The WIZS News team strives to bring the community important information through fair, objective and balanced reporting. We sent a list of questions to candidates in contested seats for Vance County Board of Commissioners and the Vance County Board of Education.
There are two candidates for the District 4 seat on the board of commissioners:
June Lewis, III is the Democratic candidate and Kelley Wade Perdue is the Republican candidate for the District 4 seat.
We asked candidates in contested seats for Vance County Board of Commissioners to respond to the following list of questions and statements.
- What prompted you to run for local office?
- What’s your platform?
- State the three most important issues you see that are facing the county and explain how you plan to address these issues if you’re elected. Please put them in order of importance.
- Identify and elaborate on your beliefs, ideas and passions for ways to make Vance County the best it can be.
- What is your position on future data center development in Vance County?
- How much do you know about data center development overall and as it pertains to Vance County?
- Since it is unlikely Vance County’s unified development ordinance will pass in part or as a whole before elected members are seated on December 7, 2026, what standards are you looking for for future data center development and will you try to get those standards into the UDO?
- Given that the present moratorium on future data center development ends November 13, between the election and administering of oath of office and re-organization of the board, are you in favor of a moratorium extension based on your present understanding of why a moratorium was enacted? Please explain.
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between the board’s members with one another?
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between the board as a whole and the county staff?
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between individual board members and present staff?
- What is your position on the present tax rate and revenue-neutral budgeting going forward?
- What are justified capital needs that would you cause you to vote for a tax rate increase?
- Which county services or capital needs should be funded first if money is limited: public safety, EMS, schools, economic development or other? Explain your ranking.
- What’s your knowledge base about the present jail facility and operations and the plans for a new facility?
- How do you believe Vance County EMS can best station its equipment and personnel? Please include in your answer your knowledge base of plans for a future EMS location.
- Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to serving on the board of commissioners.
- If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?
- How do you plan to apply your personal and professional and leadership standards to the items a County Commission can actually control?
- Considering all the possible scenarios of who will make up the board of commissioners on December 7, particularly considering both experience and one’s ability to lead, who do you believe the chair of the board should be whether you are elected or not?
- Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.
Below are the unedited responses, in their entirety. The candidates’ responses appear in alphabetical order.
Responses from Candidate June Lewis, III
- What prompted you to run for local office?
My decision to run for Vance County Commissioner comes from a sincere desire to serve the people of this county. My faith has taught me that service is not about recognition but about responsibility. I believe that when God gives us opportunities to make a difference, we should be willing to step forward. I see families working hard to make ends meet, emergency personnel making sacrifices to protect us, young people needing opportunities, and residents wanting their concerns heard. I am running because I believe Vance County deserves leadership that listens, encourages, respects, and works for everyone. I do not claim to have all the answers, but I am willing to listen, learn, work, and make difficult decisions with integrity.
- What’s your platform?
My platform is built on three important priorities, Community Safety, Mental Wellness, and Educational Excellence.
- State the three most important issues you see that are facing the county and explain how you plan to address these issues if you’re elected. Please put them in order of importance.
- Public Safety and Emergency Services. Protecting lives must be a priority. I would support a careful evaluation of the needs of our Sheriff’s Office, fire departments, EMS, and emergency communications. I want to see that our first responders have the staffing, equipment, training, and resources necessary to serve residents throughout the county, including rural communities.
- Economic Stability and Opportunity. We need jobs that allow residents to support their families and young people to build futures here. I know that we have some partnerships presently, however, I would encourage more partnerships with local businesses, Vance-Granville Community College, workforce development organizations, and prospective employers to create meaningful employment and training opportunities.
- Education and Mental Wellness. Strong schools and healthy families contribute to stronger communities. I would work collaboratively with educational leaders while supporting access to mental health resources and community-based services.
- Identify and elaborate on your beliefs, ideas and passions for ways to make Vance County the best it can be.
I believe Vance County has so much potential, but reaching that potential requires unity, accountability, and a willingness to work together. I want to see our young people encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances. I want our first responders to feel supported, our businesses to thrive, and our families to believe they have a future here. I am passionate about strengthening communities through service, mentorship, workforce opportunities, and responsible leadership.
- What is your position on future data center development in Vance County?
I support responsible economic development, but I do not believe economic growth should come at the expense of our citizens’ health, safety, property, or quality of life. Data centers may offer
economic benefits, but we must carefully consider their impact on water resources, electricity, noise, surrounding neighborhoods, and county infrastructure.
