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VOTE411 Voter Guide

CITY OF NEWTON COUNCIL {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The 7-member City Council consists of a Mayor and six Council Members. The City Council enacts City policies and laws to govern city operations and the citizens of Newton. The City Council also has the responsibility to appoint a City Manager and City Attorney. Council members must reside within city limits and are elected at-large in non-partisan elections for staggered four-year terms. Learn more about the City of Newton at http://www.newtonnc.gov/

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    Scott Gilleland
    (NON)

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    Kassandra Gray
    (NON)

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    Roy Johnson
    (NON)

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    Marcus Miller
    (NON)

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    Bill Powell
    (NON)

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    Ed Sain
    (NON)

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    Patrick Sterchi
    (NON)

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    John Stiver
    (NON)

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    Recil Wright
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority. (Max. 750 characters)

How will you address the top issue once you are in office? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

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Position/philosophy statement Where Higher Standards meet a Brighter Tomorrow
Current Occupation Founder/Owner of a Manufacturing Company
Campaign Mailing Address 202 N MAIN AVE
NEWTON, NC 28658
Campaign Phone 336-247-6331
Campaign Email kassandra@me.com
I am a savvy business owner who knows how to efficiently make money work for a goal and not against one. Having been in leadership roles all my life even as a child in 4-H, I know the importance of open communication with everyone involved. Having lived all over the country I have a unique perspective that the other candidates do not have. I have seen what works and what does not work. Our citizens have been asking for different and better, but different and better can not happen without other perspectives. I want to bring outside experiences to help this city become a place people want to live and raise their families.
Higher Standards for City Services- Setting clear expectations for city staff and contractors. Ensuring follow-through and quality control. Creating a feedback system where residents can report issues and see transparent updates on their resolution. Modernizing City Systems Introducing online tools and apps so residents can pay bills, request services, and track projects without unnecessary red tape. Accountability for tax dollars Conducting audits to identify waste and redirect funds to priority needs. Making city budgets and expenditures clear and accessible, so every resident knows where money is going. Ensuring that new spending delivers real, visible improvements in our community. Raising these standards will improve quality of life.
I will work with the city maintenance director to see where the disconnect is happening. Once we find the issues we will work to build framework and expectation for projects. This way employees and contractors will know the expectations and what must be done to make a project successful.
Newton is on the verge of becoming a truly great city. We’ve seen progress with downtown revitalization, new businesses, and a growing sense of energy. But without the right leadership, we risk falling back into outdated practices, wasted resources, and “good enough” service. My platform is built on raising standards for city services, modernizing operations so Newton is efficient and responsive, and ensuring accountability for every tax dollar. If managed correctly, Newton can be a thriving, united community where people are proud to live, work, and grow. The future looks bright — but only if we build it together.
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Position/philosophy statement As a leader committed to Newton’s future, I have prioritized economic growth by championing strategic planning and targeted infrastructure investments. My approach is rooted in creating sustainable development opportunities that benefit every corner
Current Occupation I am a retired educator with 40 years of experience mostly as an high school administrator. Currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the past 10 years.
Age (optional) 75
Campaign Phone 828-612-0989
Campaign Email jmstiver@gmail.com
I have proudly served the Newton City Council for the past 12 years, including 10 years as Mayor Pro Tem. My commitment to our community extends across multiple leadership roles: 10 years on the Business Advisory Board, 6 years on the Parks and Recreation Committee, and 6 years on the Tree Board. Most recently, I was appointed to the State Board of ElectriCities—a nonprofit organization representing municipally in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia-owned electric utilities, including Newton. This breadth of experience reflects a deep and sustained investment in Newton’s growth, infrastructure, and quality of life. Experience matters—and I bring it to the table every day.
1. Start Constuction and complete project of Central Rec Center. 2. Finish Phase 1 of the Waste Management project. 3. Build a new fire station in the Startown area.
Central Rec Center is a minority high school that was closed in the 70's and will bring new life to the community when complete. Make sure is enough money to finish project.
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Campaign Mailing Address 209 1ST AVE S
CONOVER, NC 28613
Masters of civil engineering. Owner of consulting company, 53 years experience, previous scout master, chairman of balls creek campground, served on east Lincoln county pregnancy care board, Sunday school teacher, chairman trustees Denver UNC married 56 years, 10 grands 8 natural, two adopted, two foster, worked as consulting engineer with city of Newton on numerous projects, three grown sons
1. Communications with citizens. No effective system in place at this time other than three minutes at council mtg. 2. Council learning difference between wants and needs. Serious lack of priorities 3. Learning equal treatment for all parts of city. Many council members do not know that there are parts of the city outside downtown area.
Start periodic mtg in various areas in city to learn of issues in unique to each area. Set up reporting system to register complaints and feed back system of the of the complaint. Dedicate adequate time in regular mtg to hear concerns.
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