Candidate Questionnaire: Hugh A. Cannady for Surf City 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. Implement a revenue-neutral budget in 2026/2027 to stabilize property taxes and provide relief for residents.

2. Improve infrastructure, roads, stormwater, water/sewer, and sidewalks to keep pace with Surf City’s growth.

3. Continued investment in public safety and beach/waterway protection to ensure Surf City remains safe, resilient, and family-friendly.

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

My approach is grounded in fairness, accountability, and open communication. I plan to maintain an open-door policy. With 28 years of experience in the Highway Patrol, I understand that listening first and responding with respect is key. I will always provide reasonable, rational, logical and ethical explanations for decisions, even when we may not all agree.

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

Success will be measured in two ways: through tangible outcomes and community trust. Tangible outcomes include stabilizing taxes through a revenue-neutral budget, delivering needed infrastructure improvements, and strengthening public safety services. Equally important, success means residents feel heard, respected, and confident that decisions are being made reasonably, rationally, logically and ethically.

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

As a current Surf City Town Councilman, I’ve supported infrastructure planning, budget decisions, and projects that directly improve quality of life, such as expanding sidewalks and investing in beach renourishment. Outside of council, I’ve also contributed as a longtime volunteer at community events. I’ve worked to build strong relationships with civic organizations, encouraging their support and, when possible, their contributions of funding to important projects like the multi-use path, which will create greater interconnectivity throughout Surf City. Each effort reflects my commitment to strengthening our town for current residents and future generations.

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

I bring a lifetime of service and local commitment. I retired in 2022 after 28 years with the NC State Highway Patrol, serving Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, and Onslow counties. That experience has given me a deeper understanding of public safety and the challenges that our public safety officers face every day. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. I completed NC State’s Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) in 2020, which provided strong training in public administration. I am a 30-year resident of Surf City, husband, small business owner, father of a Topsail High School senior, and HOA president of my neighborhood. I understand the needs of our families and the local economy. Having served on Surf City Town Council since 2023, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities our town faces. My decision-making approach, which is based on being Reasonable, Rational, Logical, and Ethical, guides me in ensuring Surf City continues to thrive while preserving its coastal, family-friendly character.