In our ongoing commitment to inform and educate Gaston County residents, the GBA is proud to present a comprehensive compilation of responses from the candidates running for office in Mount Holly, NC. We believe that there is great importance in ensuring every resident has access to the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Candidates were asked:
Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your professional background and achievements.
What inspired you to run for city/town council, and what specific qualities or experiences make you well-suited for this role?
What are your top priorities for your city/town (specifically pertaining to the business community), and how do you plan to address them if elected?
Please select one of the following local issues, and provide a brief description on your stance on the topic: Economic Development, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Education
To view candidate responses from other municipalities, please click here.
Join us for an informative and engaging evening at the "Candidate Meet and Greet" event, proudly sponsored by CaroMont Health.
Venue: Mount Holly Municipal Complex Date: October 12th Time: 5:00 PM
Come meet the dedicated candidates who aspire to serve the communities of Mount Holly and Stanley. It's your chance to get to know them, understand their visions, and learn about their plans for our beautiful towns. Click here to register.
Candidates for Mayor of Mount Holly
Bryan Hough
David A. Moore
Candidates for Mount Holly City Council
Phyllis B. Harris
Gloria Ann Mack
Jeff Meadows
Ray Nicholas
Kenneth Reeves
Bryan Hough - Running for Mayor of Mount Holly
Over 25 years in healthcare executive management and sales.
Co-owner of 4 businesses headquartered in Mount Holly employing 40 employees.
6 years on the Mount Holly City Council and 16 years as Mayor of Mount Holly
Mount Holly has a citizen-led vision that I want to be a part of leading and achieving.
It is important to have visionary leadership and fortitude to lead the City Council in making the best decisions for all of Mount Holly’s citizens.
Because of my experience as Mayor, in not only leading Council meetings but also leading the community, I am prepared to take Mount Holly further in realizing its potential.
Our City has grown and evolved over the years, and today, it stands as a shining example of community, opportunity, and quality of life. My top priorities are the following:
Continued focus on growing our commercial and retail business base which will take more of the tax burden off our citizens.
Mount Holly has lowered its tax rate from $.53 to $.405 in the past 5 years. I will work to continue to provide a competitive environment for businesses and a high quality of life for our residents.
Enhanced quality of life initiatives such as completing the River Hawk Greenway and its connectivity to the region, developing a public private partnership for the rejuvenation of Veterans Park, and the completion of the Ransom Hunter Park at Glendale.
Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of a City.
We need to continue to attract, retain, train, and equip our police and fire departments.
We have raised the pay for our public safety personnel and need to continue to provide vital support for those who put their lives on the line every day.
David Moore - Running for Mayor of Mount Holly
I’ve been a member of the city council for almost twenty years. I have also been on numerous committees, including the Mount Holly Recreation Commission, Transportation Advisory Committee, and several others.
I was selected for Mount Holly Man of the Year in 2000.
I have owned a local business, David's Detailing and Dent Works, for over forty years.
I was inspired to run for mayor because I wanted to give our citizens a choice. I have been considering this for many years, and I decided this was the time to do it. I have been a part of the city council for almost twenty years and voted Mayor Pro Tem five times during this period.
My top priorities are controlling our growth, fiscal responsibility and concern for tax dollars, citizen input, and recreation. I plan to work with the city council members to accomplish these goals.
We all have to work together to make this happen through compromise and group effort.
I think public safety should be our city’s top priority. I believe we should give all first responders the necessary tools to provide our citizens with a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Gloria A. Mack - Running for Mount Holly City Council
I grew up in Mt. Holly, the daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah and Jessie Robinson.
I graduated from Reid High School, in Belmont.
I’m married to James Mack.
I’m the mother of 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grand.
I’m retired, an Elder at church, author of a book.
Years ago after moving back to Mt. Holly I saw signs coming into Mt. Holly, "Playful City USA", I did not see anything for families making it a true “playful city” , which is my top priority. I owned & operated "Granny's House Activities Center" an after-school program in the Holly Hills Community in Mt. Holly.
