2023

What can you tell our readers about yourself and your background? I grew up in Davie and Forsyth Counties. I moved to Kernersville in 1995 after attending college and have lived here ever since. I hold an Associate’s degree in Architectural Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. My wife, Suellen, is a teacher at Kernersville Elementary School. We have a son, Blaine, who I recently accompanied to the World Scouting Jamboree, and a daughter, Macy. Our family is proud to be a member of the Kernersville Moravian Church. I am a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, a licensed general contractor, and a licensed real estate broker. As someone who aspires to be the mayor of Kernersville NC, I have a passion for giving back to my community. I serve as an active Board of Directors member for local non-profit organizations, including the Körner’s Folly Foundation, the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the PJC Botanical Garden Advisory Board, and the Kernersville Museum Foundation. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience and insight while providing meaningful service. Working closely with dedicated volunteers and civic club organizations, I truly appreciate the caring commitment of those who live and work in Kernersville to make it the great place it is today. I am proud to currently serve my third consecutive term as Town Alderman and look forward to continuing in this position, working towards maintaining and building a strong quality of life for many years to come.

Raising my family here in Kernersville affords me the opportunity to experience the day-to-day issues many of us face. I am proud of my past and present contributions to help make the Town of Kernersville the best it can be. As a three-term Alderman, I feel that we've had a productive four years. The board, along with the mayor of Kernersville NC, voted to clean up one end of West Mountain Street near downtown by getting rid of the eyesores the citizens have been looking at for years. The School Tools Building (corner of Mountain and Main St.) is now Founder’s Park, and the old gas station (corner of Mountain and Cherry St.) is now part of an expanded Kernersville Museum site. This allows for a better use of space downtown.

I have had the opportunity to run as many as three small construction-related companies in Kernersville at the same time. This experience allowed me to observe the best ways to be an effective contributor to our Town. For example, in 2009, I helped develop, along with the Kernersville Mayor and Board, to pass a “Green Building” rebate program for the Town of Kernersville. The program was the third of its kind in the State. My goal was to help bring awareness of sustainable construction in Kernersville to better the quality of life for our citizens. I feel that my experience and education in building, real estate, and knowledge of the Town of Kernersville makes me qualified for the Board of Alderman position.

When I first decided to seek the position of mayor of Kernersville, NC over four years ago, I gave considerable thought to what it would take to be a successful Alderman. It starts with a strong conviction to better your community for the present and the future. To approach the position with the high personal standards of character and ethics that the community entrusts you with. You focus on moving the city forward from a big picture approach rather than pursuing a specific agenda or belief.

You have to do your homework and be prepared to put in the long hours necessary to effectively analyze the details and explore all the options. This includes the ability to be a good listener to all stakeholders from residents, local business people, and service providers as well as staff. You accomplish this through effective communication where you are accessible and sympathetic to those who are concerned.

You must understand and have the aptitude and experience required to handle the town’s crucial legal and financial responsibilities that the position of mayor of Kernersville, NC requires, so you can make educated and informed decisions, which includes understanding both the short and long-term impact of your actions. I personally believe you have to have an open mind as well as respect points of view that might be different than yours. And it all starts with a caring heart and compassion for others in the community.

I am fortunate to have a diverse experience and background in our community, which positions me well as a candidate for the mayor of Kernersville NC. From my success in local business ventures to raising my family in town and my active community involvement over the years, all these experiences have laid the groundwork for being a successful alderman. Clearly, my deeply involved day-to-day experience over the past four years serving as an energetic alderman has allowed me to gain further insight and skills that will enable me to be even more effective in the future as the mayor of Kernersville NC.

Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to meet with government officials on the Federal, State, County, and local levels (outside of Kernersville) to learn about the opportunities and resources available to our Town that we can readily tap into.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my ongoing experience working with the current Aldermen, town officials, and staff to create a meaningful and constructive team approach where we all work towards the common good of all.

As an alderman, there has been personal satisfaction in witnessing Town projects from start through implementation to completion, providing valuable insight for future projects. From the original conception of Founders Park to the recent completion of the Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III Memorial Fire Station, the experience gained in the past four years has equipped me with additional expertise that I can apply to serve our community even better as the mayor of Kernersville NC.

Thanks to our strategic long-term comprehensive planning approach in Kernersville, we have accomplished some needed projects while being fiscally responsible without sacrificing quality. As the mayor of Kernersville NC, I am particularly proud of our new Public Works administration building located at 509 Michael Street, which stands as an excellent example of our commitment to progress. 

Not only did we build a long overdue and needed Fire Chief Walter M. Summerville III Memorial Fire Station, but we also included a top-notch standalone training center to greatly enhance the work and safety of our first responders. 

I take immense pride in what we have accomplished in our downtown area off West Mountain, between Main Street and Cherry Street. The evolution of this enhancement will significantly reflect on the quality of life in Kernersville for many years to come. We removed the School Tools Building (corner of Mountain and Main St.) which is now Founder’s Park, and the old gas station (corner of Mountain and Cherry St.) is now part of an expanded Kernersville Museum site. Additionally, we created more parking by opening up the space nearby on North Cherry Street, which will improve the flow of use from Harmon Park through our downtown shopping area.

