VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been in public service for 39 years, serving in the United States Air Force, the Wilmington, Leland, and UNCW Police Departments, and the Belville Board of Commissioners. In the military, I served as a security police patrolman, desk sergeant, flight sergeant, and operations/training NCO. As a civilian police officer, I worked as a road officer, detective, and as the patrol, investigations, and support services commander. I have served as Mayor Pro Tem for eight of the ten years that I have been on the Belville Board, working closely with the late Mayor Mike Allen. After his untimely passing in August, I was appointed as the acting Mayor. I also serve on the Board of Equalization and Review, serving as its Chairman.

The three issues that I believe need to be addressed are flooding and storm water mitigation, controlled and sustainable growth, and the preservation of the Town’s greenspace. Recent hurricanes and PTC 8 demonstrate how destructive flooding can be. I pushed for the current Stormwater Feasibility Study to identify causes of the flooding in our neighborhoods and possible solutions. I also believe controlled growth that does not overtax our infrastructure and respects our green spaces is important. Our Vision 2030 Plan for the Town of Belville and recommendations from the NC School of Design help refine those goals, but both need to be reviewed and updated to ensure any and all new concerns or opportunities are considered.

Since I have been on the Board for ten years, I have worked on many of issues already, planned and unplanned. Some Boards have not been as successful at addressing issues as others, but the current Board has worked well together and has set the Town on the road to many potential successes. Being able to work as a cohesive team as well as being able to provide leadership without creating animosity and dissention, is key to accomplishing any goal. As Mayor Pro Tem, I kept all the commissioners engaged and focused on making ideas reality. I believe that is my strong suit as a leader and I am proud of the many significant accomplishments we have made during my tenure as Mayor Pro Tem which have continued now that I am the Mayor.

Elections have consequences, and it’s essential to elect the best person for the position —one who not only identifies issues but also is willing to work hard and devise solutions. But solutions that are not realized are just ideas that will frustrate people and make them feel their elected officials are not doing anything. I have learned in my almost 40 years of public service, whether it’s the military, law enforcement, or as an elected official, that any situation requires knowing how to navigate the myriad of bureaucratic hoops required in every project, to work cooperatively with all the people involved in resolving an issue, and to remain transparent without jeopardizing the work. This requires a person who can be tactful when necessary but knows when to push the issue when required. I have faced serious life and death situations, such as responding to the Green Ramp Disaster on Pope AFB in March 1994, and I know I have the characteristic of leading Belville as Mayor.

I bring both professional expertise and community commitment to this role. As an accountant, I have years of experience in budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring resources are used wisely. These skills that will protect taxpayers and keep Belville financially strong. Beyond my career, I have been deeply engaged in local issues, listening to residents and advocating for solutions that put families first. My leadership style emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and transparency. These skills and experiences uniquely equip me to manage growth responsibly, safeguard affordability, and preserve the small-town charm that makes Belville so special.

1. Responsible Growth & Infrastructure – Overdevelopment is straining our roads, creating flood risks, and threatening Belville’s small-town charm. I will prioritize smart planning that protects our community. 2. Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief – I will fight for a revenue-neutral tax rate to keep Belville affordable and ensure taxpayer dollars are managed transparently and efficiently. 3. Preserving Independence – I strongly oppose any merger with Leland that would raise taxes and jeopardize Belville’s identity.

I will address overdevelopment by prioritizing responsible growth that protects Belville’s small-town charm and quality of life. This means working closely with county and state partners to improve roads, strengthen flood prevention, and ensure our infrastructure can handle future needs before approving new projects. I will push for community input in every major decision, so residents’ voices guide development. By focusing on smart planning and accountability, we can balance growth while safeguarding our town for generations.

I want to work for you and with you. Elect me so we can face these challenges together and protect what makes Belville special. Preserving our small-town charm is not just about today—it’s about giving our children and families the stability they need to thrive in an environment where costs and taxes are rising everywhere. We have a unique opportunity to keep Belville affordable, strong, and quaint, while ensuring future generations can enjoy the same quality of life we value today.