Why are you running?

I am running because I believe that my current experience as a lawyer would be a great asset to the board.

Are you for against school merger?

I am against school merger because it does not guarantee the quality of education will improve. The disadvantage to merger is an increase in property taxes.

Do you feel there are any alternatives to merger that could be explored?

My alternative to merger is for the Halifax County Public School System to have K through 8 on one campus. Everett's Elementary School should merge with William R. Davie. This would save millions of dollars by not building a new school. K through 8 should be in the Hollister-Ringwood area. This would eliminate the bussing of these students to William R. Davie and Enfield Middle. There should be a K through 8 school in the Scotland Neck area, also. Also a facility should be used as an alternative school. Millions will be saved by the decrease in transportation costs and maintenance costs.

Which report do you feel is more valid, The UNC Center for Civil Rights Study or the Evergreen Report?

I disagree with both reports.

The county’s fund balance has dipped dangerously low. Please explain how you think this happened? Please explain what needs to be done to get it back up to acceptable levels?

I would have to thoroughly review the budget to this question. I would not be in favor of a tax increase.

Some governments enact small tax increases each year to keep up with the cost of doing business.

Would you be in favor of this?

(See answer to above question)

Commissioners recently voted to not expend funds to expand the county jail. Why or why not was this the correct thing to do? Do you feel this matter should be looked at again? What do you believe the economic advantages or disadvantages to this decision will be?

I believe that we must expand the county jail. We are transporting inmates and paying other jails to house our inmates. I do not believe we need to spend $8 million. The county jail should be expanded in phases. Phase 1 would be to deal with overcrowding only. Phase II, if feasible, should deal with housing federal or inmates from other counties only if the county can profit.

Following the meetings on the recreation master plan, one of the recommendations is that the county consider forming a recreation department and making the 4-H Rural Life Center part of that plan. What are your thoughts on recreational needs in the county and how do we go about making that happen? What needs to be done to bring recreational activities to a wider spectrum of people in the county?

The county has recreational needs, but I think we must determine if the county residents would support a recreational department. I believe we should have community forums to determine the level of support. Also, can the county support it?

Discuss any other issues you feel are important for the betterment of Halifax County and what you would do to improve them.

(No response)