Arnie Osborn

Bio

Age: 54

Profession: IT professional, business consultant, professional actor, licensed insurance agent

Address: 1309 Brucemont Drive, Garner NC 27529; more than 5-and-a-half years in the Garner area.

Website: garnertc.arnieosborn.com

Previous Election Experience: I have only ever run for one office before and that one I won handily — it was for senior class treasurer in 1972.

Charity of Choice: I actively follow and am financially involved in many charities but, due to the needs of my youngest son, my primary charity of choice would be the National Autism Society.

Favorite Quote: Quotes for me change from time to time; it always seems to depend on the mood of the moment or what I might have been learning about at the time. I have two favorites right now. The first relates to how easily we lose our ability to govern ourselves: “The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” The second deals with people being too focused on the monetary gains of this world for personal reasons. My pastor often says, “I don’t see many hearses pullin’ U-Hauls.” You just can’t take it with you.

Favorite Song: The range of songs is so wide for me. Last night at my campaign kick-off, hearing the Boys from Carolina sing “Fox on the Run” took my back to my younger days. I also love almost anything by Queen — Mercury could sing anything. I love Collins when I am in love and Robert Cray when I want some blues.

Favorite Movies: “Patton,” “Midway,” “Pearl Harbor,” “The Birdcage,” “Some Like It Hot,” the “Lord of The Rings” series.

Last book you read: The Bible (every day), “Mark Twain: His Life,” “The Light and the Glory” (a history book), “The Shack” (that was awesome).

Personal Values and Influences: Originally from Maryland, I have been a resident of Wake County since 2004. For many wonderful years my wife, Susan, from Richmond, Va., has been a part of my life and we are happily married with four great children.

Our oldest son, 19-year-old Erik, is currently serving our country as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Our daughter, Shannon, is on the cusp of her first college experience at East Carolina University. We also have two younger children, Mary and Noah, who attend Wake County schools. Mary is attending 10th grade at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, while my 6-year-old son, Noah, who requires some special attention due to autism, is a student at East Garner Elementary School.

Noah and my other children are a huge reason for my run. Their education and the education of their classmates are a strong part of my passion. Also, I have grown tired of witnessing “common sense” being abandoned in favor of government control. Like all parents, I want quality schools and a quality future for my children and all of the children of Wake County. Along with these schools we need controlled spending, personal responsibility, and better focus on our families and neighborhoods — and we must hold government accountable at every level.

At our home in Maryland, my parents taught me the importance of family, good parenting, and the independent spirit that drives my political philosophy in favor of personal choice and against a nanny government. After attending a local college in Maryland, I served honorably as a U.S. Navy sailor during the Vietnam era.

The primary part of my service was performed on board the U.S.S. Richard E. Byrd DDG-23, where I held a top secret security clearance working with the Tartar Missile Systems.

Upon returning from active duty, I worked as a computer engineer and a realtor, and opened my own business in Maryland.

Additionally, I served as a youth pastor and mentor for ten years, which has given me a personal view of the struggles students deal with and has broadened my approach to school issues. In this position, I partnered with Baltimore City Police Department to put my skills as a conflict negotiator to work to help lessen the stranglehold gangs and violence had on the city’s youth.

My faith is very important to me, and defines everything I do. I’m a Christian, first and foremost.

This fact about me influences my entire worldview, including my political leanings. I’m also a registered Republican. While I judge every candidate individually and don’t vote blindly based on party alone, the most important thing to me is honesty. A candidate should mean what he or she says, and follow through on it.

I am a conservative. I want to have control over my own money — how I earn it, how I use it, and how I choose to give it away.

If the government takes away too much of our hard-earned money, then how are we supposed to scrape up enough to support a church or a charity, or even our own children? As a member of the Town Council, I will oppose unnecessary spending increases and always look for ways that the Council can be more lean and efficient, allowing Garner citizens to keep more of their own money and control of their own lives.

The issues

Retail incentives a good idea? Sometimes, if it brings improvements that benefit all

Should the mayor be given a vote all the time? Yes

Top two priorities facing Garner? Improving schools, curbing gangs and drugs: “It is moving into Garner.”

Being transparent, available, understandable during the trash decision? Council could have gone further in what they did. “We can say we’re transparent because we’re available. … Transparency is more than letting people hear parts of a conversation.”

Fire department (independent or part of the town)? Leave it as independent for now; maybe as town grows, put it under town

Build community center in next four years? Yes

Notable quotes: “Some members of our current Town Council have good intentions. … They have sincere hearts … but sometimes sincerity and good intentions don’t produce the outcome we’re looking for.”

“I’m big on raising red flags. … I’m the type of person that grabs a hold of it and stays with something until I get an answer that I’m comfortable with.”

“What’s a shame is when you read about that a guy’s car has been broken into three times and none of his neighbors have bothered to call in. … We’ve lost the fact that we’re a community. If you don’t know the name of the person and their children who live three houses down from you, you’re part of the problem.”

