Town of Winterville
Six Candidates for Town Council Full Terms (Voters Pick Three)
Scroll down for Town Council Unexpired Term Candidates
Devin Johnson
Your current job and title:
Budget & Grants Analyst, Pitt County Government
Your highest level of education:
Master’s in Public Administration
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Public Safety. Police, Fire, & EMS are essential to protect and preserve human life and property, ensuring the well-being and security of communities. These services, including law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services, play a crucial role in responding to crises, accidents and disasters promptly and effectively.
They contribute to maintaining social order, reducing crime rates, and fostering a sense of security, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for citizens.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
The Town of Winterville has, as of the last budget submitted in June, a bit over $8.9 million in unassigned general fund balance. While having a safety net which assures providing essential services is not disrupted, using a portion of these funds to improve quality of life and reinvest in the Town is an important first step in making worthwhile change in our Town.
I believe the citizens should have a say in how we utilize these funds as they will be the direct beneficiary.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I believe that my record as a United States Marine Corps veteran, 911 emergency telecommunicator, and presently in local government finance, speaks to my passion and calling to be a public servant.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I believe I am the best candidate for Town Council because I will never lose sight of who I am working for, YOU, the citizens of Winterville.
Working with both community members and other members of Town Council, I will ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
Choosing me means electing a dedicated and passionate advocate who will work tirelessly to build a prosperous and harmonious community for all.
Brandy Harrell
Your current job and title:
Chief of Staff
Your highest level of education:
Doctor of Social Work
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
If I am re-elected, I would address Economic growth and the Environment. I'm committed to creating a business-friendly environment that nurtures entrepreneurship and supports small businesses, so that every resident has access to opportunities for economic prosperity. I will continue to work
alongside our town’s staff to review better infrastructure for stormwater drainage to mitigate frequent flooding.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
I will evaluate my success as an elected official through tangible outcomes and the feedback of our community. Success, to me, means seeing measurable improvements in our economic development efforts, an increasingly inclusive and cohesive community, and enhanced access to healthcare resources. It also means hearing directly from our residents that they feel their voices are heard, and they are benefiting from the policies and initiatives that are put in place.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I want to emphasize the importance of lived experience and emotional intelligence in leadership. What sets me apart is my ability to lead with empathy and emotional intelligence. I understand firsthand what it's like to face challenges, and that personal understanding drives my commitment to making Winterville a place where everyone can flourish.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I am committed, experienced and resourceful.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I am a dedicated servant leader who champions access to whole person care and promotes community collaboration to improve quality of life for all citizens.
Veronica W. Roberson
Your current job and title:
Retired NC Educator
Your highest level of education:
Master of Arts in Education from ECU
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Building of an indoor facility for recreation. This facility is badly needed in our community. Our citizens need a greater variety of recreational programs available on a year-round basis. Our community is continuing to grow in numbers and diversity. We need a facility to meet these needs.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
I seek out citizen input. I do my best to respond to inquiries by making my phone and email information available. I also encourage citizens to become active by serving on boards, commissions, attending town meetings and making their concerns known.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am a lifelong resident of the community. I have witnessed the growth of Winterville. I only want the best for the community. My tenure on the board has given me the opportunity to gain a great deal of experience such as achieving "Ambassador" status in the North Carolina School of Government, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I will listen to your concerns.
I serve and have served faithfully on several boards as our community representative to the MId-East Commission (Chairwoman 2022), Library Board, CMSD Board, and Pitt County Human Relations Board.
I am experienced in the role of councilwoman.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I am a dedicated public servant that does not shy away from the challenges of public service. In 1981, I filed as the first woman to seek elected office in our town. I will make the decisions to continue calling Winterville, "A Slice of the Good Life."
Lisa A. Smith
Your current job and title:
I am in my 23rd year as a public educator. During this time I have served as a classroom teacher and in several leadership capacities in public education.
Your highest level of education:
I hold a B.A. in English, an MAEd in Instructional Design & Technology, and a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University.
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
I will address the issue of structured, positive growth for our community. Issues such as the water and sewer needs for our community are paramount. I will work with the Department of Transportation to address traffic concerns. I will address the expansion of recreational activities including an indoor recreation facility.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in making decisions?
I am committed to listening to the input of all constituents and making the best decisions for our residents based on that input.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am the best choice for voters because I am committed to the residents of Winterville. As a longtime resident of Winterville, I understand the desires and needs of our residents. I am committed to listening to the input of all constituents and making the best decisions for our residents.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I am running for a seat on the Winterville Town Council because I am devoted to my community. My children attend our community schools and participate in our Winterville Recreation Department activities. Winterville is our home; I want Winterville to be the best that it can be for all residents.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I have lived in Winterville for over 25 years. I am a veteran educator, wife, and mother. I have raised my family in Winterville. As a long-time Winterville resident, I understand the needs and desires of our community. I have been an active, knowledgeable citizen of our community for decades. I know the importance of maintaining a safe community while using public funds frugally. I understand that as a growing community, we must work hard to provide for constructive growth and to offer amenities and services to our residents while maintaining the lowest possible tax and utility rates.
I am committed to our community and will represent you with the utmost integrity and commitment. You will value my desire and ability to listen to the concerns of our residents, consider all perspectives, consider the long-term impacts of decisions, and make the best possible decisions for the community.
I hope you will come out to vote on November 7, 2023, and that you will consider casting a vote for me to represent you on the Winterville Town Council.
Alton Wadford
Your current job and title:
I retired from Pitt Community College in January 2022 with nearly 33 years of service. I now work part time with PCC as the Recruiter for Public Services /Fine Arts and the Business Division.
