Tooie Hales, candidate for mayor of Kenly

Three people are competing in the November election to be the next mayor of Kenly.

H.L. (Tooie) Hales, a former mayor of Kenly, is running against David L. Grady, another former mayor of the town, and Thomas Wood.

Mayor Bonnie Williamson, who took office after Grady resigned as mayor in March 2017, is not running for re-election.

Early voting in the nonpartisan election begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30.

To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit johnstonnc.com/joconcelections or contact the Board of Elections at 919-989-5095 or elections@johnstonnc.com.

Name: Tooie Hales

Age: 49

Residence: Kenly

Occupation: Professional engineer

Education: N.C. State University

Political or civic experience: 4 years Kenly Town Council, 6 years Kenly mayor

Campaign website: Tooie Hales for Mayor (Facebook)

What is Kenly doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?

Kenly is starting to see growth, investment in existing properties and new houses. With a housing shortage in Johnston County I foresee a continuance in that trend. Our infrastructure needs to be in good shape and ready for the demands and burdens of new growth. Right now there is vast room for improvement. We need to determine if all the growth will be just beyond our borders or in town.

For so long the town’s tax revenues have remained stagnant because the town has not grown. Perhaps now there may be opportunities to expand our tax base. We need to have a clear vision, both short term and long, to handle the growth in our area.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?

When it comes to infrastructure needs, the Town of Kenly has long been playing catch up, or been in reaction mode. This includes Streets, drainage and our water and sewer systems. I am also aware that federal funds may soon be available to assist towns like Kenly with infrastructure projects.

Making sure the town is in a position to take advantage of huge opportunities on the horizon will be my primary goal. We need a clear precise list of what we want to accomplish, what will be available to us, and how we will be able to utilize our resources and those made available to us. We cannot afford to miss opportunities when funds are available, and our preparation needs to start yesterday. Maintain what is good, improve what can be improved, and plan ahead for opportunities.

What unique skills or life experience would you bring to city governance?

I have 10 years of experience between serving on council and as mayor. I have proven that I have the ability to work WITH council to build a consensus on matters that are most important to the town.

I have worked with other government entities at the local, county, state and federal levels. During my time as mayor, we completed roadway and drainage projects, procured funds for major sewer treatment plant improvements, made improvements to our sewer collection system, procured new equipment for our police department, provided July 4 fireworks, and improved recreation facilities, just to to name a few things.

I have lived in Kenly all my life, and I know and understand the challenges the town faces intimately. I am a professional engineer, and have the background and experience with civil projects such as drainage, roadways and utilities. It’s in these areas the town of Kenly NEEDS my experience and leadership, and I will not quit until the job is done.