VOTE411 Voter Guide

Serving as a New Hanover County Commissioner and representing all citizens in our county I have been a part of the big picture for 16 years. Serving at the most powerful governing body at the local level for 16 years has given me a global view of the needs of our community. Providing services such as 911, emergency operations center, health and human services, mental health and substance use disorder services for our community has been an awesome honor and tremendous responsibility. I was one of three people from our county who served on Governor Steins Transition team, as a Navy Veteran I Co-Chaired the team that interviewed candidates for Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Military Affairs. I mention that to say that with the relationships

Housing Affordability: I believe it should be a priority of the local governments to foster an environment where those who work in our community can also afford to live here. I have supported and helped to fund housing affordability initiatives in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, and I’m committed to continuing my advocacy for housing affordability. Public Safety: Public safety is one of the core services that local governments provide, and I believe it’s important for local governments to fully support their first responders, including our dedicated police officers and firefighters. By supporting them, they can in turn offer exceptional service to the citizens of Wilmington. Protecting our environment.

How would you approach the issue? I have been a part of the housing affordability space since the early 2000’s when I Chaired the then Affordable Housing Coalition that has a new name now. I was out from when as a county commissioner the county committed to invest $15 million dollars over a 5-year period in housing affordability efforts. The first dividend that I saw directly was the opening of Estrella Landing apartments, where the developer used low-income tax credits as a way to offset some of the cost. With those credits some units must be leased at 30, 60 and 80% AMI. There is one senior citizen that I know that has a new one-bedroom apartment for $335.00 per month based on 30% AMI.

Protecting Our Environment: From the first announcement of our water supply being contaminated with PFAS, I have been fighting along with others, demanding Chemours be held accountable, but also finding solutions to provide clean, safe drinking water to our residents. Having served on the CFPUA Board for 4 years, I was proud to support the Granular Activated Carbon Filtration plant that removes over 99% of PFAS. Protecting our environment also includes orderly growth in regard to development that helps preserve our tree canopy and wildlife. While development will continue to be a pressing issue, it’s important that the few developable acres left in the city limits, if developed, are using low impact techniques to limit their impact on the environment. Business Growth and Economic Development: In a thriving economy, local governments must focus on retention of existing businesses while recruiting the right kind of businesses and industry that will add to the built environment.

I was a Wilmington Police officer for 30 years. I can offer insights from an employees' perspective as it relates to benefits, pay, stress, good and poor leadership, and the need for true transparency with city offices to keep the community informed. Additionally, I believe in not only holding myself accountable; I believe in holding leaders accountable.

Public Safety Infrastructure Taxes

I am a retired Wilmington Police Detective. I will work with the new WPD chief and assist him with becoming emersed with local community contacts I fostered for nearly 30 years. I will work with the city manager to ensure we are recruiting quality officers, maintaining and educating them for challenges now and ahead. I will continue to train officers so they know what is expected of them professionally both on and off duty.

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