Q&A with Belmont municipal candidates
Candidates for Belmont City Council and mayor recently answered questions sent from The Gazette. Here are there answers:
Belmont Mayor
Martha Stowe
Age: 71
Political Party affiliation: Democrat
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
I plan to provide strong, effective leadership and transparency in local government. In order to speak with a big voice I want to form a coalition of mayors and managers from the cities in our region including Charlotte to work with DOT and our state officials to make sure our major road projects stop being delayed.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I have experience as a small business owner, community and church board member, and educator serving as a team member, chair, and negotiator to build consensus with multiple groups of people. I have successfully requested multiple grants and allocations for the various groups of which I have been a part.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? I have never been convicted of a felony.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I plan to support and incentivize our small businesses. I want to advocate for greenways to fill the Belmont gap in the Carolina Thread Trail and improve our parks so they can better serve our residents.
Why did you decide to run for election?
I decided to run when our mayor Charlie decided to resign for health reasons. He offered me his support because he thinks that I have the experience and leadership ability to move Belmont forward in a positive direction
Richard Turner
Age: 61
Political Party: Republican
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?Transportation, Belmont roads are under increasing pressure. We have options to deal with this reality which include matching funds, developer paid improvements as identified by our Traffic Impact Analysis or a Road Bond Referendum to be put before our residents for an up or down vote. I would recommend leveraging all three to the extent that is practical and yields the maximum result in a timely manner.Taxes: We have cut taxes for the past two years. I want the city to look into the option of a third consecutive year of a reduction in our tax rate. The re-evaluation increased the tax burden on our residents. We have to find our balance between a revenue neutral tax rate and a rate which is both fair to our residents and a rate which allows the city to upgrade our infrastructure and meet our capitol needs. I believe we can reduce our rate and meet these goals. The city received 10 million from the state via their current budget. These funds are earmarked for water and sewer projects. With these funds, I want to address some of our longstanding issues throughout our water and sewer system.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I have served three terms on Belmont's City Council. I am the current mayor Pro-Tem. I have also served two terms on Belmont's Planning and Zoning Board and Belmont's Park and Recreation Board. In addition, I have served as Belmont's representative on the GCLMPO (Gaston Cleveland Lincoln Metropolitan Planning Organization), the Council on Government and the Safe Routes to School Steering Committee. I currently serve on the Steering Committee for the Missing Middle, Belmont's Tourism Authority, and am the City Council's liaison to the Park and Recreation Board. I have led on many issues, including limiting apartments to the Wilkinson Boulevard Corridor and creating an overlay district on the peninsula, limiting New Development to two units per acre. In addition, I helped craft language, which eliminated the by right build option for major developments, thereby making them all Conditional Use. I build consensus and have a track record of moving these initiatives through the process to completion.
I began the practice of communicating and informing residents on my Facebook page in my first term a practice adopted over time by the majority of Council. Belmont residents in my opinion are the best informed on local issues in Gaston County.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No convictions of any sort.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I will make Belmont a better place to live by continuing to listen to and serve our current residents. We in leadership have a responsibility to plan for the future but be responsive to those who live here now. I refer to it as being "Belmont Centric." Our residents deserve our immediate attention to current issues.
Why did you decide to run for election?
I decided to run for mayor because I feel I am the best positioned to assume that role. My experience in our local government and transparency with Belmont's residents over my tenure has set a new level of openness within local government. I will continue my practice of keeping Belmont's residents informed on local issues and how staff and council are working to address them.
Amanda Wall
Age: 31
Political Party affiliation: Unaffiliated
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
Meet with community leaders, Parks & Rec, Gaston County Schools and other relevant institutions to discuss afterschool programs for our elementary, middle, and high school students. Our children need more opportunities to engage with positive enrichment.
I will meet with our Public Works director, City Manager, and Council to discuss which CIP should be designated to the $10m grant Belmont recently received for infrastructure improvements.
I will institute weekly office hours, to hear the public voice and to show my dedication to Belmont residents and all of our neighbors.
