Lee County Commission Candidates Interviews
The following interviews are from the Sanford Herald. They are brief snapshots. To view the interview in its entirety please go to sanfordhearald.com
Commissioner candidates elaborate on goals | News | sanfordherald.com
David Smoak
I moved to Lee County in 2010 after retiring from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant with 21 years of service and multiple assignments across the country and overseas. I am married to Janet, a retired Army nurse Lieutenant Colonel and we raised a blended family of three adult children here. While our adult children have moved on, currently my 95-year old grandmother Betty lives with us and two dogs, Coco and Doinkle.
Why are you running?
My two main motivations for running for office were our recent experience with COVID-19 and the property tax increase most of us have felt.
What do you see as the three biggest issues?
The biggest issue is managing our surging growth while retaining the character of this county. There is so much growth coming to Lee County already in the pipeline, industrial, commercial, and residential, I’d like to preserve us as a rural county with access to some of the nicer urban amenities, but it is a tough balance to maintain.
What would you like to accomplish?
I will strive to convince my fellow Commissioners to stand firm on restricting the growth of spending while also supporting these other goals. Our master plan for growth is called “Plan SanLee” and it needs to be reviewed and updated. Leveraging TriRiver Water to annex and grow the Sanford municipal boundaries must be addressed. Allowing and supporting creative solution to our housing and education needs to be explored. Our county Jail/holding facility overcrowding and maintenance costs must be fixed in the short and long term. Adjust our state plan of priority transportation projects based on the updated Plan SanLee. I’d like to make on thing tax-free in Lee County that we currently pay taxes on either through sales or property taxes.
Samantha Martin
I have worked as senior regional development manager with a national military nonprofit managing eight states, budgets, staff and volunteers. I have owned two businesses and can deep-dive into spending and budgets.
Why are you running?
I would like to see the county maintain as much of its culture as possible while we manage growth. I believe the money you earn should stay in your pocket to be spent as you desire. I will vote to fund required services prudently while recognizing that a “yes” for additional services is ultimately a bill paid by you, the taxpayer.
What do you see as the three biggest issues?
Keeping Lee County affordable for residents, controlling growth and maintaining our culture.
What would you like to accomplish?
I will work to maintain our lifestyle by lowering taxes and maintaining space for families and farms. I would like to see our school board and commissioners work together harmoniously. I will work to support our sheriff and law enforcement and explore options to keep Lee County a safe place to raise families. Additionally, I will work to lower taxes.
Robert “Bob” Quilty
I retired a few years ago with 25-plus years at executive levels in business operations and development.
Why are you running?
Lee County needs strong, visionary leaders to guide us toward responsible and sustained growth that benefits all citizens. I will provide leadership and vision for the county if I am elected.
What do you see as the three biggest issues?
One of the biggest issues in the county is the predatory annexation of development properties by Sanford. A regional Water & Sewer Authority is needed to provide equitable infrastructure treatment for all county residents. We also fall short in forecasting and planning long-term for major capital investments.
What would you like to accomplish?
I am committed to fostering sustained growth in Lee County. This means creating a low tax and regulatory environment where businesses thrive, and new opportunities emerge so our county will prosper. I will be committed to lowering tax burdens on our citizens, and I will work hard to keep the expenditures of local government at a rate below that of the overall growth of the local economy.
Cameron Sharpe
I am a 30-year retiree working with N.C. Probation Parole. I currently work for Sanford Planning and Development with code enforcement. I have served two terms on the Board of Commissioners.
Why are you running?
Key priorities for me include ensuring the hometown feel of Lee County, enhancing our education system, investing in infrastructure and driving economic development that benefits all residents.
What do you think are the biggest issues?
I think one of the biggest issues is the explosion of growth. Another issues is how to help our public schools who are experiencing the deprivation of funding from the state level while maintaining county services and commitments and keeping the cost of those services down.
What would you like to accomplish?
Implementing thoughtful strategies that balance development with community character. To accomplish this are smart growth planning through zoning regulations, seeking input from residents on development projects and preserving natural spaces. Focus on infill development and rehabilitation of existing buildings rather than sprawling new construction. I would like to look into expanding our programs that support small businesses and startups, helping them thrive within the community. I would like to invest in our local police, firemen, EMS workers and education personnel.
Robert “Bob” Joyce
I recently retired as economic development director for Sanford, Broadway and Lee County. I worked in Banking, insurance and real estate as well as local and state government. I also served as president of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years.
Why are you running?
I seek to serve because I love this community and Believe we have more work to do to make sure every family in Lee County benefits from the growth and prosperity we’ve experienced in the past ten years.
What do you think are the biggest Issues?
Growth and long-term planning, safe, academically strong schools; efficient local government and opportunities for good paying jobs. Affordable tuition for training and retraining at Central Carolina Community College.
What would you like to accomplish?
Affordable housing and quality daycare. We should keep a strong emphasis on new industry recruitment, which will provide the tax base to help us pay for these projects.
Mark Lovick
I own Lovick and Sons Carpet Cleaning. I served the citizens of Sanford for 17 years as a firefighter, making the rank of captain. I am a current member of the Board of Commissioners.
Why are you running?
My priorities include improving our education system, investing in infrastructure and promoting economic development that benefits all residents while addressing issues such as affordable housing, growth and rising costs to maintain services.
What do you think are the biggest issues?
Rising cost of housing, rapid growth and the rising cost to maintain government services.
What would you like to accomplish?
Explore new and expand on current affordable housing initiatives, updating zoning laws to allow for higher-density housing, mixed-use developments and promote sustainable land use that balances growth with the preservation of green space. Lastly, being a good steward with your money.
