VOTE411 Voter Guide

Being mayor is much more than the perceived kissing babies, shaking hands and giving speeches. Mayors are the CEO of their cities, a privilege granted by its citizens whom they entrust to protect their lives, health, property and investments. Cities come in all shapes and sizes, from small towns to metropolitan cities. Mayors are elected based on their unique social skills and business skills based on the city’s uniqueness. Morehead City is an annual multimillion dollars business and therefore, its highest elected official needs to lead and understand professional business management, community needs, budgeting, financing, tax burdens and our most important asset, our employees. My prior 26 years of experience as Mayor support all this.

There are tangible goals I am working on, but my primary goals are and have always been as follows; • Communication • Have a kind heart and listen to my community. • Treat everyone the same. • Maintaining our present infrastructure, making sure our roads, water, waste disposal, facilities, equipment, etc. are adequate and in good working order. • Ensuring our personnel is trained and efficient. • Maintaining a good working relationship with the city council, our citizens, our businesses, our county and state governments, and our neighboring towns and agencies. Being marooned on an island doesn’t help anyone.

By following the items listed above, good things have and will continue to happen making Morehead City the best she can be.

The only agenda I have ever had is doing what’s best for Morehead City and our families. Times may change, but the health, safety and welfare of our community is constant. My promise is my commitment to serve and protect our families and our community to the best of my abilities. It always has been and always will be!

People are continually asking me why I want to continue serving as their mayor. Morehead City is my home, and her people are my family. I been told the most significant moments in a person’s life “is the moment they are born and the moment the discover what their purpose in life is”. My decision to run for Mayor in 1999 was not a spur of the moment knee jerk reaction. My whole life had been leading up this position. And when I was approached and being groomed by Morehead City Mayor W.C. Horten and Newport Mayor Derryl Garner for the position, I started preparing for it. I served 4 years on the Morehead City council prior the election of Mayor. While serving as councilmember, I was selected and graduated the NC Institute of Political Leadership. Always wanting the best for Morehead City and her citizens, my involvement and learning has never wavered. My commitment to my community is also unwavering, it also has been and always will be. I'm proud to be your Mayor!

I bring a unique combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and community leadership to this office. As a Councilman for Morehead City, I have already demonstrated the ability to listen to residents, make tough decisions, and advocate for policies that strengthen our community. My role as the Post Overdose Response Coordinator at CarolinaEast Medical Center has given me the skills to respond in crisis situations, connect people with vital resources, and lead with compassion and accountability.

In addition, my background as an ordained minister and nonprofit founder has allowed me to build partnerships across faith, healthcare, and civic organizations. I know how to unite people from different walks of life.

1. Economic Growth & Job Creation I will focus on attracting new industries, supporting small businesses, and capitalizing on the I-42 corridor to bring sustainable, good-paying jobs. This will allow residents to build their lives and futures right here in Carteret County, instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere. 2. Strategic Growth Planning I will advocate for strategic growth that balances development with affordability, protects the character of our neighborhoods, and ensures that our infrastructure keeps pace with change. Growth must strengthen—not strain—our city, so families can continue to call Morehead City home for generations to come. 3. Youth and Families I will prioritize investments that support youth and families.

As Councilman, I was the leading voice to add an Economic Development Specialist to our city staff, and that decision is already paying off. Under their leadership, we have attracted new businesses such as the 21C3 global software company, and we are welcoming a Chipotle restaurant—steps that mean more jobs and more opportunities for our residents. Looking ahead, I will continue building on this momentum. With Interstate 42 coming, Morehead City has a unique opportunity to recruit businesses from the Triangle area and beyond. By showcasing our city as a place to invest and grow, we can bring in good-paying jobs, expand our tax base, and give young people a reason to build their future right here at home.

My time on the Morehead City Council has been guided by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and putting families first. I was the leading voice in promoting government transparency by ensuring that our council meetings are video recorded, giving residents greater access to the decisions that impact their lives. Open government builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong leadership. I also led the charge to expand our Parks and Recreation facility, because I believe our youth, seniors, and families deserve safe, accessible spaces to exercise, play, and connect with one another. Investing in recreation is more than a quality-of-life issue—it is an investment in health, community, and the future of our city. As I look ahead, my vision remains clear: a Morehead City where government is open and responsive, where families are supported, and where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can continue building a city that reflects our values.