Max Southworth-Beckwith for District 4 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 running for Pender County Commissioner, District 4.

I come from a family with a strong military tradition, and after high school I followed that path by joining the United States Marine Corps. I served two tours in Afghanistan as a 1371 Combat Engineer, conducting route clearance, demolitions, and counter-IED operations. That experience taught me leadership, accountability, and how critical planning and infrastructure are—especially when lives and taxpayer dollars are on the line.

After leaving the Marines, I entered the construction industry, where I eventually started my own business. Over the years, I have worked on—and helped manage—large-scale construction projects, including multiple projects exceeding $100 million, many of which were funded by taxpayers. This hands-on experience gives me a practical understanding of infrastructure planning, budgeting, and long-term cost impacts that is directly relevant to county government.

I also earned a degree in Political Science from American Military University, with a concentration in U.S. Constitutional Law. That educational background, combined with my professional experience, has served me well during my tenure as Vice Chair of the Pender County Board of Adjustment, where I have worked on land-use and zoning issues affecting residents across the county.

My wife and I moved to Pender County in 2019 and settled on a small homestead in Currie. Since then, I’ve watched the county grow rapidly. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen policies come forward without sufficient forethought regarding infrastructure, traffic, schools, and long-term impacts. That realization was my call to action.

With my military service, construction experience, and understanding of constitutional and local government principles, I believe I am well qualified to help guide Pender County’s growth responsibly and serve the residents of District 4 as their next County Commissioner.

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?

I am not the incumbent. I decided to run because I believe Pender County needs stronger oversight and better planning as we continue to grow.

First, I want to bring a deeper level of understanding and accountability to county construction and infrastructure projects. For example, when new schools are built, we should be asking whether they are designed to accommodate future growth—such as foundations capable of supporting additional floors—rather than forcing taxpayers to fund entirely new facilities later. Asking the right questions up front can save millions of dollars in the long run.

Second, I do not accept money from builders or special-interest groups. I believe elected officials should be accountable to all citizens, not a select few with financial influence. My campaign finance reports reflect that commitment, and I encourage voters to review them.

Finally, I will prioritize accessibility and transparency. I plan to hold monthly in-district meetings, separate from regular commissioner meetings, so residents have consistent, face-to-face access to their commissioner. Even if only one person shows up, those meetings will continue. That kind of direct engagement is what separates a politician from a true representative of the people.

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

First, I will work to amend Pender County’s Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs) and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVADs) programs. Currently, the county follows the state’s 10-5-20 acreage requirements. While those standards serve a purpose, the county has the ability to lower local thresholds. Doing so would allow smaller farms, homesteads, and hunting lands—many of which are currently excluded—to benefit from protections that promote agriculture, reduce land-use conflicts, and preserve our rural character.

Second, I will work with my fellow commissioners to amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) through targeted text amendments to better manage overdevelopment. Growth is inevitable—we cannot stop it—but we can guide it responsibly. Smart planning can ensure development reflects the values of Pender County while protecting farms, homesteads, and property rights without stifling economic opportunity.

Third, I will focus on fiscal accountability while maintaining—or potentially lowering—county tax rates. Waste exists in every level of government, and county government is no exception. Any savings identified should benefit the people directly—whether through better incentives to retain high-quality teachers, infrastructure improvements, or tax relief to offset rising property valuations. Citizens deserve transparency, accountability, and a real voice in how their money is spent.