Local Election Section 2011

EARLY VOTING You can cast your ballot now via the Early Voting program.

Friday, Oct. 28: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29 (Blue Room only): 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 31 – Friday, Nov. 4: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Local

 Old County Courthouse Blue Room 301 W. Market Street Greensboro  High Point Elections Office 325 E. Russell Avenue High Point Additional sites throughout the county will also be open as follows: Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Friday, Nov. 4: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 5: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  Bur-Mil Club 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road Greensboro  Leonard Recreation Center 6324 Ballinger Road Greensboro

ON ELEcTION DAY Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.

You must vote in your assigned precinct on Election Day. To find where it is, visit www.sboe.state.nc.us, click on My Polling Place and type in your address.

For more election and voting information, contact the Guilford County Board of Elections at 641-3836 or visit www.guilfordelections.org.

VOTE

2011

E-2

Local

OAK RIDGE CANDIDAtES

meeT The oAk ridge cAndidATes

Five candidates are running for three Town Council.

open seats on the Oak Ridge Current council members are: Ray Combs, Roger Howerton, David Rowe, Danny Yanusz and Jim Kinneman.

The terms of Ray Combs, Jim Kinneman and David Rowe are ending this year; David Rowe is not seeking re-election.

we posed These quesTions to the Oak Ridge candidates and

asked them to respond in 100 words or less:

• TOWN CORE The town core defines the area designated for commercial development.

Goodwill recently proposed locating a store at N.C. 68 and Fogleman Road, which is just outside the town core. Do you believe now is the time to expand the town core and, whether now or later, what factors would you take into consideration before voting to expand it?

• SIGN ORDINANCE Oak Ridge’s sign ordinance has been praised by many residents and criticized by many business owners. How do you respond to businesses who say the restrictiveness of the ordinance is unfriendly and has a negative impact on them?

• THREE MAJOR ISSUES What are the three major issues you believe need to be addressed by the town council, now or in the next few years?

• RATE THE CURRENT TOWN COUNCIL Rate the current town council on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most favorable rating, on the following:  Quality of leadership  Effective communication with citizens  Encouragement and support of volunteers on town boards/committees  Business-friendly ordinances, attitude and support system  Visionary long-term planning  Good stewards of taxpayer money

RAy COMbS personAl: Age 64, married to Carol 43 years, two daughters, two grandchildren occupATion: Retired business owner educATion And professionAl experience: Bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College, master’s degree from The Citadel volunTeer/service: Active member and past president of Rotary; founding member Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church; 15-year volunteer Oak Ridge Horse Show, two years as chairman; 13-year board member of Oak Ridge Fire and Rescue Company reAson you Are running for council: Oak Ridge is envied county- and state-wide, largely because of the amazing efforts of citizens serving on our many committees. I want to continue to be a part of the system and the people that make Oak Ridge great. reAson people should voTe for you: My experience on town council for 10 years – eight of those years as mayor – gives me a solid understanding of how government works, not just in Oak Ridge, but in the county and state as well. Working with the state legislature and the county commission enabled us to acquire Extra Territorial Jurisdiction on our western border, making it unlikely that area would be annexed by another town.

Answers To quesTions • Town core: The business core designation is intended to preserve Oak Ridge’s small-town character, with a strong commercial business district surrounded by residential areas and farmland, and to maintain the land along the N.C. 68 and N.C. 150 corridors in an undisturbed state as long as possible. As long as we have vacant land and vacant storefronts in the business core, I do not think the district should be expanded at this time.

• sign ordinAnce: North Carolina state law prohibits signs other than political signs and signs approved by DOT in rights of way of state roads.

Oak Ridge Town Council chose several years ago to enforce this law and to enact an additional ordinance to regulate signs not in the state right of way.

Town council members, including myself, would be receptive to a proposal to amend these regulations in a way that satisfies business owners’ concerns and also preserves our town’s appearance.

We have asked concerned business owners to bring proposed amendments before the Planning and Zoning Board, but none have yet done so.

• Three mAjor issues: 1) The first order of business is to keep the town in a sound financial condition. 2) We need to continue fostering the successful relationships between the town, the Oak Ridge Youth Association and the Merchants Association of Oak Ridge, which provide excellent opportunities for our youth and our businesses, respectively. 3) We need to continue vigorously opposing the county’s impending attempt to begin charging the town for law enforcement and other critical services.

Local

OAK RIDGE CANDIDAtES

rATing The currenT council 9 9 9 9 9 9

in 2000 and immediately felt we had found home. Many people have heard me say I want to “keep Oak Ridge a great place to live.” I believe my record shows I have done that, and I wish to continue to do that.

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money

jIM KINNEMAN personAl: Age 55, wife Carol occupATion: Software consulting business owner educATion And professionAl experience: Computer science degree; U.S. Air Force (received Air Force commendation and four Air Medals); worked in industry 30 years before starting a successful consulting business volunTeer/service: Member Oak Ridge Town Council; past chairman Oak Ridge Planning and Zoning Board; past chairman Oak Ridge Ordinance Review Committee; assistant chairman Oak Ridge Board of Adjustment; member Oak Ridge Lions Club; member Preservation Oak Ridge; member Triad Information Reading Service (on-air reading to blind and sight impaired) reAson you Are running for council: Carol and I moved here

4,610

reAson people should voTe for you: Many times people run for office due to a single issue without understanding the overall picture. I spent several years on the Planning Board and other committees to help my new hometown and to better understand the issues facing Oak Ridge. Only then did I run for office. I know the issues, give each item before me serious openminded consideration, have no hidden agenda, work hard to treat everyone fairly, and always ask myself: “Will this keep Oak Ridge a great place to live?”

Answers To quesTions • Town core: Citizens worked hard on our Land Use Plan; as a council member, I work to follow it. The commercial core, with restaurants, stores, town hall, park, post office, school and fire department, serves as a foundation that helps define the town. It helps Oak Ridge be a strong community, not just a place to live. Towns without this foundation struggle to develop the sense of community Oak Ridge has. By grouping businesses near each other, they mutually benefit and customers can walk from one to another. The current core has space, so expanding it now would dilute its effectiveness.

registered voters in

Oak Ridge

• sign ordinAnce: In many ways the question answers itself. Town residents have shown support for a clean, uncluttered town. My guiding principle as a council member is “Will it keep/make this a great place to live?”

If we’re successful, the customers that businesses want will live here, and businesses with solid business plans will do well. Many complaints I’ve heard about signs are vague. I always ask for proposals on how to change the ordinance, but I’ve not received any. If there are ways to alter any ordinance to make this a great place to live, I will give it full consideration.

• Three mAjor issues: 1) Water.