“You have a Town Council which debated over whether to spend $15 to $30 million on a new Town Hall, but we don’t have money for the community [center].God forbid people’s desk be too close together in the Town Hall.”

“I’ve been in the Town Hall. I don’t see people sitting in each other’s laps … but my children go to school, and my kids get shoved off in a trailer. … That’s overcrowding.”

Letter to voters

I wish to take this moment and thank both The Garner Citizen for the space and you the citizens for your kindness in entertaining my efforts as I work to earn your trust in my run for a seat on the Town Council.

I am a man who finds it easy to speak to people; the size of the group does not matter to me — three people or three thousand, I am comfortable with each. I am equally comfortable in a boardroom with the heads of a corporation or in a sandbox with children. But to ask me to place myself before you on paper is a very difficult concept to me. It’s almost prideful and boastful, which is not my nature.

Read Arnie Osborn’s full letter to voters »

Download Osborn’s mailing (PDF)

Gra Singleton

Bio

Age: 47

Address: 112 Newhaven Court. My parents moved to Garner in 1964 and I’ve lived in Garner for 45 years. I have been a property owner in Garner since 1985 when I purchased my first house in Garner on Bryan Street.

Previous Election Experience: Elected to Garner Board of Alderman (now Garner Town Council) 1993-present.

Charity of Choice: Garner Area Ministries

Favorite Quote: This is attributed to General George S. Patton: “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody ain’t thinking.”

Favorite Song: “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen

Favorite Movie: The western “Lonesome Dove”

Last Book Read: “Leader of the Pack: The Legacy of Legendary Coach Kay Yow”

Personal Values and Influences: My parents moved to Garner in 1964 and I grew up in Garner, went to school in Garner, and graduated from Garner Senior High School in 1980. I was taught at an early age to work hard and stick to the task at hand. My father had me cutting the grass when I was tall enough to reach the handles of the lawnmower. I learned a lot about hard work from working on my grandparents’ farm in Washington, N.C. for 7 summers. I started driving the tractor in the tobacco fields at age 9. I was priming tobacco a couple of summers later and learned that working hard all day long will not kill you; in fact, I learned that working hard makes you respect the simple things in life, such as a gentle breeze while sitting under a shade tree and enjoying the sunset while sitting on the front porch of my grandfather’s house (a house built around 1860). My parents worked hard at their jobs and provided for my brother and me. They also grew up working at a young age and both my brother and I inherited the “work hard at your job” trait from my parents.

I started working in Garner at the old Winn-Dixie in 1978. I then went to work at Hudson’s Hardware in 1980. After graduating from GSHS in 1980, I attended N.C. State University and graduated in 1984 with degrees in both business management and economics. I continued working at Hudson’s Hardware until September of 1997.

In the 17-and-a-half years that I worked at Hudson’s, I got a “hardware education,” according to Ms. Anna Hudson. I also got to meet and help so many folks who live in and around Garner. Many of those customers have been long-time friends and I consider it a privilege to have met so many wonderful people. Working at Hudson’s Hardware was a great experience for both me and my family.

I met my wife Tracey at N.C. State in 1984. We were married in 1988 and have 3 children. Our oldest daughter, Rachel, is a freshman at Garner Magnet High School. Our son, Harrison, is a second grader at Timber Drive Elementary and our youngest daughter, Emma Grace, is a kindergartner at Timber Drive.

We are active members of Garner United Methodist Church. Our children are involved in other activities in the community.

I have always considered it an honor and a privilege to serve the town that means so much to me and my family. I have spent countless hours working with my fellow members of the Town Council, with members of the staff, and working with and for the citizens of Garner. Protecting our neighborhoods and improving the quality of life has and will always be important to me. I look forward to the challenges in the future as we strive to improve the quality of life as we are part of one of the fastest growing regions in the United States.

The issues

Retail incentives a good idea? Yes, if they bring infrastructure improvements that benefit the community at-large.

Should the mayor be given a vote all the time? Yes, if voters approve it.

Top two priorities facing Garner? Public safety/emergence of gangs

Becoming more transparent, available, understandable during the trash decision? “We are transparent. If someone asks me a question, I’ll give them an answer.”

Fire department (independent or part of the town)? Undecided. “That’s why we formed the committee.”

Build community center in next four years? Yes, if funding available.

Notable quotes: “We’re at risk of losing the ConAgra facility. … Keeping those jobs is extremely important.”

“We have accomplished a lot in the last six years.”

“If Garner kids would attend Garner schools, a lot of these issues with test scores and [the percentage of free and reduced lunch students] would change. … We need to lead by example.”

Letter to voters

For the past 16 years, I have been honored to serve the people of Garner on the Town Council. In just a few weeks, citizens will elect two residents to represent them on the Council. I am asking for your support and your vote as I seek another term on the Council.

The Council has accomplished many goals in Garner in the past few years, including building more sidewalks and paving walking trails in neighborhoods all over town. We have had three major repaving projects on streets throughout town, but more are needed. We have opened three brand new parks: at Creech Road, at Centennial Park and at White Deer Park. We have renovated the restrooms and added a new and expanded playground at Lake Benson Park.

