Candidate Questionnaire: John Best for Topsail Beach Council

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

Lower our Town Tax Rate. We implemented paid parking in 2025 to help pay for long term beach renourishment projects and add to our Town budget. Pender Co. Property Tax Revaluation Tax Rates will add to our incoming town tax base in 2026.

Collaborate with State and Federal Agencies to find real solutions to street and island flooding due to seasonal king tides.

Create and fund long-term plans to improve our small downtown pedestrian, bike and golf cart flows and parking. Create prettier landscaping and townscaping for a more identifiable town experience.

Create a new joint "Traffic Control Task Force" between Surf City, N Topsail Beach , Topsail Beach and Holly Ridge. Adding traffic control officers from all local beach communities to alleviate gridlock situations on rental check in check out days and before and after major storms.

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

TB Commissioners respond publicly to "live" public comments and criticisms during monthly Commissioner Board Meetings. We also respond to written comments by email or phone call.

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

My last 12 months in Office will be measured by early voting and on November 4th at the ballot box. Our Constituents like to tell us how we are performing regularly via public comments and emails read aloud at our monthly Board of Commissioner's meetings.

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

I attended fundraising events to financially support the NC Land Trust in purchasing and preserving our wonderful and wild South End property.

As Chairman of our Parks & Recreation Board, I supported the study and creation of our Parks & Rec Master Plan to preserve our local environmental beach and estuarine resources for public use and promote recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

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

I founded and grew a Public Safety Uniform Company from 1 employee to 108 employees over a 28 year history of high economic performance and sold the company to a national brand. My wife and I were always paid last. We created a budget, preplanned and paid our tax liabilities, made payroll, and paid for millions in required inventory. My wife and I know our town budget is funded by our residents , property owners and rentals.