Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
October 16 - November 5, 2020
Page 15
| NHC COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES | From CANDIDATES, page 11
still believe this should’ve been a ballot referendum and the process delayed in respect to the pandemic and possible electoral change. Larger monopolies could bring layoffs, higher costs and lower wages. I will protect jobs and get the best deal for taxpayers.” 3. (1) “To restore faith in leadership with improved transparency by shifting meeting times away from 9-5 hours, restoring the agenda meetings and hosting regular town halls to engage the public. (2) Strengthen public education by increasing the local teacher salary supplement as well as support staff yearly supplements. I’m also committed to investments in increased broadband and internet access which is even more necessary with COVID. (3) Smart growth with reduced traffic: sustainably fund WAVE and invest in public transit to get cars off the road, reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve convenience working toward a more rider-friendly, walkable and bikeable community.” BILL RIVENBARK REPUBLICAN Occupation: Retired Experience: Current New Hanover County school board member Info: facebook.com/billrivenbark4countycommision 1. “To promote economic development, I would ensure our natural resources are protected, support our public schools as well as our institutes of higher learning such as Cape Fear Community College and UNCW. The most desirable
employers and organizations want to invest and locate in areas where their employees want to live, their children can get an exceptional education and a well-trained workforce is available. By keeping our air and waterways clean, making our education system the best it can be and supporting a well-trained workforce, we will continue to be seen as a great place to live, work and invest.” 2. “I watched NHRMC born on the backs of our local physicians, citizens and philanthropists. While I’m not a fan of giving that away for a quick payout, I understand in order to continue to meet the needs of our region requires significant financial investment that the hospital isn’t prepared to make. I do support private/public partnerships, and though I’m not fluent in the intricacies, it speaks volumes to me that unanimous decision from the diverse PAG group and 17 of the 18-member NHRMC Board voted in support of moving forward with the Novant/UNC partnership with only one dissenting vote.” 3. (1) “Renew our commitment to ensuring our health, education and human services are funded, efficient and effective for all county residents. This includes fully funding schools and improving the conduit between all departments to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are fully supported in a collaborative fashion. (2) To enhance the partnerships between vocational education and industry, we can make our region a place where our students can get great jobs and attract employers looking for skilled workforces. (3) Preserve and protect our natural resources and quality of living in the area to ensure continued quality of life for all citizens.”
SKIP WATKINS REPUBLICAN Occupation: Financial adviser and University of Mount Olive economics instructor Experience: NHC commissioner (2014-18), NHC Board of Elections Info: facebook.com/skipwatkins 1. “Like most communities, New Hanover County wants high-quality jobs. But competition is fierce. We must use our strengths. The county already has a strong incentive plan if needed. We work closely with Wilmington Business Development and related support groups. We have strong banking and pharma startups here and should leverage those. We must sell our quality of life (i.e. beaches, etc.) but also maintain a business friendly environment. We must also encourage existing businesses in their growth.” 2. “The county entered into a three-party contract. All members would have to agree to any changes. None could happen unilaterally. If any party breaks the contract there is a $25 million penalty. I cannot imagine a situation warranting a change unless all three groups agreed.” 3. “(1) To maintain fiscal responsibility. I helped spearhead the first property tax reduction in over 25 years with taxpayers keeping $10 million per year in their pockets and STILL increased education funding. (2) To provide opportunities for everyone via economic growth by partnering with the business community, WBD, community leaders, leaders in education and relevant stakeholders. (3) Basically follow a common sense approach to governing as I did previously as a commissioner.”
| FROM THE COVER | From ELECTION, page 1
“Based off past results and when we’re looking at polling, it’s a little bit more favorable for Trump just relative to the other battleground states,” said Aaron King, political science associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “And so I think in that sense, Trump really needs to win North Carolina because if he loses North Carolina that probably means he also lost some of the other battleground states.” Drilling down further, New Hanover County specifically is a tossup, according to a New York Times opinion piece about 10 bellwether
counties in the U.S. According to the article, New Hanover County hasn’t voted for a Democrat for president since 1976. But that doesn’t mean Trump will win this year because the county has a lot of the types of voters that have been gravitating toward challenger Joe Biden, the article stated. Other contests to watch locally include the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners race and the state rematch between Sen. Harper Peterson, D-New Hanover, and former senator Michael Lee. A race that could affect the U.S. Senate has run into some potential October surprises. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is being
challenged by Cal Cunningham, a Democrat and lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In recent weeks, Tillis tested positive for COVID-19, and Cunningham became embroiled in allegations of sexting and an extramarital affair. North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is drawing even more attention because it could decide which party controls the Senate. King pointed out that not only have some people already voted via absentee ballots, but voters also in general might justify whatever news story is out there about a candidate they support to continue to support that candidate no matter what.
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