Morehead City Council candidate: Vernon Hill [The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.]

Nov. 03--Morehead City Council candidates were sent the following questions by The Daily News in advance of Election DayNov. 5. This is the candidate's full, unedited profile.

Incumbent: No

Name: Vernon Hill

Office you are seeking: Morehead City Council Seat

Address: 1601 Razorbill Court, Morehead City, N.C.

Date of Birth: November 16, 1942

City of Birth: Kinston, N.C.

County of Birth: Lenoir

How voters can contact you: 252-725-5041; [email protected]

Occupation: Retired insurance executive; president of CCH Enterprises LLC; CNN-IReporter

Education: Attended University of South Carolina

Prior publicly elected, appointed or held positions: Past Carteret County Community College Board of Trustees and chairman of board; past member of Carteret County Area Transportation System and chairman of board; past Chairman of Carteret County Relay for Life.

Leadership Experience: My leadership capability is demonstrated by my background; a successful business career and the three prior noted positions of both chairman and board member. I was often selected and honored by my peers in the insurance industry with the commendation of "top gun" in ability, management, and leadership and cited for my constant desire to be "the best of the best" in my career field. I respect and understand people, and feel that I have been blessed with the ability to comprehend, simplify, and resolve problems quickly.

How long have you lived in the municipality for which you seek office? I have been a resident of Morehead City for six years. Prior to that I resided in Atlantic Beach for 28 years, for a total of 34 years in Carteret County.

Why are you running for office? I believe that term limits for city council seats are crucial. Fresh ideas and opinions offered without undue influence are vital to the growth and direction of Morehead City. I believe that every citizen has the right to be heard, and their problems addressed and resolved in short order. Town monies should not be spent without the input and validation of the taxpayers. I do not believe that elected town officials should be freely entitled to the Morehead City health insurance plan (paid for with tax dollars) at no expense to themselves.

What makes you a good candidate for the position? I am a proponent of open and honest meetings, not backroom political agreements after which folks are forced to accept decisions made with no input. Fiscal responsibility, conservative spending of tax dollars, and town leaders who are unafraid to speak-up and disagree with the status quo are essential to fair government. I have questioned, for many years the how and why some decisions seem to have been made behind closed doors via many letters to the editor and I will continue to do so. I am honest, ethical, and have no monetary obligation or allegiance to any individual or group. Properly allocated taxpayer dollars are as important to me as my own personal accounting. I believe in full and honest disclosure to the taxpayers regarding all expenditures. Council members, when questioned, should provide full answers as a standard. My door will be open to all Morehead City residents. I have no hidden agenda.

What do you see as the town's biggest budget challenge? Morehead City town leaders must strive to keep taxes low and reduce unwise spending. I firmly believe that all government from town and county to state and federal, is out of budgetary control. And, to further more revenue, our waterfront could be better used to entice more locals, tourists, and potential new residents. As an example, Wilmington has achieved tremendous fiscal returns with their attractive and accessible downtown renewal. We need leaders with vision that understand we can bring more money to Morehead City using our beautiful downtown waterfront facilities to our advantage. This could potentially resolve many financial problems and reduce taxes for everyone.