Position/philosophy statement
Old Fort is on the move towards becoming an adventure trail town. What does this mean for residents? We have an opportunity to remake this town into a vibrant and healthy community. As Mayor, I intend to actively engage residents in this process.
Current Occupation
Director, Outdoor Economy Training and McDowell Tech Trail School
Age (optional)
49
I am a passionate community builder and small business owner and have been focused on rebuilding Old Fort into an adventure destination for the past 3 years. I have worked in the Outdoor Industry for most of my life with several side quests into tech businesses. As a life-long traveler and outdoor adventurer, I have experienced many examples of what happens when a small mountain town becomes a visitor hotspot. There are many economic benefits and there are many pitfalls that can be avoided with careful planning.
I bring decades of business experience in operations, development and marketing as well as a sincere love of Old Fort and the surrounding mountain forests.
I also bring community connections amongst local business owners.
1) the transformation of Old Fort into an adventure destination
2) continued recovery efforts from hurricane Helene
3) the creation of a Planning Board in accordance with ordinance 106 (July 23, 1979) so that improvements to Old Fort can proceed with the guidance of community members
I will begin a campaign to educate town residents about the Old Fort Trails Project and other upcoming developments linked to the remaking of Old Fort as an adventure destination. This will include bringing together local project leaders with townspeople for formal talks and presentations showing the results of many millions of dollars in investments that have occurred over the past five years and are about to occur during the next five years.
I will create a Planning Board to provide a team focused on improvements to the town with the explicit goal of mitigating some of the downsides of rapid growth and providing for the needs of town residents at least to equal that being built for visitors.
This town must work for all of us.
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