Title: Mayor 

Municipality: Mayodan

Positions Interested In: Second Vice President; At Large - Elected Officials

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?

The NCLM has demonstrated that it is a vital service provider and advocate for North Carolina's municipalities. I have personally received excellent training that has shaped my ability to serve the town of Mayodan. My town has greatly benefited from assistance in finance and personnel given by the League staff. I am committed to continually increasing this level of service to our municipalities.

One specific concern i have is the lack of "friends" the League has in our Legislature, while the number of threats is ever increasing. This was extremely evident in the most recent session when our ability to do zoning in our communities was threatened. Then both houses created committees to seek to limit our ability to set property tax rates.

I would like to see the League create new training opportunities for elected municipal officials who may have an interest is seeking seats in the Legislature. This training can include current legislators describing in detail what serving in that body requires. A second session could offer a guide to running a campaign. We will never be able to match the money coming from PACs but having our former members filling seats in the Legislature gives us voices to represent our views when issues are debated.

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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?

My municipal experience began with two years on the Mayodan Planning and Zoning Board. In 1999 I was elected to the Town Council and served for 8 years. In 2007 I was elected as Mayor and served two terms. After a 10 year break due to career obligations, I returned to the Town Council in 2021. In 2024 after our mayor resigned, I was selected as Mayor by my fellow council members.

During both of the periods in office I was fortunate to serve the League. First a member of a Legislative Action Committee, then as it's co-chair. In 2009 I was elected to a district seat on the Board of Directors. Soon after returning to the Town Council, I received a Presidential appointment to the BOD. I also began serving on the Legislative Policy Committee. In 2024 I was elected to an At Large seat on the BOD. I have sought out opportunities to be of service to the League. I have also encouraged others on Mayodan's council to not only take the valuable training, but to attend City Vision and other league evens. That encouragement extends to elected officials from other municipalities in Rockingham County as well.

Additionally, I have served as Mayodan's delegate to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments. I have been selected for their BOD on multiple occasions as well as currently serving on their Executive Committee.

During my tenure in office Mayodan has experienced significant commercial growth including a Walmart and a Lowes. We have added over 100 homes in the last three years. We continue to prioritize infrastructure as the water supplier to neighboring Stoneville and both water and sewer to Stoneville, Madison and Rockingham County. A $12 million project is underway to improve and expand our wastewater treatment facility We also are in the early stages of a new 12-acre park on the edge of our downtown. Our latest project is replacement of our downtown sidewalks which should be completed in March.

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

I received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. I had a 30+ year career as a purchasing professional. I retired from Volvo Trucks in Greensboro after 17 years. I am a past member of the Rockingham County Educational Foundation. As a young adult, I was a member of the Madison-Mayodan Jaycees, serving as Local President and as the District Director.

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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

• Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process

• Regional Meetings

• Legislative Policy Committee
• Legislative Lobby Days

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

I have served a total of 5 years on the League's Board of Directors. This year I was honored by League President Martha Sue Hall who appointed me to serve on the Executive Committee. I take this appointment very seriously. When the League Staff presented our case to the NC House Committee studying Property Tax Reform, I drove to Raleigh for the session. I was the only elected official there. That is the same level of commitment I will bring to the role of 2nd Vice President. I take the opportunity to seek this office very seriously. Running last year and losing to my good friend Satish Garimella, I remain committed to serve the NCLM that has given me so much. I have the energy, commitment and time to devote to this office and to our League.