Prep for the Multimodal Transit and Housing Options workshops, as well as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update and Pedestrian Safety Plan update.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
One of my strongest skills is mediating conversations and leading all sides to a productive compromise, not just a middle-ground agreement. I believe I best represent the citizens here and can offer the most unbiased point-of-view: unaffiliated, not a property owner, not a business owner. I'm also very analytical and often ask questions others don't. I'm a lifelong resident and fourth generation raised on the Aberfoyle mill hill. The history of Belmont has been a special interest of mine since Millican Pictorial Museum was upstairs, above what is now Cherubs. My grandmother was the last class of BHS Cardinals in 1946, they erected The Fighting Yank. My dad graduated SPHS in 1979. My parents met working at National Mill in 1990. I didn't go to South Point but I did graduate from Highland Tech in 2010. I worked through college as a single mom and have my Master's in Business Admin. I'm currently on the PTOs at both Page Primary and Belmont Central and have been a volunteer with GCS for 7 years.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I will be active in the community: volunteering my time, attending events, and posting regularly to social media. I want to encourage positive growth in areas that have been underserved, such as North Belmont, Reid neighborhood, and down the peninsula. Pedestrian safety, smart development, and public service are all top priorities for me. Parking downtown, infrastructure improvements, and public transportation are vital issues coming to Council SOON and it's important we get this right the first time!
Why did you decide to run for election?
I'm extremely passionate about my hometown. Like many residents, I'm frustrated that Belmont isn't living up to her full potential. We need to build a safer, greener, more affordable city with improved services, commercial diversity, and community outreach. I'm running for mayor because I don't want to feel as though more powerful institutions are responsible, that I (as an individual) have no control. I'm running for mayor because I want to be a voice of reason where it truly matters.
Belmont City Council
Barry Flynn
Age: 56
Political Party: Democrat
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
Making sure Belmont has a development plan to manage commercial and residential growth. I believe in commercial development if it supports the values of Belmont. I believe in residential growth if it is intentional and not random; Traffic backups and accidents around exit 26 and 27; Rush hour traffic congestion leaving and entering Belmont; Homelessness; School improvements
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I have worked 30 years in the financial industry working and leading various projects, which gave me experience working with multiple groups or organizations to find solutions or accomplish common goals. I previously served on The Charlotte Tree Commission board.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
What I will do is be an advocate for safety for all and a place for all Belmont residences where the community can be involved. Belmont should be a city for active individuals and families.
Why did you decide to run for election?
Belmont is an amazing city that is growing, and I want to be a part of the change! I fully feel that the city should support small businesses. We are obligated to help the businesses that hire from the community, support our local schools and improve our real estate values.
Peg Argent
Age: 58
Political Party: Democrat
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
Belmont needs to attract developers who will build housing that is attainable for people of different age groups and income levels. Many people who work in Belmont or want to live in Belmont cannot afford housing here. I will work to attract the specific types of development needed. Traffic, particularly along South Point Road, is a concern for residents. Many of Belmont's major roads are state owned and I will advocate for improvements and traffic calming options to the NC DOT. Also, I support expanding our sidewalks, developing bike routes and support the CATS light rail expanding into Belmont.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
In 2022 I retired from the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services where I served as the Adult Services Coordinator, a role that has provided direct leadership to staff and oversight of programs such as Adult Protective Services, Senior Transportation, and more. At various times with DHHS, I represented my division to entities such as ACCESS transportation, Council on Aging, GEMS, Caromont Health, Salvation Army, United Way, Partners Behavioral Health and the Gaston Health Equity team. I also established the first Adult and Aging Services Multidisciplinary Team that gathers a consortium of local leaders to work on shared local issues.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I want to assure that we maintain and improve our quality of life. To do this I will amplify the concerns of my neighbors to the whole of council, mayor and city manager. I promise to include all of Belmont in the conversation and not be exclusive. From north Belmont to downtown from east Belmont to the Reid Park area From South Point to Sacco, this is our Belmont. Let’s get the work we need to do done!
Why did you decide to run for election?
I have a proven record of working successfully in county government and working collaboratively with many county agencies, faith based organizations, private providers and non profit agencies. I have always been a servant leader, willing to roll up my sleeves, research the issues, talk to stakeholders and help with the heavy lifting. With the major growth Belmont is experiencing, it is my turn to use my experience to support smart and thoughtful planning for now and the future. I have lived in Belmont for 27 years and have raised three children here. This is OUR Belmont. Our voices matter.