- How much do you know about data center development overall and as it pertains to Vance County?
I definitely do not claim to have all of the information on data centers. I am continuing to educate myself about the proposed development, its potential benefits, and its long-term consequences. I have not visited a data center or spoken with owners. The information I have obtained is through my independent research and listening to concerned citizens.
- Since it is unlikely Vance County’s unified development ordinance will pass in part or as a whole before elected members are seated on December 7, 2026, what standards are you looking for for future data center development and will you try to get those standards into the UDO?
I would support clear, enforceable standards addressing water usage, electricity demands, noise levels, setbacks from homes, environmental protection, emergency response planning, traffic impacts, and appropriate screening. I would also support requirements for developers to provide credible information about infrastructure needs, financial responsibility, and the potential impact on neighboring properties. I believe the Unified Development Ordinance should protect residents while establishing fair and consistent expectations for developers. If elected, I would work with fellow commissioners, planning officials, and county legal counsel to ensure these protections receive serious consideration.
- Given that the present moratorium on future data center development ends November 13, between the election and administering of oath of office and re-organization of the board, are you in favor of a moratorium extension based on your present understanding of why a moratorium was enacted? Please explain.
Yes. If the county has not completed the necessary review and adopted adequate protections, I would support a legally justified extension of the moratorium.
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between the board’s members with one another?
From what I have observed, there have been disagreements among commissioners on important county matters. Disagreements are not necessarily unhealthy. Different perspectives can lead to better decisions when handled respectfully. However, personal differences should never interfere with the business of serving residents.We do not have to agree on everything to accomplish something meaningful for Vance County.
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between the board as a whole and the county staff?
I believe a productive relationship between commissioners and county staff is essential for effective government. I cannot speak to every internal interaction, but I believe communication, professionalism, and mutual respect must be prioritized.
- How do you feel presently about the relationship between individual board members and present staff?
I only see there interaction at board meetings and I believe individual commissioners should maintain professional and respectful relationships with county employees and expect the same professionalism in return.
- What is your position on the present tax rate and revenue-neutral budgeting going forward?
I believe county government must be responsible with taxpayers’ money. Families are already facing increasing costs for housing, food, utilities, and other necessities. My preference is to maintain a stable tax rate whenever possible, evaluate spending carefully, and pursue revenue neutral budgeting when reassessments occur and when doing so is financially responsible. However, revenue-neutral budgeting should not mean ignoring essential services or the county’s long-term obligations. Before supporting any tax increase, I would want a clear explanation of the need, available alternatives, and the financial impact on our residents.
- What are justified capital needs that would you cause you to vote for a tax rate increase?
I would consider a tax increase only after careful examination of essential needs, particularly those directly connected to protecting lives and maintaining critical county services. Before supporting an increase, I would expect the county to evaluate grants, state and federal funding, financing options, existing reserves, and opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditures. A tax increase should be a last resort, not the first solution.
- Which county services or capital needs should be funded first if money is limited: public safety, EMS, schools, economic development or other? Explain your ranking.
My priorities would be public safety and emergency services first, essential school infrastructure second, and economic development and other community needs third. I place public safety first because the ability to respond to emergencies, protect lives, and maintain safe facilities is a fundamental responsibility of county government. Education comes next because investing in safe learning environments helps prepare our children for the future. Economic development is also essential because sustainable growth can expand the tax base, create jobs, and help fund public services.
- What’s your knowledge base about the present jail facility and operations and the plans for a new facility?
As I recently visited the jail, I noticed that they were overpopulated and understaffed. Those two barriers alone contribute to things including detention officer safety and inmate safety. I also witnessed the county maintenance teamwork in repairs and revitalization to parts of the jail as well. Though there is so much more to be done, I also celebrate progress on what has already been done. I truly believe that it is in order to build a new detention center as soon as we can.
- How do you believe Vance County EMS can best station its equipment and personnel? Please include in your answer your knowledge base of plans for a future EMS location.
(There was no answer in original document, and attempts to reach Lewis have been unsuccessful. WIZS will include a response if we receive one.)
- Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to serving on the board of commissioners.
