[ Philosophy of Leadership ] [ Louisburg Mayor, 1985-2001 ]

From The Franklin Times, April 24, 1986
This is one of my favorite memories from my years as Mayor. Former Mayor V. A. Peoples and I were joint sponsors of the annual Herring Breakfast.

Sixteen Years as Mayor of the Town of Louisburg

From 1985 until 2001, I served as Mayor of the Town of Louisburg.   During that time, we strengthened the financial position of the town, improved public safety services, and took steps to develop facilities to support expected growth. 

While Mayor, I represented the Town at the state and national levels.  I was active in the North Carolina League of Municipalities, serving as president in 1999-2000.  I was also a member of the National League of Cities Board of Directors.  My expanded service convinced me of the need for a strong voice for local communities and citizens, which has been an inspiration for my current service as a Legislator.

Progress in Many Areas

During my 16 years as Mayor of Louisburg, a number of projects were undertaken to create a stronger municipal infrastructure.  For example, a major annexation effort in 1991 brought much of the South Main Street residential and southern Bickett Boulevard commercial areas into Town--the first such growth in decades.

The hard work of our townspeople resulted in progress in many areas, including:

• a much-needed new fire and police complex
• a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant
• new roads, such as Johnson Street to connect the business areas of town and the extension of Kemp Road for industrial development
• an expansion of the water plant
• development of Riverbend Park and creation of Joyner Park
• Sandalwood Park, an office and business park
• the four-laning of Bickett Boulevard from Bunn Road to Fox Park Road
• new sewer outfall lines along the Tar River
• upgrading of the electric system from 4kv to 23kv all over town to assure reliable service system wide
• increased parking downtown and new retail/office buildings
• new recreation facilities in cooperation with the Franklin County Schools, Louisburg College, and the volunteer parents' group Teamwork 2000
• a National Register of Historic Places District
• 3 Federal Community Development Block Grant Projects, bringing improved housing, streets, water and sewer service, and quality of life to the South Main Street area, and 1 additional CDBG project in partnership with Franklin County.

From The Franklin Times, Nov. 10, 1999

Funding for the 4-laning of HWY 401 has been a priority goal of mine, both as Louisburg Mayor and as your House Representative.

Recognitions

In 1993, I was named the Outstanding Municipal Elected Official in Region K Council of Governments, which includes Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties.  In 2001, I received an award as the Intergovernmental Leader of the Year in North Carolina from the Joint Regional Forum.

During my time as Louisburg Mayor and President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, I met with Governor Easley and with other municipal leaders.

 

Town of Louisburg Makes Headlines in the Raleigh News and Observer

[ Philosophy of Leadership ] [ Louisburg Mayor, 1985-2001 ]