Is the Village’s current level of taxation/fees enough to keep pace with current and future infrastructure needs? If not, what should be the solution?
Our current tax rate is ample to handle our current situation. We still have a 3.5 cent capacity for additional revenue if needed in the future, which would raise us to the 15 cent tax cap. The tax cap cannot be exceeded without the voters approval. We have enjoyed great economic growth due to our ability to attract business development and new jobs, in part to the tax rate. Applying for grants for sidewalks, greenways, and roadways is one of the most efficient methods to minimize future infrastructure costs that would otherwise have a major impact on our funds.
How important is it for government to effectively communicate with citizens? Is Clemmons an effective communicator? How could communication be improved?
Communications is essential. We have numerous outlets for communications including e-mail blasts, Facebook, web site, video streaming of meetings (new 2019), and news outlets. Possibly adding regular scheduled Town Hall style meetings, which would create another avenue for communicating with your elected officials and Village staff.
We hired a Communication/Marketing Director, Shannon Ford, in 2015 to improve our communications and create ongoing activities such as the Monster Mash and Goblin Hop, Movie Night at the YMCA, Ice Cream Festival, Coffee With A Cop and numerous other events.
What skills make you the best candidate to represent the citizens of Clemmons?
Proven commitment to our Village. Proven competence. Proven consequences as a result of my votes and effort. My willingness to give of my time, energy and monies to foster community through various non-profit organizations and inclusiveness speaks for itself. I have been and will continue to be involved in my community. I have shown my ability to work with other local elected officials and with state level Representatives as well. I have been on the Village Council previously and have gained tremendous knowledge through attending N.C. League of Municipalites meetings and have received a certification from the UNC School of Government.
Why do you want to serve?
Being a lifelong resident of Forsyth County and having moved to Clemmons over 27 years ago I have been involved in numerous civic, athletic, and community activities. It was serving the local organizations, such as Southwest Forsyth Little League, the YMCA, Clemmons West Home Owners Association, Clemmons West Recreation Association, and the forming of American Legion Post 522 Baseball Program that I found very fulfilling and rewarding as it fostered a sense of community. Currently, I am serving on the Clemmons Food Pantry Board of Directors as the Vice President. My call to civic duty and human compassion has been inherent in my DNA.
I have served 2 terms for a total of 6 years on the Village Council previously, 2 of those years as Mayor Pro Tem. Also, served as Storm Water Liaison for the Council and 4 years as a representative with the Winston-Salem Urban Area Transportation Advisory Committee , 2 years as an alternate and 2 years as the primary representative. I will use my previous experience and knowledge obtained through the UNC School of Government, to make informed decisions based on facts.
What's the most pressing issue facing Clemmons right now? Has the Village done enough to address it? What should be done moving forward?
We are an extremely fortunate community. However, we do have challenges… our biggest challenge is maintaining the incredible success we have enjoyed for the past 30 plus years. We have gotten safer as we grow. Our business sector is booming. Our schools are the best in the state. Our challenge is sustaining that success and the way we do it is by electing council representatives that have demonstrated the ability and willingness to make the decisions that promote continued prosperity, smart, cost efficient government.
As in every growing community, making sure infrastructure keeps up with growth---in our case that means transportation infrastructure. Because Clemmons is a crossroads community, we are heavily impacted by growth outside our Village limits. Working closely with NCDOT, Forsyth County Commissioners, Developers and others as development occurs outside of boundaries is vital. We cannot leave it up to them to make decisions that will affect us.
“If you aren’t at the table, then you’re on the menu”
How important is "the way we’ve always done things" when making decisions?
Some things done in families are tradition and carry from generation to generation. However, those traditions may change and/or be modified as times and events change. The worst reason to do anything is to use this term as justification for any decision in our government. Our decisions have be based on facts, verifiable data and reaching out to other municipalities and government organizations, such as the N.C. League of Municipalities, as a source for information that is reliable. This will enable the council to make the best decisions using various, reliable resources.
Name an issue that came before the council where you AGREED with the final vote, and why?
One of the biggest issues and potentially most negative developments ever proposed in Clemmons, was the Tanglewood Business Park. The Council made it very clear from day one that the impact on our neighborhoods in close proximity would be negatively impacted, resulting in loss of property values and bring noise and light pollution. The number of large trucks and added vehicular traffic would result in congestion that would put a stranglehold on our community. The previous council had a unanimous consensus not to spend “1 dime” on the proposed project and opposed it for the aforementioned reasons.
Name an issue that came before the council where you DISAGREED with the final vote, and why?
Very recently, the Council decided to change the legal team representing our great Village. Our previous law firm has a great deal of knowledge of the “moving parts” in Clemmons. The timing right before an election has raised some concerns, however I do not know of the discussions behind closed doors that resulted in the change. Therefore, I will not be an “arm chair quarterback” and have faith that a good decision was made on qualifications and need.
Why do so few people vote in municipal elections?
Clemmons is financially stable and our services to the citizens are delivered at a extremely high level. We enjoy a robust economic situation in our community, with new businesses locating in Clemmons and bringing new job opportunities.