My personal and professional experiences have taught me the importance of responsibility, compassion, teamwork, and service. As a husband, father, deacon, and community member, I understand that leadership begins with being accountable for the responsibilities entrusted to you. My faith has taught me to treat people with dignity, listen before speaking, and make decisions based on what is right rather than what is popular. I believe these values will help me serve with humility, fairness, and integrity. I will bring a willingness to learn, work with others, and put the needs of Vance County residents above personal interests.
- If elected, what are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?
My short-term goals include reviewing the county’s financial condition, understanding the most urgent public safety and EMS needs, listening to residents, and building productive relationships with fellow commissioners and county staff.
- How do you plan to apply your personal and professional and leadership standards to the items a County Commission can actually control?
I understand that commissioners cannot control every issue affecting Vance County. However, they have significant responsibilities involving budgets, county services, capital investments, land use decisions, and oversight of county government. I will focus on those responsibilities and work collaboratively with the agencies and organizations responsible for other matters. My standards will remain consistent, honesty, accountability, respect, preparation, and fairness. I will not promise residents something that is outside the authority of the Board of Commissioners. Instead, I will work to find solutions through cooperation and responsible decision-making.
- Considering all the possible scenarios of who will make up the board of commissioners on December 7, particularly considering both experience and one’s ability to lead, who do you believe the chair of the board should be whether you are elected or not?
I believe the chair should be someone who demonstrates integrity, experience, fairness, sound judgment, and the ability to bring people together. The chair must be willing to listen to every commissioner, maintain orderly meetings, respect county staff, and place the interests of Vance County above personal disagreements. Whoever demonstrates those qualities should be chair.
- Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.
I want the people of Vance County to know that I am a man of faith, a family man, and someone who believes deeply in the importance of serving others. My faith has carried me through both blessings and difficult seasons of life. Those experiences have taught me that tomorrow is not promised, that every life matters, and that we should never take the opportunity to help someone for granted. I believe in encouraging people rather than tearing them down. I believe in lifting up our young people, supporting our first responders, and standing with families who are working every day to build a better life. I am running because I believe I have something meaningful to contribute. I will not make promises that I cannot keep, but I can promise to listen, to be present,
to do my homework, to treat people fairly, and to make decisions with integrity. My faith reminds me of the words found in Galatians 6:9 (KJV): “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.” I believe Vance County has a brighter future ahead, but it will require commitment, unity, accountability, and people willing to serve. Whether you live in Kittrell, Watkins, Henderson, or another part of our county, your voice matters and your concerns deserve to be heard. I believe public office is a responsibility, not a privilege to be taken for granted. My desire is to serve with faith, lead with integrity, and help build a stronger Vance County for generations to come.
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Responses from Candidate Kelley Wade Perdue
- What prompted you to run for local office?
I decided to run for office because I believe Vance County needs a different approach to leadership, accountability, and long-term planning.
- What’s your platform?
My platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure, responsible economic development, and protecting the character of our rural communities.
- State the three most important issues facing Vance County, in order of importance, and explain how you plan to address them.
1st: Fiscal responsibility and government accountability:
I believe this is the foundation for addressing nearly every other issue in Vance County.
Our county has significant financial responsibilities, and we cannot continue approaching pending decisions without carefully examining long-term costs, staffing requirements, and the return taxpayers receive from those investments.
As a program manager, I work with multimillion-dollar budgets and understand the importance of financial forecasting, risk assessment, and resource planning. Before approving major expenditures, I want to understand the business justification, available alternatives, long-term operating costs, and measurable benefits.
If elected, I will push for stronger financial oversight, clearer reporting of major capital projects, and better alignment between spending and the county’s actual needs. I also want to examine opportunities to expand our tax base without continually placing additional burdens on property owners.
2nd: Public safety, EMS, and essential infrastructure:
Public safety is a basic responsibility of county government. Residents should be confident that emergency help will be available when needed, regardless of where they live.
I’ve raised concerns regarding the removal of the ambulance stationed at Bearpond and the impact that decision may have on residents in southern Vance County.
I’ve also questioned the discussion of spending approximately $2 million on an EMS substation when staffing shortages have already affected our ability to maintain existing coverage.
Before we invest in another building, I believe we need a clear understanding of staffing, recruitment, retention, ambulance deployment, and response times. Buildings are important, but they cannot provide emergency care without trained personnel.
I will also continue advocating for our volunteer fire departments, law enforcement, and improvements to roads and infrastructure. Where roads are maintained by the state, the county needs to work more effectively with NCDOT to communicate and follow up on local needs.
