Issues
“The course we chart for the future today
will determine our quality of life for tomorrow.”
- Beth Dawson
Leadership
My commitment to service in our community has been strong for over 25 years. Now that I have retired from a banking career, I have the time and the continued commitment to bring common sense, positive and effective leadership to our board of commissioners for one reason- and that is to serve you. I spent my professional career helping others achieve their goals and solve their financial concerns by listening effectively and working hard to find beneficial solutions. I have the business background, leadership experience and proven public trust board experience -having served two terms on the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science Advisory Board, the Southeastern N.C. Regional Economic Development Commission, and as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church.
I have years of experience volunteering for many area non profit organizations – all for the goal of making a difference in our community and improving our quality of life. I am confident that I will bring a professional and pro-business attitude and experienced leadership to the Board to undertake the significant issues facing all of the citizens of New Hanover County.
Communication
I will bring my experience of effective listening, problem solving, and communication skills to the Board of County Commissioners. It is imperative that our county and municipal governing boards lead by listening and understanding our citizen’s concerns. I will encourage frequent communication between the county and municipalities to address important issues on behalf of all of our citizens. I have the time, proven public service record and the sincere commitment to serve all of the citizens.
Vision for Economic Development
The need to create sustainable private-sector jobs that are compatible with our coastal environment is the most important concern facing our county. I understand that the best way to stimulate New Hanover County’s economy is to create an environment in which entrepreneurs and small businesses can grow, prosper and create private-sector jobs. We should invest in infrastructure to meet the needs of our citizens and to encourage responsible growth with effective, efficient regulatory processes, while making informed planning and zoning decisions.
Our county faces the challenge of minimizing taxes and adequately funding our schools and county services. County leaders must promote and maintain a pro-business atmosphere and a respectable image in order to retain our existing businesses and recruit new businesses with good jobs that are compatible with our wonderful coastal environment. We are fortunate to live in an area with an exceptionally high quality of life supported by an excellent health care system, university and community college, which are just a few of the many great attributes that I feel make our county very attractive to new corporate investment.
Common-Sense Regulatory Environment
Burdensome regulations can weigh down our small businesses and entrepreneurs. As your County Commissioner, I will work to ensure that New Hanover County’s regulatory climate is clear, predictable and balances the need to protect our environment while attracting businesses and creating jobs.
Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
When times get tough, responsible individuals, families and business owners tighten their belts. I believe county government should do the same. As your County Commissioner, I will put my years of business experience to work to eliminate wasteful spending and advocate for common-sense fiscal policies in New Hanover County.
Reducing Your Tax Burden
I know how hard New Hanover County’s families and small businesses work. As your County Commissioner, I will work to keep taxes low and ensure that New Hanover County continues to be an affordable place to live, work, raise a family and build a business.
Keeping our Streets Safe
I understand that one of the most important functions of government is to keep our streets, neighborhoods and schools safe. As your County Commissioner, I will make it a priority to ensure that our law enforcement professionals have the tools and resources they need to protect the health, safety and welfare of all citizens.
Quality Education for our Children
For New Hanover County to be competitive in the recruitment and retention of sustainable jobs and new business investment, we must offer quality education options for our students and their families. The priority should be funds in the classroom- for our students and our teachers. Cape Fear Community College offers vital job training programs, which are important assets to new businesses looking at investing in NHC. I will work with the NHC Board of Education and CFCC to ensure they are successful.
About the Film Industry
The film industry continues to have a tremendous economic impact in our state and in New Hanover County, providing thousands of well paying jobs and supporting hundreds of small businesses. State lawmakers must acknowledge the film industry’s contribution to our economy, and continue to evaluate the return on potential public investments for our state and county, to be competitive in the recruitment and retention of the film industry. I will work with our legislative delegation to ensure they know New Hanover County is open for business and welcomes the film industry.
About Baseball
It continues to be good news when organizations and businesses want to invest in New Hanover County; however, I am not in favor of publicly financing the proposed baseball stadium. A stadium should involve private sector investment and risk, and not be financed by increasing the tax burden on our citizens.
I am concerned about adequately funding our law enforcement, and our fire and emergency response services. The needs of our citizens and our county are significant, and we need to invest, when economically feasible, in our infrastructure, our schools, public safety, and other priorities. I encourage all citizens to take advantage of the many recreational and cultural resources- parks, stadium, museums- that New Hanover County already offers and that contribute to the quality of life we all enjoy.
Our Environment
Our coastal environment is our region’s primary economic engine and contributor to our quality of life, and must be protected. Groundwater, air quality, and the depletion of natural resources are issues of concern to our families and our future. Our environment and our quality of life offerings are not only what attracts and retains business investment, but are also crucial to our tourism industry, which impacts our local economy tremendously. I will support strict adherence to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, in order to protect our environment and the health, safety and welfare of all citizens.
Beth Dawson
Candidate, New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
