

Voter411ENC.org
Ayden Town Commission
Ward 5
Voters Choose One of Three Candidates
Sarah Parker Conner

Your current job and title? Retired
Your highest level of education?
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Addressing the citizens’ concerns [and] assuring and voicing their inquiries when necessary. I want to assure that it is clear that the citizens understand why decisions are made
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
I will continue to attend the different Board and Commission meetings as a Commissioner liaison and assure that there is proper citizen representation on all entities, continue my
involvement/presence in activities in the town and continue my one-on-one with
citizens, addressing their needs and concerns. I will continue to attend classes, webinars/conventions and doing research to assure that I am equipped to address/involve the citizens properly.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am concerned about the town and its citizens. I believe in addressing the citizens’ concerns with the proper authorities. My votes are based on the best interest for the town by bringing ideals from city staff, citizens and commissioners together to make the best decisions that will benefit the town and its citizens.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
- I have experience as a citizen, a former local government employee and as a commissioner. This gives me experience in looking at issues from all points of view
- I am very visible in the community addressing citizens’ concerns
- My actions speak louder than my words
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I want the community to know that I am very visible and actively engaged in the community. I take my role as a commissioner seriously. I base my decisions on careful research and thoughtful considerations. Though I may not speak often during meetings, it is because I do my research behind the scenes. I study the issues and listen to residents and come prepared to make informed choices that serve the best interest of Ayden.
Pamela Lockamy

Your current job and title:
Opening a new Garden Center in Downtown Ayden, Garden Center Manager
Your highest level of education: High School Diploma
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
Ayden has been on the Local Government Commission’s watch list for too long, and that means we’re one step away from losing control of our own finances to the state. I want to make sure that never happens. My goal is to ensure every dollar is spent wisely and that residents understand where their money is going and why.Strong financial footing isn’t just about numbers — it’s about trust. When our town manages money responsibly, we can afford to invest in the things that make Ayden thrive: safer neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, small business growth, and a more vibrant downtown. In short, my top priority is keeping Ayden financially strong, transparent and accountable — because that’s the foundation of everything else we want to build together.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
If elected, I plan to keep our community informed, involved, and part of every decision that affects us. Transparency and communication are huge for me. I already spend a lot of time answering residents’ questions online and helping explain what’s really going on in town — and I’ll continue that as a commissioner. I believe decisions should never feel like they’re made for the people, but with them.
That means holding more open discussions before votes, sharing updates in plain language (not government jargon), and making sure people know how to reach me directly. I’ll also encourage more citizen input through surveys, social media engagement, and town meetings that actually feel welcoming and productive. When people understand the “why” behind decisions and
have a voice in shaping them, that’s when a town truly grows together.If elected, I plan to make monthly videos in regard to ourmeetings, explaining what we voted on and why. I know many do not wish to read through 200+ page minutes like I do.
Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
Voters should choose me because I’m deeply invested in Ayden— not just as a resident, but as someone who’s been working hands-on for years to make our town better. From organizing parades and festivals to planting flowers downtown and serving on multiple committees, I’ve shown up for Ayden time and time again. I believe leadership starts with service, and I’ve never been afraid to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
I also bring a common-sense, transparent approach to local government. I’ll ask the tough questions, make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and always keep residents informed and included in the process. My decisions will be guided by what’s best for Ayden — not politics, but people.
My roots here run deep, and my vision for Ayden is one of growth with purpose — preserving what makes us special while building a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
1. I’m deeply rooted in Ayden. My family’s been here for generations, and I truly love this town. I want to see us thrive. I want more of my generation and my daughter’s generation to come home and build families here! I want my grandson to be proud and love Ayden as much as the many generations before him.2. I’m a hands-on leader. You’ll find me planting flowers, organizing parades and pitching in wherever help’s needed. I am on several boards including Ayden Collard Festival as treasurer and parade coordinator,
Ayden Chamber Christmas Town Committee and parade coordinator, Downtown Ayden Mainstreet, and President of the Ayden Community Garden Club.3. I believe in transparency. I’ll always keep residents informed, ask tough questions, and make sure decisions are made with the
community — not behind closed doors. I work hard already as a citizen to research town issues before meetings and I’ll continue that as Commissioner, showing up ready with my homework done and ready to vote or ready with questions.Benjamin Rollins
No candidate response
- I have experience as a citizen, a former local government employee and as a commissioner. This gives me experience in looking at issues from all points of view
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