Position/philosophy statement
My governing philosophy is that local government must be a direct reflection of the needs and voices of all its residents. This is achieved through equitable investments in every neighborhood and transparent government.
Current Occupation
Inventor & Entrepreneur
Age (optional)
40
Campaign Phone
3364946767
I bring a unique combination of proven mayoral leadership, technical planning expertise, and real-world business acumen.
As your former three-term Mayor, I have a track record of revitalizing our downtown, building infrastructure, and managing our city effectively. My Master's degree in City & Regional Planning provides the expert, data-driven solutions needed for our complex infrastructure and housing challenges. As a successful entrepreneur, I understand the fiscal discipline required to protect taxpayer money and ensure our government operates efficiently.
This blend of hands-on experience and expert knowledge is exactly what Burlington needs to navigate the future with competence and a clear vision.
1. Fiscal Discipline & Accountability: Our city’s lack of a real plan has led to wasteful spending and rising taxes. I will restore fiscal discipline and ensure our government operates efficiently.
2. Smart & Sustainable Growth: I will use my expertise as a city planner to manage our growth responsibly. This includes zoning reform to create more housing options and walkable neighborhoods, and making strategic investments in our infrastructure.
3. A Responsive & Representative Government: To rebuild broken trust, I will champion reforms that empower residents, including creating district-based council seats for direct accountability and establishing an accessible early voting site in Burlington.
My first action will be to champion a new, transparent budget process that puts residents at the center of our financial decisions. The core of this is creating a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
But this will not be a top-down document created in a back room. We will hold public workshops in every part of our city to ensure your priorities, from fixing neighborhood streets to improving local parks, are what guide our spending. The CIP will be a clear, public roadmap, so you can see exactly where and why your tax dollars are being invested.
In these critical times, when every dollar counts for our working families, this process is non-negotiable.
At a time when our national politics can feel so divisive, the health and competence of our local government is more critical than ever. Trust in our city government has been strained by a lack of transparency and a failure to plan for the future.
That is why this election is so important. I am running for City Council alongside Beth Kennett for Mayor to bring a new generation of forward-thinking, competent, and compassionate leadership to Burlington.
My unique background as a former Mayor, a professional city planner, and a small business owner provides the specific expertise needed to restore fiscal discipline and manage our growth responsibly. Our shared vision is for a city that is a true partner to its residents, a city that makes smart, equitable investments in every neighborhood, that builds the safe and connected infrastructure our families deserve, and that empowers every voice in our community.
This is the work I am passionate about. I am asking for your vote.
Position/philosophy statement
Harold is running for Burlington City Council to strengthen the partnerships between the city, county, state, business community, and the residents of Burlington.
Current Occupation
Consultant for North Carolina League of Municipalities
Campaign Phone
3365166600
Harold, a respected proven public service leader in the city of Burlington, will continue to make challenging decisions by working in partnership with the community. He has done this through his roles as Burlington Parks and Recreation Director, Burlington City Manager, Burlington City Council Member, and consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities.
Building a prosperous future -
By collaborating with partners and community members we can ensure economic growth should reach everyone in the community.
Keeping our community safe -
Community safety allows members to live a productive, engaging, and stress-free life.
Support local government strategies -
Burlington staff strives to make continuous improvements in key strategies of transparency, community engagement, and resource management.
Building a prosperous future -
As a city council member, Harold will work with others to encourage the streamlining of processes within the city and consideration of strengthening future investment incentives. The marketing of the city is imperative to attract new businesses into our community by providing more job opportunities for our citizens. Harold will seek out marketing advice from community members, local marketing companies, and colleges and universities both in the Triad and Triangle to understand the best
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one’s watching; transparency is making sure someone always can. I’ll be clear about my goals, the facts behind my votes, and how your money is spent. No backroom deals—just honest work and open communication
Current Occupation
Director of the NC Criminal Justice Standards Division
Campaign Phone
336-343-7504
With nearly 40 years in public safety leadership—including 8 years as Burlington Police Chief and now Director of NC’s Criminal Justice Standards Division—I’ve led large teams, complex reforms, and multi-million-dollar budgets. I managed a $13M–$18M department budget, delivered data-driven results, secured and managed grants, and earned national recognition for officer safety and wellness. I build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and business, communicate clearly, and keep promises. I’ll bring proven, nonpartisan problem-solving, fiscal discipline, and accountability to keep Burlington safe, welcoming, and well-run.
1. Fiscally Responsible Stewardship – Ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely, focusing on essential city services and long-term financial stability.
2. Protecting Our Community – Maintain a strong, well-trained police and fire service, and invest in the tools and personnel that keep Burlington safe.
3. Open, Transparent, and Accountable Government – Encourage public participation, share information clearly, and welcome community input on major decisions.
I will focus on priority-based budgeting, sharing clear parameters, tie every dollar to outcomes, and host town halls to shape choices. I will protect core services first—public safety, streets, water, sanitation—by funding maintenance and deferring nice-to-have projects. I will keep taxes low by controlling headcount growth, competitively bidding contracts, and using grants/partnerships before local funds. We can grow the tax base by streamlining permits, revitalizing key corridors, and recruiting small businesses and light industry—broadening revenue without raising rates. Each of these actions is achievable and can be done with transparency.
As one of five council members, I know progress comes from coalition-building, not grandstanding. I bring integrity, humility, and steady judgment—earned over decades of public service—plus the discipline to listen first, ask hard questions respectfully, and seek common ground. I’m data-informed but people-centered, weighing costs and benefits with fairness to taxpayers and respect for city staff. I value civility and transparency, disclose conflicts, and recuse when appropriate. I’ll be accessible to residents, responsive to concerns, and clear about why I vote the way I do. My goal is practical problem-solving, consensus where possible, and principled stands when necessary—always with Burlington’s long-term interests in mind.
Position/philosophy statement
I hold office to affect change in such a way all persons may experience an improved quality of life. I believe barriers to access to resources should be eliminated for people to thrive. Everyone deserves opportunities to life their best life.
Current Occupation
Retired
Campaign Phone
3367393544
A native of Burlington, I am a community strategist-connector of resources to people and organizations, ordained minister and currently an elected official. I understand the needs of communities in the city because I walk among and with people. My communication skills, knowledge of how municipal government works and ability to determine funding strategies makes me the best candidate for a city council seat.
•East Burlington Revitalization
•Quality Affordable Housing
•Economic and Community Development
•Continued clean up of toxic plant site in East Burlington, cultivate green spaces, foster food security, improve infrastructure and provide incentives for businesses to build sustainable healthy communities.
•Currently serve on the board of Burlington Community Land Trust and am involved in affordable housing projects with United Way. We are working towards sustainable development of affordable housing solutions in Burlington. I would maintain the current connections to fund through city council.
•Support entrepreneurship and business ownership, in addition to offering ways economic development can be most efficient. Building community resilience includes recovery from recent flooding and improving infrastructure. Also, see above.
Candidate has not yet responded.