Many residents have a great-tasting well, but we have the same water for fire protection we did in the 1960s, despite our growth. Several areas have water quantity and quality issues. To stay vibrant, we need to ensure our citizens/fire department have safe, reliable water. 2) Walk-ability. In our town core citizens should be able to walk safely between businesses, our park and school. 3) County mandates. The county is looking at services they provide with an eye to transferring them to the town. Each needs to be examined closely to ensure we are treated fairly and get value for our tax dollar. rATing The currenT council 10 8 10 10 10 10

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money Continued on page E-4

E-3

oAk ridge

voTer q&A Q How do I find out where I vote?

A In Early Voting, you can

vote at any site in the county.

On Election Day, you must vote in your regular precinct.

To find out where it is, visit www.sboe.state.nc.us, click on My Polling Place and type in your address.

Q Where do Oak Ridge citizens vote on Election Day?

A OR1: Oak Ridge Town

Hall, 8315 Linville Road or OR2: Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road.

Q When are polls open on Election Day?

A Polling places are open on

Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Q What will be on this year’s ballot?

A Since this is an odd-

numbered election year, it is a municipal election only. In Oak Ridge, citizens will vote for three town council members.

E-4

Local

OAK RIDGE CANDIDAtES reAson you Are running for council: Because I love Oak Ridge!

OAK RIDGE continued from page E-3

GEORGE McCLELLAN personAl: Age 57, married to Kathy McClellan for 21 years occupATion: President of McClellan Financial educATion And professionAl experience: B.A. Mercer University.

I have been a financial advisor since 1987. volunTeer/service: Past member Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission; member town Finance Committee; founding member and first president of Preservation Oak Ridge Foundation; member Merchants Association of Oak Ridge and served two years as chairman of “Meet the Merchants” expo committee weBsiTe: electgeorgemcclellan.com

reAson people should voTe for you: Because I am fortunate to live in Oak Ridge, I believe I should contribute to its continuing success as a vibrant community. Small, efficient government with low tax rates has guided me while serving on our town’s Finance Committee for the last three years. The council accepted our budget recommendations because they allowed Oak Ridge to keep the level of services it promised to citizens while meeting its constitutional requirement of balancing the budget. I am proud that we were able to do that without raising taxes. I will continue to use these same principles if elected to town council.

Answers To quesTions • Town core: The commercial core was developed under the Land Use Plan as amended in 2007. The purpose of defining the core is to focus commercial development in the center of town so we can maintain the charm and sense of a small-town community

for Oak Ridge Town Council  a proud resident of Oak Ridge for nearly 40 years  a fiscal conservative and a trustworthy steward of Oak Ridge assets and resources  serving to maintain our town's character through responsible growth

Election Day, Nov. 8 • Please VOTE!

sullivan4oakridge.com

Paid for by Spencer Sullivan for Oak Ridge Town Council

for business owners and shoppers. I believe that we have plenty of open space within the commercial core for potential development and, therefore, should not expand the Oak Ridge commercial core. I agree with many townspeople who believe to enlarge the core would be a mistake and run the risk of bringing urban sprawl to Oak Ridge.

• sign ordinAnce: I believe that we have a very balanced sign ordinance. What makes Oak Ridge different from other towns is that we actually enforce the sign ordinance. I encourage my fellow business owners to bring their ideas for improving the ordinance up at the town council meetings during citizen comments. I have found that in the past our town council is willing to consider well-grounded ideas that have resulted in changes to our ordinances.

• Three mAjor issues: 1) Improving our quality of life through vibrant businesses, recreation and preserving our town’s history. 2) Maintaining the balance of the small-town characteristics that make Oak Ridge such a special place to call home with the need for growth so that we remain a vibrant community. 3) Keeping our town government small, delivering services efficiently, and keeping taxes low. rATing The currenT council 9 9 10 8 9 10

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money

RICh SPIKER personAl: Age 44, wife Lisa, daughters Sarah and Catherine occupATion: I am the Greensboro city executive for High Point Bank educATion And professionAl experience: Bachelor’s degree in business management from UNCW; N.C. School of Banking - Chapel Hill; 20+-year banker; building contractor; real estate broker volunTeer/service: Treasurer Crescent Rotary; have volunteered for Oak Ridge Youth Association, Habitat for Humanity, Project Rebuild, Urban Ministries, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Lifespan, others reAson you Are running for council: At this point in my life, I’ve developed a greater understanding of the importance of serving others. I’m truly inspired at the thought of working together with fellow citizens to protect and enhance the quality of life we all enjoy in Oak Ridge. I’m so proud of our town, with its unique charm and sense of community. I want to see us continue to flourish and search for ways we can be even better. reAson people should voTe for you: I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a broad spectrum of people throughout my career – a career built on leadership through consensus building. I won’t hesitate to take a stand when it’s the right thing to do.

Local However, I don’t believe in drawing lines in the sand unnecessarily. To me, serving in the best interest of the community means making a good faith effort to work with our fellow citizens and public servants for the common good.

Answers To quesTions • Town core: I support the town core concept as a guiding principle, but I really struggle with the idea of the town discouraging a property owner from developing his/her land for commercial purposes just because it’s outside of the Commercial Town Core.

Our town Land Use Plan states “Commercial rezoning outside the Commercial Town Core should be strongly discouraged.” I don’t like the idea that a property owner on the wrong side of the line on the map would likely not be afforded the same opportunity to develop his/her property as his neighbor.

• sign ordinAnce: This one is tricky, because there are so many variations. Having a sign ordinance is necessary if for no other reason than to

OAK RIDGE CANDIDAtES protect motorists on public roadways from visual obstructions. Beyond that, it can clearly have a positive impact on the overall look and feel of a town. But too much of a good thing can be bad, and we may very well have gone too far in passing all of the current ordinances as written. Local businesses should be afforded some opportunity to promote and differentiate themselves from others, especially in these tough economic times.

• Three mAjor issues: 1) Be open to creative ways to support and partner with our local merchants and residents during what will continue to be very difficult economic times for the foreseeable future. 2) Promote “healthy town” concept, connecting safe sidewalks/trails for walkers, runners and bikers to merchants, residential neighborhoods, public buildings and the park. 3) Tractor trailer speeds on Highway 68 have been a problem for years. There have been a handful of bad accidents and numerous close calls, with multiple “trouble spots” inside the

town limits. We can’t wait on I-73 to solve the problem. rATing The currenT council 7 7 8 5 7 8

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money

SPENCER SULLIvAN personAl: Age 67, married to Linda 45 years, two children, four grandchildren occupATion: Retired sales, operations and manufacturing manager

E-5

educATion And professionAl experience: B.A., Washington and Lee University volunTeer/service: PTSAs at Oak Ridge Elementary, NWMS, NWHS and ORMA; chairman town Water Committee; chairman Outreach Committee Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, mission work locally, nationally, internationally weBsiTe: sullivan4oakridge.com reAson you Are running for council: For 38 years I have invested considerable time, effort and resources to help this community grow. I chose this place to raise my family, and I am proud to call Oak Ridge home. I am a stakeholder who cares deeply for this community and its health and prosperiContinued on page E-6

Re-elect

Oak Ridge Town Council Keeping Oak Ridge a

great place

Good steward of your

tax dollars

Works for

you

Thank you for your vote and support.

