[ This blog is under construction, please be patient until complete]
Why I am running for Mayor
After 8 years as an alderman, I feel I have gained experience in all aspects of municipal government to now serve as your mayor. Over these years I have made many connections to other elected officials, state and federal representatives in Raleigh and Washington, state agency directors, and leaders of several coastal non-profits. Thus, there will be no gap in leadership as we ‘continue the progress’ from the last few years.
With my background in education at the university level, I offer voters a candidate who works at all levels of our community to develop a consensus that is the best way forward for our town. Consensus building is challenging because initially, everyone has their own view/position, so working toward consensus requires good listening skills and patience.
Education
After earning a B.A. in biology at Earlham College, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in plant pathology at Colorado State University, I did post-doctoral work at a Central Valley Field Station run by the University of California, Berkeley. Following post-doc work, I accepted an assistant professor position in the Department of Plant Pathology at N. C. State University where I taught undergrad and grad courses in my discipline and developed a research program on diseases of ornamental crops and Christmas trees. During my tenure, I was promoted to associate and then full professor.