Joe Cina for District 1 Commissioner

1. Tell us a little about yourself, including the position you are running for and what are your qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I am a proud single father of 3 children growing up in the Pender County School System. I am a homeowner and a business owner in Pender County. I am also a volunteer and servant in our community and have been for decades, not just because I am running for office. A graduate of UNCW with 20 years dedicated to law enforcement in NC. This is not my first run for County Commissioner in Pender County. In fact this is my 3rd run for the seat as I am dedicated to our community and defending its citizens.

The difference between me and the other candidates is simple. I will continue to serve this community, paid or unpaid as I have for over 2 decades. I will not disappear after this election as many other candidates have done in the past.

2. If you are an incumbent, what have been your greatest accomplishments for the community while in office? If you are not an incumbent, what inspired you to run for this office and what changes would you make?

As a homeowner, business owner, with 3 children growing up in Pender County I have witnessed many high and lows in our community over the last 2 decades. The majority of which have affected my life and my children's life personally. Due to these experiences, I have pursued this seat repeatedly over the last decade. I have faced challenges, smear campaigns, and setbacks, but I am still here, ready to fight for every resident of Pender County. Being told repeatedly that this is just the way things are is no longer acceptable.

I will open up communication between the citizens of our community and local government from day one. An elected official should be known by his or her community and not be a stranger. That is the first step in healing our community's relationship with our local leaders and beginning to build back community trust. We must work together in order to heal our community and move forward.

3. Please name 3 goals you would work to complete during your term if elected.

1. Immediately fight for equal representation throughout Pender County particularly on the east side where currently only 2 representatives are responsible for over 50% of the population and 3 representatives make up less than 50% of our population locally.

2. Immediately seek changes to our outdated 2010 Unified Development Ordinances. These unaddressed outdated ordinances continue to put our community at risk and damage our already strained infrastructure. It is time to address these concerns and stop making them talking points.

3. Immediately work hand and hand with the Pender County School Board to help them solve overcrowding, school safety, and bus transportation concerns.