Jason Rumfelt
Age: 51
Political Party affiliation: Republican
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
If elected to Belmont City Council, my priorities will be limiting future residential development until adequate infrastructure can be implemented, traffic flow improvement, support for local small businesses, improvement of and additions to youth sports facilities and evaluating additional tax rate reductions.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I believe my background in finance for close to 30 years will prove valuable to me and the Council when dealing with budgeting, capital improvement financing, potential transportation bonds and other fiscal matters. Additionally, as a Belmont native who has always been very active with various initiatives in the community, I believe I am uniquely qualified as someone with an “ear for the citizens” who can help preserve Belmont’s rich history while smartly planning for its future of continued growth.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
By listening to what residents are asking for, and equally important, what they are not asking for, I will seek to implement policy through the lens of the citizens within our guidelines and available powers. I will work with state legislators and NCDOT to determine potential improvements for traffic flow and infrastructure upgrades. I want to work with our various boards to evaluate how we can better support our business owners and youth sports needs. Just as importantly, I will recommend a full assessment of our police, fire and EMS departments to determine coverage capability and any additional support needed.
Why did you decide to run for election?
In July, I was honored to be appointed to an interim position on the Belmont City Council. I believe I was selected because of my experience as an active and passionate resident as well as my common sense approach to city government. I believe there are critical areas where we can do a better job of listening to our citizens and governing accordingly. As a fourth generation native, I and my family have been very blessed by this town and its citizens and I felt it was time for me to give back to this community that has been so good to me.
Jim Hefferan
Age: 45
Political Party affiliation: Republican
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
I will continue to advocate for a balanced approach to growth, approving projects through conditional zoning that provide tangible benefits to Belmont and result in developers improving State roads and intersections at their expense as required traffic mitigation years ahead of NCDOT’s schedule, while ensuring that the Land Development Code contains sufficient protections against the consequences of unchecked development. I will also emphasize commercial growth in order to expand the tax base and look for opportunities to collaborate with our local institutions of higher education, which has already brought us projects like the new CaroMont Hospital and Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center.
2. What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I have served on City Council since 2019 and am the only candidate who is seeking re-election. I have the proven experience and established record to help Belmont navigate the challenges ahead. Prior to being elected to City Council, I spent three years on the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustment. As a Council member, I use my skills as an attorney to analyze ordinances and statutes, synthesize different issues and concerns into a coherent policy, and work with other Council members and city staff to forge a broad consensus on contested issues.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I will continue our efforts over the last four years to improve the quality of life for Belmont residents. We have increased police officer salaries and training opportunities, brought yard waste and leaf collection in-house, and lowered the City tax rate in two consecutive years. I will work to keep the tax rate low, implement the pedestrian improvements recommended by the City’s Pedestrian Plan Update, and focus on improving the field conditions and quality of league play for our recreational sports programs.
Why did you decide to run for election?
I am running for re-election because with all of the recent changes in city leadership, it is important to have a source of stability and proven experience. My record over the last four years demonstrates that I thoroughly prepare for all issues, analyze and ask questions to get to the key information, and consider all sides before making decisions that I believe are best for Belmont, free from any preconceived agendas or political gamesmanship. If re-elected, I will continue to provide steady, focused, and balanced leadership for Belmont.
Cory Miller
Age: 47
Political Party affiliation: Unaffiliated
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
My focus if elected would be on supporting small businesses, community accessibility, government transparency, strategic growth and developing the arts and culture of Belmont.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I'm a small business owner of Belmont Yoga & The JOYNT, located in downtown Belmont, as well as a self-employed Artist & Designer through his business, Lone Ranger Customworks. I'm also a member of the Belmont Economic Vitality & Design Committees, and the Arts & Culture Visions Sub-committee. I've been a Belmont resident for over 10 years.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I will listen to both residents and small business owners to determine the needs of our community. I will focus on smart development by pushing for greenways, sidewalks, fair housing, and making Belmont more accessible for all. I also will focus on bringing more arts, culture and events to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses and bring in more tourism.