Authorized and paid for by Jim Kinneman jkinneman@triad.rr.com

E-6

Local

OAK RIDGE CANDIDATES

OAK RIDGE continued from page E-5

customers, particularly potential drive-

Test your

by customers of our retail businesses.

election knowledge:

The town has a process where text amendments for any ordinance can be

ty. Since I have retired, I have the time to give back in some small measure for the blessings we have received living here.

proposed and considered, and I encour-

Reason people should vote for you: I am committed to maintaining the character and lifestyle of our town. I will work to assure it retains its charm while encouraging compatible growth for both homes and business. I am known as being open and honest, and as a person of integrity. I will be diligent to oversee and maintain the wonderful assets of our town hall and park, and be fiscally responsible in assuring our financial health, both now and in the future.

welcome the opportunity to help busi-

age businesses or individuals affected to engage in this process to amend the sign ordinance. If elected, I would also nesses through this process. I believe the ordinance could be amended to be more flexible in the signage allowed, without affecting the appearance of the

1 When is Election Day this year?

town needs to begin developing a town water system as funds are available, through grants or other sources.

Growth will continue to put pressure

B Tuesday, Nov. 8

C Tuesday, Nov. 15

2 What was the first election year in which 18-yearolds could vote?

A 1956

B 1964

C 1972

3 Which president won both the highest popular vote and the most electoral college votes in an election?

community or the town core.

• Three major issues: 1) The

A Thursday, Nov. 10

A Franklin Roosevelt

B George Washington

C Ronald Reagan

4 In North Carolina, a driver’s license or other accept-

able form of I.D. is required to vote on Election Day.

A True

B False

on our groundwater supply, which is limited, and it is better to be proactive

Answers to questions

than wait until a community water

• Town core: I do not believe now is the time to expand the town core.

The town core still contains a significant amount of undeveloped property which is available, and the intent of our Land Use Plan is to direct commercial development to those areas. The factors I see for expanding the town commercial core are the degree of saturation of the existing core, and the lack of availability of suitable land space for a commercial enterprise wishing to locate in Oak Ridge. I also believe each case should be considered on its own merits, whether current or future.

system fails. 2) The town should look

• Sign ordinance: As a retired businessman, I am aware of the value and effectiveness of signage to attract

5 Friendly toward business

to become more business friendly, to attract desirable and compatible businesses, without compromising the integrity and character of the community. 3) Significant external pressures are building, from potential financial demands from county government to potential incompatible development adjacent to the town limits.

Rating the current council 8 Quality of leadership 5 Effective communication 8 Encouragement of volunteers 7 Long-term planning 8 Stewards of taxpayer money

ANSWER KEY: 1 B Election Day is always the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2 C After a successful argument was made that 18-year-olds could be drafted into the military and sent off to die for their country but they were not allowed to vote for the politicians who might send them there, the 26th amendment passed in 1971. The 1972 presidential election in which Richard Nixon defeated George McGovern was the first election held after the voting age was dropped from 21 to 18.

3 C In 1984, Ronald Reagan was re-elected with the highest popular vote of any

president (54,455,075) as well as the most electoral votes (525). (Reagan entered politics as a “New Deal Democrat,” but between the years of 1945 and 1962 he transformed into a conservative Republican. He officially switched to the Republican Party in 1962).

4 B You must show your driver’s license or Social Security card in order to register to vote (other acceptable forms of I.D. include: current and valid photo ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, another document that shows the voter’s name and address). On Election Day, however, identification is only required if you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and did not provide verification with your application.

Local

StOKESDAlE CANDIDAtES

meeT The sTokesdAle cAndidATes: Seven candidates are running for three Town Council.

jAMES AttAWAy

open seats on the Stokesdale-

Current council members are: Randle Jones (mayor), Bobby Richardson, Cheryl Steele, Mickie Halbrook and James Attaway.

The terms of Bobby Richardson, Cheryl Steele and James Attaway are ending this year.

we posed These quesTions to the Stokesdale candidates and

asked them to respond in 100 words or less:

• THREE MAJOR ISSUES What are the three major issues you believe need to be addressed by the town council, now or in the next few years?

• DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION What, if any, contributions do you think the town elected officials should make in terms of time, resources, finances, planning, vision, etc., to revitalizing the downtown area of Stokesdale?

• ROLE OF CITIZENS Other than voting in elections, what is the role of citizens in governing their town, and please give specific examples of how you would (or have) encourage(d) citizen input and participation?

• RATE THE CURRENT TOWN COUNCIL Rate the current town council on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most favorable rating, on the following:  Quality of leadership  Effective communication with citizens  Encouragement and support of volunteers on town boards/committees  Business-friendly ordinances, attitude and support system  Visionary long-term planning  Good stewards of taxpayer money

No answers received by press time

RANdy bRASWELL personAl: Born 1959 in Wake County, N.C.; married Cindy in 1980; children Jonathan (26), Amanda (23) and Zachary (15) occupATion: Owner Tarheel Lift Trucks for 32 years educATion/professionAl experience: Graduated Grimsley High School, UNC-Wilmington, Nashville Auto Diesel College. I have a strong business foundation with experience in customer service, accounting, purchasing, human resources, business legal issues, reviewing various types of insurance and contract negotiations. volunTeer/service: Stokesdale Community Garden, church mission trips and local missions. I support Good Samaritan Ministries in Stokesdale, deliver fresh produce to area food pantries and soup kitchens, and support local youth ministries. reAson you Are running for council: I want to hear what all the people of our town are saying about the issues facing us, and I want to learn about those issues and help guide our town to make smart choices. reAson people should voTe for you: I don’t like guessing, I want

E-7

facts. I will reunite the community. I want citizen debates. I will begin the town-wide community watch program involving the four county sheriff’s offices. I am for the kids, so I will work with Stokesdale Parks and Recreation.

I will establish a youth council. I want churches and the town to work together on job training. The new council will develop a Chamber of Commerce.

I will prepare myself to run for the mayor’s position in 2012.

Answers To quesTions • Three mAjor issues: 1) Make the public records easier to access. 2) Resolve the past-due invoicing and late fees on the water system. 3) Begin our community watch program immediately to protect the citizens of Stokesdale.