3rd: Responsible Economic Growth and Protecting Our Rural Communities:
Vance County needs a stronger economy, more job opportunities, and a broader tax base. However, I believe we need to be selective about the types of development we bring into our county. I support economic development, but it must make financial sense and benefit the people who live here.
- Identify and elaborate on your beliefs, ideas, and passions for making Vance County the best it can be.
I believe Vance County has tremendous potential, but reaching that potential will require better planning, cooperation, and a willingness to make decisions based on facts rather than personalities or politics. I believe doing what is right even when it may not be the popular decision.
In my career, a project is not considered successful simply because money was spent or a deadline was met. It must accomplish what it was intended to do. I believe county government should be evaluated the same way.
I want a “Vance” County where families feel safe, businesses have opportunities to succeed, property owners are respected, and citizens have confidence that their government is working in their best interest.
- What is your position on future data center development in Vance County?
My position has been consistent from the beginning. I am not opposed to economic development, technology, or bringing new investment into Vance County. I am opposed to moving forward with major development without adequate policies and protections in place.
I was among the first to publicly request a moratorium on future data center development in April 2026 because I believed our county needed time to address serious gaps in its development regulations.
If a developer wants to invest in Vance County, I believe it is reasonable to expect that developer to demonstrate how the project benefits our county and how potential negative impacts will be addressed. This can be addressed with a Community Benefit Agreement, something that has been previously overlooked many times.
- How much do you know about data center development overall and as it pertains to Vance County?
My professional background gives me a working understanding of the technology, infrastructure, and operational requirements associated with data centers.
As an IT and AI Program Manager, I understand that data centers are essential to digital infrastructure, cloud computing, information storage, and artificial intelligence.
I also understand that different types and sizes of facilities have significantly different operational requirements. These facilities depend on reliable power, cooling systems, network connectivity, physical security, backup generation, and infrastructure capable of supporting continuous operations.
However, managing technology programs does not make me a utility engineer or environmental specialist. Those are areas where qualified, independent experts should provide the technical analysis.
As it relates to Vance County, I have followed the proposed development, attended meetings, reviewed available information, and studied the concerns. I am particularly concerned that Vance County previously permitted data centers within certain zoning districts without adopting comprehensive, data-center-specific development standards.
I also understand the importance of distinguishing between proposed development, approved applications, and legally established development rights.
In my career, we identify risks before implementing major changes. We don’t wait until a problem occurs and then attempt to write the requirements afterward. I believe that same approach should apply to data center development in Vance County.
- What standards would you like to see for future data center development, and will you work to have them included in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?
Yes. If elected, I fully intend to work toward establishing strong, enforceable data center development standards within the UDO.
I believe those standards should include:
- Appropriate zoning and location requirements
- Meaningful setbacks and buffers
- Water usage and availability
- Electrical infrastructure
- Public Safety and Emergency Guidelines
- Environmental Protections
- Independent studies and financial accountability
- Long-term enforcement
I also believe the county should require a thorough assessment of the actual financial benefit, including projected tax revenue, permanent employment, infrastructure costs, and ongoing public service demands. I would work with the Planning Board, county staff, legal counsel, and fellow commissioners to develop standards that comply with North Carolina law and can be consistently enforced. Passing an ordinance simply to say we have one is not enough. The language must provide meaningful protection.
- Are you in favor of extending the current data center moratorium beyond November 13, 2026? Please explain.
Yes! I support extending the moratorium if the county has not adopted adequate, enforceable development standards before the current moratorium expires.
- 9How do you presently feel about the relationships among members of the Board of Commissioners?
From my observations at public meetings, there are clear differences in opinions, priorities, and approaches among board members. I cannot speak to private relationships between commissioners, nor would I presume to know the intentions of individual board members What I can speak to is the importance of professionalism and the public’s confidence in the board’s ability to conduct business effectively.
In my career, I regularly work with executives, technical teams, vendors, and other stakeholders who have competing priorities. My responsibility is to bring those individuals together, evaluate the facts, resolve issues, and move the work forward. I would bring that same approach to the Board of Commissioners.
- How do you presently feel about the relationship between the Board as a whole and county staff?
I believe a productive relationship between the Board of Commissioners and county staff is essential to effective government. The board is responsible for establishing policy, approving budgets, and providing oversight. The county manager and staff are responsible for carrying out much of the county’s daily operations. Those responsibilities are different, but they must work together.
