Meet the candidates: Ocean Isle Beach Board of Commissioners
Six people are running for three seats in the race for Ocean Isle Beach commissioner.
The terms for Dean Walters, David Green and Betty Williamson expire in November. Green is the only one seeking re-election. Joining him in the race are Mark Holland, Wendy L. Hughes, Stephen S. Turner, Mike Wade and Bob Williams.
Voters in Brunswick County have three options to cast their ballots this year. Residents may vote absentee-by-mail with ballots postmarked by Nov. 7, or during one-stop early voting beginning Thursday, Oct. 19 and ending Saturday, Nov. 4, or in-person on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Candidate responses have been edited for style, grammar and length.
David Green
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired Human Resources VP
Family: Wife, 2 married daughters, 3 grandchildren
Education: BS Industrial Relations, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Political affiliation: Registered Republican
Mark Holland
Age: 68
Occupation: Commercial Insurance Broker, President, M. Holland & Co.
Family: Married to Milinda Holland; 3 children; 5 grandchildren.
Education: Graduate of North Carolina State University
Political affiliation: Republican
Wendy L. Hughes
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired National Board-Certified Elementary School Teacher
Family: Son and daughter-in-law
Education: Woodruff High School, 1978 Graduate; Clemson University 1978-1979; University of South Carolina Upstate 1982, BA Education; National Board-Certified Elementary School Teacher
Political affiliation: N/A
Stephen S. Turner
Age: 67
Occupation: Technical Consultant (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise)
Education: BA English, St Andrews Presbyterian College
Political affiliation: Independent
Mike Wade
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired COO
Family: Tracy (wife), Tori (daughter), Kyle (son), 2 grandchildren (Brady and Bristol)
Education: University of San Diego
Political affiliation: Republican
Bob Williams
Age: 79
Occupation: Realtor
Family: Married; 3 children; 8 grandchildren
Education: Wingate College; NC Military Academy Officer Candidate School
Political affiliation: none
What should the town do about beach nourishment?
Green: Ocean Isle draws full-time residents and guests to live, work and play. In 2001, the Town negotiated a 50-year beach nourishment program (65% federally funded, with 35% split between state and local budgets). The town has an agreement with the Corps of Engineers, to monitor erosion annually and the need for sand every three years. The terminal groin completed on our East End has added some 30 yards of beach. With sand fencing in short supply, OIB gained approval for the use of straw bales to assist in building dunes. Such proactive measures by the town must be continued.
Holland: The town of Ocean Isle Beach has been proactive over the last 20 years in analyzing and monitoring beach erosion. A report is compiled annually to identify erosion and accretion trends within certain sections of the shoreline as part of a coastal storm risk management program. Our terminal groin project that was completed in 2022. While very costly and sometimes controversial, Beach Renourishment is critical to the well-being of Ocean Isle Beach, for both residents and visitors alike.
Hughes: Beach renourishment should always be a priority. Our beaches are our biggest amenity that attracts tourism. Our town currently uses tax dollars and grant moneys for periodic beach renourishment of the East End. We installed a terminal groin which has greatly reduced erosion on the East End of the island. We need to continue erosion studies of the Central and West End areas. At some point, additional erosion along the length of our island may require a rather substantial investment of money of a magnitude similar to the cost of the terminal groin project.
Turner: Ocean Isle Beach currently has a plan in place that has renourishment occurring every 4-5 years. With the addition of the terminal groin added last year, the renourishment cycle may be extended by an additional two years. Beach renourishment is funded with help from the Corp of Engineers and from funds set aside from the local accommodations tax.
Wade: Ocean Isle Beach’s most precious natural resource is the beach. It is why residents spend their lives here, and why thousands of visitors come to OIB every year. The town has a cost sharing agreement with the Federal government to assist with beach renourishment for 3.25 miles of oceanfront shoreline. This agreement expires in 2051. The town also has a 30-year Beach Management Plan, which was created in 2015. The town must continue to adhere to the requirements of this agreement and management plan and allocate sufficient dollars to protect the shoreline, especially in the inlet hazard areas.
Williams: Ocean Isle Beach has been very active in pursuing beach nourishment, and I feel they have done a great job, and I don’t know anything more they could do at this time.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for the town?