• downTown reviTAlizATion: Council members take the time to listen to our Stokesdale Business Association, since our people are our best resource; seek financial assistance through Main Street type programs; seek the vision for planning • role of ciTizens: My poll of residents finds that the town council has a hearing problem, and the November election will speak loudly. I propose building a virtual town hall and electronically polling the people on issues and showing town hall meetings on the Internet. We should start a Northwest Youth Council to encourage youth involvement in issues facing our country, have community gatherings, disc golf tournaments, citizen of the month/year, yard of the month, etc., and establish community watch programs. The town is bogged down in “legalism.” I am the new cheerleader/ town crier. Meet me at the community garden, and we will hoe and talk.

Continued on page E-8

E-8

Local

STOKESDALE CANDIDATES

Stokesdale continued from page E-7

Rating the current council 2 Quality of leadership 0 Effective communication 2 Encouragement of volunteers 0 Friendly toward business 0 Long-term planning 0 Stewards of taxpayer money

fRANK bRUNO Personal: Married to Paula 26 years, two daughters, Alexandra (19) and Frances (8); lived in Stokesdale since 1991 Occupation: Woodmen of the World financial representative; I help individuals and businesses with their financial and planning strategies Education/professional experience: B.S. in radio/TV/music production from Syracuse University; teaching certificate from New York University; culinary degree from GTCC; financial planning degree from Guilford College Volunteer/service: Community service projects through Woodmen of the World (youth camp in Randleman, American flag presentations, projects through our local lodges); vice president Stokesdale Business Association for two years; help local March of Dimes with annual chef auction event

3,558

Reason you are running for council: Because I feel the current council does not listen to the citizens.

They proceeded with projects without adequate planning or a firm budget for future maintenance costs. I will listen to citizens’ concerns, make sure we plan and budget our future projects before we start them, and have an open-door policy.

are many ways this can be accomplished, the first step being to create a partnership between local business and the town council to come up with a long-term plan. To accomplish this, we should consider a partnership with N.C. Small Town Main Street to help with this process. Once a plan has been established, we can make sure that the cost fits into our budget.

Reason people should vote for you: As a small business owner most of my adult life, I know the value of planning and budgeting. I will make sure every citizen’s voice is heard through better communication. It’s time to stop giving excuses and move forward to address the concerns of all our citizens.

• Role of citizens: Citizen input is an important part in running a small town. There needs to be an open line of communication where everyone feels they can voice their concerns and be listened to. As a member of the town council, I will make myself available to any citizen who has a problem, concern or suggestion about the town.

I will plan more community events at the park and town hall and create a better communication system so all of our citizens are informed about these events. We also need an updated and more interactive web site to help keep our citizens informed.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: The 3 major issues I see for the next town council will be 1) fiscal responsibility to make sure that before we start a project we adequately plan and budget for both the project and future costs, 2) getting our citizens and businesses more involved through better communication and a feeling that together we are a partnership, and 3) the downtown revitalization effort. We must control our costs so that any project we undertake falls within our budget.

• Downtown revitalization: Revitalizing of downtown should be a major focus of the town council. This is one of our town’s most valuable assets and the gateway to bringing more business and jobs to the area. There

registered voters in

Stokesdale

Rating the current council 4 Quality of leadership 2 Effective communication 2 Encouragement of volunteers 2 Friendly toward business 2 Long-term planning 4 Stewards of taxpayer money

bILL jONES Personal: Age 56, married to Pamela Neal Jones, also a life-long resident of Stokesdale Occupation: Retired lieutenant from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department; part-time remodeling contractor

Education/professional experience: Graduate Northwest High School; one year Rockingham Community College; Guilford County Sheriff’s Department Recruit School, Police Supervision School - N.C. Justice Academy, many in-service courses through GTCC; general contractor course and licensed general contractor since 1988 Volunteer/service: Voting member Guilford County Adult Home Care Advisory Committee Reason you are running for council: I believe the council should be more conservative with the town’s financial resources, and be much more transparent in their financial disclosures and budget statements. They should also be more open-minded in their dealings with present business owners and the public at large.

Reason people should vote for you: I have been a small business owner since 1988, so I think I know how to work within a budget and get the most out of the citizens’ hardearned tax dollars. During my years in law enforcement, I learned how to listen to people, understand their problem, and try to find a solution. I believe that is one of the most important functions of a public servant.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Town finances because it appears money will have to be transferred from savings to the general fund monthly due to the $50,000/year contract for opening, closing and mowing the park, $12,000+ to reseed fields, etc. 2) Look-

Local ing into state or possibly federal grants to establish a sewer system or possibly connect to one from a neighboring city. The costs will be staggering, but we need to start planning now. 3) Be more business friendly so we can attract jobs to our area. Kings Crossing Shopping Center is a great start, but we should take advantage of our proximity to the airport to attract manufacturing and supply-chain businesses.

• Downtown revitalization: We presently have two organizations, ROADS and the Stokesdale Business Association, working very hard toward this goal. They need much more support from the town council. The council, if so inclined, could open many doors that are not open to private organizations. Council should work to help create a Stokesdale Chamber of Commerce. I believe prospective business owners, other public officials and governmental bodies would respond to requests, invitations, etc. from a Chamber of Commerce simply because they understand how a chamber is organized, and what it is set up to accomplish.

• Role of citizens: Citizens should be encouraged to attend council meetings, take advantage of the opportunity to speak before the business session, and hold their elected officials accountable for their actions. I attended several meetings where citizens asked important questions and made numerous requests for information pertaining to enormous expenditures of money, but received no consideration from the board. If we want citizens to be involved, we must let them know that we are listening and considering their requests and suggestions.

STOKESDALE CANDIDATES Rating the current council 4 Quality of leadership 4 Effective communication 6 Encouragement of volunteers 3 Friendly toward business 4 Long-term planning 1 Stewards of taxpayer money

ERIC LOWE Personal: I have been married to my lovely wife Denise for 22 years. We have four great kids: Steven, Timothy, Natosha and Zach. We also have dogs, cats and horses.

Occupation: I work at Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Education and professional experience: I graduated from South Stanley High School in 1979. My daughter Tosha is in her fourth year at UNCG. My son Zach is in his first year at RCC. My son Tim is a graduate of ITT Tech.

Volunteer/service: I have coached in the rec league in Stokesdale for the last 22 years.

Reason you are running for council: I am running for town council because I would like to see some different people on the council. I am for less government, less regulation and for property rights.

