Lexington mayoral candidates address pressing issues at forum
Left to right, Jason Hayes, Donald Holt, Sr., John Clowney and Rosa Terry prepare to answer questions at the mayoral candidate forum. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Tuesday evening, the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) and Davidson Local hosted the second of their three forums for candidates that will appear on the May 17th ballots. All four candidate running for Mayor of Lexington were in attendance.
Before questions were presented by co-moderators Atalia Cardenas, Willie Edwards and Sherraine Lockhart McLean, each candidate was given two minutes to provide an introduction. Below are some facts candidates highlighted about theirselves:
John Clowney - CEO of Bull City Ciderworks, serves on various boards, believes in Lexington, has concerns about fellow candidates in the race, has no personal agenda, graduate of North Davidson High School and Wake Forest University, addressed rumors he’s heard about why he’s running, “first tenant in the Depot District,” career in private equity.
Jason Hayes - has spent 50 years in Lexington, parents were deaf, acknowledged community that supported their family, graduate of Lexington Senior High School (LSHS) and Duke University, former COO, “would like to put his 30 year work experience to use.”
Donald Holt, Sr. - “retired from the US Navy after 22 years,” graduate of LSHS, held a lot of positions in the Navy, referenced what’s happened in the city since he’s been a member of the Lexington City Council - 109 blighted homes taken down, 15% utility reduction rates, etc.
Rosa Terry - “moved here with free will 34 years ago,” came with a purpose of making it her home, has served on numerous boards and continues to do so, 38 years of service to the State of NC (22 years as Davidson County District Court Judge Trial Coordinator), important to be a representative for Lexington
Candidates were asked 15 questions and given 90 seconds to respond. Below are a few of the questions asked of each mayoral candidate. Snippets of the answers are taken directly from candidates quotes.
Since you are running for the office of Mayor, can you explain what idea or issue first sparked your interest in seeking public office, and what do you believe the role of a Mayor should be?
Clowney - long had interest in running for public office, likes to give back, be the biggest champion for Lexington, effectively would be the chair of the board of directors (city council)
Hayes - decided to spend more time locally when parents required care, attended government meetings, will draw from 30 year experience, believes mayor reports to all citizens, collaborate with council and city manager
Holt - was at a church in Norfolk when thoughts of political office began, mayor is official head of city government, biggest cheerleader, always for the city no matter what negative happens
Terry - ambassador for the city, willing to speak on behalf of the city, there’s a lot going on in Lexington that we can push out to people, Lexington’s welcoming and inviting
What do you believe the role of Mayor should be as it relates to Lexington City Schools (LCS)?
Clowney - be more visible, there’s been some strain, figure out how to make a stronger school system, noted he’s a first generation college graduate, “show children what they can actually do,” think about education in a more broad sense, it’s not just about LCS it’s about our region schools - county, Thomasville, the academy, and the city schools, every child matters, education matters
Hayes - city and LCS are inextricably linked, “LCS is a reflection of the city and vice versa,” partner with LCS, prepare student for high tech skillset, internships and apprenticeships, prepare them to do something besides flip burgers
Holt - long term substitute teacher within LCS for seven years, city’s budget is $25-$27 million, LCS is $32 million, need to repair the relationship, city should be flying school flags (at least during homecoming) noted how High Point showcases High Point University and Thomasville does the same with Thomasville City Schools, “why don’t we embrace our Yellow Jackets like that?”, stated no matter where people enter they will know Jacket Pride is on and poppin’
Terry - come to the table and talk about what is best for our children, it’s a community effort, go to the schools and talk to the children, “think we can put our heads together and come up with a solution”
There are those who feel that the relationship between Davidson County and the City of Lexington is not as collaborative and cooperative as it has been in the past. If elected mayor, what would you do to bridge that gap and help build a better working relationship?
Clowney - just gave an example of working together (announcement of Nucor coming to Lexington), build on that, have conversations, we aren’t marketing and maximizing airport
Hayes - set up meeting with key stakeholders, met with two county commissioners before filing, talk about the things that matter, we need each other, committed to going to every county commissioner meeting, go out to dinner with them
Holt - would do what I’ve been doing - having conversations and relationships outside the office, we’re not just a lonely island, we have some commonalities
Terry - knows majority of commissioners and candidates running, someone has to be willing to come to the table and talk, everybody has to have the same vision for wanting the best for where we live
What, in your opinion, is the current state of race relations in the city and what do you feel is the role of mayor in this issue?
Clowney - race relations are tense, they’re not isolated to Lexington, there are people who feel they aren’t welcomed in parts of town, be present in these wards and communities, we have a lot of work to repair damage from decades
Hayes - think we’ve come a long way in a short period of time, intricate role in building race relations, ensuring we’re being opening and welcoming, my kids got to experience diversity in schools
Holt - better than when I was a little boy, we’re going to have race problems until the end of time, things will never be perfect, it’s a more perfect Lexington we’re after
Terry - there’s still work to be done, we all want to put on blinders, be willing to open up our arms, we’re all God’s children in his sight, we all want the same things in life, be willing to do what it takes
The forum can viewed in its entirety on Davidson Local’s Facebook page. Click here to watch.
The LACC, Northern Davidson County Chamber of Commerce, Thomasville Chamber of Commerce and Davidson Local will host the next forum on Monday, May 2 at 6pm at the Reich Auditorium on the campus of Davidson-Davie Community College. Davidson County Commissioner candidates will be in attendance to answer questions previously submitted by community members.
