Sewer line cost spurs write-in candidacy

By Steve Jones - sjones@thesunnews.com

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ASH, N.C. -- Mary Knight wants to do what's best for Calabash residents, so she's putting herself forward as a registered write-in commissioner candidate in the town's upcoming election.

A registered write-in candidate, said Greg Bellamy, director of the Brunswick County Board of Elections, is one who has opened a campaign finance report file with his office. The reports are required of everyone running for office. Registered write-in candidates don't pay filing fees, though.

Knight's write-in campaign makes her one of five candidates seeking three open seats which have terms of four years. She was not included among the other candidates - Joseph ``Jody'' Nance Jr. and incumbents William ``Bill'' Dixon, Cecelia Herman and Emily DiStasio - previously profiled in a separate story.

Q | What is the biggest issue facing your community in the next four years?

A | We need commissioners that can work and talk together to service the needs of our residents. We aren't going to make progress if the board can't come to a consensus.

Q | What is your proposal for addressing that issue?

A | I'm running for office to bring the commissioners together as I have a business background and am a resident of this town and can understand both sides of an issue.

Q | Would you be willing to raise taxes if necessary for the success of your proposal?

A | That wouldn't be necessary.
Age | 65

Address | 1137 River Drive S.W., Calabash Acres, NC 28467

Occupation | Retired

Education | BA in communications, Long Island University

Civic and political experience | Board president, Children of Aging Parents; creator of national award winning project of Business Women's Association; patient advocate, U.S. Department of Mental Health and Mental Aging; member, Calabash Long Term Planning Committee; member, Langhorn, Pa., Chapter of The American Red Cross

Family | Married, one child and four stepchildren, five grandchildren

Military | None

Email/Web site | zoomer@atmc.net

Knight said she was spurred to run because of some residents' concerns of the cost of extending sewer lines to two subdivisions annexed after the original lines were laid. She said she finally decided to seek office when she saw the issue causing gridlock on the town board, and turning neighbor against neighbor.

Those who got sewer service in the original project paid less than $1,000, Knight said. Those in Pine Burr and Calabash Acres, where she lives, have been told they will be assessed around $10,000 each as the new lines are put in the ground.

The town needs an administrator who can find state, federal or grant money to lower the amount, Knight said.

``We would be happy if it was brought down to $2,000,'' she said.

Knight said she has been pleased with the welcome she's received as she's campaigned. People in the two newer subdivisions, she said, are afraid of change. People elsewhere in town "are tired of the fighting going on in town.''

She wants to be the consensus builder.

She said her business experience and that as a four-year resident of Calabash qualify her to be able to bring both sides to solutions that are equitable to all.