Reason people should vote for you: People should feel comfortable voting for me because I have no hidden agenda. I don’t own a business and I don’t owe any favors to anyone. I

only have the best interests of Stokesdale to consider in my decisions. I am honest and will tell you what I think.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Actually begin to work on the revitalization of downtown, instead of just talking about it. 2) Fix the new park by upgrading the concession stand so we can make a hot dog there, fix the soccer fields so they are regulation size, and look into putting in some lights so the fields can be used at night. 3) Reducing the amount of red tape required to open and operate a business in Stokesdale.

• Downtown revitalization: If I am elected to the town council, I will personally work long and hard at getting our downtown revitalization effort going forward. I would like to think our citizens have many visions of what they would like to see downtown.

I would like to organize a volunteer group to help do some work. I would also like to see if there is some federal grant money available to help fund some of this project. I think we can do a lot to make our downtown look better without expecting the Town of Stokesdale to finance the project.

• Role of citizens: I would like to see our citizens have more input in how our town is run. One thing I would do as a town council member would be to go out in the community and actually talk to people. I also would like to start having a monthly informal meeting where anyone could come and talk about any ideas or probContinued on page E-10

E-9

STOKESDALE

VOTER Q&A Q How do I find out where I vote?

A In Early Voting, you can vote at any site in the county.

On Election Day, you must vote in your regular precinct.

To find out where it is, visit www.sboe.state.nc.us, click on My Polling Place and type in your address.

Q Where do Stokesdale citizens vote on Election Day?

A Stokesdale Elementary School, 8025 U.S. Highway 158

Q When are polls open on Election Day?

A Polling places are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Q What will be on this year’s ballot?

A Since this is an odd-numbered election year, it is a municipal election only. In Stokesdale, citizens will vote for three town council members.

E-10

Local

STOKESDALE CANDIDATES

Stokesdale

the families. 2011 was the 40th year of the camp.

continued from page E-9

lems they have. I have spoken before the town council before and it’s like talking to the “great and powerful Oz.” That’s not the way it should be.

Rating the current council 3 Quality of leadership 3 Effective communication 3 Encouragement of volunteers 1 Friendly toward business 3 Long-term planning 3 Stewards of taxpayer money

Bobby Richardson Personal: Age 77; married 56 years, three sons, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; member Stokesdale Volunteer Fire Department 50 years, deputy fire chief 18 years, chairman of Board of Directors 30 years; member Stokesdale Christian church, elder and trustee.

Occupation: Retired AT&T Technologies, manager 30 years Education and professional experience: Stokesdale High School, High Point College Volunteer/service: Promoted, directed and raised all funds required to provide summer camp annually for underprivileged children from Central and Western Districts of N.C. held at Christmount Assembly at no cost to

Reason you are running for council: I feel I have something to offer, I was asked by others to run, and being retired, I have the time required.

Reason people should vote for you: Only if they want a candidate who can maintain integrity and independence and yet be responsive to the interests and needs of others. I am fully aware of the Town of Stokesdale code of ethics.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: To provide this answer, I need the person who determined the three major issues to provide more information. I personally do not qualify to forecast the future.

• Downtown revitalization: To answer this, I will need the results of the survey of the citizens of Stokesdale (which the town is going to send out), which is not yet complete. The will of all the people will guide my decisions.

• Role of citizens: I have urged persons to volunteer for town committees and the Planning Board. N.C. General Statute 160A-81 requires the council to provide a citizen comment period at every monthly meeting of council.

Rating the current council 10 10 10 10 10 10

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money

Cheryl Steele Personal: I am a 48-year-old Christian wife and mother of four. I grew up in Guilford County.

My first husband, Joe Vestal, died in 1986.

My husband Sheldon and I have been together since 1989. My son Jerel, 28, graduated from UNCC; he currently lives in Taiwan with his wife Stephanie. Zachary, 25, owns a house in Stokesdale, works at RSG and he is a full-time student at FTCC. Shannon, 18, graduated from Northwest High, works at Starbucks and is a full-time student at FTCC. Colton, 13, is an eighth grader at Northwest Middle.

Occupation: I have been a Realtor for 24 years.

Education and professional experience: I graduated from Smith High School in 1983 and attended UNCG. Volunteer/service: My family and I are active members of our church, The Bridge. I serve in several ministries and Sheldon is a ministry leader and a deacon.

Reason you are running for council: I have a passion for this town, and I want to be a part of protecting our way of life.

Reason people should vote for you: I want to serve my community and be a good steward of Stokesdale’s many resources. I believe that good leadership is crucial and that protecting rights of property owners is essential.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Growth, 2) water quality and 3) safety in our community are three major issues that need to be addressed. We need to promote our park and town hall and encourage our citizens to utilize and enjoy the facilities. I believe that we need to look to the future and evaluate our town’s future needs. We need to promote economic development and fill the vacancies in our existing commercial buildings.

• Downtown revitalization: We should work together as a cohesive group to formulate a plan that reflects the wants and needs of our community. We need to create a Downtown Development Committee with a crosssection of property owners, business owners, nonprofit organization, council members and like-minded individuals to revitalize our downtown area and promote our local business. We should explore the N.C. Small Town Main Street program and USDA and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants.

• Role of citizens: Our citizens play a vital role in governing our town.

We have to rely on them to communicate the wants and needs of our community. I would encourage each citizen to attend the monthly council meetings held the third Thursday of every month at 7:30. If you cannot attend the meeting, the minutes are available online or at town hall. If you need me I can be reached at csteele@ stokesdale.org.

Rating the current council 9 Quality of leadership 8 Effective communication 8 Encouragement of volunteers 9 Friendly toward business 8 Long-term planning 8 Stewards of taxpayer money

Local

SummERfIElD CANDIDAtES

meeT The summerfield cAndidATes:

Two candidates are running for mayor and seven candidates are running for three open council seats on the Summerfield Town Council.

Current council members are: Mark Brown (mayor), Dena Barnes, Alicia Flowers, Bob Williams, Dianne Laughlin and John Wray The terms of Mark Brown, Dena Barnes, Alicia Flowers and Bob Williams are ending this year.

we posed These quesTions to the Summerfield candidates

and asked them to respond in 100 words or less:

• THREE MAJOR ISSUES What are the three major issues you believe need to be addressed by the town council, now or in the next few years?

• CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) When the town’s 2011-12 fiscal year budget was being adopted, the council also agreed to the concept of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) so that it could plan/budget for future projects. Do you support some, all or none of the projects listed on the proposed CIP? Please prioritize the top 5 projects you support.

• TAX RATE The town’s tax rate has fluctuated between 10.5 cents per $100 of property value in 2004 to 5 cents, then 3.5 cents, then 0, then back to 3.5 cents. Do you think it would have been wise to set a single tax rate and keep it steady? Or would you support eliminating the property tax entirely (and if so, for how long)?

