Within the next two years spending will exceed income. A complete review of the budget will tell us if tax dollars are being expended for their intended purpose. Taxes should be raised only if additional money is needed to continue providing essential services. So far, we have done a good job of requiring developers to provide infrastructure upgrades to accommodate increased traffic. For example, the Publix shopping center and the YMCA with multiple entrances and exits, a new stop light and a median to direct traffic safely. There are also local and State funds for transportation needs. We should continue to seek infrastructure grants to update older areas with minimal cost to the Village.
How important is it for government to effectively communicate with citizens? Is Clemmons an effective communicator? How could communication be improved?
Communication is a two-way street. Citizens must want to be informed, but it is also essential since it is the tax-payers money the Council is managing. I have no way of knowing how many people watch the broadcasted meetings. Streaming, website, email blasts, Clemmons Courier are all valuable ways of staying informed and each method potentially reaches a different segment of the population. I would encourage neighborhoods with an HOA to send a representative to each Council meeting or to watch the meeting on the computer and send out a report to their neighbors. It would also be a good idea for council members to make themselves available in locations where many people gather, such as the YMCA, to talk to people in person and answer any questions they may have.
What skills make you the best candidate to represent the citizens of Clemmons?
I have graduated from the Triad Leadership Network, Leadership Winston Salem and the NC School of Government’s Advanced Leadership Academy. These courses have provided me with valuable skills I have been able to use while serving on the Village Council for 24 years. I think the most valuable skills I learned were listening, asking the right questions and evaluating the information I was given. These skills along with the ability to form strong partnerships allowed me to work with and learn from other council members to bring to life such projects as:
- The Novant hospital and other medical facilities
- The new Library
- Village Point Dr.
- Morgan Elementary
- Senior living facilities providing lifestyle choices
- Expanded shopping and dining venues
My family moved here shortly before the Village incorporated and I have watched and helped it grow into the welcoming, family friendly place it is. I have spent years educating myself on local and state government. I have acquired a wealth of skills and developed relationships that will help Clemmons face whatever comes our way. I believe that council members who possess a range of abilities, experiences and ideas make for a stronger more representative council that is better able to serve our citizens.
What's the most pressing issue facing Clemmons right now? Has the Village done enough to address it? What should be done moving forward?
Traffic is one pressing issue. Clemmons is a desirable place to live. We attract families to move here and long-time residents to stay. All this means more traffic. We have limited authority on DOT streets, but we do have access to DOT’s expertise. Maintaining a good relationship with them and with State officials will allow us to take advantage of transportation grant money when it becomes available. With new development on Village streets we can and do require infrastructure upgrades and interconnectivity to accommodate increased traffic. Just imagine the Publix shopping center without multiple entrances and exits, the new stoplight on Peacehaven or cars being allowed to turn left across traffic to enter off Lewisville Clemmons Rd.
The other is development pressures coming from outside our borders. Two recent examples are:
- The County’s desire to build an industrial Park
- The State legislature’s consideration of de-annexing land within the boundaries of Clemmons.
How important is "the way we’ve always done things" when making decisions?
“The way we’ve always done it” is only important if it is still working. Everything council does, and the way they do it, should be re-examined on a regular basis. Neither old ways nor new ways are always best. The best decisions often contain elements of both. If we, as a Village, had subscribed to only the old ways we wouldn’t look the way we do today or enjoy some of the amenities we have.
Name an issue that came before the council where you AGREED with the final vote, and why?
The building of Village Point Rd. was something I not only agrees with but felt was essential. We applied for a grant which was not approved. The next proposal was for Novant Health and the DOT to each contribute $1.9 million dollars to build the road. The Mayor and three council members were opposed because they were afraid the road would come in over budget and the Village would have to pick up the overage. Our Public Works Director felt confident that the road could come in at or below budget. The two of us who were in favor of the proposal worked with the third member to convince him of the importance of this project. The road came in $576,418 under budget and has already helped divert traffic off L-C Rd. The building of the road will provide access to new businesses and help relieve congestion.
Name an issue that came before the council where you DISAGREED with the final vote, and why?
Council just fired the Village attorney and his firm in a 3 to 2 vote. I was not privy to discussions held in closed session so I cannot say I approve or disapprove of their decision. I need to have all the facts available before making a decision that is this important. I do, however, disapprove of the timing of this decision and I have serious concerns about the new firm that was hired. They are a very reputable firm who represent other municipalities in Forsyth County including Lewisville. As stated before, I feel it is of the utmost importance to work with surrounding municipalities and Counties. Where will this firm’s loyalties lie if Lewisville and Clemmons want to enter into any sort of agreement or have any sort of dispute? Would the Village have to hire another attorney? Who would pay that cost? No matter who is elected in November, there will be at least one new member of council. What if that new member agrees with the two “no” votes? What kind of contract does the Village have with this new firm? I feel there was a rush on the part of the Council to make this decision and I do disagree with that.
Why do so few people vote in municipal elections?
People have been asking this question as long as there have been municipal elections and I wish I knew the answer. One reason could be that, in general, citizens are happy with the way their town is being managed. They also may feel that their vote wouldn’t make a difference. I know that at least once since the incorporation of Lewisville, the election of their council members ended in a dead heat and they had to flip a coin to determine a winner. Don’t tell me one vote doesn’t matter. I also think that most people don’t really know how their government works. I created a class called Clemmons 101 for our citizens to explain not only how the Village Council works but how they can play an important role in determining Clemmons future. I am pleased to say that quite a few of those graduates have applied for and served on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Transportation committee and others. Engaged citizens are voting citizens.
