Michael on the issues:

Our community sits strategically on U.S. Highway 321 between Hickory and Boone. Every year millions of tourist dollars drive through Lenoir heading to campsites, hiking trails, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We must identify ways we can better promote our beautiful city. Lenoir is filled with so many treasures. From our beautiful parks and trails to all the wonderful art that can be found and experienced all over Lenoir.

Lenoir has a skilled workforce and a history of success in manufacturing. We can lead on solar energy production and manufacturing - it's crucial that we do. Through this, we can transition our local economy to include more high-paying blue collar careers.

Michael will work with local stakeholders and other council members to bring innovative and forward-thinking solutions for our problems here in Lenoir.

As a member of the working class, Michael understands the issues that average folks face every day. He understands what it's like to work a hard blue collar job or for a large corporation, and to live paycheck to paycheck.

Michael believes it's important that we focus on our working families here in Lenoir. As a council member Michael wants to tackle issues like affordable childcare, public transportation, and seeking ways to bring more high-paying jobs to Lenoir.

Covid-19 has brought unprecedented economic challenges to businesses all across our city, and even before that small businesses had it rough. Michael will look to invest in small businesses across Lenoir and will continue reinvestment in our downtown area.

As a member of the City Council, Michael would look to represent the best interests of working families and our local businesses first and foremost.

Everyone who lives here understands that our environment is something precious to not only our way of life, but to the future of our region. Michael is committed to preserving the environment and our natural resources in Western North Carolina.

Michael believes that if Lenoir commits to focusing on protecting our environment and keeping our community clean this will benefit not just our local economy, but the health and well-being of our neighbors.

Michael will invest in our existing parks and look to bring in additional funding for revitalization. Additionally, he plans to seek new investments in capital projects such as hiking trails and park areas.

Michael will look to bring forward innovative ideas and seek to incorporate other policies that have worked in areas similar to Lenoir.

A few of these solutions include:

• Down-payment assistance for low-income and first time buyers

• Invest in high-speed internet for all residents and businesses

• Encourage growth of our clean energy economy

Lenoir has a skilled workforce and a history of success in manufacturing. We can lead on renewable energy production and manufacturing - such as solar or wind - and it's crucial that we do. Through this we can transition our local economy to include more high-paying blue collar careers.

Having more affordable housing and better career opportunities will help us keep our young families and bring other economic investment to the area.