• RATE THE CURRENT TOWN COUNCIL Rate the current town council on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most favorable rating, on the following:  Quality of leadership  Effective communication with citizens  Encouragement and support of volunteers on town boards/committees  Business-friendly ordinances, attitude and support system  Visionary long-term planning  Good stewards of taxpayer money

MARK bROWN MaYoRal candidate personAl: Age 60, Wife Mamie, sons Adam, 24, and Alan, 30 occupATion: Retired from Guilford County Sheriff’s Department educATion And professionAl experience: Staff Sergeant,30th Military Police Co., N.C. Army National Guard; attended the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville 1990; worked patrol, detectives, supervisory/ administrative in the Field Operations Division and later in District 1. volunTeer/service: Town councilman 1999-2005; mayor 2005-present; have served on town’s Public Safety, Finance, Parks and Recreation, and Founders Day Committees weBsiTe: www.markbrownformayor. com reAson you Are running for council: I am running for a fourth term as mayor to continue to guide the town through a truly troublesome national economic downturn. The downturn has the potential to affect the town’s finances due to unfunded mandates by state and county government. reAson people should voTe for you: With a 12-year track record in Summerfield town government, I feel I have proven myself as a community leader who keeps abreast of activities and concerns in the community. I hope Summerfield residents will vote

E-11

for me to continue to provide the town with quality, responsible, local government.

Answers To quesTions • Three mAjor issues: 1) The major issue facing the Town of Summerfield is the national economic downturn and the effect it may have on the burden that the State of N.C. and Guilford County try to pass down to the cities and towns. 2) The new comprehensive land use plan has been completed and the town is working through the comp plan committee to update the town’s development ordinance. 3)As the U.S. 220 widening and the I-73 connector projects get started very soon, assisting the Department of Transportation in minimizing the impact of the construction on Summerfield citizens will be very important.

• cip: The CIP referenced was an example only. A CIP has not been completed by town council nor will it be until a new town manager is in place. Of the items referred to in the example, the town hall project is waiting until Guilford County Schools decides Laughlin School’s future use (there is interest in this for a town hall complex). No decision has been made on Parks and Recreation projects until the parks study in the 2011-12 budget has been completed. Armfield Park planning has stopped due to a recent, sudden change in the DOT/Brookbank Road/I-73 planning.

• TAx rATe: Summerfield’s tax rate is set after available state-collected town revenue, investment income and other expected sources of town income Continued on page E-12

E-12

dON WENdELKEN

SummERfIElD

MaYoRal candidate

continued from page E-11

are reviewed by the town manager, finance officer and town council. Town expenses and projects that the council wishes to fund in a given year are then compared to the available income at which time the tax rate is set. The tax rate has been steady in the 3.5-cent range for several years excluding the tax holiday year. The method that is used currently to me is the responsible way to set a town’s tax rate. rATing The currenT council 9 8 9 8 7 9

Local

SummERfIElD CANDIDAtES

Quality of leadership Effective communication Encouragement of volunteers Friendly toward business Long-term planning Stewards of taxpayer money

personAl: Age 53, married to Linda Wendelken, 21-yearold daughter, Samantha; Summerfield resident since 1996, Lawndale Baptist Church member occupATion: Local small business owner of Corporate Accommodations, Stage Your House, Executive Furniture Leasing and D&W Cleaning Services educATion And professionAl experience: Completed one year of college in criminal justice; 13-year Marine veteran as an M.P., drill instructor and criminal investigator; detention sergeant for Guilford County Sheriff’s Department

Dena Barnes

for Summerfield Town Council

 Lifelong resident of Summerfield, and devoted to its citizens  Presently serving on many town, county and state boards for our town’s benefit  Recognized for leadership, compassion and no-nonsense approach to conducting town business  Served as Summerfield’s mayor, mayor pro tem and councilwoman As your town councilwoman, I’ve proudly served Summerfield’s citizens. With your vote, I will continue serving you as a responsible, caring representative. You can count on me to stand up for you and do the right thing for our town. I ask for your vote on November 8!

Experienced • Caring • Respected Paid for by Dena Barnes for Summerfield Town Council

volunTeer/service: Former member Guilford County Nursing Home Advisory Committee; former member Guilford County Board of Equalization and Review Board. Volunteered many hours teaching Bible studies and singing in Guilford County nursing homes and encouraging the residents.

• cip: I am in support of our parks, current ball fields and keeping our rural character with (current) designated commercial areas that previous (committee) volunteers approved. They spent many long hours on this project, did a very good job, and they deserve our respect for their hard work.

weBsiTe: www.electdonw.com

• TAx rATe: I am a conservative in favor of a low tax rate, small government and fiscal responsibility. There is no such thing as a “steady, single tax rate.” Government does not work that way. If more money is needed, the first source of revenue is usually a property tax increase. Most citizens live here because we want a low tax rate and minimal services. They moved away from the bigger cities for the rural charm of Summerfield. As mayor, my goal is to keep that rural charm and to keep the citizens up to date by communicating with them.

reAson you Are running for council: I will be the positive voice and lead our town council meetings with dignity and respect. I will not allow partisan bickering and continued personal attacks occur, which keep other citizens from participating. I will use my business, volunteer and military experience to help guide those on the council when making decisions. I will ensure that all the citizens are properly represented. reAson people should voTe for you: I will be the conservative voice who believes in being fiscally responsible with commonsense ideas. I have knocked on many doors and I am willing to do the hard work on behalf of the citizens. I live here because I love the small-town atmosphere and I am in favor of keeping Summerfield’s rural character.

Answers To quesTions • Three mAjor issues: 1) Future growth, 2) spending and 3) communication. Do the majority of citizens want a new town core based on less than 200 citizens’ (2 percent of the population) comments on what they want to see in Summerfield? Do citizens want a traffic circle on Summerfield Road in front of the fire station (per town plans)? Do citizens want the town to purchase land for a new town hall (per Town Manager Michael Brandt)? These issues are not being communicated to the citizens of Summerfield. There are no projected costs to build, maintain or cost for manpower to maintain these ideas. Is this rural character?

rATing The currenT council Declined to answer

ALICIA fLOWERS council candidate personAl: Summerfield resident for 25 years; member St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church; Three children, two grandchildren and a wonderful, low-maintenance husband, Robert Flowers occupATion: Elder caregiver; trainer/consultant; custom picture framer educATion And professionAl experience: Two years college; successful small business owner; former residential Realtor; retail manager volunTeer/service: Member Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Founders’ Day Committee and Interfaith Hospitality Network; Fall Festival

Local

SummERfIElD CANDIDAtES

volunteer; initiated and hosted Summerfield Volunteer Fair; Crisis Control Ministry volunteer reAson you Are running for council: I want to continue to work to restore common sense to local government, stop wasteful spending and bloated budgets, limit government and maintain the rural character of our town while accommodating controlled growth. reAson people should voTe for you: In my four years on the town council, I have maintained my core principles of strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, accountability and honest, ethical and fair representation of all our citizens, and I will continue to do so.

