Name as it appears on the ballot: Karen Smith Saracen

Previous elected offices held: N/A

Age as of Election Day: 61

Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): Registered nurse for the Fayetteville VA health care system

Best phone number and email for voters to reach you. Website and campaign social media:

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?

My decision to run again for Hope Mills commissioner comes from a lifelong commitment to public service. I’ve served children, seniors, veterans, and the wider community, and currently co-chair the Hope Mills Historical Preservation Commission. I also volunteer with local organizations like the alms house and Second Harvest Food Bank. I aim to protect the town’s historic character while helping build a strong future for Hope Mills residents. As a registered nurse at Fayetteville VA, I leverage critical thinking and data analysis to improve patient outcomes. I hold a master’s degree in nursing administration and management, which equips me with strong leadership, effective communication, and resource management skills that align closely with public service.

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

Infrastructure is a current issue affecting the Hope Mills community. Continued efforts to improve infrastructure in Hope Mills aim to enhance quality of life by providing reliable services and accessible recreational spaces. Support police, fire services, and maintain roads and water systems to improve public safety. Strong infrastructure creates jobs and attracts businesses, benefiting the economy.

Transportation is a pressing issue in Hope Mills as the population grows, highlighting the need for a mass transit plan. This service would help seniors get to appointments, students reach local colleges, and veterans access the VA, addressing an important community need.

Transparency and communication are vital for any community. Communication with residents should be fact-based and grounded in research. Conflict resolution is most effective when focused on objective facts. Residents can access information through meetings, the town website, and Facebook. Clear communication enhances information sharing and unity.

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.

I have observed a comprehensive approach from the Board of Commissioners regarding several initiatives, including the completion of Heritage Park, expansion of the Police Department, increased support for the Fire Department, achievement of ADA compliance progress on Reid’s Journey Children’s Park, and the passage of an ordinance to reduce vape shops. While all organizations encounter challenges and distractions, none appear to have caused significant harm to the community.

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?

During the last term, Hope Mills addressed significant challenges such as repaying $2 million in sales tax, managing the SOR program, and vehicle purchases amidst an eight-year county property evaluation that led to increased property values and subsequent tax hikes. The current economic development plan underscores the need for expanded real estate and commercial development to offset rising taxes. If elected, I intend to participate in reevaluating this development strategy and to promote agency collaboration with existing Cumberland County tax relief programs, particularly for elderly, disabled, and disabled veterans.

North Carolina offers three types of Property Tax Relief for Permanent Residents under N.C.G.S. 105-277.1, 105-277.1B, and 105-277.1C.

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 have no position regarding four-year staggered terms. The Board of Commissioners researched this option and decided on staggered terms based on considerations for the community. Hope Mills is experiencing growth, and local government may need to adjust accordingly. According to research, over 500 municipalities in North Carolina have implemented four-year staggered terms.

The UNC School of Government notes:

“Most boards with four-year terms stagger elections so that about half the members are elected every two years; of all the changes made to governing boards in recent years, instituting a staggered four-year term has been the most prevalent. This staggering ensures a degree of continuity in county and municipal affairs and a constant level of experience.”

Resources: UNC School of Government

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.

It is not equitable to compare Hope Mills with other communities without conducting thorough research on growth data and community-specific needs. For example, solutions effective in Spring Lake may not be suitable for Hope Mills, and vice versa. It is essential to study, research, and compile relevant data regarding each community’s unique requirements to support evidence-based decision making.

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?

As a volunteer with nonprofits like ALMS House, HUD VASH, Second Harvest Food Bank, Operation Inasmuch, and Stand Down for the Homeless in greater Cumberland County, I’ve witnessed poverty and hardship in Hope Mills, including people needing clothing, transportation, meals, and financial help. While I haven’t seen anyone sleeping on the streets or in camps in Hope Mills, I will keep supporting and volunteering these organizations that offer essential services to the community.