From my perspective as a citizen, I would like to see clear communication, timely access to information, and greater consistency in how major operational and financial issues are presented to the board and the public.
When commissioners are asked to approve significant expenditures or make decisions affecting essential services, they should receive complete information, including alternatives, financial implications, operational risks, and long-term consequences.
- How do you presently feel about the relationships between individual board members and county staff?
I believe those relationships should be professional, respectful, and based on clearly defined responsibilities.
Individual commissioners should be able to ask questions, request information through appropriate channels, and seek clarification before making decisions. That is part of their responsibility to taxpayers.
My responsibility as a commissioner would not be to control daily operations. It would be to help establish effective policies, ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and hold county government accountable for results.
At the end of the day, the board and county staff should be working toward the same objective: serving the people of Vance County effectively and responsibly.
- What is your position on the present tax rate and revenue-neutral budgeting going forward?
My position is that Vance County needs to control spending before asking property owners to pay more.
Our current county property tax rate is $0.7129 per $100 of assessed value. While that rate remained unchanged for the 2026–2027 budget, I believe we need to look beyond the tax rate itself and examine how much revenue the county is collecting, where that money is going, and whether taxpayers are receiving the best value for their dollars.
I support using revenue-neutral budgeting as an important benchmark, particularly following property revaluations. Property owners should not automatically face a larger tax burden simply because assessed property values increase. However, I also understand that revenue-neutral does not mean every taxpayer’s bill stays the same, and the county must still account for legitimate costs and required services.
I am concerned about relying too heavily on fund balance to support annual budgets. Reserves serve an important purpose, but they are not an unlimited source of funding. Recurring expenses need sustainable recurring revenue. Before considering higher taxes, I want a thorough review of spending, opportunities to eliminate unnecessary costs, and a realistic long-term financial plan.
I also support broadening our tax base by recruiting businesses and industries that create jobs and contribute meaningful revenue without creating excessive demands on county services.
I am not in favor of continually turning to property owners to solve our financial challenges!
- What justified capital needs would cause you to vote for a tax rate increase?
I would consider a tax increase only as a last resort, particularly when addressing a documented public safety need or a legally required service that cannot reasonably be funded through existing resources.
However, identifying a legitimate need does not automatically justify approving an expensive project or increasing taxes. Before supporting any increase, I would want to review the full project scope, independent cost estimates, available funding sources, operating expenses, staffing requirements, financing options, and long-term debt obligations.
I would also want to know whether the project could be completed in phases, whether existing facilities could be improved, and whether grant funding or other financial alternatives were available.
If an increase became unavoidable, I would expect the county to clearly explain the need, disclose the financial impact on taxpayers, and identify exactly how the additional revenue would be used.
I would never promise that I would vote against every tax increase under every circumstance. That would be irresponsible without knowing the facts. But I can promise that I would not support an increase simply because it is the easiest way to balance a budget.
- Which county services or capital needs should be funded first if money is limited? Explain your ranking.
If funding is limited, I believe the county must prioritize essential services and its legal responsibilities before taking on discretionary projects.
1st: Public safety, including EMS, law enforcement, fire protection, and detention facilities
Protecting lives must come first! Citizens deserve dependable emergency response, safe communities, and properly equipped first responders.
This includes addressing EMS staffing shortages, ambulance coverage, detention center safety, and the needs of our volunteer fire departments.
I have been particularly vocal about the removal of the ambulance from Bearpond and what that decision means for residents in southern Vance County. Emergency coverage should not depend on which part of the county someone lives in.
2nd: Education and school facilities
Our children deserve safe, properly maintained learning environments. Education is also directly connected to economic development, workforce readiness, and the future of our county.
I support responsible county funding for school operations and capital needs, along with accountability for how those resources are used.
We must also strengthen relationships with Vance-Granville Community College and employers to prepare residents for available jobs.
3rd: Essential infrastructure
This includes critical facility maintenance, water infrastructure, communications systems, and other infrastructure within the county’s responsibility.
Deferred maintenance often becomes more expensive over time. Addressing smaller problems before they become major failures is generally a better use of taxpayer dollars.
Road maintenance is also important, although many of our roads fall under NCDOT’s responsibility rather than the county’s direct control.
