Candidate Questionnaire: Brandon Longo for Holly Ridge Council

1) What 3 changes, if any, would you like to see in the community you will be representing over the next four years?

1. Managed growth with a stern focus on infrastructure. Holly Ridge has seen rapid population growth in recent years, which brings opportunities — but also puts pressure on roads, utilities, schools, and vital public services.

2. Support for Local Businesses and Workforce Development. Promote small community-based business growth. Holly Ridge is well-positioned between Jacksonville and Wilmington, but many residents still commute for work. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the local economy and keeps dollars in the town.

3. Holly Ridge is at a turning point. By planning ahead, investing in people, and protecting the character of our town, we can make sure growth brings benefits — not burdens — to the families who call this place home.

2) What strategy will you implement to respond to public concerns and criticisms?

An effective strategy involves a combination of transparency, active listening, accountability, and consistent communication. People want to feel heard and understood, especially when they're upset. Gather all relevant facts before responding in full. Share what you’ve learned clearly and honestly. Invite continued feedback through forums, surveys, or community meetings. Provide results, not just words. Prove your response isn’t just PR!

3) How do you plan to measure and evaluate your success in office?

Set clear, measurable goals. Establish specific, time-bound objectives that are in line with your mission. Provide regular progress reports on ongoing work and any setbacks. Create channels for continuous input and review from community members. Show a willingness to adapt based on public input and new data. Mistakes or delays should be met with a clear plan to fix them, not defensiveness. 

4) Can you give an example of how you have supported a community project in the past?

One of the most meaningful community projects I’ve led recently was implementing Holly Ridge’s first full-time 24/7 emergency services staffing program — which included launching our very own paramedic program!

Before this, our town relied heavily on mostly volunteer support, which still plays a critical role in our response posture but often meant longer response times during emergencies after normal working hours when previous parttime staff was not working. I worked closely with town leadership, county and state officials, developed the operational plan, managed the budget, and helped build the staffing model that allowed us to provide around-the-clock coverage right here in Holly Ridge. The addition of a dedicated paramedic-level service meant faster, more advanced care during critical moments — and ultimately, better outcomes for our residents.

This project wasn’t just about logistics — it was about meeting a growing need in a fast-growing community. It took coordination, planning, and the trust of the people I served with. Today, I’m proud to say that the program is saving lives, reducing response times, and giving Holly Ridge the level of emergency care it needs and deserves.

5) What personal or professional experience do you have that makes you qualified to serve your community?

Professionally, I’ve worked in emergency services for just over 21 years, where I’ve developed key skills in leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, strategic planning, and community outreach. I’ve led teams, managed personnel and resources, overseen complex projects, and handled budgets with accountability and care. In this role, I’ve worked closely with people from all walks of life — often during their most difficult moments — and I’ve learned how to listen, act quickly, and make decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term priorities.

These are the same qualities needed in local government. You must be able to lead under pressure, bring people together, manage limited resources, and always keep the community’s well-being at the center of your decisions.

My background in emergency services has shown me the importance of preparation, transparency, and trust. I’m running to bring those same values to public service, and to make sure Holly Ridge is not just growing — but growing responsibly, safely, and in a way that benefits every resident.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a neighbor who cares deeply about Holly Ridge’s future — and I believe that with the right leadership, we can grow in a way that protects our values, improves our quality of life, and brings real results for the people who live here.