Priorities and philosophies

As a County, we are growing, losing rural land, and experiencing increased demand for services. As a State, we are at an inflection point. The North Carolina General Assembly is discussing issues affecting local jurisdictions, but it is dragging its feet. Solutions to topics such as funding gaps, balancing state mandates with local needs, teacher pay, property taxes, regionalization of utilities, zoning, and development regulations must be supported and advocated by local jurisdictions collectively, especially if we want the decision to be in our best interests. Addressing these needs will improve the fabric of our society. It can also reduce the county's role as a "safety net," which increases costs to the county and, ultimately, to taxpayers. As a County Commissioner:

• I will advocate for strengthening relationships and strategizing with neighboring counties, both Democratic leaning and Republican leaning counties, to identify common interests and to pressure the General Assembly to address our needs. 
• I will advocate for strengthening relationships and strategizing with our towns, Goldston, Pittsboro (closer to the Research Triangle) and Siler City (closer to the Piedmont Triad), which can facilitate and strengthen local and state efforts.

A quality education is necessary for our youth and adults to reach their potential. It is the foundation for starting a career and personal growth. It is also the foundation for a strong local workforce, which is what companies look for when expanding into communities. I will work to ensure students and adults have the resources and opportunities they need to become constructive and responsible community members. I will:

• Support the teachers' salary supplements and the master's pay to retain and attract effective teachers. 
• Explore creative solutions to address the need for additional teaching space while maintaining a safe and healthy school environment.
• Support the Chatham County Promise, which provides two years of tuition-free education at our Central Carolina Community College for qualifying Chatham County high school graduates. 
• Advocate to expand Chatham County's programming (for example, but not limited to: agricultural, recreation, arts, academic, health, and senior programming) to reach various communities throughout Chatham County.

Since my first campaign, there have been significant economic advancements in Chatham County. There were once limited employment opportunities in Chatham County, but major industries have expanded here, bringing hope to the county. As we await these expected investments to materialize, I will:

• Support our Economic Incentives on a project-by-project basis.
• Work with TriRiver and follow the Future Land-Use map to guide utilities into economic and population centers.
• Support educational and training opportunities to develop and maintain a strong and competitive workforce.
• Support Chatham County’s affordable housing efforts to increase the inventory of affordable units for our workforce and teachers.

Chatham County's housing market is complex and influenced by various factors. A low housing inventory and high demand to live in Chatham have driven sale and rental prices significantly higher. The demographics of individuals moving into Chatham County are wealthier, and new construction is seeking to meet that demand. Chatham County lacks an extensive sewer system, leaving builders to choose between septic systems and treatment plants, which increases home costs. In an effort to address the challenges faced within the housing market and to attract projects that build affordable homes, I will:

• Support the funding of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• Leverage county land that may be suitable for an affordable housing partnership.
• Work with TriRiver and follow the Future Land-Use map to guide utilities into economic and population centers.
• Explore creative partnerships and policies that provide affordable housing opportunities in economic and population centers.
• Investigate and remain aware of potential manipulation of our housing market. Such activity could increase the property values of comparable homes and ultimately increase their property bills.

Growth and development are here, and over my time on the board, we have taken steps to mitigate their impacts. I share concerns with community members about growth rate, environmental impacts, access to utilities, and meeting the need for human services. The county has addressed concerns regarding growth patterns through our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). However, we face one major challenge: the State. Responsible growth, to me, extends beyond growth patterns. It also includes services and programming. I will:

• Advocate for local control of growth and development; not for the State of North Carolina to determine.
• Work with TriRiver and follow the Future Land-Use map to guide utilities into economic and population centers.
• Support policies and initiatives that support home affordability and protect rural Chatham County.
• Explore new and creative public-private initiatives and partnerships to incentivize the protection of rural Chatham.
• Advocate to expand Chatham County's programming (for example, but not limited to: agricultural, recreation, arts, academic, health, and senior programming) to reach various communities throughout Chatham County, including the towns.
• Partner with our towns to also advertise and support the agribusiness and agritourism of unincorporated Chatham County.