Answers To quesTions • Three mAjor issues: 1) Our most pressing concern is hiring a town manager; 2) determining how the widening of 220 and the I 73 connector will impact our town; 3) determining how the financial difficulties of the state and county will affect the services provided to the citizens of Summerfield.

• cip: The projects I support are necessary and in line with what the citizens have stated they want. 1) Repair the Summerfield Community Park dam; 2) A&Y Greenway, Phases 1 and 2 • TAx rATe: The town has levied property tax for eight years and accumulated in excess of $7 million in the bank. The 2011-12 budget is nearly $2 million. The taxpayers need to ask, “What are we spending all this money on?” I am in favor of a lean, strippeddown budget, low taxes and eliminating all spending that isn’t absolutely necessary – just like our citizens have

7,339

to in these difficult economic times.

Next year, our high-interest CDs will mature. This revenue is almost equal to tax revenue. How will the difference be made up? It’s time to curtail unnecessary spending. rATing The currenT council Declined to answer

dENA bARNES council candidate personAl: Age 60, married to Sheriff BJ Barnes, two grown daughters and eight grandchildren occupATion: Retired R.N. educATion And professionAl experience: Graduated from GTCC with AAS in Nursing; elected to Summerfield Town Council in 1997, served as mayor 2001-2005 and mayor pro tem 2005-present; currently serve as town representative on the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization volunTeer/service: Co-chair of Summerfield Long Range Planning Committee, 1998-2000; OrdinanceText Amendment Committee, 20012004; past chair Summerfield Library Committee; current member Summerfield Development Ordinance Committee reAson you Are running for council: I continue to have a desire to serve the citizens of Summerfield and keep our town’s community feeling. The citizens continue to express

registered voters in

Summerfield

appreciation for our park and ball fields, our low tax rate and knowing someone is standing up for them in dealing with the county and state. reAson people should voTe for you: I have knowledge and experience that is of value to the community.

Answers To quesTions • Three mAjor issues: 1) Summerfield’s economic future includes making sure that our town’s infrastructure meets the needs of our citizens, our homes retain their value and the Capital Improvement Plan is supported by our citizens. 2) Good planning and careful implementation of the approved CIP are important. 3) The funding needs of the state are great, and we must remain vigilant to be sure our needs are recognized by our representatives at the state and federal level.

• cip: The purpose of the CIP is to prioritize projects for the future. The top projects I feel should be done are: 1) Summerfield Community Park dam repair; 2) Summerfield Athletic Park phase 2; 3) A&Y Greenway Paving (completed). Other A&Y Greenway projects can be done as funding allows.

The other projects may need to wait until our new manager and council look at the different ideas/options that have been presented for consideration.

• TAx rATe: I think it would have been wiser to set a steady tax rate.

With CD rates dropping, the town will lose some of its income from this source. We must realize that a large portion of the budget goes to have staff to serve the citizens. rATing The currenT council 9 Quality of leadership 8 Effective communication 10 Encouragement of volunteers 9 Friendly toward business 9 Long-term planning 10 Stewards of taxpayer money Continued on page E-14

E-13

summerfield

voTer q&A Q How do I find out where I vote?

A In Early Voting, you can vote

at any site in the county. On Election Day, you must vote in your regular precinct. To find out where it is, visit www.sboe.state. nc.us, click on My Polling Place and type in your address.

Q Where do Summerfield

citizens vote on Election Day?

A SF1: Summerfield Commu-

nity Center, 5404 Centerfield Rd; SF2: First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Rd; SF3: Morehead United Methodist Church, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Rd; SF4: Pleasant Ridge Christian Church, 2049 Pleasant Ridge Road; NCGR1: Center United Methodist Church, 6142 Lake Brandt Rd

Q When are polls open on Election Day?

A

Polling places are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Q What will be on this year’s ballot?

A Since this is an odd-numbered

election year, it is a municipal election only. In Summerfield, citizens will elect a mayor and three town council members.

E-14

Local

SUMMERFIELD CANDIDATES

Summerfield continued from page E-13

Conrad Hayter council Candidate Personal: My wife, Karen, and I make our home in Summerfield with our golden retriever Wild Bill Cody. I am a native of the Sandhills of North Carolina.

Occupation: I started my career at New Garden Landscaping and Nursery and currently hold the office of president.

Education and professional experience: My passion for people and outdoor spaces began as a young man on the family farm and continued in high school as greens keeper at The Country Club of North Carolina and The Homestead Resort. After high school I answered the call to serve our country in the United States Air Force, where I installed airfield and weather systems worldwide including Bosnia, Kosovo and Qatar. As a decorated veteran I returned to civilian life and began working with UPS as I attended North Carolina State University.

Upon graduating in 2005 cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management, I began work at New Garden Landscaping and Nursery.

I am now continuing my education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I am procuring a post-bachelor degree in logistics and supply chain management.

Volunteer/service: I spend my free time volunteering with the Summerfield Parks and Recreation Committee.

Answers to questions not received by press time.

Rich Lovett council Candidate Personal: Age 42; wife Michelle, sons Jason (6), Eric (4) and Ryan (1) Occupation: I am senior project geologist for Golder Associates; licensed geologist (N.C./S.C.) Education and professional experience: B.S. Geology from Norwich University; Military College of Vermont Volunteer/service: Summerfield Zoning Board (2003-2011); Guilford County Environmental Review Board (2005-2011, current chairperson); and Wilson Farm Homeowners Association Board (2003-present) Reason you are running for council: I believe in community service and representing ALL of the residents of Summerfield.

Reason people should vote for you: I represent you. My campaign can best be summarized into three words: Family, Friends and Future. Family is first and foremost in my life. My family represents the best parts of me. They define me, guide me in my decisions, and keep me grounded and humble. Friends – Since moving here, I have been honored to have neighbors, co-workers, Zoning Board members, council members, HOA members and other volunteers as friends. That is a community feeling I would like to pass on to future generations. Future – I want Summerfield to be successful! We need leaders that want to hear all of our ideas while having the ability to take the best parts of those ideas and use them to guide the town. This is my way to give back to the community that is very close to my heart. I do not have political aspirations – just public service aspirations.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Selecting a new town manager; 2) preparing a comprehensive Parks and Recreation plan that the Zoning Board can use to address property donations by developers; and 3) development of a Capital Improvement Plan – but include longterm costs for each projects’ maintenance and sustainability.

• CIP: 1) Summerfield Community Park dam repair (budget of $100,000).