4th: Economic development
Economic development is necessary for our long-term financial health, but it should be strategic and financially responsible.
I support recruiting industries that offer good employment opportunities, strengthening our tax base, supporting local businesses, and protecting our rural communities. However, economic development spending must be supported by realistic projections and an understanding of the county’s financial obligations.
These priorities are closely connected. A stronger economy can help fund better services, but we cannot neglect essential services while waiting for that economic growth to occur.
- What is your knowledge base about the present jail facility and operations and the plans for a new facility?
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and I have followed the ongoing concerns regarding the Vance County Detention Center.
I understand that the current facility has experienced serious structural, security, and staffing problems.
State inspections have identified deficiencies involving doors, locks, facility conditions, and supervision. These concerns have resulted in restrictions on the number of inmates who can be housed locally and the need to transfer detainees to facilities outside the county.
The escape of two inmates in June 2026 further demonstrated the seriousness of the detention center’s problems. These issues affect public safety, detention officers, inmates, law enforcement resources, and county finances.
I am aware that preliminary plans for a new detention center have included a proposed 300-bed facility with an estimated cost exceeding $70 million. I also understand that the county has established a capital reserve for the project and has explored financing options, including federal assistance.
While I recognize that the current facility has significant problems, I believe we must carefully evaluate the proposed replacement before committing taxpayers to decades of debt. I would want a complete analysis of projected inmate populations, facility capacity, construction costs, staffing needs, operating expenses, transportation costs, and long-term financing. I would also want to examine how the current practice of housing inmates in other counties compares financially with the costs of operating a new facility.
A new detention center may very well be necessary, but the county must be able to demonstrate that the size, design, and financing are appropriate for our needs. I do not believe the county can afford to continue ignoring serious safety issues. I also do not believe we should automatically approve the most expensive solution without thoroughly examining alternatives.
My approach would be to work with the sheriff, detention professionals, county management, financial advisors, and fellow commissioners to make an informed decision. Public safety and fiscal responsibility should be part of the same discussion.
- How do you believe Vance County EMS can best station its equipment and personnel? Include your knowledge of plans for a future EMS location.
I believe EMS coverage should be based on actual emergency response needs, geographic coverage, call volume, travel distances, and the availability of trained personnel.
We need to make decisions based on data rather than simply choosing locations for new buildings.
I have been actively involved in questioning the county’s decision to remove the ambulance stationed at Bearpond Volunteer Fire Department in July 2026. That location had provided coverage in southern Vance County for approximately 13 years. When that unit was removed, I began asking questions about response times, available staffing, and how emergency coverage would be maintained for residents in that part of the county.
I am aware of the county’s plans for a future EMS and Fire headquarters and the discussions surrounding an EMS substation in the northern portion of the county, including the Williamsboro area. I also understand that substantial funding has been discussed for new EMS facilities.
My concern is that we are discussing millions of dollars in construction while struggling to maintain staffing at existing locations. Before committing to additional facilities, I believe the county needs a comprehensive EMS deployment and staffing assessment.
That assessment should include call volumes by location and time of day, actual response times, ambulance availability, overlapping calls, recruitment and retention, overtime expenses, and projected future demand.
I would also want to evaluate the feasibility of restoring dedicated ambulance coverage in southern Vance County and improving coverage in other underserved areas. Our volunteer fire departments are valuable community resources, and I believe opportunities for appropriate partnerships should be considered.
From a management perspective, we must identify the operational need before determining the capital investment. I am not opposed to building new EMS facilities. I am opposed to spending millions on buildings without a reasonable plan to staff and operate them.
- Explain how your personal and professional experience will contribute to serving on the Board of Commissioners.
I believe I bring a combination of professional management experience, education, community involvement, and a lifelong connection to Vance County.
Professionally, I work as an IT and AI Program Manager, overseeing complex, multimillion dollar programs. My responsibilities include financial management, strategic planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, vendor management, and ensuring projects meet their intended objectives.
I work with executives, technical teams, and stakeholders who often have different priorities. That requires communication, problem-solving, sound judgment, and the ability to make decisions based on facts.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice w/ minor in Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Project Management, and a certificate in Healthcare Management. I am also pursuing my Doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership & Project Management.
My education and professional experience have given me a strong foundation in organizational management, leadership, financial oversight, and decision-making.
But my experience is not limited to my career!!
