County Leadership
The powers of a County as a body politic and corporation are exercised by the Board of County Commissioners. Therefore, the Board must possess strong leadership skills and the ability to listen to the voters, and always place the citizens of Wake County first. As a retired Army Officer, I know and understand what leadership means and why it's important to know when to lead and follow. As your County Commissioner, I will facilitate a regional plan, that includes the twelve municipalities of Wake County, and ensure all are moving towards the same goal of Making Wake County Better, where the people come first.

Economic Development
Wake County families are facing tough economic times, and they are not sure of their future. A growing number of families are facing economic uncertainty. Therefore, strong leadership is required! Wake County needs someone working to bring resources into the county and who is accountable to the voters. We must extend job tax credit to the appropriate business so that they can expand their payrolls. We must create a real economic stimulus that keeps business and industry already here in place, and attract more economic investment from other parts of the country. I will focus on creating jobs by removing barriers that hamper growth.

Transportation
Many Wake County residents need public transportation so that they can go to work. The need for public transportation is a major concern for many and a priority economic issue for the County. Wake County covers 856 square miles and has a population of over 900,000 people. The need for public transportation in the rural areas and smaller townships of Zebulon, Wendell, Wake Forest, Apex, Holy Springs, Rolesville and Fuquay-Varina is very important. Affordable public transportation creates a means of transportation for many, more opportunities for employment, less road maintenance costs, and it preserves our natural resources.

• Public Transit Strengthens the Economy by creating and supporting jobs and saving individuals money.
• Public Transit Improves The Environment by reducing air pollution, supporting walkable communities and enabling land conservation
• Public Transit Promotes Energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
• Public Transit provides Options for seniors, Empty Nesters, people with Disabilities.
• Public Transit Connects people to Housing Choices

Crime, Health and Human Services and First Responders
My campaign focuses on addressing and fixing problems that will make Wake County better. Gang problems and inadequate facilities and services for our citizens with mental health problems create immediate and future problems for Wake County. Gang activity results in crime and the county's time and resources. Our inability to provide the proper type of mental health services for those in need also take its toll on our county. It's time for the Wake County Commissioners to fix these two problems. Throwing money at these issues has not resulted in fixes, and now it's time for accountability and measured success. As your County Commissioner I will work to change the attitude of “it's not my neighborhood, so it doesn't matter to me”. I will create a Multi-Agency Task Force that address the gang activity and arrest it. I will work with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the County Health Director, the Federal Government, and nonprofit organization to execute a plan that addresses and fixes the problems we have with our mental health services in Wake County.

We must ensure that our EMS, Fire Departments and Public Safety are properly funded to provide the services that our community needs. Our first responders are the front line of defense that we rely on during times of crisis. These civil servants are the backbone of our ability to prosper and grow. Smartly funded departments that measure their results and work and are held to the highest standards are essential to making Wake County a better place to work, live and raise a family.

Education
I support Wake County Public School construction and re-assignment through a Growth Management Strategy that ensures adequate funding. Our public schools are vital to our economic development and our students must be taught at a level that allows the entrance into an undergraduate program, a trade school, become entrepreneur or join the workforce. Our teachers must continue to acquire National Certification, and be compensated for their results in the classroom. To address the student achievement gap, we must improve and support more pre-kindergarten programs. The earlier that we can began to have an affect on a students learning ability the greater the possible that, that student will perform well in school, especially during middle schools years. These initiatives will decrease the drop-out rate and increase graduation rates. Data demonstrates that there are four variables that impact a student's achievement:

1. Student's family
2. Student's community
3. Student's peer group and
4. Student's school.

Therefore our education system must take a comprehensive approach to creating a strong system where the “three Rs” are emphasized, parents are included in the process, programs delivered to combat the negative influences of peer pressure, and community involvement grows. These areas are vital to our children's development and their ability to compete in society after graduating from high school.