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Position/philosophy statement
My perspective, gained from decades of running the financial operations of NC and MD local governments, is unique among the current candidates for this office. I will dedicate that knowledge to ensuring Southport is equipped to meet the future.
Current Occupation
Retired municipal finance director
Age (optional)
71
Campaign Phone
301-741-6698
I am running for Southport alderman for reasons that stem from the love I have for our coastal community and my commitment to its wellbeing. What distinguishes me from the other Ward 2 candidates is my deep background in managing the fiscal resources of local governments in towns the same size as Southport, which requires a different skill set than is needed by state government department heads. I also worked two years for the NC League of Municipalities developing an award-winning project that is currently being used by over 50 municipalities across the state. Finally, unlike the other candidates, I have worked hand in hand with other volunteers for local non-profits since I retired from full-time work in 2018. I know Southport's heart.
Storm water management, traffic congestion, and infrastructure improvements are top of my list for attention, in that order. The challenges we face from these big issues are exacerbated by Brunswick County’s explosive growth rate, which brings tens of thousands of visitors to Southport in search of its quaint, downtown charm but does not contribute to upkeep.
Looking into the future, I also want the city to complete the capital projects list it began working on before the 2023 election; begin construction on a new police headquarters building; become more reliably financially stable; and participate in regional partnerships with other local towns to represent our collective interests to county and state officials. There's a lot to do.
The city is currently committed to extensive, long-term repairs to Southport’s aged storm water management system. However, less-complex quick fixes to temporary problems, which used to be considered routine maintenance, are needed now. It is time the city fought this ongoing battle on two fronts, short- and long-term, to protect residents from preventable harm.
Growth is another matter. We cannot stop it, but we can control what that growth looks like within city limits and how it affects our neighborhoods and businesses. In addition to finding sensible solutions for the things we can control, I will repeatedly advocate before state and county authorities for initiatives that appreciate Southport’s role as the county's downtown.
I am a Ward 2 candidate for Southport alderman at a critical time. Our community is confronted by intense pressure from development inside and outside the city limits, long overdue stormwater management issues, and a host of other unfavorable conditions that seem to mount daily, not to mention the ongoing state road construction activity that is making us all crazy.
Now more than ever, we need elected officials who will work with the city's residents and business owners as true partners to meet these challenges. We are not adversaries, we are a village of engaged and committed people, who love Southport and have the courage and ability to match our own best interests with what is best for the city as a whole. This is a community built on respect and honor for the rights of our neighbors -- and we will need everyone of us to get the future of Southport right.
Position/philosophy statement
Southport has the 2nd highest property tax rate out of 19 municipalities. I will protect the taxpayers thru accountability, efficiency, transparency, best practices and ensuring that Property Tax increases are the last option, not the first.
Current Occupation
Retired State & Local Gov't CFO
Campaign Phone
919-810-7760
My 39 years of state and local government experience. Held high-level CFO positions including Dept. of Corrections Controller, Social Services CFO, Asst. Dir. of NC State Adult Probation/Parole, & Southport Interim Finance Director. Directed budgets up to $1.2 billion. Received Governor's highest civilian award and Proclamation of Appreciation for service from Southport's former Mayor. B.S. & Masters of Public Adm. - NC State University. Wrote vital Finance Policies for Southport. Reduced Southport's monthly fuel costs and fixed broken systems. Acquired and directed over $250 million in grants. Directed Social Services Fraud Team with a 90% success rate on 2,000 investigations annually. Ability to lead groups to solve problems.
1. Protect The Taxpayers. Southport Alderman on a 4-2 vote in 2022 increased our city's property tax rate by 33.8% in one year making us the 2nd highest out of 19 municipalities in our County. Gov't should be run with accountability, efficiency, transparency, and using best practices.
2. Our infrastructure has not been properly maintained in the past and now we face many challenges with our streets, water and sewar system, city owned buildings and open spaces, waterfront errosion, and stormwater run off leading to flooding.
3. We can NOT return to a government that did not attend meetings with other municipalities, the county and state partners. Collaboration with all levels of government is critical to address shared problems.
I will govern with the following principals:
* Accountability: implementing policies and oversight
* Efficiency: reduce waste and improve service delivery
* Transparency: make financial information accessible to the public
* Using Best Practices: participatory governance engaging citizens; utilizing data and research to inform policy decisions, collaboration by working with other municipalities, our county and state partners; exploring alternative funding sources specifically grants, donations, private foundations, state earmarks, and private sponsorships. (NO PAID PARKING).
* We need changes to NC's Local Tax distribution formula which treats Southport unfairly. Property taxes should be the last option, not the first option!
I'm not a politician as this is my first run to serve as an elected public official. My loyalty will always be to the citizens, businesses and taxpayers of Southport, not special interests or PAC groups. I've been blessed to have had managers in my early career to recognize my work ethic, knowledge, skills and abilities which allowed me to be promoted to some of the highest positions in state and local government. I was humbled to receive the Governor's highest civilian award, The Order of The Long Leaf Pine and a Proclamation of Appreciation from Southport's former Mayor for my financial policy writing and work on the FY24 budget. I recognize that it takes a competent team approach for an organization to be successful and I've been fortunate to have so many talented co-workers throughout my career. I appreciate the many supporters that I've met on the campaign trail who share my vision for an effective, efficient and professional government. Your vote is greatly appreciated.