We provided activities and a quiet place for homework.
Through my work with the children my husband & I received the Allan F. Craig Distinguished Service Award from Ida Rankin Elementary School in Mt. Holly.
I served on the Community Foundation, Historical Society & Black History Forum. I saw a need from each perspective. I would love to see our citizens versed in each of these fine organizations so we could get more citizens involved in the areas they are passionate about. I would like to see more diverse families touring, eating and shopping downtown. I would like to work with the Recreation Team to see the parks utilized with family friendly activities monthly or quarterly for all age groups inside and/or outside the building.
These would be cost- efficient programs/activities.
I would like to see Mt Holly become a place where we can host events to tour our city and all our attractions.
My stance on education:
I believe a quiet place can & should be provided for our youth that need it to come for extra help with homework, relationship building and fun activities.
I would work to try to get funding and staff for this venture. I believe this would make us an active "Playful City" like no other city.
Jeff Meadows - Running for Mount Holly City Council
Over 30 years in Public Service and Real Estate Development.
Retired Real Estate Development Executive, Substitute Teacher and School & Club Soccer Coach.
8 years on the Mount Holly City Council and 7 years on the Mount Holly Planning Commission.
Mount Holly has a citizen-led Strategic Vision Plan. Listening to the citizens is key in providing solid leadership while taking action on identified items.
All of Mount Holly’s citizens' voices must be in the room to provide authentic and effective leadership.
My experience and education has uniquely prepared me to act accordingly to make solid public policy to advance our goals established in Mount Holly.
Our City has grown and will continue to grow well with the attention to detail my background has prepared me to provide. My top priorities are the following:
Manage Growth: Continue to focus on demanding high quality development, Advocate for innovative ways to redevelop Veterans Park Downtown and the Waste Water Treatment plant to create mixed use concepts.
Monitor the Tax Rate: During my tenure, Council has lowered the rate from $.53 to $.405. I will work to keep the rate as low as possible and still provide a high level of service to the citizens.
Promote Financial Health: Track our finance structures, budget/expenses and our revenue sources and explore alternative public borrowing methods.
Economic Development is one of the most important issues in the City.
We need to attract and retain businesses to provide jobs and services to our citizens.
We have brought on a consultant to research and act upon opportunities for Mount Holly.
Ray Nicholas - Running for Mount Holly City Council
Retired US Army Veteran with over 21 years of service to our Country
20+ years of Freight Brokerage experience
Currently working in "Logistics" for two small businesses located in Mount Holly
Motivation: My inspiration for running for City Council came directly from my family and friends. My daughter, Christina Pawlish, currently serves on Council, thus has provided me with some up close perspective on the current state of Mount Holly. I currently see solid leadership in action and want to be a part of it. Supporters noticed my outgoing personality and love for the City of Mount Holly, this encouraged me to enter the race. My experience in the military has provided me with the leadership and organization skills that will get the job done.
Priorities: The following are my top issues:
Development- Assist in overseeing the successful completion of the development of the South Gateway (I-85, Exit 27).
Tax Rate - Flatline or continue decreasing the tax rate as much as possible.
History - Participate in a sound resolution for the location of the Mount Holly Historical Society (Museum).
Parks - Successful completion of the Ransom Hunter Park Project at Glendale Ave.
Growth - Maintain strong requirements, such as demanding high quality design, for developers wishing to build in Mount Holly.
Services - Ensure strong relations with City employees that provide services as they are the backbone to our future.
Transportation & Infrastructure:
City Streets - They are used daily by our citizens, let's make them the best they can be, fill those potholes, add lighting!
Traffic - We must study traffic flow into and out of the city with citizen input to make our roads function smoothly.
RailRoads - CSX safety while traveling through the city is important. Let's work to improve the RR crossings.
City-owned Properties - We must maintain our city buildings to make sure they can be used for our citizens' needs. Maintain them over time!