Your highest level of education:
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Barton College, and started the MS in Vocational Education program at East Carolina University but did not complete it I received Associate degrees in Business Administration and in Marketing from Pitt Community College.
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My top priority is to be the voice of our community. I am very community oriented and have pledged to support all citizens of Winterville by:
- Working with the Town of Winterville Staff, Police and Fire Department to ensure that our citizens feel safe, have recreational facilities for all ages and offer community events that promote family values;
- Working with local businesses, the Winterville Chamber of Commerce, investors, etc. to continue to build a strong local economy leading to growth and progress that provides more opportunities for our citizens;
- Partner with Pitt County Schools, local private schools, Pitt Community College and East Carolina University to help provide additional educational opportunities for citizens of all ages;
- Maintain open communications with our community to help promote equity and inclusion for all citizens of Winterville.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
Since I plan to be the voice of our citizens, I will definitely solicit input and advice from them. I will continue to be highly visible and involved in as many community events as possible and use these events to communicate ideas with them. I also plan to use surveys whenever possible, neighborhood meetings and focus groups. I will always have an open-door policy and will be available to all citizens.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
There are many good candidates for Winterville Town Council, but I truly feel that I should be one of your representatives chosen from this election. I have a strong passion for my town and want to see our community continue to thrive, grow, be strong economically and be able to offer our citizens reasons to want to live here, raise their families here and become the next generation to lead our great town.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
- I believe in God and rely on this belief to help me make decisions throughout my life.
- There is nothing on this earth more important to me than my family.
- I live my life to help others.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
My name is Alton Wadford and I have lived in Winterville since 1984. I moved here after graduating from Pitt Community College and immediately chose this to be the place I wanted to start my family, raise my children and become part of the community. I was later employed by PCC and just retired from there last year with nearly 33 years of service. I am now working with them again on a part time basis helping with recruiting students and encouraging them to stay in our community.
As part of the community, I have served as a volunteer for the Winterville Watermelon Festival for more than 20 years, taking on leadership roles including serving as the festival chairman for many of those years. I have served with the Winterville Red Men and just led a fundraiser for Homes for Our Troops. This is an organization that builds and adapts homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. I have also served for many years with the Winterville Chamber of Commerce. With the Chamber, I served in various leadership roles as a board member, Chamber President and currently serve as the Chairman of the Chamber Board. In this position I have learned the importance of our businesses and how much they contribute to our local economy, making us the strong community we are today. Another position I currently hold that is near and dear to my heart is that of Board Chair of the Winterville Human Relations Board. This board was put in place to help ensure equity and inclusion for all of our citizens.
Serving others has always been and will always be part of who I am and I feel that all of these volunteer opportunities have helped to prepare me for the next level of service to my community. In recognition of my volunteer work and community service, I was named Winterville Volunteer of the Year in 2013 and Winterville Citizen of the year in 2023.
I have given this a great deal of consideration and do not take this responsibility lightly. I would not just represent people on my block or people with my interests, but would work hard to represent all of the citizens of Winterville. I would greatly appreciate your consideration when casting your vote for Winterville Town Council.
Michael Weldin
Awaiting Candidate Response.
Winterville Council Unexpired Term Ending 2025 (Voters Select One of Two Candidates)
Shantel Hawkins
Your current job and title:
Instructional Coach at a local elementary school
Your highest level of education:
Master of Arts in Executive Leadership
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Working to build relationships between the people of Winterville and our Law Enforcement. Building relationships fosters greater safety for the entire community and ensures that we are mutually connected as well as invested in one another for the greater good of our rapidly growing town.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
I will ensure that their questions and ideas are heard through the promotion of civic engagement and community connectivity. As the co-chairperson of the Winterville Human Relations Board, I have been the consistent strong voice in speaking for the development of a Resident Survey as I believe this will be a great initial step to hearing some of what our neighbors need and/or desire.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
Because they deserve a Town Councilwoman who has been an active and consistent participant in speaking on behalf of all of our needs and desires since 2011. Who has been invested in listening to their concerns and ideas for a greater Winterville. Finally, I am eager to make efforts to usher undertakings that have been in limbo forward, which will benefit our growing community for everyone.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
• I am the Strong Voice who will continue working to help Build Relationships with our Law Enforcement
• I am the Strong Voice that will keep speaking to the need of a Community Recreation-Resource Center
• I am the Strong Voice who is Ready to work for greatly needed Town-Based Public Transportation
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I am an experienced educational leader who has worked within the communities to classrooms to caravans, all with the sole purpose of being connected to the very core of what will help create a greater future for all. I am a devoted mother who believes in faith, family and future growth and opportunity and believe that I am the voice that will be the catalyst for putting action into what Winterville already has developed and even more hope and possibilities of what Winterville can become.
Tony P. Moore
Your current job and title:
I own a number of businesses throughout the state. One of these has contracted with 41 school systems for the past 33 years.
Your highest level of education:
Specialist in Education, Sixth year Degree with two Master’s in Education; Internships in Town Administration and Town Planning
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
I would like to continue working to move the Town forward with good planning to meet the needs of the future.
Needs- Senior Citizens Center, Multipurpose Building (Gym), additional recreation locations to meet the needs of all ages.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
Continue to have an open door with an office in downtown Winterville and being active with civic groups (Kiwanis and Ruritans), schools and both the county and local Chamber of Commerce organizations.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
Dedicated experience with the town for 50 years -- as an employee, civic leader, volunteer and elected official since 1997. As a former State Senator and statewide business owner much has been learned over the years.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
- I will use my life experiences to move the town forward in making Winterville the best place to live and raise a family.
- As a former town employee, the town’s elected officials sent me to school to better the town for the future.
- I am very appreciative of the education and hope the public understands my dedication to the community.
