Lisa F. Tremmel

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

We need economic growth in Hope Mills but it needs to be the right kind of growth. I believe Hope Mills can attract family sustaining jobs. When you have 1800 applicants for 50 open positions at the new Wawa Travel Center, you know there is a workforce available in Hope Mills. We need to get our infrastructure up to current and future needs. This will allow potential employers to see that we have highways available for their transportation needs and accessibility. Our zoning laws need to be looked at and updated as well. Spaces needed for industrial parks near our 295 junction need to be set aside to attract new businesses. Community engagement is extremely important.  Public forums and surveys foster a sense of ownership. We need to hear from the citizens of Hope Mills concerning what they want their future to look like.  Together, we can see Hope Mills thrive!

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

One of the biggest issues facing Hope Mills is the latest tax increase. Most homeowners are facing at least a 60% increase. This is unacceptable.  The budget must be looked at-line by line.  Needs must be prioritized before wants. Essential services must be prioritized but scrutinized to see if there is any wasteful spending. Once the genie of tax increase is out of the bottle, it is very difficult to backtrack. I believe that the Board, working hand in hand with the Mayor and the Town Manager can get the budget under control. It’s going to take all of us working together. Another issue is unfettered growth of housing developments and apartment buildings. We need to place a moratorium on this type of growth until infrastructure can catch up. Hope Mills is a community that is 10 miles square. Only so many people can fit in that area. Established neighborhoods should not be destroyed just to put up cookie-cutter housing. The Board can work with the town Planner and the County on the future growth of Hope Mills that will satisfy current residents and future employers.

What makes you the best candidate to represent Hope Mills?

I believe the greatest thing I can do as a Commissioner is listen to the citizens and vote their voices. My primary responsibility is to serve the community. Our citizens’ voices will be my priority. For too long, citizen voices have been placed on the back burner. I know in a town of 18,000 people, not everyone will be happy with decisions made. But I will listen and vote with the majority. Working together, I believe we can restore the unique appeal of Hope Mills.

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?

The budget needs looked at-line by line. Non essentials need to be removed. Individual households tighten belts and budgets year after year. The town can do no less. Residents need to be informed of the programs available to help with their tax bill. Income based reductions need changed to disabled and/or retired with no income restrictions.