Lee County Municipal Election candidates participate in Q & A

Across Lee County, 11 candidates registered, 11 provided email addresses and five participated.

Candidates may contact editor@sandhills.news for a final opportunity to participate. The deadline for submission of a completed Q & A is Aug. 4.

1. Laura K. Duval Candidate for Broadway Commissioner

How do you plan to be transparent with the public on how decisions are made, especially when boards do not discuss topics at length at public meetings?

Based on my experience, the Broadway Board of Commissioners discuss significant items of business in great detail. I encourage all citizens to attend Town Board meetings, especially if they have questions or concerns, which can be expressed during Public Comment. If unable to attend monthly meetings, the minutes are posted on the Town website. As a commissioner, I will be available to citizens by phone or email.

How do you handle disagreements or criticism from the public or other elected officials?

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and every differing opinion should be taken into consideration before making a decision. If criticized, I will seek to understand and work towards resolution.

How do you plan to stay connected with and listen to underserved or marginalized residents?

Every resident is important, and vulnerable groups should have an advocate. When out in the community and at Town sponsored events, I will talk with the underserved and marginalized residents and listen to their concerns. I will voice their concerns to the appropriate official(s) and seek possible resolutions for the residents.

What values will guide your leadership, and how will you model them in office?

I value honesty, integrity, and fairness in leadership roles. I strive to live by these values in my daily life and will adhere to them while serving as commissioner.

How do you plan to preserve the rural heritage of your county and provide open spaces for future generations?

I believe managed growth is key to preserving rural heritage and providing open spaces for future generations. Developments should be managed to ensure long-term sustainability of a community and its quality of life. The Town complies with the Unified Development Ordinance, which includes a Land Use Plan. This plan permits the Town to consolidate its rural heritage with open spaces for future developments.

2. Linda Kelly Rhodes Candidate for City Council Member at Large in Sanford

How do you plan to be transparent with the public on how decisions are made, especially when boards do not discuss topics at length at public meetings?

 We discuss most issues at our workshops and during our council meetings. During the first council meeting of the month, we have specific time set aside for public comment. The council workshops and two regularly scheduled meetings each month are advertised to the public, broadcast on television, and available for viewing on the city’s website. I have had many, many conversations with members of the public regarding issues. My phone number is public (919.353.1186) and I respond to my phone calls.

How do you handle disagreements or criticism from the public or other elected officials?

I try to remember that most disagreements or criticism are a result of the care and concern that people feel about an issue. I can’t fault anyone for having an opinion that may be different from mine. The difference is that I have the responsibility of seeing and considering all vantage points, not just one opinion.

 How do you plan to stay connected with and listen to underserved or marginalized residents?

I don’t need any plan to stay connected or to listen. That’s just what you do as a fellow human being. Sometimes it’s obvious what people need, but other times it’s not as evident. Those are the times that we follow the golden rule and treat others like we would like to be treated. And it never hurts to remember that there, but for the grace of God, go I.

 What values will guide your leadership, and how will you model them in office?

I still maintain the values I learned as a child. You treat people with respect, you display kindness and patience, and you don’t behave like a bully. I think most people that know me would agree that I am a pretty authentic person. I am the same person while in city council chambers as I am while watching tv at home or cheering for the Tar Heels.

 How do you plan to preserve the rural heritage of your county and provide open spaces for future generations?

I grew up on a family tobacco farm. I remember riding in the bed of the pickup to the service station and getting a “nab” and a coke for a quarter! We thought it would always be that way, but it wasn’t. However, my heritage has never changed. I am still the daughter of a farmer and know where food comes from. Our farmland is decreasing, but just come out to our Sanford Farmer’s Market any Saturday. We still know how to grow fruits and vegetables, raise livestock, make bread and cheese, and play bluegrass music. We come from a strong agricultural heritage and plan to protect it.

 Share party affiliation, if inclined.

I am a democrat.

3. Louis D. Williams Candidate for Councilman at Large in Sanford

How do I plan to be transparent with the public on how decisions are made, especially when boards do not discuss at length at public meetings? Answer: I believe open discussion and details should be shared and I plan to share via physical town hall meetings and social media. And invite the public to write and petition their council members and add their views of specifics.

How do you handle disagreements or criticism from the public or other elected officials?

Answer: I hold to the idea that disagreements and criticisms are useful tools to facilitate discussion. I see disagreements merely as a different perspective. Constructive criticism is always welcomed.

How do you plan to stay connected with and listen to the underserved or marginalized residents? Answer: Herein lies the heart of our campaign. I’ve worked in the building trades most of my life and I’ve spent over a decade working in the homeless shelters of this state. I’ve been homeless as well. I know all too well the conditions they endure. I can identify with their despair. I happen to live in the heart of the underserved and marginalized community, and I seek to make this ward and the city as a shining model for the state and perhaps the nation. I want to host meetings with those agencies that service those residents and canvass property owners for their concerns. I am working on plans to update zoning regulations to utilize empty spaces for community gardens and tiny homes and provide micro communities. Each community would house residents with similar needs and enable service providers to ensure residents(clients) are successful in improving their own lives.

