Town of Fountain

Your current job and title:

Town of Fountain Mayor; Retired E-911 director

Your highest level of education:

High School and certifications in relation to E-911. I am a certified ENP Emergency National Professional [and have] a certification of performances in Management, Emergency Services (police, fire, rescue) telephone equipment for 911 knowledge, and radio equipment knowledge.

If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?

Continue my work on making sure that Fountain is updated in all aspects of state and OSHA requirements. Continue seeking grants that don't require matching funding (if possible) and focus on changing our appearance as you drive through.

Unfortunately, the town can do little to the empty downtown street buildings, if owners are not interested in selling, renting or updating. I shall keep encouraging them to do so. I have worked closely with investors looking into our town for investment and business opportunities. I will continue with plans to update the sidewalks and green areas within our jurisdiction and encourage owners to do the same. We have a new business in town that has had numerous articles written and even a video, which always includes the town of Fountain. I work closely with him for the benefit of the town.

My municipality network has grown considerably in the past six years, and I will continue to put it to good use whenever the opportunity arises. I will continue to work daily at the town office, and I personally make sure that all complaints from residents are looked in to. We may not always be able to fix their issue, but it will be looked in to and addressed.

If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?

Being a face everyone recognizes and always open for conversation. A mayor does not make the rules; everything is voted on by commissioners. The mayor is there to enforce and maintain what is decided for the town.

I spend 3-6 hours Monday through Friday in the office and assist the clerks whenever needed. I attend all invitations and board meetings that I have been assigned to or elected to.

I'm a voting member on the Mid-East Commission, voting member on Greenville ENC Alliance, voting member on the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization Tac committee, and attend all Pitt County mayor meetings. Unrelated to the official mayor duties, I am appointed by Pitt County to serve on the Local Firemen's Relief Fund Board. I am a voting member on the Fountain Community Development Corp., and through my church I am certified in Safe Environment.

We have recently mailed out a survey to all residents inquiring what they want or think would benefit them and our town. The survey is being reviewed at this time. Most times I send out a newsletter to the citizens on what happens at town meetings and other newsworthy events within the town.

Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?

It's a small town and most voters already know me and what I stand for and hope for in this community. It's too small to really grow, and most citizens don't want Fountain to change from being a small town. I want what we have to look like it is loved and taken care of and for people to say, “What a sweet town, I would love to visit or live here." I have received grants for just that and continue to keep looking for small ones. We cannot afford matching grants.

I have worked hard for the citizens and the town, and we are moving slowly forward. Being retired, I have the time to put into maintaining and suggesting improvements to the commissioners and when [we] vote for something I make sure it happens.

Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?

I work hard. I keep my commitments. I do not believe you gain anything by confrontation. If you want me to be your mayor, I would love it.

Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?

Please, please get the vote out, whether for me or someone else. Use your rights to vote, don't leave the decision up to someone else. Thank you.