“We should open up a space where adults, teens, and familys can have fun and enjoy their time together. A game place like building or roller blading for everyone in Funky Town to enjoy. This would be a place to have birthdays and give our town a bit more funk. We really need something for kids instead of bars. As a teen of the town of Franklinton, this would be an amazing opportunity for us to have a space to hangout and have fun” and “More family spaces for kids like a community center or fun center to give the kids something fun to do. The town seems to be tailored to the older community” 

I really connect with this and have talked a bit on the topic. We absolutely need more spaces in Franklinton where teens, families, and kids can just be together, have fun, and make memories. Right now, we’ve got wonderful community spots and events, but there’s a real gap when it comes to everyday activities for our younger folks. Whether it’s a roller rink, game center, or a true community space, having somewhere local for birthdays, hangouts, or just plain fun would add so much to our town. 

I’ll be honest, I don’t know exactly what tools I’d have as commissioner to make it happen on my own, but this is something I would love to champion. Even if it means helping to attract the right business, supporting a nonprofit model, or just making sure families’ voices are heard loud and clear, I want to be part of moving it forward. Franklinton can keep its small-town charm while still giving our kids and families more options beyond bars or adult-focused spaces. I’d love to see us work together to make that a reality. 

"Franklinton needs a hardware store. Just an old timey hardware store to buy a screw when you need it so we wouldn't have to drive to another town just for simple hardware." 

I couldn’t agree more. We used to have Mitchell Hardware store on U.S. 1 and Thompson’s downtown, and both are still missed today. I sympathize with how frustrating it is to have to drive 30+ minutes just to pick up a screw or a small item. A good, old-timey hardware store would be a real asset to our community, not just for convenience, but for keeping that small-town spirit alive. The challenge, of course, is attracting and supporting a business like that so it can thrive here, but I’d love to see us work toward it. 

“We desperately need a gym” 

Having a gym in town would be a big boost. We’ve already got some great community-driven options like the Franklinton Run Club, the Yoga Den, and the Mom Walks at Franklinton Nutrition, and they show there’s real energy here around health and wellness. The challenge is attracting a gym business to the area, making sure they see Franklinton as a place worth investing in. That’s where supporting local efforts, showing strong community interest, and keeping the conversation alive really matter. I’d love to see us build on what we already have and work toward bringing a gym here in a way that’s sustainable and beneficial for our whole town. 

“It would be nice to ride a light rail into Wake Forest of Raleigh” 

I’d love to see a light rail here. From riding the San Diego Trolley to the D.C. Metro, I love light rail, and I think it’s a brilliant way to connect communities. The challenge, of course, is that projects like this are tough to get done and even tougher to fund. That said, I’d love to see it here, just like I’d love to see the S-Line come through. But the key is making sure it’s truly beneficial to everyday life. If it only runs twice a day, it won’t help much. What we need are transit solutions that not only get folks to Wake Forest or Raleigh, but also make it easier for people to come into Franklinton, support our businesses, and experience the hometown spirit that makes this place so special 

“What gaps do you see in infrastructure and transit in Franklin County, and how would you address them?” 

To be frank, we don’t really have public transit infrastructure in Franklin County. It’s hard enough to even get a ride share here, and that leaves folks without many options if they don’t drive. That’s a real gap we need to start addressing.  

The S-Line project and the Transportation Hub sound great in theory, and I’m glad to see investment coming our way. But if the train only stops here twice a day, it mainly helps commuters get out, it doesn’t do much to bring people in to shop, dine, or spend time in Franklinton. We need to make sure these projects are designed to benefit the town itself, not just serve as a pass-through.    

I’d like to see us explore more local solutions too! Better walkability, safer bike routes, and small-scale transit options that actually serve our residents’ daily needs. Infrastructure should make life easier for the people who live here first and foremost. 

“What kinds of economic development activities should our towns and county be pursuing to strengthen the local economy? How will you ensure that economic development benefits working-class families, not just large outside developers?” 

I believe economic development should focus first on strengthening what we already have: our small businesses, our downtown, and the local entrepreneurs who are invested in Franklinton for the long haul. We should be pursuing activities that create good local jobs, bring in needed services and amenities, and keep dollars circulating right here in our community.  

 I’m cautious about development that only benefits large outside companies. To make sure growth truly helps working-class families, I’d push for community input in decision-making, fair agreements that hold developers accountable, and policies that protect against folks being priced out of their homes through rising property taxes.  

 I also see job training and STEAM opportunities as a big part of healthy economic development. Investments to prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow and keep our community strong for the future.  

