Position/philosophy statement
We need strong leadership in every office. I offer a collaborative approach to solving our most pressing county concerns.
Current Occupation
Attorney
Campaign Phone
9193081873
I earned a BA at UPenn. After living a year in France as an au pair and studying at the Sorbonne University. I returned to UPenn where I completed an MSEd in Psych Services.
I joined a private MH practice in VT for several years. Then I traveled around the world for about one year. I settled in CO where I began working with youth offenders who had run away or broken the law. This type of work called to me again when I moved to North Carolina and has been the focus of my professional career.
I graduated from NC Central University & studied Int. Human Rights at Oxford Univ., Eng. I have been an attorney since 2003. I have volunteered as a GAL for children, a court advocate for DV survivors, a pro bono Legal Aid attorney & mediator.
Rapid growth. There are several large developments that are in progress. Citizens are trying to wrestle back the reins of what can be built and how to put adequate safeguards in place to protect homes & infrastructure from flooding & environmental degradation. NC is a Dillon’s Rule State meaning that the county only has the powers expressly granted to it by the State. As a consequence, counties are limited in their ability to stop unwanted development & industry despite citizens' objections. Community members have learned from the successes & failures in other counties, they have sought expertise from scientists and lawyers to chart a way forward. This is a time when we need the best minds & creative thinking to achieve good results.
Chatham pays a supplement to public school teachers since
the pay allocated by the state is not adequate to recruit and retain quality teachers. While NC ranks 43rd in teacher pay, it is ranked 22nd in quality of education with a 2% high school drop out rate. That is remarkable.
Chatham County Schools led the state in last year's annual evaluation of "Met or Exceeded Growth" criteria for every single school. I would work to build upon these successes.
I would depend upon the advice from the Chatham Economic Development Corporation as they reach out to attract larger companies. I would also encourage Central Carolina Community College to continue job training, entrepreneurial training, and classwork leading to both degrees and certifications. I support the County's financial contribution and CCCC collaboration to fund "Chatham Promise" that provides 2-years FREE community college tuition & fees to all Chatham high school graduates. As commissioner I would listen to the requests and proposals of others that could benefit our employment situation and make the best decisions possible in concert with the other four county commissioners.
County Commissioners listen carefully to the requests made by all stakeholders for agency needs & improvements, for education, for public safety, and they act accordingly. The County awards grants to numerous local nonprofit organizations that augment social service assistance, rehabilitate housing for low-income seniors, advance early childhood education, support foodbanks and other community-focused groups.
For instance, last year a large grant was released to Second Bloom in Pittsboro to open a shelter for survivors of domestic violence & their children. Once the shelter opens, we can go back to the work of treating all people with the respect & dignity they deserve, without the fear of physical violence.
There is a crisis of leadership at the federal level.
Beyond protesting, boycotting, talking with friends, reading articles and books, and losing sleep, I felt there was something more I could do.
I chose to get involved in local politics to actively do my part
to make Chatham County the best version of itself. We currently have extraordinary leadership in the County Board of Commissioners supported by an exceptional administrative staff. I want to join efforts at the county level to address some of the most pressing issues of our community: affordable housing, food insecurity, better paying jobs, business opportunities, equity across the board, sound basic fully-funded public schools, higher education, and job training. The county should lead in renewable energy development, preservation of natural resources, and planning for climate change.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe in listening to the people, leading with fairness, and making practical decisions that protect Chatham County’s character and natural resources while ensuring strong services, responsible growth, and a quality of life for every neighbor!
Current Occupation
Sheriff of Chatham County
Age (optional)
57
Campaign Phone
9194486359
I have spent my career serving the people of Chatham County as Sheriff — managing a large public agency, balancing budgets, leading staff, and working with local, state, and federal partners. I solve problems, listen to residents, and make decisions grounded in fairness and accountability. My experience in public safety, emergency response, and community outreach gives me a practical understanding of county operations and the needs of our growing community.
Managing rapid growth while protecting the character, affordability, and environmental health of Chatham County. Growth brings opportunity, but also pressure on housing, infrastructure, schools, and public services. The Commission must plan responsibly, listen to residents, and make thoughtful land-use and budget decisions that keep taxes reasonable while maintaining quality services.
The County Commission’s key role is providing stable funding and long-range planning support for our schools. I will advocate for responsible school facility planning, support teacher recruitment and retention, and ensure school safety needs are addressed. Strong collaboration between county leadership, the school board, and families is essential to prepare our children for success.
I support smart economic development that brings good-paying jobs while respecting our rural and environmental character. That means investing in infrastructure, broadband, and workforce development, supporting local small businesses, and carefully evaluating large industrial proposals. Economic growth should benefit residents, not burden them.
I will support strengthening mental health services, senior services, and assistance programs that help families stay stable and self-sufficient. We must coordinate county agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to deliver services efficiently. A strong safety net makes our entire community healthier, safer, and more resilient.
I have spent my career serving the people of Chatham County, guided by a belief that good leadership starts with listening, fairness, and respect. My decision to run for County Commissioner comes from a desire to continue serving in a way that helps guide our county through rapid growth and change. I believe we must manage growth responsibly, protect our rural character and natural resources, and keep Chatham County affordable and livable for all.
As Sheriff, I have led a large public agency, managed budgets, worked with diverse communities, and built partnerships that solve real problems. That experience shaped my commitment to transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration.
I believe strong schools, reliable infrastructure, smart economic development, and compassionate social services are essential to a healthy community. My promise is to show up, listen carefully, explain decisions clearly, and always put the needs of Chatham County first.