What values will guide your leadership, and how will you model them in office? Answer: There’s a native tale that spoke of two wolves and which is stronger. Answer? The one you feed. I am eternally optimistic and believe that even the most heinous criminal has a compassion towards someone and that compassion leads to fairness and positive actions towards others. I live in a state of compassion where I hope for the best yet prepared for the worst. And at the very least I support rational ideas that strengthen and enable prosperity for all.

How do you plan to preserve the rural heritage of your county and provide open spaces for future generations? Answer: To be transparent, I’m not fully versed on many aspects of county level planning. I’ll have to look into what and how on this topic. But if we’re talking about environmental protection, I would want stiff penalties for those who pollute the environment including clean-up costs. This is sort of response is probably already in place.

Share party affiliation if inclined. Answer: I was a democrat in my youth, but parenting along with my religious/spiritual journey has led me to register as a constitutional conservative.

4. Christopher Petty Candidate for Ward 3 Councilman in Sanford

How do you plan to be transparent with the public on how decisions are made, especially when boards do not discuss topics at length at public meetings?

 Thank you for this question. In a season of heightened political rhetoric, distrust in government, and low approvals from the people, transparency is needed more than ever. When I am elected I will be committed to a more informed Ward 3. Information doesn’t always make it to where it’s supposed to go. I will change that. I will meet with community leaders and discuss what I can about the ongoing topics. I will have weekly community briefings. Whatever it takes to make sure the residents of Ward 3 are informed.

How do you handle disagreements or criticism from the public or other elected officials?

 Great question. Disagreements, criticism (not the constructive kind) usually occur when there’s a lack of communication or a disconnect somewhere in the line. The communication has got to be there. When I am elected, I pledge nothing but the best communication with the other council members. Things will get done.

How do you plan to stay connected with and listen to underserved or marginalized residents?

 Another great question. Whether it’s minorities, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ these communities have always been at-risk of failure. As a black man living in a world where laws/opportunities aren’t always in my favor. It is critical to show up for other marginalized residents. When I am elected, I pledge to show up to these communities. I will empower them. I will fight with them and for them.

What values will guide your leadership, and how will you model them in office?

Thank you for this question. I value accountability in leadership. When I am elected, I strongly encourage the residents of Ward 3 to hold me accountable. I want them to hold me responsible. At the end of the day the buck stops with me.

 How do you plan to preserve the rural heritage of your county and provide open spaces for future generations?

 Great question. Lee County is just 1 of the 80 rural counties that make up our great 100 county state of North Carolina. Preserving rural heritage of Lee County means looking out for our local farmers. We have a Farmer’s Market where you can shop locally for just about anything. It means looking out for our small businesses and business owners. Making sure they have the tools and resources needed to continue to grow and shape the future of their businesses. Whether it’s workforce development through S.A.G.A (Sanford Area Growth Alliance). Or Industry trainings and apprenticeships through our Central Carolina Community College.

 Share party affiliation, if inclined.

Democrat

5. Wendy W. Bryan Candidate for Commissioner in Broadway

How do you plan to be transparent with the public on how decisions are made, especially when boards do not discuss topics at length at public meetings?

The Town of Broadway communicates transparently with residents through the town website and social media channels. Town officials and employees are accessible and open to discussions. To continue this culture, I would advocate that more information be added to the website for residents. I will also be a commissioner who shares my research and rationale for my votes, and who has open and transparent communication through my personal social media and personal accessibility.

How do you handle disagreements or criticism from the public or other elected officials?

I view open dialogue as a cornerstone for good decision making, and criticism is an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding. Active listening, seeking common ground, and responding respectfully to all viewpoints is the best way to advance the town’s goals and represent all populations.

How do you plan to stay connected with and listen to underserved or marginalized residents?

There is no better way for citizens to be heard than to vote. My campaign will include a voter registration drive and opportunities for residents to express their concerns and vision for the town through personal visits, correspondence and digital platforms. I want to ensure I hear directly from all residents, especially those often unheard.

What values will guide your leadership, and how will you model them in office?

My leadership has been guided by setting ambitious goals, working with available resources to benefit our community, and building partnerships to strengthen our community. These actions require integrity, accountability, and a commitment to service, which I will model by always acting in the best interest of Broadway and fostering an open, collaborative environment.

How do you plan to preserve the rural heritage of your county and provide open spaces for future generations?

This is one of the top concerns of my campaign. I believe not only that green spaces and rural spaces are important for preservation, but also that such spaces foster a sense of community and community pride. I have already started working with partners to support additional recreational areas in our town park, and I have served on the NC Veterans Memorial Board since its inception to make the NC Veterans Memorial Park an open public space for celebration and remembrance. I will continue to champion responsible development policies that protect our natural resources and farmland, and seek funding and partnerships to acquire and maintain public parks and greenways for future generations.

Share party affiliation, if inclined.

Registered unaffiliated.    

July 25, 2025