As the mayor of Kernersville NC, there is always great excitement in welcoming the success of bringing a new regional Veterans Hospital to Kernersville as well as a new Public Library. 

And of course, seeing the completion of the new accessible playground at the 4th of July Park was truly a proud moment for all of us.

I have always approached life as an optimist. Where others might be disappointed, I tend to be more hopeful. As the mayor of Kernersville, NC, I understand the importance of seeing the big picture and having a wide understanding of the complexities associated with various projects and issues. I realize that sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, and I focus on looking for opportunities to best resolve problems when they arise. 

Of course, like everyone, I find it disappointing that infrastructure projects, including roads, can be a disruptive aspect and inconvenience to us all. I certainly wish they could be completed faster, but I also recognize that these projects face unforeseen issues, including weather, that cannot be controlled. Therefore, we often have to deal with the constraints at hand.

Likewise, I am disappointed when I see vacant storefronts and buildings in our community. I would certainly prefer to see vibrant businesses serving our community and adding to our tax base, but I also appreciate that this takes time. 

However, what probably disappoints me the most is witnessing our beautiful public spaces vandalized for no good reason at all. The cost of these senseless acts is more than people realize. I encourage all citizens to contact local authorities whenever they see something wrong, and together, we can work to protect property for the benefit of all.

This is an exciting time for the Town of Kernersville, especially under the leadership of the mayor of Kernersville NC, with the quality of new development coming soon. With the anticipation of new residential, retail, and commercial businesses (as well as public and non-profit expansion projects) opening over the next couple of years, we need to be diligent to ensure a natural assimilation to the existing town culture and hospitable environment that we are proud to have here in Kernersville.

We also need to be aware of and accommodate this new growth, including increased traffic and demands on our town infrastructure, so it does not adversely impact our quality of life.

In addition to the significant structural growth taking place, we must monitor the changing demographics in our community, including the additional children in our school system, the increase in local manufacturing and service workforce, as well as our growing aging senior population.

Especially as a town alderman, it is paramount that we ensure our town government and staff are providing the additional services needed while maximizing the efficiencies and resources required of a strong town government. And of course, Kernersville does not exist in a vacuum; we must also be cognizant of the changes taking place in the communities around us.

I am also proud that 12 years ago I helped implement a ‘Green Building’ initiative for Kernersville, and I am sensitive to the fact that our new growth and development should not have a negative impact on our environment. 

For example, in 2009, I collaborated with the Kernersville mayor and Board to pass a “Green Building” rebate program for the Town of Kernersville. We must keep an eye on the changes to the towns around us as well.

The mayor of Kernersville, NC, plays a crucial role in the local government, working to address community needs and improve the quality of life for residents.

I grew up in Davie and Forsyth Counties before moving to Kernersville in 1995 after attending college. I hold an Associates degree in Architectural Technology and a Bachelors degree in Construction Management. My wife Suellen is a teacher at Kernersville Elementary School. We have a son, Blaine, and a daughter, Macy, and our family attends Kernersville Moravian Church. I am a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, a licensed general contractor, and a licensed real estate broker. As I aspire to contribute further to my community, I am also active in local non-profit organizations, including the Körner’s Folly Foundation, the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the PJC Botanical Garden Advisory Board, and the Kernersville Museum Foundation. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience and insight into our town. I appreciate the dedicated volunteers and civic club organizations that work tirelessly to enhance Kernersville, a community I hope to see thrive under strong leadership, perhaps one day as the mayor of Kernersville, NC.

Raising my family here in Kernersville affords me the opportunity to experience the day-to-day issues many of us face. I am proud of my past and present contributions to help make the Town of Kernersville the best it can be. As a current Alderman, I feel that we've had a productive two years. The board voted to clean up one end of West Mountain Street near downtown by getting rid of the eyesores the citizens have been looking at for years, including the School Tools Building (corner of Mountain and Main St.) and the old gas station (corner of Mountain and Cherry St.). This allows for a better use of space downtown. I have had the opportunity to run as many as three small construction-related companies in Kernersville at the same time. Because of this, I found myself at many of the Alderman meetings since 1996, where I observed the best ways to be an effective contributor to our Town. For example, in 2009, I helped develop with the Kernersville Mayor and Board to pass a 'Green Building' rebate program for the Town of Kernersville, which was the third of its kind in the State. My goal was to help bring awareness of sustainable construction in Kernersville to better the quality of life for our citizens. I feel that my experience and education in building, real estate, and knowledge of the Town of Kernersville makes me qualified for the Board of Alderman position.

My campaign focus has been to let the citizens know that as the mayor of Kernersville, NC, I'm committed to making their voices heard in Town Hall. I feel it is important that I actively represent the people of Kernersville in issues that directly impact them and be a strong advocate to ensure their concerns are addressed. If re-elected, I will continue to play an active role in making our community a safer, better place for all our citizens to raise our children and run our local businesses.

