, especially for families facing economic hardship.
I am running for New Hanover County Commissioner because I believe our county is at a pivotal moment. Rapid growth, environmental challenges, and rising costs require experienced, steady leadership that puts people first. My record on the Wilmington City Council shows a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and listening to residents, even when the conversations are difficult. I believe public service is about stewardship: protecting what makes our community special while planning responsibly for the future. As County Commissioner, I will work collaboratively, respect diverse viewpoints, and remain accountable to the people who live here, not special interests. I ask for your trust and your vote.
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Position/philosophy statement
I am running for County Commissioner because of the deficit in health care representation. Our community deserves a commissioner who can help shape the long-term implications of health for our residents.
Current Occupation
Advance Practice Nurse
Campaign Phone
9733420979
I am the best candidate because I bring lived experience and expertise as an advanced practice nurse to local decision-making. I’ve spent my career listening to residents, partnering with community organizations, and using data to direct resources toward housing, water quality, healthcare, and mental health. Good governance centers on people, not ideology, and requires collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and evidence-based solutions. I understand how county decisions intersect with schools, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits. I have a proven record of accountability, transparent leadership, and sustainable solutions that help our neighbors thrive.
According to input from the community, New Hanover County faces affordable housing shortages, infrastructure strain, water quality issues, food access gaps, healthcare barriers, and mental health/substance use crises. Additionally, under-resourced schools characterized by high poverty and minority populations, and, in some cases, lower-performing metrics, struggle with less experienced teaching staff and limited support services compared to wealthier schools in the district.
I will support funding for early childhood education, support staff, and remedial resources in collaboration with schools, non-profits, and philanthropy.
In the prior school year, one in four students in New Hanover County Schools was considered chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism is often linked to health issues, housing instability, and behavioral mental health challenges. To be academically successful, students will benefit from being physically and mentally healthy. Therefore, funding in-school health services and ensuring that all schools have a full-time, certified school nurse with access to funded professional development are major roles the commissioners could play.
I support policies that address wages, childcare, housing, education, and workforce development as interconnected priorities. Living wages reduce reliance on public assistance, improve family outcomes, and strengthen the local economy. Pairing affordable housing with employment and childcare supports prevents displacement and promotes stability. I also support reinstating non-county agency funding to strengthen education and employer partnerships and build workforce pipelines that connect residents to training and career pathways aligned with local needs.
The County continues to face persistent health and social challenges, including housing instability, substance use, mental health needs, and barriers to care. Addressing these issues requires meeting people where they are and investing in solutions that strengthen families. I will support policies that expand access to affordable homeownership resources and a mobile wellness collaborative that brings essential services, such as food assistance and dental care, directly to where residents live and work.
It is essential to invest in community health workers and social workers who help families navigate housing, mental health, and substance use resources. These trusted professionals help reduce crises and build long-term stability.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Current Occupation
Builder, Rob Zapple Design & Build
I bring proven experience, steady leadership, and a record of results. As a County Commissioner, I’ve worked to strengthen our schools, invest in public safety, expand mental health and substance abuse services, and guide responsible growth. My background in higher education and workforce development helps me connect education to economic opportunity. I focus on collaboration, data-driven decisions, and practical solutions that reflect our community’s values. I listen, build consensus, and follow through.
Managing rapid growth while protecting quality of life is our most pressing challenge. We must invest in infrastructure, schools, public safety, and water and sewer capacity while preserving our environment and fiscal stability. Smart planning, coordination with local municipalities, and careful budgeting are essential to ensure growth strengthens our economy without overwhelming services, increasing congestion, or raising costs for residents.
The County Commission’s role is to be a strong funding partner and advocate. I support competitive teacher supplements, school construction and renovation, safe facilities, and mental health resources for students. We must continue long-term capital planning to reduce overcrowding and support workforce development through career and technical education. Strong schools strengthen our economy and improve outcomes for families and employers alike.
I support targeted economic development that creates good-paying jobs and strengthens our tax base. Priorities include workforce training aligned with local industry, small business support, strategic infrastructure investment, and partnerships with Cape Fear Community College and UNCW. We should recruit clean industries, support entrepreneurs, and invest in quality-of-life assets that attract talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility and protecting our natural resources.
We must expand access to mental health, substance use treatment, and housing stability services while improving coordination across agencies and nonprofits. I support evidence-based programs, early intervention, and partnerships that maximize state and federal funding. Investing in prevention, family support, and services for seniors and vulnerable residents improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs for taxpayers and the community.
I am committed to transparent, responsive government that listens to residents and makes thoughtful, balanced decisions. Our county’s success depends on strong schools, a growing economy, protected natural resources, and services that support people in need. I will continue working collaboratively with municipal leaders, educators, businesses, and community organizations to ensure New Hanover County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
