Position/philosophy statement
I want to continue to serve the citizens of Nags Head with honor and integrity while making decisions that will effect the future of Nags Head
Current Occupation
Owner Tortuga's Lie Restaurant
Campaign Phone
252-202-1308
I have served for four years as a Nags Head Commissioner. In addition, I previously served as the Chairman of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for four years and I also served on the Beach Road Small Business Committee. I have also been involved in the Dare County Arts Council, Dowdy Park and coaching at the middle school and high school level. I have lived in Nags Head for 34 years and have owned a local restaurant in Nags Head for 34 years. I am very involved in my church community in addition to my activities within my town. I have also raised my children in the Nags Head community and they, too, live in Nags Head.
1. Continuing to improve open, transparent and inclusive governance.
2. Continuing to listen to the needs of our citizens and taxpayers to provide excellent services to our community while addressing today's needs and planning for our future.
3. Continuing to plan for our resilience to sea level rise, improving storm water infrastructure, and protecting our shorelines while using technology and grants to monitor all areas.
I will work for the citizens through open communication with them, my fellow board members and staff in a transparent and inclusive manner.
When elected, I will serve with honor, integrity and transparency. I will honor my oath of office. I enjoy listening and talking to all the citizens of Nags Head to learn about their concerns. I rely heavily on our citizen survey and our Comprehensive Land Use Plan when making decisions for the future of Nags Head.
Position/philosophy statement
Listening to residents. Delivering results. I am committed to protecting our beaches, improving stormwater infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and creating housing options that keep Nags Head thriving.
Current Occupation
Self Employed
Campaign Phone
252-489-3861
I bring eight years of service as a Nags Head Commissioner, including several as Mayor Pro Tem, with strong relationships across town and county leadership. My understanding of local issues comes from daily interaction with those who keep Nags Head thriving—teachers, builders, first responders, service workers, and small business owners. Living and working alongside them, I hear concerns firsthand and bring them to decision makers. My accessibility and commitment to supporting residents and businesses make me a candidate who understands both policy and people.
1. Stormwater Management: I first ran to address flooding, and we’ve made real progress. Completing the final projects remains a top priority.
2. Small Business & Infrastructure: Local businesses are the backbone of our economy. I’ll keep upgrading waterlines and roads while ensuring policies help small businesses succeed.
3. Beach Nourishment & Workforce Housing: Protecting our shoreline supports tourism and property values. Workforce housing ensures small businesses and services have the employees they need.
I will complete the remaining stormwater projects and hold leadership accountable for staying on track with waterline and road upgrades. At the same time, I’ll support small businesses by working with local owners to identify needs, reduce barriers, and align infrastructure improvements with business growth. I’ll finalize the 2026–27 beach nourishment project and continue advancing workforce housing by collaborating with the Housing Task Force and Planning Department to expand housing options for all demographics.
Nags Head is a community where residents, workers, small businesses, and visitors all take pride in our town. With more beaches, parks, sidewalks, and open space than anywhere in Dare County, our heritage and quality of life are unmatched. Growth is inevitable, but it must be balanced—preserving the character of Nags Head while embracing innovation. We’ve led in stormwater management, septic health, renewable energy, and now employee housing. Supporting small businesses is also vital—they are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our community. Together, we’ve built a modern town that honors its past and looks to the future, and I am committed to continuing that work.
Position/philosophy statement
NC
Current Occupation
Real Estate Broker, Rental Manager
Age (optional)
65
Campaign Phone
2524231143
My broad experience spans over 40 years in Nags Head, as a newlywed living in rental houses, to building a home, raising a family, opening a business and planning to retire here. My friends and neighbors are full and part time residents of all ages. My clients are local and non-resident property owners and my customers are short term visitors - the lifeblood of our economy. I've learned the importance of balancing the needs of our residents, visitors, property owners and business owners. I've served on the Nags Head Planning Board for 7 years and as elected chairperson for the last 6. Working with town staff, board members and the community has taught me how the town functions and about the shared vision and values of Nags Head.
1) The Comprehensive Land Use Plan is the foundation for all town zoning and regulations. It was carefully developed with community input, it provides a clear vision and goals to guide us as we plan for our future while preserving our legacy and maintaining our character. We can embrace change without sacrificing our core mission and values.
2) Transparent and inclusive leadership requires clear communication and community engagement. All public business should be conducted in the open and shared with all board members and the public unless protected by state statute.
3) Protecting our natural resources, including through shoreline management, is critical. We have a duty to provide a safe and healthy place to live, work and play.
My experience on the planning board gives me a solid foundation and understanding of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. My deliberations and decisions will always be based on that plan and I will work diligently with fellow board members, staff and the community to achieve our stated goals. Changes should not be considered and/or implemented for any particular special interests but rather for the greater public good. This requires full transparency and public engagement. As we continue to grow and thrive, redevelopment is an important consideration and I am committed to helping guide that process in a responsible, inclusive manner.
The history and future of Nags Head are both very important to me and I am really excited to be a candidate for the Nags Head Board of Commissioners. I am grateful that my husband, Cola, and I had an opportunity to build a home on the edge of Jockey’s Ridge State Park in 1987. We raised two daughters here and in 1995 we founded Cola Vaughan Realty. For 30 years we’ve provided sales and property management services to neighbors and visitors. This has taught me so much about the need to balance the concerns of our residents, property owners, visitors and business owners. Striking this balance can be challenging but Nags Head is definitely worth the effort!