I have enjoyed meeting and talking to the people in our community. It’s important to manage our Town's growth so it has a positive impact on the quality of everyday life. In the previous few weeks, several citizens expressed their thoughts and concerns about the construction traffic around the site of the Old Winston Road traffic circle and Main Street. This is a valid concern as it has affected a large majority of our citizens in their daily routines. The current Alderman and I have had active discussions with representatives of NCDOT to address these concerns in hopes to speed up this process and express our citizens' concerns for safety. Issues concerning economic development, residential growth, and public service also require an appreciation for comprehensive planning to maximize our resources while enhancing our quality of life in Kernersville. A good example is the construction of our new Fire & Rescue Station on Highway 66. I am proud to serve as the mayor of Kernersville, NC, in a caring and involved community.

Sustainable growth is always a challenge for small towns like Kernersville, NC. As the mayor of Kernersville NC, I recognize that our town's central geographic location has enabled us to attract quality companies, leading to positive economic growth. Moving forward, as we have in the past, we must continue to manage this development with sustainable growth to ensure the quality of life for our citizens. This includes maintaining optimal traffic flow patterns, keeping our streets pedestrian-friendly, and providing a safe environment for the public throughout our community. We also want to ensure that local citizens continue to have a voice in their government regarding both future growth and current issues facing our town. 

One of our immediate needs is to improve the quality of our paved streets. The public works department continues to do an excellent job in Kernersville. They have completed projects with minimal resources to keep our streets in good condition. Alderman Neal and I have met with representatives from the NCDOT, and we can expect them to work on further paving sections of Main, Salisbury, and Mountain Street in 2019. It’s crucial that we address our roads to keep them safe for everyone.

Yes, Kernersville has made great strides in preparation for our Town’s economic development, a focus of the mayor of Kernersville NC. We currently have some major projects planned and underway where we will need to effectively integrate them into our community, especially with our existing infrastructure. The current road and traffic issues are an important reminder that comprehensive planning is required to maximize our town resources while providing a strong quality-of-life standard. We also need to work with all stakeholders to ensure we can continue to build a meaningful and vibrant downtown.

Kernersville is a wonderful place to live and work, which is why our Town’s population continues to grow so rapidly. Preserving our superior local atmosphere will continue to generate and attract economic growth. We will need to remain diligent about town services and sustainable growth while providing a safe and enjoyable setting for our citizens.

In the next ten years, we should also be able to implement our planned pedestrian walkways, including greenways and sidewalks, which will be necessary for maintaining a healthy environment that directly impacts economic growth.

As the mayor of Kernersville, NC, I have been a strong advocate for collaboration between public and private sectors. The key to achieving a successful balance within our community lies in both interests working together towards common goals. We are fortunate in Kernersville to have engaged citizens and a proactive business community that strive to optimize this balance. Staying informed about issues that impact the public good enhances consumer awareness of businesses that support these shared interests, ultimately leading to sustainability and success for those businesses. Effective communication among all parties is essential in fostering the right solutions, which is why maintaining a proactive dialogue is so important.

Our thriving Chamber of Commerce and the excellent staff in the Town’s Community Development Department understand the needs of Kernersville. Creating an environment that encourages professional businesses to support public interest initiatives leads to the best outcomes. A prime example is the Chamber’s ‘Eating for Education’ program, where our local restaurants and other businesses raise funds to support grants for our children’s schools. When shared interests and goals enhance our quality of life, it serves both our citizens and our town in the best possible way.

I believe the number one priority of an alderman is to be the best steward and advisor possible for the citizens and the town of Kernersville, NC, while maintaining a solid quality of life for town residents. As a candidate for mayor of Kernersville, NC, I do not believe it is the government’s role to run deficits or surpluses. We should make policy choices that will maximize the potential of our citizens to enjoy their lives and contribute the best they can, without burdening them with unnecessary taxes.

Public safety concerns should always be the top priority, so we need to be prepared to address any issues that arise. I intend to continue to work with my fellow alderman to oversee, facilitate insightful planning, and help manage the town government to ensure that it is run in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.

My record of leadership and active involvement in the Town of Kernersville positions me as one of the best candidates on the ballot for the role of mayor of Kernersville, NC. I would ask that all voters keep my dedication to the Town of Kernersville in mind when voting. If elected, I will continue to be a voice for the people. 

First, I would like to thank the citizens who voted for me in the last election to be their Alderman, and I hope I have met their expectations. 

My record of leadership, along with my active involvement during the past two years as an Alderman in the Town of Kernersville, has prepared me well for the responsibilities of mayor of Kernersville, NC. I would like to ask all voters to consider my dedication and commitment to the Town of Kernersville when casting their votes. If re-elected, I will continue to invest the time needed to do my job to the fullest extent possible. My experience and expertise will be crucial in monitoring our town’s growth over the next two years, which will have a significant and long-term impact on our community.