Red Springs mayor pro tem John McNeill has filed for mayor.

McNeill is a 1973 graduate from UNCP with degrees in political science and history. He is the owner of McNeill Jewelers and has served as president of Advancement Inc., a four-county economic development organization; is a past chairman and the current treasurer of the Robeson County Committee of 100, a county economic development organization and the developers of the local industrial building now occupied by Tredgar; and is the vice chairman of the Robeson County Democratic party. John has served as president of the Red Springs Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Rotary Club, a director of the Flora McDonald Highland games, and a member of Fissle Renovators.

John is married to Betsy McNeill and they have five children and one grandson. They attend the Red Springs Presbyterian Church.

As stated in his press release, McNeill says: “I am running for the office of mayor for the Town of Red Springs. Even though our town has many difficult problems that must be dealt with, it also has many positive attributes. It’s biggest asset, as I saw first hand over the last three years, are the many residents who care so deeply for Red Springs.

“I have many concerns about our town, but five core areas of priority. First, we have to see that our town government serves the community and not town hall. Second, the governing board should be more open and make all of the town’s business more accessible. Third, making our town clean again and protecting our neighborhoods has to be a major concern of the governing body. Fourth, the board has to better understand and redefine its role under the manager form of government that Red Springs embraces. Last, we have to be more aggressive in economic development.

“Over the last three years our town became one that quoted policy and ordinances in denying our citizens assistance.

“Granted, governmental bodies have to operate under a set of standards that apply to everyone equally, but in the preceding thirty years, our town’s approach was telling citizens how we could help, not why we could not. We have to return to a citizen friendly town government.

“It is inexpensive and relatively simple with today’s technology to provide our residents with all information regarding their local government. The town has a website and it should have the town’s ordinances, charter, zoning regulations, and personnel policies accessible. Most important, the budget and audit should also be available. This will make all interested citizens more informed, and it will also ensure that the governing board better understands the budget when they have to be able to explain and defend its contents to their constituents.

Our town government has regressed from one that reflected it’s citizen’s pride in their yards, homes, and neighborhoods to one that ignored its own rules and regulations and has allowed dilapidated and burned homes to exist without enforcing our town’s ordinances. We have also failed in preventing youth homes to spring up in our residential neighborhoods. A town government has to protect its neighborhoods and work for a cleaner community; this is one of its most vital roles.

Like most towns and cities, we have a manager form of government. It is vital that the governing body has a good working relationship with the manager. This does not mean that the manager should be blindly supported or followed. It is also important that the governing body directs, oversees, and holds the manager accountable for his actions, performance, and compliance with the town’s policies, and his ability to get things accomplished.

Red Springs has to be more aggressive in attracting job creating industries and commercial developments. Our tax base has steadily declined, this has to be reversed. I have over 20 years of experience in economic development, through Advancement Inc. and the Committee of 100. Plus, I have had discussions with ElecterCities concerning using their proven programs in assisting us, at no cost to the town, in attracting commercial businesses like restaurants and other retail businesses.

I have called Red Springs home my entire life. The reason I am running is because I care greatly about our town. My position and willingness to speak out should be ample evidence that I care, understand right from wrong, and have no agenda but to bring our town back to one that serves its citizens. There are a lot of things I consider wrong, but I choose not to criticize but to offer a better and more effective way to make our town government one we can agree to be proud of and support. Everyone should understand that this race is about issues and our town’s direction, not about personalities. When this election is over I sincerely hope that everyone, regardless of the outcome, can join hands and work together for a better Red Springs.