Title: Mayor

Municipality: Town of Belville

Positions Interested In: District #3 Representative

Q&A's:

TELL US WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION AT THE LEAGUE. IN PARTICULAR, SPECIFY GOALS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN OFFICER OR BOARD MEMBER AND INDICATE HOW, IF ATTAINED, THEY WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE VISION 2030 – THE LEAGUE’S FUTURE VISION OF HOW CITIES AND TOWNS WILL OPERATE IN 2030?

With the move toward urbanization and growing apathy with government, I would like to use my position to educate individuals about the government's mission to help and move positive projects forward. I also see a need to give smaller municipalities like Belville a voice in the ever-growing focus on larger municipalities. What I have seen is that many of the larger municipalities are taking focus and resources from the smaller communities, and "small towns" can get lost in the shuffle. I understand it is important to work with all municipalities, as the League's name advocates, but downtown revitalization seems to struggle to secure resources and focus within the League. I would like to be an advocate for this and preserve what our Town's motto says, to maintain "Small Town Charm".

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL. YOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON YOUR SERVICE ON THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNING BODY, OTHER RELATED BOARDS AND SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST?

What I have learned in the 10 years of combined service as an elected official and an additional 6 years working in a municipal government, it is important to stay focused on your goals and not get mired in the daily distractions that can take you off task. Big projects such as developing our downtown area, expanding our park and our amenities, and better preparing our internal operations to ensure continued, sustained, and secure growth require that type of focus. Also, my time on the tax board has reminded me that you must always stay informed of topical matters and continue to learn and educate yourself on current and relevant events.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND/OR COMMUNITY OR CIVIC ACTIVITIES?

I spent 30 years in law enforcement, serving in different capacities. This gave me wide experience and education on diverse issues and concerns within the communities I served. They included issues with domestic violence, fraud, juvenile crimes, and general quality of life issues. I extended this into my teaching both in technical police and collegiate criminal justice education. It gave me the opportunity to prepare the next generation while also listening to the concerns of a different demographic and life experiences. I have carried this into my elected position, staying open-minded and willing to listen to all sides of an issue. I have learned to balance my determination to accomplish what I believe is best for the community I serve with the approachability to hear other perspectives.

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HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING NCLM EVENTS OR COMMITTEES?

• CityVision Annual Conference
• Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
• Regional Meetings
• NC Mayors Association Conferences

PLEASE PROVIDE ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER?

Although I have been the Mayor of Belville for only 8 months, we have completed many projects that did not progress as well as they could. This is not a reflection on the previous mayor, but rather on my background in operations and administration, and a focus on assessing a project and determining the best way to complete it. Being Mayor has allowed me to be personally involved in the community and publicly advocate for Belville. This includes attending bi-weekly lunches with local businesses, speaking at organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and other civic groups, and involvement with our Metropolitan Planning Organization. Along with the Mayor of Carolina Shores, we have reorganized the Brunswick County Mayors Association, bringing together our 17 mayors to discuss shared issues and concerns and present a more united front with our county, state, and federal partners. This interest in working with the community to advocate for shared interests are qualities that I will bring to the NCLM as a Board Member.