Name as it appears on the ballot: Elyse Craver
Previous elected offices held: Commissioner, Town of Hope Mills, 1985-1987;
Commissioner, Town of Hope Mills, 2023-2025
Age as of Election Day: 78
Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): Retired from Stericycle Inc.
Best phone number and email for voters to reach you. Website and campaign social media:
- 910-849-8078; ecraver12@gmail.com
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?
I am running because I possess experience; respect; loyalty; dedication; trustworthiness; education; and most importantly, compassion. I encounter the same obstacles as every citizen, and if something is not beneficial for me, it is not beneficial for them either. I pay attention to our citizens, regardless of their opinions. I consider their input and cast my vote accordingly. This is exactly why I am the perfect candidate.
2. What do you view as the three most pressing issues facing Hope Mills? How will you address them as a commissioner?
Excessive property taxes. For two years, I have battled against tax increases, voting “No” each time, but my efforts have been in vain. I will persist in my fight against any tax hikes.
Unnecessary expenditures on wants rather than necessities. I will keep voting “No” on wasteful spending.
Residents feeling overlooked by the town board’s majority. I will remain attentive to our citizens, both within and beyond the boardroom. The needs and wellbeing of our citizens are my foremost concern, and they can trust that I will advocate for their call for change.
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.
The board successfully completed two long-standing projects that had remained unfinished for years. These include the Reid’s Journey All-inclusive playground, which features a splash pad and a wheelchair swing. Additionally, the Heritage Park Phase I has been finalized. This park was established on land generously donated to the town by Dixie Yarns, Inc., through its trustee E.N. (Eddie) Brower, Jr. The site was formerly home to Mill Number One. The design incorporated the original flume and dam gates, which incurred no cost to the town aside from their relocation. However, the overall expense for the park amounted to $1.3 million.
The board should have approached the 4-year staggered terms in a different manner. A public hearing took place, yet not a single citizen voiced support for the change. The community believed that any alteration to our Charter should be determined by our voters. I concurred with the citizens and cast a “no” vote against the change.
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?
I am optimistic that when a new board is chosen, they will also review our budget to identify areas where expenses can be reduced. While we might not be able to decrease taxes for the 2025-2026 tax year, we can certainly lower them for the upcoming tax year. We could have preserved our service levels this year without raising taxes; we simply need to eliminate unnecessary spending. If the county can reduce their tax rate by $0.30 (currently $0.499 per $100 valuation), I am confident that Hope Mills should be able to do the same.
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?
I completely oppose the board’s decision to amend our town Charter and implement four-year staggered terms for both the board and the mayor. I voiced my concerns, particularly after a public hearing where not a single citizen supported the change.
I believe the issue lies not in the concept itself, but in how the board approached it. Our citizens feel that voters should have the opportunity to express their opinions through a referendum on any amendments to our town’s Charter.
The community perceives that the board’s shift to four-year staggered terms is motivated by self-interest. I begged the board members to refrain from endorsing this change and instead to heed the voices of our citizens, advocating for it to be placed on the November ballot for their decision.
Without any discussion, the mayor presented the motion and called for a vote to “approve the change”; a commissioner responded with “so moved,” it was seconded, and three commissioners approved the alteration. I still believe the motion wasn’t done correctly.
If I am re-elected, I intend to revisit this matter. I am hopeful that we will have at least two additional commissioners willing to vote against the previous decision.
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.
The first priority for us as a board should be to enhance our town’s image. It is crucial that we have a cohesive board where all members are kept informed by every department. Prior to my election, the town missed out on a potential business due to the board’s actions. This can’t happen again.
Next, we need to restore our town to the welcoming place it used to be, with well-maintained streets and roads, minimal litter, and beautifully manicured areas. Our entrances should always be inviting to visitors. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for maintaining our main highways and roads, but this maintenance is not occurring as frequently as it should. We ought to have regular meetings with DOT to ensure they fulfill their responsibilities. When I visit other small towns, their roads are pristine. What practices do they have that we lack?
Regarding the attraction of businesses to our town, we need to pinpoint the types of businesses that could succeed here. Our economic developers can begin by analyzing the local economy, taking into account existing industries and available resources in the area. This analysis can reveal market gaps and opportunities for new businesses.
Back in 1986, during my first term on the town board, we were informed that the county’s growth would center around Hope Mills. This prediction is proving to be accurate.
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?
I formed the Homelessness Advisory Committee for our town. This committee consists of seven voting members, along with numerous citizens eager to assist wherever necessary. At our last town board meeting, the chairperson updated our board on the committee’s current activities and their long-term objectives. The committee has received partnership proposals from various furniture and other companies. In fact, one company generously donated tents for the encampments intended for the children. Canned goods and clothing are being gathered at our Parks & Recreation Center. Committee members are responsible for collecting these donations and delivering them directly to the encampments. Although this committee is less than a year old, it has already accomplished a great deal and has ambitious plans to help eradicate homelessness in Hope Mills.