 Economic development should feel like it’s building up Franklinton, not changing it into something unrecognizable. Done right, it can mean vibrant local businesses, affordable living, and opportunities for families to thrive... not just profits for developers. 

“What role do you believe the local government should play in expanding recreation opportunities for children, families, and seniors in Franklin County?” 

Local government has an important role in making sure children and families have places to play, gather, and grow together. One of the biggest concerns I’ve heard from neighbors is that there just aren’t enough things for kids and families to do in Franklinton. The town and community have stepped up some, bringing the Franklinton Park into the city was a great step forward as well, but there’s still more to be done.  

We need to look at adding community spaces like a community center, a public pool, or even a splash pad so families don’t have to leave town for those opportunities. These aren’t luxuries, they’re the kind of investments that make a town feel alive and connected, and they give our young people safe, healthy ways to spend their time.  

For me, expanding recreation isn’t just about parks and facilities, it’s about strengthening the bonds of community and making Franklinton a place where families can thrive together. 

“What specific policies would you champion to address the ongoing housing crisis?” 

When it comes to housing, I think one of the biggest threats to folks here in Franklinton is rising ad valorem taxes. As property values climb, people who’ve lived here their whole lives risk being pushed out of their homes. I want to make sure growth doesn’t come at the cost of our neighbors being priced out.  

For new construction, I believe it should fit the character of North Carolina, not just cookie-cutter subdivisions squeezing as many houses as possible onto an acre. Developments need to be designed with community in mind: access to groceries, schools, and local businesses, and roads that don’t funnel everyone onto Highway 1 just to get the basics done. Growth should strengthen our town, not create food deserts or traffic choke points. 

“What are the most pressing issues facing our communities, and how would you prioritize addressing them?” 

For Franklinton, I see a few big priorities. First, making sure our infrastructure keeps up with growth: things like roads, sidewalks, and water systems that touch all of us every day. Second, supporting our small businesses and local jobs, because a strong local economy helps everyone. Third, I care deeply about our schools and STEAM education. Ways to give our young people opportunities to learn and thrive right here at home. 

 I’m also concerned about rising ad valorem taxes. As property values go up, those tax increases can push longtime neighbors right out of their homes. I want to make sure we grow in a way that doesn’t leave folks behind or price them out of the community they’ve built their lives in. 

 My campaign has already prioritized listening first: through conversations, suggestion boxes placed around town, and simply being present. If elected, I plan to focus on practical steps that improve daily life while keeping the heart of our small town intact and affordable for the people who make Franklinton what it is. 

“What unique life experiences have prepared you for public office?” 

I’ve lived a life full of twists and turns. From growing up in a small town in California, to working my way through tough financial times, to building a career in technology. Along the way I learned resilience, how to listen, and how to stand up for others — whether that was protecting my team at work or mentoring young people starting out in STEAM fields. 

 Here in Franklinton, I proudly serve on the Tree and Bee Committee and the ABC Board, and I stay active in community events and supporting our local businesses. Beyond town, I’ve spent years mentoring through organizations like Technovation Girls, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Thinkabit Labs, encouraging students to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. 

 I chose to get involved because I believe the best way to honor what Franklinton gave me is by rolling up my sleeves and giving back. Those experiences... of loss, of service, of mentoring, and of finding a second beginning right here are what prepare me to serve as Town Commissioner. I know what it means to rely on community, and I know what it means to be there for neighbors when they need it most. 

“What motivates you to serve?” 

Franklinton isn’t just where I live — it’s where my life found its second beginning. This community welcomed me in some of my hardest times and gave me a place to heal, grow, and belong.  I’m running because I want to give back to the town that gave me so much. What motivates me is simple: I care deeply about our people, our small-town spirit, and our future. I want to listen, learn, and serve in the way that helps Franklinton most, whether that’s strengthening our infrastructure, supporting local businesses, or making sure everyone feels their voice is heard.  For me, serving isn’t about politics, it’s about community. 

“Do you want lower taxes for a strong Franklinton economy, or do you think raising taxes and spending on social programs is your answer for governing the town?” 

I want clear, transparent and open dialogue about taxes and where the town spends its money.  

Taxes and various programs are needed for things like roads, infrastructure, and making the community a nice place to live. Without those things, we get ghost towns like what Franklinton is recovering from. For me it is a balancing act, making sure money is spent in the best way possible for the community, while not enacting policies that milk the community you are trying to serve dry. We need to strive to foster an environment that doesn't let life and growth stifle or regress, but to thrive. Reviews of spending, making sure we are lean and spending in the right locations are paramount, and all of this should be done in the open. 
 
