1. What are your greatest strengths and skill set that will make you a good elected official?
I ran a hard wood flooring construction crew of over 20 people and I would run the jobs from start to finish from job proposal, ordering, scheduling, day to day jobs. I dealt directly with architects, designers, suppliers and builders. I handled complaints and issues, making sure workers had a safe work environment, ensuring customers were satisfied with completed jobs, keeping jobs on schedule. I would fill in where needed whether it was getting supplies, running heavy equipment, or handling phones. I understood that every day the team had to work as one to successfully get the jobs done. "There's a reason they call them hard wood floors, because there is nothing easy about them."
2. Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run for office?
I have attended almost every meeting for the last 4 years after moving here. I go to them to learn about what's going on in the community. I'm always surprised at how few people actually come to the meetings. I have been to a few meetings were larger groups have come because of a specific topic and I'm not sure that the council members have heard the concerns those people have had. If I'm elected, I want to make sure that everyone who comes out and voices their concerns are heard. People work hard and everyone is so busy these days that it takes a lot for some people to be able to make to a meeting. We need to make it clear that we value their time. The council works for the people of this community. That's what we are here for
3. Do you currently or have you ever held an elected office before, and if so, what office?
No, I have not.
4. As an elected official you will have to make decisions regarding zoning. What, if any, is your experience with zoning and how will it benefit the voters if you are elected?
I've learned a lot from coming to the meetings. In the last few years there have been a lot of new subdivisions and a lot of new plans regarding the industrial park. It's kind of exciting how things are changing and growing, but of course with that we all have to learn so we make the right decisions.
5. Traffic is a major issue, especially during the tourist season. One concern is the lack of sidewalks and dedicated bike paths. Do you agree this is a concern and if so, what would you like to see changed or added regarding sidewalks and bike paths?
I'm really worried about the number of people I see running or biking along Hwy 50 heading toward the beach. I pass people all the time and there isn't even a shoulder for them to get off the road safely. I think it's real important that we work with DOT and Surf City to get a real bike lane and side walk to connect the two communities.
6. Our area is unique in the fact that we are comprised of several small towns and two counties. Do you feel it is important to work alongside the neighboring towns/counties and are there any specific issues you want addressed or feel needs more work?
Our area is very unique and we can benefit by working with the other local towns and counties. Being a town on the border of two counties gives us an advantage where we can draw from both areas.
7. Hurricanes are a way of life in coastal areas. 1) Do you feel your town is properly prepared to handle a major storm? 2) What improvements, if any, would you like to see take place, regarding communication, shelters, or staff?
I do not feel that Holly Ridge is currently able to handle a major storm. The only shelter I could locate was Coastal Elementary School. With the past two tropical events we had this season I felt there was a huge disconnect with getting valuable information out to the residents and business owners in Holly Ridge. Too many people don't follow Facebook and this needs to be improved right away. Tax payers depend on information being provided by the town and they didn't receive it.
8. If elected and a proposal was created regarding term limits, would you support it?
Yes. The good Lord above is the only one without a term limit.
9. As time is always precious, do you agree that as an elected official, it is your responsibility to learn about the topics to be discussed ahead of time to help expedite discussions and decisions during the meetings?
Absolutely. If residents are able to get agendas ahead of time, we need to make sure that we not only get the agendas but that we research and ask questions to make sure we have answers during the meetings. No one wants to waste time.
10. If your community has paid parking: What issues do you have regarding the current program and would you work to change or alter the existing program in your community?
Holly Ridge currently does not.
11. Tell me something about yourself that may be of interest to the community.
I often get asked if I'm a biker because of my beard, but honestly the reason I have this beard is because I am a die hard Jet's fan and as a Jet's fan, I couldn't stand Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (a few years back) and when I found out the New England Patriots played in Gillette Stadium (Gillette Razor Company) I vowed I would never shave again!