I serve as Treasurer of the Watkins Community Club and have been involved in community improvement and volunteer efforts for many years. I have served as a state & district chairwoman for the Arts and Culture Community Service Program with GFWC-NC, and I have worked with Adopt-A-Highway for more than two decades.
I am also actively involved with Hermon Community Church, where I assist with communications, church activities, and committee work.
These responsibilities have taught me the importance of listening, following through, managing limited resources, and working with people from different backgrounds.
I also understand what it means to be a citizen dealing with county government. I have personally experienced the frustration of seeking answers, questioning decisions, and trying to understand the policies that affect property owners. I believe those experiences have made me more determined to improve communication and accountability.
I bring experience managing major programs, but I also bring the perspective of someone who has lived in Vance County her entire life. Both matter!
- If elected, what are your short-term goals and long-term goals? Short-term goals: First 90 days to one year
My immediate priority would be to develop a thorough understanding of the county’s financial obligations, existing projects, staffing challenges, and operational needs.
I would focus on reviewing the current budget, capital improvement plan, debt obligations, and the status of major proposed expenditures. EMS coverage would be an early priority. I would seek detailed information about staffing, response times, unit placement, and opportunities to improve service in underserved areas. Another priority would be reviewing the detention center’s capital plans and financial projections to understand both the immediate safety needs and the long-term cost to taxpayers. I would also support improvements in public communication, including making budget information, major project updates, and county decisions easier for citizens to understand.
Long-term goals: Two to four years and beyond
My long-term goal is to help establish a more financially stable, efficient, and accountable county government.
I want to see a realistic capital improvement strategy that prioritizes needs, identifies funding sources, and accounts for long-term operating expenses before projects are approved. I also want Vance County to develop a more competitive economic development strategy that brings quality employers, expands our tax base, and creates career opportunities for our residents.
Protecting farmland and rural communities will remain important to me. We need development standards that support growth without sacrificing the property rights and character of our communities.
I would like to see stronger partnerships between county government, our schools, Vance Granville Community College, local employers, emergency service providers, and community organizations.
Ultimately, I want the county to become more proactive rather than constantly reacting to problems. In my career, strategic plans are only meaningful when there are defined responsibilities, realistic timelines, and measurable outcomes. I would like to bring more of that thinking into our county’s long-term planning.
- How do you plan to apply your personal, professional, and leadership standards to the items a County Commission can actually control?
I believe effective leadership begins with understanding the responsibilities and limitations of the position. A county commissioner is responsible for establishing county policy, approving budgets, adopting ordinances within the county’s authority, making certain appointments, and providing oversight of county government. Commissioners do not individually manage county departments or direct the daily work of employees. I understand that distinction, and I believe respecting it is essential to effective government.
In my professional career, I am responsible for achieving results while working within defined budgets, policies, governance structures, and organizational responsibilities. I would apply those same principles as a commissioner.
When presented with a major expenditure, I will ask what problem we are solving, whether the proposed solution is appropriate, what alternatives were considered, and how success will be measured.
I believe in reviewing supporting information rather than voting solely on recommendations or assumptions. I also believe in accountability. If the board approves a major project, there should be clear expectations regarding financial reporting, schedules, project status, and measurable results. I would support regular updates on significant capital projects and greater transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
My job would be to help establish good policies, approve responsible budgets, and provide meaningful oversight.
- Considering the possible makeup of the Board of Commissioners on December 7, who do you believe should serve as chair, whether you are elected or not?
I believe the chair of the Board of Commissioners should be someone who demonstrates experience, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to lead a group of individuals with different opinions. Someone who is not newly elected!
At this point, I believe it would be premature to commit to a specific individual before the election results are known and the composition of the board is determined.
- Please share any additional information you want voters to know about you.
I was born and raised in the Watkins community, and Vance County has always been my home. My family’s history here goes back more than 200 years, and I take pride in that heritage. I love Vance County! I want to be the good, I want to be a change!
I have worked hard for my education and professional accomplishments, and I believe those experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to county government.
My career has taught me how to manage budgets, develop plans, assess risk, work with different personalities, and solve complex problems. My personal life has taught me patience, perseverance, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what matters.
I respect the responsibility that comes with public office, and I understand that earning someone’s vote does not automatically earn their continued trust. That trust must be maintained through actions. If elected, I will bring the same work ethic, attention to detail, and accountability to this position that I expect of myself professionally and personally.
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