Elyse Craver

What are your top three priorities for enhancing economic growth opportunities throughout Hope Mills?

Investing in enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, promoting a healthy lifestyle for our children, and supporting the success of our local businesses.

Investing in the prevention of flooding and erosion, as well as the repair, maintenance, and cleaning of our streets, roads, and storm drains. Our streets and roads are severely congested with traffic. There is a pressing need for more sidewalks, bike paths, and walking trails.

Encouraging orderly and intelligent growth to preserve our small-town atmosphere. High property taxes have been a concern. I have been advocating for two years, voting "No" each year to prevent tax increases, but to no avail. I will persist in my efforts to oppose any tax hikes.

What are the most pressing issues facing Hope Mills, and how will you work to solve them?

Excessive property taxes. For two years, I have battled against tax increases, voting "No" each time, but my efforts have been in vain. I will persist in my fight against any tax hikes.

Unnecessary expenditures on desires rather than necessities. I will keep voting "No" on wasteful spending.

Residents feeling overlooked by the town board's majority. I will remain attentive to our citizens, both within and beyond the boardroom. The needs and wellbeing of our citizens are my foremost concern, and they can trust that I will advocate for their call for change.

What makes you the best candidate to represent Hope Mills?

I am Experienced; Respected; Loyal; Dedicated; Trustworthy; Educated; and above all, Compassionate. I face the same challenges as every citizen, and if they seek change, then I seek change too. This is precisely why I am the ideal candidate.

Bonus question: Recent property revaluations have resulted in increased financial obligations for property owners within the Hope Mills town limits. The majority of property owners have experienced a substantial tax increase, averaging around 60%. If elected, what strategies would you implement to alleviate this financial strain on residents while maintaining the provision of essential services?

We anticipated that the revaluation would significantly boost property values. Additionally, we recognized that to prevent our taxpayers from facing a steep tax bill, we could reduce our current tax rate to a revenue-neutral level, thereby maintaining tax bills at a similar level as they were prior to the revaluation. However, rather than taking this approach, the majority of our board opted to raise the tax rate by $0.18 above the revenue-neutral rate. As a result, our taxpayers are experiencing an average increase of over $800 in taxes this year. I firmly believe that by cutting back and eliminating all unnecessary expenditures, this rate can and will be reduced without giving up essential services.