A town that does not maintain its infrastructure is irresponsible and potentially liable for damages. 2) Summerfield Athletic Park Phase 2 (budget of $163,000).

The completion of the second phase of the athletic park is a promise made by previous council members to the community and should be honored. Phase 3 will likely be impacted by the Jordan Lake Rules and not constructed. 3-5) A&Y Greenway projects (budget of $725,000) in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. The greenway is central in location and has the biggest potential to join Summerfield developments, uniting their residents.

• Tax rate: I support a constant and low tax rate (3.5 cents seems appropriate). This insures that some of the sales taxes collected in Guilford County are returned to the town’s taxpayers. If we do not have a property tax (due to the current tax distribution system), Summerfield will forfeit its sales taxes to cities like Greensboro.

Rating the current council Declined to answer

Elizabeth McClellan council Candidate Personal: Age 39; I love and care for three children, two dogs, two horses, one cat, 11 chickens and a very supportive husband of 15 years, Gero

Occupation: Homemaker Education and professional experience: Meredith College, B.S. Business Administration; University of Houston-Clear Lake, MBA; N.C. Department Environment, Health and Natural Resources account assistant; Odyssey Hospice team educator Volunteer/service: Prison literacy project volunteer; homeowners association board member; animal rescue volunteer; member New Parent Welcome committee; Bible study host Reason you are running for council: After seeing the lack of community interest at the June budget meeting, I felt compelled to serve the community as a steward of the town’s resources. I have engaged in meetings over the years and would like to assist council members that have the taxpayers’ interests at heart.

Reason people should vote for you: Those raising young families in Summerfield do not have a voice on the current council, which I could provide and offer a new perspective. I am in favor of honest, open discussion regarding issues and welcome public input. My agenda for Summerfield is simply to preserve historical and rural charm while being fiscally responsible in decision-making.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Impact of U.S. 220 widening on our community; 2) Impact of I-73 corridor; 3) Making sure development in Summerfield is consistent with town character while providing services desired by residents • CIP: The CIP is important to ensure public awareness of future projects under consideration, and also serves as a budgeting tool. Current park system maintenance should be added to the CIP so the public can see what each

Local park costs. 1) Dam repair – required by state and for safety; 2) A&Y Trail – supported by citizens, provides a link in our community with a larger trail system and would have daily usage by public (there are three phases to this trail); 3) Summerfield Athletic Park Phase 2 – The athletic park has added a great benefit for families by reducing driving time and creating familyfriendly open space.

• Tax rate: I think the council made a wise decision to reduce financial pressures on the community during an economic recession when it had reserves to meet the needs of the current projects. It is important to regularly evaluate the economy and make necessary adjustments that reflect current realities in the private sector. My husband is a business owner and was extremely conservative after the recession, eliminating nonessential spending in his firm and becoming more efficient. As a result, the business has survived and thrived. Local governments must become more efficient in bidding projects and looking at which projects impact the most citizens.

Rating the current council Declined to answer

Bob Williams council Candidate Personal: Age 77, wife Shelia, four children, nine grandchildren Occupation: Retired Education and professional experience: Guilford College; branch manager First Citizens Bank; owned Mickel Hopkins Restaurant Company and Mantelworks Restaurant; past

SUMMERFIELD CANDIDATES board member Greensboro Merchants Association; co-founder Old Greensboro; previous owner Hamburger Square Post newspaper; volunteer in Carolina Theatre renovation Volunteer/service: Active in community affairs since Summerfield was incorporated. Served on many town committees including Public Safety Committee (1997-present); Summerfield Town Hall restoration volunteer; Parks and Recreation Committee (1997-present); Library Committee (2000); Community Relations/Founders’ Day Committee (1997-present); coordinator of Summerfield Founders’ Day Parade for 11 years; member Conservation Council.

Planned and executed Halloween Petrified Forest event for several years.

Instrumental in organization of Summerfield Youth Council (2001) and active supporter of the organization.

Reason you are running for council: Summerfield has been my home for more than 50 years and I would like to have a voice in its future.

Reason people should vote for you: I believe I have served the town diligently since 2001 and have listened carefully to our citizens when making decisions that impact the town.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Address the widening of U.S. 220 and the changes it may bring; 2) Funding for development of the A&Y Greenway trail system; 3) Continued maintenance of our athletic fields, community park and town hall building.

• CIP: 1) Summerfield Community Park dam repair; 2) Summerfield Athletic Park; 3) A&Y Greenway Phase 1; 4) Summerfield Community Park loop trail

• Tax rate: I believe that the current 3.5 cents is a fair tax rate and think it is reasonable to continue to keep it at this low rate as long as we can. It takes some funds to operate a town and furnish services such as preservation of open space, garbage discount, community park, etc.

Rating the current council 10 Quality of leadership 8 Effective communication 6 Encouragement of volunteers 6 Friendly toward business 9 Long-term planning 10 Stewards of taxpayer money

Jane Wilson council Candidate Personal: Age 59; married to Todd Wilson and mother of two children. Interests include being active in our community, genealogy and enjoying our pet cats.

Education and professional experience: My husband Todd and I live and work in Summerfield and are owners of a small business, Wilson & Sons Termite and Pest control.

Volunteer/service: I have served for three years on the Summerfield Finance Committee and was recently elected vice chairman. I have enjoyed volunteering for over 20 years to help school and community events including at Founders’ Day and the Children’s Fishing Event organized by Bob Flowers. While my children were growing up, I served as PTA president, treasurer, secretary, substitute teacher and volunteered in my community for various organizations. I look forward to working with council members who

E-15

also want to welcome new volunteers to our town activities.

Reason you are running for council: I have served on the Summerfield Finance Committee for three years, and I feel that my voice was not heard as I watched the town council approve inflated budgets year after year.

I know that we can do better to serve the people during these hard economic times.

Reason people should vote for you: My qualifications of three years’ experience on the Finance Committee and as a small business owner will better serve the people.

Answers to questions • Three major issues: 1) Fiscal responsibility; 2) small government; and 3) bringing people together. ALL citizens need to be welcomed to town council meetings, and a budget process that includes Q&A to every question about how the town is spending their money.

• CIP: I support repair of the park dam and the A&Y Greenway trail, with no property tax increases. I believe this can be accomplished over time with low or no Summerfield town property tax. The town also needs to be more involved in the widening of U.S. 220 and how it will impact property owners and our community.

• Tax rate: The town tax rate should stay the same or lower, and I want to work with council members for no tax rate during this recession. No town property tax, especially compared to Greensboro, could increase property value and help sell homes that are for sale in our community.

Rating the current council Declined to answer

When we get too caught up in the business of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves –Jack Kornfield, author/teacher

Connecting people and their communities In print weekly • Online 24/7 www.nwobserver.com