VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have had the honor of serving the citizens and visitors of Hickory on the council as an elected representative in Ward 4 for two terms and as Mayor for two terms. Prior to serving as your elected representative, I spent thirty years working at the Hickory Police Department serving in all aspects of community policing. My entire adult life has been dedicated to public service and community engagement. In my current position as Mayor for the City of Hickory I have worked with the current council and together we have forged partnerships and relationships with local, state and federal leaders that have contributed greatly to our many successes and Hickory becoming the economic hub of the Greater Hickory Metro.

The first issue I will address during the continuation of my elected representation will be the completion of the Hickory Trails which has transformed our entire community and attracted millions of dollars in grants, private/public projects and partnerships. Second will be to continue to promote investing in Hickory through infrastructure and amenities. This will include an Innovation District to leverage education, innovation, mixed used development and recreation. Third will be to continue to be active, engaged and vigilant in the issues surrounding our water supply and maintaining the City of Hickory's interest as a regional water supplier. Water security is a top priority; I will oppose any new inter-basin water transfers.

The final segment of the Hickory Trail known as the Olle Art Walk is currently under construction. Once completed this will complete over 12 miles of pedestrian/biking trails throughout the city. The Olle Art Walk project is on schedule and will be completed during my next tenure as Mayor. In addition to the five segments that make up the Hickory Trails two extensions will be constructed to connect Appalachian State Universities Hickory Campus and the Hickory Aviation Museum to the Hickory Aviation Walk.

To date, the City of Hickory has leveraged the 40 million bond referendum approved by Hickory voters to secure over 75 million in additional grant funding. The economic activity at Trivium Corporate Center and along the Hickory Trail will support over 1500 jobs. With Trivium and several residential and commercial projects there has been over 845 million dollars of private investment and more than 1500 new housing units in the city. The Hickory of tomorrow is being created today! The efforts and investments we are making through the bond program to build connectivity and drive economic development will benefit our community and be felt by generations to come. Decades from now, newcomers to Hickory will not see the remnants of the recession we went through in the early part of the century. Instead, they'll see the vitality, the amenities, the innovation, the jobs and the quality of life. They'll see a flourishing city, feel the momentum, and understand what makes Hickory so special!

Hickory raised me, and I returned after college because I love this city and its people. My experience working with elected officials taught me exceptional constituent service and responsive leadership. I understand our critical challenges: aging infrastructure, economic stagnation, and housing affordability. Rather than reinventing solutions, I'll collaborate with existing community leaders and research proven policies from similar cities. I don't shy away from difficult decisions or challenging conversations. My only loyalty is to Hickory's residents—I'll ensure every voice is heard regardless of connections or neighborhood, serving as a bridge between citizens and responsive government.

1. Revitalizing Our Local Economy: supporting existing businesses, attracting employers, fostering entrepreneurship 2. Ensuring Responsible City Spending: fiscal oversight, transparency, accountability 3. Crafting a Connected City: safe streets, strong emergency services, responsive government

I'll grow Hickory's economy through a three-pronged approach: First, better serve our existing industries by streamlining permitting, addressing infrastructure needs, and facilitating workforce development partnerships with local educational institutions. Second, attract new employers by marketing our strategic location and quality of life while offering competitive incentive packages. Third, support local businesses and entrepreneurs through small business development programs, networking events, and reduced regulatory barriers. This comprehensive strategy builds a healthier, more diverse economy where residents have opportunities to thrive, young people can build careers here, and families can prosper in the community they love.

I will bring fiscal responsibility to City Hall through fresh oversight, smarter spending, and transparent budget processes that prioritize essential services and infrastructure. We'll create a better-connected city with safe streets, well-maintained neighborhoods, strong emergency services, and a local government that responds promptly to citizen concerns. My campaign slogan is "Crafting the Future of Hickory. Responsibly." This reflects my commitment to thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and accountable leadership. I believe in building on Hickory's existing strengths while addressing longstanding challenges with care and collaborative solutions. Every resident deserves equal access to city services and a voice in our community's future. I'm running to ensure City Hall serves all of Hickory's neighborhoods with the same dedication and responsiveness, creating opportunities for every citizen to thrive in our hometown.