

Voter411ENC.org
Winterville Town Council
Six Candidates (scroll down)
Shantel Hawkins
Your current job and title?
Pitt County School Educator-Literacy Specialist
Your highest level of education:
Currentlyin pursuit of a PhD in Education Law
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
If re-elected my top priority will be to focus on the opening and operation of a much-needed community center. One that serves as a hub for local support, skill training, optimizing recreational development & performance, productive multi-purposes and meaningful community involvement. This community center will not only address real needs, but also empower Winterville residents with opportunities to grow, connect and thrive together. While the idea of a community center has been discussed for about two decades, in the past two years I've helped move it further than ever before by turning longstanding talk into real progress. If re-elected, I'll see it through to completion and ensure it becomes the lasting resource our amazing community deserves.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of
making decisions?I believe that strong leadership starts with listening deeply to the voices, ideas and
lived experiences of every resident. That's why if I am re-elected, my dedication to making community input a central part of the decisionmaking process will continue. Just as I have in the past, I plan to continue to promote and conduct town hall forums, launch accessible online surveys, listening sessions, while also continuing to ensure there are opportunities for direct conversations amongst citizens & town leaders & staff.I promise to ensure that my constituents' priorities are what will continue to shape the direction we take as a town together. As I have shared many times, "The People are at the top of this organization." They
are valued, vital and very important to what we as representatives do each day.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
As Winterville Town Councilwoman, I have been a strong voice for our community,
delivering real results by prioritizing public safety and making sure your voices are heard. I've helped move the long-discussed community center closer to reality than ever before and fought for decisions that reflect what residents truly need. I listen first, act with purpose and always put the people's needs at the top of every decision.During my time as a councilwoman, I have placed over 60 items onto the Winterville Town Agenda on behalf of the people of our town, more than any councilman individually or combined. Not always favored, but fair, factual and faithful in this entrusted role. If re-elected, I'm prepared to do even more by continuing what we've started and keep being part of building an even safer, more connected and responsive town that can ensure all that live, work and visit our town can enjoy a slice of the good life Winterville has to offer.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
1. I believe in constantly pushing myself--not just for personal growth, but to serve as a
living example of resilience and perseverance that will inspire others to do the same and more.2. I have a serious love for sweet potato pie, especially during the holidays. They remind me so much of my mother, church, tradition and the power of family, friends and country.
3. I cherish learning from both our elders, whose wisdom is a guiding light, and our youth, who inspire me every day as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I don't just take a seat, I take a stand each and every day as entrusted to do so. As your Councilwoman, I've led with uprightness, understanding of your needs, purpose and always choosing to serve for the best interest of all, rather than divide. I deeply value this community and all it has to offer, and I understand the responsibility that comes with this role.
My commitment is to be a strong, honest voice for all residents, to continue listening, to act in responsiveness, and lead in a way that truly makes a difference. That means creating greater opportunities for families, for small businesses, prioritizing safety, advancing
equity, and supporting development for those who are the everyday fabric of society who dream of making Winterville their home one day. It's important to convey that our town's future isn't solely encompassed in
economic growth but about growing together--building a town where everyone
is seen, supported and has a stake in our shared success. Because representation isn't just about holding office--it's about holding the trust of the people.I will continue to honor that trust with dedicated service, vision, strong voice calling and conscientious integrity. Thank you so very much for entrusting me as I am both humbled and honored to be considered as your choice to be re-elected.
Devin Johnson
Your current job and title:
Financial Analyst, City of Greenville
Your highest level of education:
I have my Master’s in Public Administration and have taken several courses toward a PhD In Public Administration.
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My number one priority if I am elected is to promote Smart Development in the Town of
Winterville. This means creating a sustainable, livable, and economically vibrant Winterville by attracting development, investing in infrastructure, and managing
growth in an efficient and responsible manner.If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of
making decisions?The budget of any government entity represents the policy choices of the governing body. If I am elected, I will engage town staff and the remainder of Town Council to promote participatory budgeting by setting aside a percentage of funds each year for lawful citizen-driven purpose. This will be achieved through listening sessions, surveys, and other means to achieve superior
responsiveness to the needs of the citizens of Winterville.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am the best choice for Winterville because I want to deliver for the citizens a government
that is efficient, effective and responsive to their needs.Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
Number one: Ilike data. The best decisions are made when all the facts and factors are considered.
Second, I possess unique perspectives as a Marine Corps veteran having served in
Afghanistan and bringing local government experience to the table for the benefit of all citizens of the Town of Winterville.Finally, faith undergirds our social and moral compass. I am Catholic. I believe in God and His son Jesus Christ. I will let God and my
faith guide my decisions if elected, to uphold cherished values and principles: Objective Morality, Fairness, Justice, and Responsibility.Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
Tucker Moore
Your current job and title:
Owner, Motorpool Driving School
Your highest level of education:
Master’s degree
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My top priority is to make Winterville more affordable and a better place to live, work and raise children. We need to expand our recreational capabilities, including a community gymnasium for more adolescent sports like basketball and volleyball and indoor flag football to attract more families to our town.
We also need smart growth and planning and good maintained roads. We also need to implement a net metering policy so that we can generate more clean solar power into our grid and less expensive natural gas-fired electric power that is being bought from Kings Mountain on the other side of the state. This will reduce electricity prices for every homeowner in Winterville.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of
making decisions?My door is always open and my cell phone is always on. I like to hear from the people of
the community.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
Valerie Tyson
Your current job and title:
I've been a licensed Cosmetologist for 41 years. I've also worked as a Certified Nursing
Assistant with Greenville Hospice House and served the Pitt County School system as both a Secretary and a Teacher's Assistant. My diverse professional background has given me a deep understanding of our community's needs, from personal care and health to education.If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My top priority is to strengthen the relationship between elected officials and the
public. My goal is to work with the community to identify what matters most and collaborate on effective solutions.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I believe that involving my constituents is crucial. By working together and building
consensus, we can make decisions that benefit everyone.Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
· I am committed to an open and collaborative approach.
· I am approachable and value hearing different perspectives.
· Most importantly, I believe in working in unity to achieve positive change for all members of our community.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
© 2019