Name as it appears on the ballot: Hope Page

Previous elected offices held: N/A

Age as of Election Day: 53

Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): Administrative Office of the Courts, Cumberland County Guardian ad Litem Program D14; Guardian ad Litem Supervisor. As GAL Supervisor, I work with and supervise my unit assigned volunteers as well as work with other state agencies, social workers and therapist, for investigations. Review juvenile petitions and assign cases to guardian ad litem volunteers and reassign cases as necessary and appropriate. Ensure child-client(s) have a guardian ad litem to advocate for their best interests at each court hearing. Coordinate court docket with juvenile clerks, guardian ad litem, and attorney advocates, using Odyssey for checking hearing dates, as well as Portal for e-Filing. I also participate on statewide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) project committees. As a GAL I adhere to NC General Laws and Statues, Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Best Practice Guidelines, use of policies and procedures to include child abuse and neglect laws; trauma-informed practice; racial disproportionality; family systems theory; the district court process; community resources; and interviewing techniques.

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1. Give us your elevator pitch in 200 words or less. Why are you running for this office? What makes you the most qualified candidate?

Hi, my name is Hope Page, and I am running for Commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. We live in a world that is evolving, and we need to work as one, for purpose and change. It is time to renew faith in policies and procedures and focus on ensuring any changes made will benefit the future. My vision is simple, it is to reunite our community with our voices, which is the strongest and most powerful tool we have. Let us come together using Our Voices, as this is Our Town, making it One Hope Mills.

Why am I the most qualified candidate? Well, what better candidate than having Hope for Hope Mills. I bring an open mind and willingness to work with all parties, to be a listening ear to the residents, talking with them and not at them. I am a candidate that is knowledgeable, experienced and familiar with planning, ordinances, laws, statutes, policies and how they apply but mainly being a versatile candidate that is not afraid to speak up and ask questions to ensure informed decisions are being made.

2. What do you view as the three most pressing issues facing Hope Mills? How will you address them as a commissioner?

Since residing in the Town of Hope Mills for a little over two decades I have witnessed many changes that have taken place in our town. As commissioner, one of the pressing issues is communication. Communication is critical to the success of everything. By being a listening ear to the residents, talking with them and not at them, I would hope to foster more faith and positive interactions between the citizens, and the towns elected officials. Noting, we cannot alter the past moving forward another priority is to see sustainability in the developments taking place. By having a sustainable infrastructure, we can help ensure that the developments are for the betterment of our future. Lastly, I would want to make sure that we are not imposing an economic strain, as decisions made should have the best interest of all in mind, now and in the future. Economic balance is important to sustain an environment that is safe, welcoming and livable for all, primarily our senior residents.

3. What’s the best or most important thing the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners has done in the past year? Additionally, name a decision you believe the board should have handled differently. Please explain your answers.

In August the the board granted the local commission status back to the towns Historic Preservation Commission. By doing this the Commission can continue to work and bring notoriety back to the towns historic overlay district.

Understanding the decision of the two and four year terms and while four-year terms could be beneficial to help with ongoing initiatives and to allow continuity for those familiar with pending and future projects. However, any terms should be equal for all elected. Changes such as this should also be explained in full detail as how it will apply and who it will affect, allowing the decision to be made through balloted action.

4. With the recent county tax revaluation, property taxes have gone up for many people. If elected, what would you do to address concerns from Hope Mills residents about higher tax bills while maintaining town services?

Being a state employee for almost 20 years I have learned that citizens like direct one-on-one contact, especially in a time of need. To ensure that everyone in the town is aware of the tools and resources that can be provided, such as programs that may include tax relief for seniors and Veterans, how to file tax appeals and file for revaluations, perhaps a Central Hub station can be setup in our recreation center or Town Hall. Another idea is to revisit the town’s budget and examine where costs and debts can be addressed, to ensure we are maximizing and using our economic resources efficiently.

5. The town board recently voted to establish four-year terms for the mayor and commissioners. Do you agree or disagree with this decision to move away from two-year terms, and why? If you disagree, what do you intend to do about it, if elected?

Four-year terms could be beneficial to help with ongoing initiatives and to allow continuity for those familiar with pending and future projects. However, any terms should be equal for all elected. Changes such as this should also be explained in full detail as how it will apply and who it will affect, allowing the decision to be made through balloted action.

6. How will you work to attract and retain new businesses and other development to Hope Mills? Name another municipality you believe has made smart decisions about sustainable growth and development, and describe what it has done that could be implemented in Hope Mills.

I would like to see us welcome businesses to our town that will bring employment and beneficial economic gains. By welcoming partnerships such as this, we are locking in our continued growth and development. The town of Eastover has shown gradual growth that is consistent with the town’s needs, to include new residential subdivisions and continued work on the community park. Growth such as this shows purposeful improvements that can have positive effects on the community at large which gives stainability to their infrastructure, while maintaining town appeal. Likewise, Hope Mills could continue community projects that will retain our towns appeal while attracting new economic growth.

7. Nonprofits are seeing homeless encampments popping up in Hope Mills. What is needed to tackle homelessness in town, and how would you work to implement these solutions?

Homelessness is a global and nationwide concern. Through the town’s Homeless Advisory committee, they can continue to research for initiatives, perhaps offer assistance for homeless Veterans by helping to connect them to services available through the local and national VA. Also, providing community outreach ensuring all are familiar mental health and medical services provided by the Cumberland County Health Department as well as the services provided through and by the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.