The town does have its audit and budget on the website at: https://www.franklintonnc.gov/about-5 though I would like this to be clearer and more itemized. 

One more point on the topic of taxation. I worry about the next property assessment and folks losing their homes. I am not a fan of ad valorem taxes. We just saw this week the pain the increased taxes cause directly on our community, it also discourages improvements or anything that would increase the value of your property, thus increasing your taxes. I am not a politician and am new to this, so I am not sure what can fully be done at the town level, but I am wanting to look into a stable tax that doesn't go up during one's ownership of a property but only adjusts if that property is sold outside of the family.  

Example, my property tax is defined when I buy my house. It remains that throughout my ownership of my house. If I pass the house onto my daughter GG, regardless of how I do that, GG pays the same property tax I paid. If I sold the house to someone outside of my family, the property would be reassessed, and the property tax would be defined at that point of time. It would then stay constant through your ownership just as described. 

Again, I don't know how much I can address even if I am elected commissioner, but I will be open and transparent about it. 

“Concerns on proposed bike path on Mason Street specifically regarding the tree lined street.” 

There is no desire that I have heard to remove any of the trees, especially from me. Being a Tree City USA it super important to me. If elected I don't want to remove any of the tree canopy, but to preserve and continue expand the beautiful trees we have here in Franklinton. Mobility, walking, having a place to safely bike around town is important, so is our trees, and they shouldn't be mutually exclusive. 

“The town needs to have family friendly activities, and/or community center.” 

This is super important to me as a father raising my daughter here in Franklinton. As we grow, we need to have places for our children to have a space to be and activities for them to do. There's always talk about a community center, which I would dearly love. There is one listed in the publicized town budget, but without funds allocated to it. I definitely want to focus on more family friendly venues and activities.  

A highlight of things that are currently going on: 

• The Stables Marketplace has Morning Read Alouds and Game Nights every other week. 

• Franklinton Nutrition has Mom Walks Tuesdays and Thursdays 

• The library has events throughout the week. 

• The kid corner at Curtsy's Café & Burger Bar (a lifesaver for food with our tiny one) 

• The Town of Franklinton has events like the Back-to-School event focused on kiddos and families. 

"What would you do to preserve the small-town charm of Franklinton as we grow?" 

Franklinton’s charm is exactly why I planted my roots here. I believe growth should never come at the cost of community. I’d work to ensure any development prioritizes walkability, local business inclusion, and preserving our character. We shouldn’t just expanding our footprint. Growth with heart, not just speed. 

"What can we do to make Franklinton more kid-friendly?" 

As a new dad, this hits home. I'd love to explore safe, shaded play areas, weekend family events, and even community art projects kids can participate in. I want Genevieve, and all our children, to grow up knowing Franklinton isn’t just where they live, but where they belong. 

"How do you plan to support local schools?" 

While the town may not directly control school budgets, we can still show up with mentorship programs, after-school clubs, and community partnerships. I’d love to bring my tech and music background to help where needed and push for programs that uplift both learning and creativity. 

"How will you make sure longtime residents aren’t priced out?" 

I’ve known the pain of struggling to make ends meet. We must balance growth with affordability ensuring housing, services, and utilities stay accessible. I’ll advocate for transparency in planning and for smart zoning that protects what’s already here, not just what’s coming. 

"What’s your vision for downtown?" 

Downtown should be the beating heart of Franklinton. A place where locals and visitors alike can feel the soul of our town. I’d love to see the continued, thoughtful revitalization that promotes local shops, live music, and public gathering spaces. Think porch swings, open mic nights, and full storefronts. 

"How will you protect green spaces and promote sustainability?" 

I proudly serve on the Tree and Bee Committee because I believe in stewardship. I'd support planting initiatives and environmentally responsible development. Our green spaces aren’t just pretty, they’re our lungs, our legacy, and our responsibility. 

"How would you improve accessibility?" 

Accessibility isn’t a luxury it’s dignity. Whether it’s sidewalk ramps, safe crossings, or making town meetings easier to attend (in-person or virtually), I’d make sure every voice is heard and every resident can move through Franklinton with ease. 

"How can we improve town committee collaboration and involvement?" 

I’ve seen firsthand how many good ideas float between committees without connecting. I’d advocate for more public visibility, transparency, and communication so folks know how to get involved. Committees should feel empowered and united. 

"Would you support a youth council or mentorship program?" 

Yes! Young voices matter and often see things adults miss. A youth council could help build leadership, civic pride, and give students real experience. I’d also like to sponsor and encourage mentorship programs to help students explore STEAM, music, and trades.