Why did you decide to run for election?
Being involved in the community through the committees and business ownership, I want to see Belmont thrive and be in a position to help facilitate this. Belmont is my home and I want everyone else to love this town as much as I do.
Cynthia Hegler
Age: 41
Political Party affiliation: Unaffiliated
What will your priorities be for your municipality if you are elected?
If I am elected my priorities would be:
Study, draft and present a road improvement bond that studies street light timing, addition of better designed intersections, turn lanes where needed and expanded pedestrian safety including speed bumps and pedestrian bridges.
I will prioritize the utilization of the $10M ear marked for Belmont in our NC State budget to update our expired water and sewer lines through Main St and in several of our neighborhoods – including the Reid Neighborhood.
Work with Main Street Advisory Board to better support our businesses by creating emergency grant programs, business education opportunities, expanded utilization of City owned property to support businesses and ensure there is greater oversite over these programs to keep them fair to all businesses.
Expand resources and create more opportunities for arts and culture – including adding programing for theater, art classes, chefs & farmers, music, and other expressive and creative arts.
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your town or city council?
I am the owner and broker in charge of Southern Home Group Realty where I have spent extensive time studying real estate investments and working in neighborhoods all over the greater Charlotte area and Banner Elk. I currently am a board member of the Planning and Zoning Board in Belmont. In the past I have sat on the Historic Belmont Foundation and the Main St. Advisory Board where I chaired the design committee. I am currently working with several members of our community in a Housing Choices Steering Committee that is committed to researching, improving and expanding our Zoning Code to include more choices and diversity.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? I have not.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
My broad focus will be on progress, equality, and housing choice with the goal of equal opportunity and a level playing field so all of our citizens can enjoy economic opportunity, affordable amenities and stable infrastructure. Inclusion and diversity are of paramount importance to me. It is essential that all parts of our community are not just surviving – but thriving.
Why did you decide to run for election?
I decided to run for election while working in many local neighborhoods and experiencing crumbling infrastructure, neighborhood inequality and zoning laws that do not support middle income earners. My passion pushed me to become more involved and to apply to the Planning and Zoning Board two years ago. Further experience revealed community frustration with poor economic support and development, favoritism and questionable accounting practices. Given the many opportunities I have been blessed with, I felt lead for my next step to be community participation and activism.
Charlie Hill
Age: 35
Political Party: Republican
What will your priorities be for Belmont if you are elected?
As someone who is actually a Belmont native, I love my home town! I have watched this city grow into what it is today. But, I believe it is time we start making the current residents our top priority again instead of spending our tax dollars on people who currently live outside of Belmont.
My priorities are the following:
Improve our outdated infrastructure
Lower citizen taxes
Slow high density housing
Improve our youth sports programs
What qualifications or qualities do you bring to your city council?
I have spent the better part of 2 decades serving in our nations Air Force. I have been to over 50 countries across 5 different continents. I have also completed multiple deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait fighting to preserve our nation’s freedoms. This experience has allowed me to perfect the “Servant Leadership” style of leadership that I will bring to Belmont City Council. I will be standing along side of you to help with any issues. I have faithfully served my country, now I want to serve my community.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or any other serious criminal offense? If so, what was the charge and the date of your conviction? No.
What will you do to make your town a better place to live?
I want to shift our focus to prioritizing our current residents. After talking with over 4,000 people around Belmont on this campaign trail, it’s very clear to me that our residents feel left out. They feel left behind. That doesn’t sit well with me. I want to make sure that the current residents will again, be a priority with a councilman like me.
I also want to make sure that we fully support our first responders and our small businesses that call our Belmont home. We need them for Belmont to prosper.
Why did you decide to run for election?
“Service before self” is a motto that has been instilled in me during my long tenure in the US Air Force, and it now drives most of my decisions. I have spent almost 2 decades serving and sacrificing for my country, and now, I’m going to bring that same passion to serving my home town of Belmont. I was raised to fight for those who can’t fight back, speak for those without a voice, and help those who need help the most. I will bring this mentality to City Council so I can serve and help ALL of Belmont’s citizens.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Q&A with Belmont municipal candidates
