Experience Matters

At a young age, I continued my public service through organizations, like the Boy Scouts, March of Dimes, Easter Seals and various other organizations.

I joined the MHC volunteer firefighters in 1978 and continued to protect and serve as a firefighter and officer for 21 years. Also, during this tenure, I served on the MHC Recreation Commission.

My decision to run for Mayor in 1999 was not a spur of the moment knee jerk reaction. My whole life had been leading up this position. And when I was approached and being groomed by Morehead City Mayor W.C. Horten and Newport Mayor Derryl Garner for the position, I started preparing for it. 

I served 4 years on the Morehead City council prior the election of Mayor. While serving as councilmember, I was selected and graduated the NC Institute of Political Leadership. 

Always wanting the best for Morehead City and her citizens, my involvement and learning has never wavered. I continued attending leadership classes and continued community service within various organizations such as the Carteret Community College Foundation Board, the North Carolina Seafood Festival, Boys and Girls Club, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Carteret County Economic Development Council, Civilian Military Community Council and many other community organizations. I am a founding member of various organizations such as Downtown Morehead City, Inc. and the Crystal Coast Countdown. One of my proudest moment was being a founding member and chairman of the Morehead City Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2007.

I also had the honor of representing Morehead City and our state as the president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities. I was considered the mayor of North Carolina and I literally travel from Manto to Murphy and cities in between promoting and protecting our municipal rights in Morehead City and all other 540 towns and cities across NC. 

Most recently, I was elected to serve on the NC East Alliance Board Directors. A 29-county economic development organization focused on STEM education, our local economy and the need for retaining our homegrown workforce here in Eastern NC though education and competitive wages.

Being mayor is much more than the perceived kissing babies, shaking hands and giving speeches Mayors are the CEO of their cities, a privilege granted by its citizens whom they entrust to protect their lives, health, property and investments. Cities come in all shapes and sizes, from small towns to metropolitan cities.  Mayors are elected based on their unique social skills and business skills based on the city’s uniqueness.  Morehead City is an annual multimillion dollars business and therefore, its highest elected official needs to lead and understand professional business management, community needs, budgeting, financing, tax burdens and our most important asset, our employees. These individuals are the true ambassadors of our communities. They are the proud “boots on the ground” representatives and first impressions of your city’s health through their everyday work pride and skills.

As your mayor, I understand all these qualities, and during my tenure, Morehead City's history will support my strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, positive growth, improved facilities and infrastructure, community relations and first-class employees, among the many other assets it takes to run a successful business, which in return, produces a healthy city government and community. 

Two of Morehead City's most loved and respected people spoke at my inaugural Mayor’s Oath of Office ceremony. Words to this day continues to ring my community bell.