Grilley J. Mitchell

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

Roads & Infrastructure: Prioritize and implement plans to repair, replace, and fix roads and infrastructure problems/issues. Develop and implement Smart growth, economic and development plans.

Communication: Identify areas that need immediate attention especially areas that impact the citizens quality of life. 

Affordable housing: Develop programs that will help meets the needs of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable populations (Elderly, Youth and People With Disabilities).  

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

Roads and Infrastructure issues/problems:

Address roads and infrastructure needs, with the Public Works Department, conduct a review of all relevant plans. Conducted quarterly reviews, using clear criteria such as traffic volume, frequency of service disruptions, and input from citizens to prioritize repairs and upgrades. Focus first on areas experiencing high traffic congestion or repeated maintenance issues. These targeted infrastructure enhancements directly support improved quality of life.

Affordable housing:

• Partner with Developers to build Affordable Housing; for our most vulnerable citizens, including working families, the elderly, youth, and people with disabilities.

• Seek grant funding programs aimed at supporting affordable housing construction and assistance.

• Develop training programs that teach residents budgeting and financial management skills. This can help prevent evictions and reduce homelessness.

• Develop strategies for addressing the Growing Homelessness Among Seniors; Seniors on fixed incomes face unique challenges that require targeted outreach and solutions, such as rent assistance or subsidized housing tailored to their needs.  Ensure People With Disabilities, have accessible housing that meets ADA standards.  Youth, develop programs to support youth transitioning out of foster care or unstable living conditions.

Improved financial security will increase discretionary spending for residents, which results in higher tax revenue for the community.  Reduction in evictions and prevention of homelessness.

By implementing these recommendations, we can work together to create meaningful change for all citizens; most importantly, it helps reduce the tax burden on all citizens.

Effective Communication for all citizens:

To ensure that all citizens, regardless of age, ability, or access to technology can stay informed and engaged is a priority for me.  It is important that all citizens, especially those who do not use computers or social media, have access to information and events about Hope Mills.  Most seniors over age 65 do not regularly use the internet, many prefer some type of publication or printed newsletters emphasizing the need for non-digital communication. 

Convert the Town Manager reports into a monthly newsletter with an events and activities calendar.  Ensure that monthly hardcopies of the newsletter are available to  all citizens without digital access, are informed about important town updates and notices. Distribute printed updates to key locations the Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Recreation centers, and local businesses to reach those without digital access.  Furthermore, partnering with local organizations—such as churches, civic clubs, and service providers—can help the town connect directly with seniors and individuals without internet access, ensuring they remain informed about town events and services. Hosting in-person information sessions at community spaces offers another opportunity to ensure important town updates reach those who prefer face-to-face engagement. 

Comprehensive communication demonstrates both compassion and good management, helping the citizens feel heard and valued.  Actions need to communicate to our citizen that we care about them.  Effective communication will help create a more exciting, inclusive, and strong community for everyone.  By taking these steps, our actions show genuine care for every member of our town and strengthen the trust and connection between local government and its citizens.

What makes you the best candidate to represent Hope Mills?

Why I Am the Best Candidate to Represent Hope Mills

Experience, Values, and Vision

Experience

I have a proven record of dedication to serving the citizens of Hope Mills. Whether or not you vote for me, you have a voice—and I will listen. For over 15 years, I have volunteered at the ALMS House, where I helped organize annual food drives, prepare and provide over 12000 meals each year. We also provide over 250 back pack meals weekly to local schools for kids that do not have food over the weekend.  As a Community Chaplain and Fort Bragg Ambassador, I work directly with local residents, military personnel, and veterans to address their needs. In my role as President of the Cumberland County Veterans Council (CCVC) and as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hope Mills, I have supported programs that benefit our community, including youth scholarships and senior outreach initiatives. My time on various boards and committees has allowed me to advocate for people facing financial hardship, and individuals with disabilities.

Values

I am guided by compassion, accessibility, and a commitment to inclusive communication. Listening to our citizens is at the heart of my approach. I believe every resident deserves to be heard and treated with dignity and respect. Through my volunteer work and public service, I have learned the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and humility. My background as a Retired Military Leader,  Senior Manager, Community Advocate and Chaplain have strengthened my problem-solving abilities and given me the management skills, knowledge and abilities needed to make sound decisions for our town.

Vision

Roads and infrastructure problems/issues; Affordable housing and smart growth to ease the tax burden. I will work to improve citizen engagement. I will work to ensure that seniors, youth, and people with disabilities have reliable access to essential services.

If elected, I will pursue strategic partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses. For example, I will collaborate with nonprofits to create mentorship programs for youth. I will work with local businesses to promote job training and employment opportunities. I will also seek partnerships with agencies that support affordable housing and health services.

Help develop programs to help residents achieve financial stability; offer financial literacy workshops. These workshops will teach practical skills for budgeting, saving, and managing money. Additionally, I will advocate for an emergency assistance fund to support citizens facing unexpected financial hardship.

I am committed to developing systems that protect our most vulnerable citizens. I will ensure Hope Mills grows while preserving its small-town character. Through job creation, responsible resource management, and transparent communication, we will build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community.

All citizens should know that any problem with Hope Mills services will be handled, and issues related to other agencies will be referred and tracked.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am ready to serve, listen, and act so every citizen of Hope Mills feels valued and represented. Your Choice, Your Vote, Your Voice!

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?

Strategies to help reduce the Tax Burden on citizens while maintaining essential services.

I recommend the following:

• Recommend adjusting zoning regulations to encourage affordable housing development, to help make Hope Mills an affordable and livable community.

• Update zoning policies, which will help create more opportunities for affordable housing development for lower income working citizens, people with disabilities and seniors on fixed incomes.

• Offer incentives to developers, such as tax reductions to guarantee building a set number of affordable homes.  Attract high-quality commercial and retail development that brings jobs and diversifies the town’s economy.

• Implement targeted tax credits for low-income homeowners,  especially for people with disabilities and seniors.

• Develop a property tax relief program that could help reduce the financial strain on the citizens most affected by rising taxes.  Look at the possibility of developing Homestead tax exemption programs that will help lower annual tax bills for people at risk of losing their home.

• Smart growth from the outside, the commercial and tax revenue could help reduce the tax burden on the citizens. This will help drive economic growth.

• Establish partnerships with organizations to help provide emergency assistance funds for citizens and families facing financial hardship.   Especially if the increase tax burden puts them at risk of losing their home.

Work with local and state politicians to develop  Tax relief programs, which will aid seniors to help reduce the financial burden and reduce the probability of losing their home.  

Develop affordable housing initiatives that will lead to more stable neighborhoods and increased discretionary spending, boosting local businesses and municipal revenues.

By taking these steps, we will not only lessen the financial burden on property owners but also build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive Hope Mills where no one is left behind.