"I have been a small business owner for over 30 years. I believe in small government and lower taxes. Public service has been my calling and I want to work for you. We need to create more living wage jobs, improve our schools, and make public safety a top priority. With nearly a decade of government experience, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate the complicated governmental agencies, and get things done."
LIST OF ISSUES
Economy and Jobs
We need to help people get back to work. Being a business owner for over 30 years, I will support small businesses which are the backbone of our community. Bringing successful companies and small business to New Hanover County will bring jobs. Economic development is essential for our county to thrive and I am committed to a pro-business mindset.
Fiscal Responsibility/Taxes
I believe in small government and lower taxes. The county should have remained revenue neutral this budget year. Businesses struggled during the pandemic with restrictions and labor shortages. Many residents were out of work and parents were homeschooling due to COVID-19. This is not a time to add the additional burden of a tax increase to our citizens. I believe in being a good steward of your tax dollar and cutting unnecessary expenses. I will stand for transparency and fiscal responsibility as your commissioner.
Quality Education of our Children
Children are our future. County commissioners must work closely with our local school board to ensure the success of our school system and safety of our students. This is a priority to me and I am committed to working with school board members to find solutions.
Clean Water and Environment
Clean water is essential to all citizens and will be a top priority for me as commissioner. Those who pollute our waters should be fined and held accountable. Our environment is a treasure which we must protect. I believe in the protection of our waterways, beaches, as well as the wildlife and the sea life which inhabit them. I will support the reduction of single use plastics and I believe in recycling programs. I believe in balanced tree preservation programs. We all deserve to live in a clean environment.
Safety of our Community
We all deserve to live in a safe community and I believe in supporting and funding law enforcement. We rely on the law, our court system and our police to enforce safety. As your county commissioner, I will make this a top priority. I believe in being tough on crime. We must have a county that is safe for our children to live and grow, knowing that they are protected
Housing
Affordable workforce housing is a problem in New Hanover County. The desirability to live in New Hanover County and near the beaches has driven property values and rental prices to new heights. Bringing higher paying jobs with a more sustainable living wage will help address our workforce housing needs. Government must also partner with the private sector and our state partners to address this issue.
Quality of Life
Planning for parks and open space is essential to a growing New Hanover County. We must preserve areas for future generations to enjoy the outdoors of our great county. I will support parks, bike paths, multiuse paths and connectivity around our county. The ability to enjoy a clean healthy lifestyle is crucial to the citizens of New Hanover County.