Green: With the continued growth and popularity of Ocean Isle and the surrounding area, seasonal traffic will become increasingly challenging to manage. Continuous study and dialogue with NC DOT concerning needs specific to Ocean Isle is critical to manage the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Planning infrastructure needs with forecasted growth will make proactive decision-making a priority to align with the growth. Encouraging measures to support public safety will be a prime focus. Effective communication with the public must be a priority for the Town moving forward. Listening to public concerns and maintaining transparency with Board actions is paramount.
Holland: The town of Ocean Isle Beach has been pro-active over the last 20 years in analyzing and monitoring beach erosion. A report is compiled annually to identify erosion and accretion trends within certain sections of the shoreline as part of a coastal storm risk management program. Our Terminal Groin Project that was completed in 2022. While very costly and sometimes controversial, Beach Renourishment is critical to the well-being of Ocean Isle Beach, for both residents and visitors alike.
Hughes: Ocean Isle Beach is experiencing major growth both on and off the island. Controlled and managed growth should be our top priority. Growth affects our emergency services, police, traffic, parking, and infrastructure. Growth in these areas may result in new residents with a different set of priorities than those seen by our island residents and property owners. This growth could add additional tax revenue that could be used for things our Town needs, but we need to remember that this could put a large strain on limited resources such that the growth becomes an expense rather than a bonus.
Turner: Due to the rapid growth in this area, I see road improvement, traffic flow, and parking as our greatest immediate challenges. As the population in the area increases, more people are driving over to the beach. We need to provide traffic flow and parking that helps to insure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.
Wade: Dealing with the growth of Brunswick County in general and the impact of the development of the annexed 241 acres off old Georgetown Road. Voting control of this Island could be in the hands of Citizens who live more than two miles away. They will have very different needs than the current citizens. Voting districts are being discussed. However, if the population off-island exceeds the population on-island then the districts will have to reflect this disparity. Ensuring that Ocean Isle Beach remains the family-friendly beach that drew some Residents here over 50 years ago is our greatest challenge and responsibility.
Williams: Traffic and infrastructure. We need to keep up with growth.
Why are you the best candidate to serve as a town commissioner?
Green: Experience matters. As the incumbent Commissioner with almost five years of service on the Board, I value clear communication and sound decision making. Being responsive to the concerns of the community, I will strive to make decisions that will be for the greater good of the island. I have acquired valuable knowledge of local government policies and procedures, and local and state leaders who support our goals. Having participated in five budget workshops, my experience will enable me to keep us fiscally responsible. I am passionate about providing progressive leadership to keep OIB a premier place to live and visit.
Holland: As a 20-year resident of Ocean Isle Beach, I bring the perspective of a resident that has seen significant growth and understands current local issues from that growth. I can navigate conflicts and work with others to reach consensus in arriving at the best decision for our residents. I am committed to high ethical standards and transparency in local government. As an insurance broker and risk manager, I would be an asset to town staff in managing our municipal risk, keeping our beach and streets safe and planning for future infrastructure improvements to address growth.
Hughes: I have served in leadership roles throughout my life and career. As commissioner, it will be my responsibility to help preserve this small town, family friendly atmosphere as our community grows. I am huge advocate for well-planned long-term and short-term growth emphasizing our community’s needs versus our wants. I believe our residents are a huge untapped resource that has been under-utilized for far too long. It will be a priority of mine to meet with our residents and get their input. I want our residents to come to me with not only their complaints but also their solutions.
Turner: As a homeowner for the past 19 years and a full time resident of Ocean Isle Beach for the past 13 years, I have experienced firsthand the growth that has been taking place in our area. I will make it a priority to help maintain the unique character of our community while addressing the challenges that we are experiencing due to the rapid population growth. I will also strive to work with our residents, businesses, and homeowners with a sense of civility, transparency and cooperation.
Wade: I have spent the past 40 years leading teams to face complex challenges and to find creative ways to resolve them. I have become proficient at seeking out impacted people and listening closely to identify the root of their problem. I am highly successful at leading a team of experts to resolve it. I always strive to put the needs of others before mine. I have only one motivation for running for commissioner, and that is to ensure that the residents of Ocean Isle Beach are heard, and that their will is accomplished.
Williams: I have been a homeowner and or lived here for 40 years. I served previously but was not able to complete my second term.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Candidates for Ocean Isle Beach Board of Commissioners election 2023
