news-record.com

Randle Jones, unopposed candidate for Mayor of Stokesdale

Occupation: Attorney at Law, Business Law Instructor, Guilford College, former Public Defender and Prosecutor, State of N.C. former Police Attorney, City of High Point, former Lieutenant, Guilford County Sheriff’s Department

Age: 50

Education: JD of Law, N.C. Central School of Law, B.A., Wake Forest University, B.S., Guilford College

Address: 8000 Eversfield Road, Stokesdale, N.C.

Previous elective experience: Original member of first elected Stokesdale Town Council, serving for 18 years, 14 of which have been as mayor

Other relevant experience: Member, Stokesdale Town council for 18 years, 14 years as Mayor; serving on numerous committees; former Administrative Board Chair; Stokesdale United Methodist Church for 14 years; former Rotarian for 10 years

Why have you chosen to run for this office? In these harsh economic times, Stokesdale citizens cannot afford a property tax. For 18 years, I have been dedicated to providing services without burdening my constituents with a tax; I intend to continue.
During my tenure, the Council has built a water system, established a town Deputy, land use, planning boards, a disaster relief shelter, bought a fire truck, helped pay off the fire station, paved roads, built a park and a walking track, funded bleachers, lights and a shelter for the ballpark and more, all without taxes. I have always considered it a privilege to serve on the Council and hope voters will support me once again.

Key qualifications you bring to the job: My key qualification is my 25+ years of public service to state, county and municipal governments. As an attorney experienced with municipal legal issues and 18 years of providing civic improvement without levying a tax.

Family: Married 25 years, wife Susan; daughter, Katelyn, age 13

What distinguishes you most from your opponent? 18 years of providing services and civic improvements (such as a new water system) all supported by balanced budgets with no property tax. Knowledge and experience of the unique budget and legal requirements needed to build and grow, yet preserve the rural heritage of our community.

If you were to give Stokesdale a letter grade on its effectiveness in managing growth, what would it be? I would give Stokesdale an A on its effectiveness in managing growth. Stokesdale has been proactive in this area by establishing a land use committee soon after incorporation. The town then adopted a comprehensive land use plan. Many of the provisions of this plan have been adopted by other cities. The plan has been adhered to and is designed to balance growth while preserving the community’s rural heritage. As a result growth has not been unbridled, but controlled and orderly.