I would encourage a high school dress code be enforced to prevent gang-dress on school property, support the community policing efforts with additional officers as needed and encourage neighborhood watch organizations to increase in number and active members.

2. Terms of office have been extended from two to four years for city government, where do you see projects in the city’s urban core (U.S. 321/I-85 entrance, historic downtown business district, Highland neighborhoods, Franklin Avenue and the Loray Mill) in four years?

In four years, people should be living in Loray Mill, the Franklin Boulevard intersection improvements will be complete in front of it, with others in the process of design and funding. The historic downtown will see several buildings occupied with new tenants.

3. What do you think the most important infrastructure needs are in Gastonia, Gaston County, as the area continues to grow?

Countywide water and sewer through a utility authority is a must. Transportation planning with a multi-modal transit station in downtown will stimulate more mass transit and obtaining open space for parks and recreation to preserve our environment is critical.

4. What do you think are the two biggest issues in Gastonia?

Controlling residential growth with environmentally sound, well planned subdivisions that provide housing options at varied income levels and promoting opportunities for job creation and retention at the small business and corporate levels.