We are doing an overview of all the mayoral races in Moore County for the upcoming election. Today we are looking at the race for mayor in Southern Pines.
There are two candidates hoping to replace retiring Mayor David McNeil: Carol Haney and Craig Morrison.
Both candidates were provided a list of questions that they responded to in written form. Their responses may have been lightly edited for brevity, clarity, and grammatical corrections. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Carol Haney
Do you have family members, and how do they feel about you running for office?
My family and friends are extremely supportive and proud of my decision to run for Mayor.
How long have you lived in the area?
Lived in Southern Pines since 1982.
Have you served in any elected or volunteer roles?
Currently serving on the Town Council….Have been Chair of Southern Pines Appearance Commission, Chair of Keep Moore County Beautiful, Southern Pines Rotary Past President and Past Assistant District Governor, Been on the following Boards – Habitat, Coalition, Penick Foundation, Weymouth, Sister City, Komen, Realtors Association, and a non-ruling elder at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church where I am a 20+ year choir member. Deliver Meals on Wheels.
What is your job/occupation?
Full-time Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate.
What are you most proud of in your town/village?
Proud of SP – we are an engaging, friendly, beautiful, and caring community. Southern Pines is the town, but the people form the community and working with Pinehurst, Aberdeen via TriCities, sharing ideas and concerns because we are all in this together.
What are your priorities if you are elected?
3 areas of concern – Infrastructure (working from a study done – devising a schedule of repairs and/or replacement addressing, prioritizing and financing based on 0-3 year issues): Inclusiveness – working with 2 task forces we formed last year: Military and West Southern Pines Economic Development and Growth -sustainable not destructive growth.
What area needs the most improvement?
Economic development and opportunities for all citizens.
What are your goals for the first 90 days you are in office?
Continue to support the 2 tasks forces – develop a plan for improved parking, form a feasibility study to look at the re-purposing of the 2 empty school’s future, hire another planner (as per the budget).
Craig Morrison
Do you have family members, and how do they feel about you running for office?
I have a wife and 2 boys, ages 6 and 10.
How long have you lived in the area?
I have been here since 2004. I served as a combat controller working with special forces and spent my military career at Fort Bragg. I fell in love with the area.
Have you served in any elected or volunteer roles?
No elected offices. My business does a fundraiser every year to take care of children whose parents were killed while serving in the military.
What is your job/occupation?
I own a tattoo shop, Valhalla Tattoo and Gallery.
What are you most proud of in your town/village?
The atmosphere is almost like a movie site, but it is the community. So many people give back to the community.
What are your priorities if you are elected?
Growth, keeping the positive aspect of the town will still dealing with the negative aspects of growth. We are a retail heavy area. I would like to drive economic development away from retail.
What area needs the most improvement?
West Southern Pines. To try and add a new business district in West Southern Pines, make it as prosperous as the rest of Southern Pines.
What are your goals for the first 90 days you are in office?
My first priority will be to get to know the town. I would attempt to meet all the town employees.
Early voting has begun and will run through November 1. The election is November 5. You can find more information on the Moore County Board of Elections website.
Local News/Government Reporter Chris Prentice.
Contact him at [email protected] or (910) 639-9303
