Phil Vandercook, of Whispering Pines, has filed as a candidate for Moore County Commissioner for District 1 in the Nov. 8 general election.
While registered as a Republican, Vandercook is running as unaffiliated. He has collected 3,400 signatures, almost 500 more than the required 2,924 signatures which represents 4% of the Moore County registered voters in order to be included on the ballot.
“The conservative voters in Moore County are increasingly unaffiliated,” says Vandercook. “This shows their awareness, independence, and distancing from divisive party politics. Moore County residents want strong, conservative leaders who set sustainable policy who work diligently to find the best solutions that benefit everyone. They want leaders who put taxpayer interests and people ahead of politics.
“What I bring to the table as a 32 year Field Grade Officer within the Army Special Forces is that I am an expert in Strategic long range planning. One of the main issues that a lot of residents share within Moore County is the growth that everyone is seeing.
“The question is how do we responsibly grow as a County which is planned and well thought out, while protecting the individual land owner, farmers, business owners and our natural resources all at the same time? The answer is to first follow the 2013 Unified Development Ordnance, have it updated as needed, and by having round table discussions with all the stakeholders involved to ensure everyone’s concerns are being addressed. We are too small of a community not to talk to our neighbors to determine what is best for all of us, not just the minority.”
Vandercook was joined by friends and family at the filing, many of who had helped him in securing the required signatures in two months.
Vandercook said his platform is centered around serving all areas of Moore County; common-sense approach to growth and essential services expansion; and reducing the division across party lines for long-term solutions.
Vandercook just recently retired from the Army. He served 19 years as an enlisted soldier achieving the rank of Master Sergeant followed by another 13 years as an officer with the rank of Major. He is active in numerous local veterans’ organizations and is also the commander of American Legion Post 12 in Carthage.
Vandercook will run against John Misiaszek and Jim Von Canon.
Feature photo: Family and friends gather around candidate Phil Vandercook (sitting) after filing for the Moore County Board of Commissioner’s race.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