Read Gra Singleton’s full letter to voters »

Singleton’s mailing:

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Amaka Flynn

Bio

Age: 36

Current Profession: Financial analyst/contract monitor for North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Address: 108 Heatherwood Dr., Garner, NC 27529; more than 8 years

Phone: 919-633-9524 or 919-662-1097

Website: amakaflynn.com

E-mail: flynn4garner@amakaflynn.com or amakaflynn@yahoo.com

Previous Election Experience: No formal election experience; however, my board service includes: Aversboro Elementary School PTA, State Employees Credit Union Advisory Council, Wake County School Board District Two Advisory Council, Garner Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Chair of the Area 10 Employee Political Action Committee (EMPAC) for the State Employees Association of North Carolina and also Vice Chair for the Statewide EMPAC.

Charity of Choice: School Community Organized for Reading

Favorite Quote:  “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” -Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Song: “You Are My Sunshine”

Favorite Movie: “Lion King”

Last Book Read: “Pearls Politics and Power: How Women Can Win and Lead”

Personal Values and Influences: My parents always wanted the best for me and my brothers. They taught us integrity, respect, and the importance of a solid education.   We were taught to take on new opportunities and stand up for ourselves, our family, and our community.  Because of the core values I was taught as a child, I pursued my undergraduate and master’s degrees.  I have tried to serve as an example and also instill these same values in my children, Justin and Charleigh.

If I am half the person that my parents have been to me, I would like to believe that I have provided a strong voice for my family and now I would like to do the same for the Garner community.  I am community-focused, fiscally responsible and progressive.  I believe in collaboration, partnership, and accountability.  I have demonstrated leadership experience from the various boards that I have served. With my role at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services I have more than eight years of budget experience and thirteen years of advocacy, collaboration, and partnership experience.  I have experience with working with a diverse population and I have a unique ability to build bridges and bring key stakeholders to the table.  When elected, I will continue to be community focused and assure that your voice is heard.

These are critical times for the town of Garner. These times call for a strong leader.

The issues

Retail incentives a good idea? Yes, if development adds jobs.

Should the mayor be given a vote all the time? No.

Top two priorities facing Garner? Develop plan to market the town and community, improving schools

Being transparent, available, understandable during the trash decision? Review current bid policy, procedures and place process online.

Fire department (independent or part of the town)? Undecided; maximize resources.

Build community center in next four years? Yes, if economy turns around and town can find a partner.

Notable quote: “I’m running for Town Council because I believe Garner needs a strong leader, a strong voice and an advocate.”

Letter to voters

It is essential during these tough times that we are good stewards of every public dollar. During these times we cannot afford to miss out on important business opportunities because if we do, then families will work more, get less and pay more.

It is my vision to make government work for the people of Garner and to move Garner into the 21st century while preserving our small town values and atmosphere. It is imperative that we balance budgetary restraint with moving forward to remain economically competitive and appealing as a community.

Read Amaka Flynn’s letter to voters »

Kathy Behringer

Bio

Age: 60

Profession: Sales manager, Tupperware Corporation; 28 years; currently supervising 50+ consultants

Prior Profession: Psychometric evaluator, Wake County Sheltered Workshop

Address: 206 Penny St., Garner, NC; 16 years

Previous Election Experience: Ran for Board of Aldermen in 2003; lost by 51 votes. Ran for Board of Aldermen in 2005; elected.

Charity of Choice: March of Dimes/Polio Foundation

Favorite Quote: “One of life’s saddest commentaries is that too many people die with their music still in them.” — Oliver Wendel Holmes

Favorite Song: “Amazing Grace,” modern rendition

Favorite Movie: “The King of Kings,” starring Jeffrey Hunter, circa 1965

Last Book Read: “Southern Storm”

Personal Values and Influences: My personal values stem from basic Christian principles. The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” has been a guiding principle since my early childhood. My mother taught me that all people have worth and value, and my father taught me to work hard. Having been what was then called a “handicapped child,” I learned to persevere, even when reaching the goal, such as being able to walk without a brace and crutches, was a long way off.

As a teenager and adult, I have loved exploring history, “roots” and trends, and how we got where we are today as a society. Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “Never, never, never, never quit,” and “If a nation doesn’t learn from its past, it’s doomed to repeat it” are among my foundational beliefs and influences.

I graduated from UNC Greensboro in 1971 with a BA in Psychology. I moved to Wake County in June of that year and began work at what was then called the Wake County Sheltered Workshop. The facility is known today as the Raleigh Vocational Center. My first position there was personal and social adjustment counselor. After two years I was promoted to psychometric evaluator, and tested mentally and emotionally challenged adults for competitive employment.

I married Jeff in 1973, and we began our large family in 1975. I was a “stay-at-home mom” for seven years. When our fourth son was a year old, I went back to work for Tupperware Corporation. I made a choice to change careers because of the flexibility Tupperware offered me, the income — which was higher than my position as a social worker — and the opportunity to use my educational background to help meet specific, short-term needs of my customers and later to mentor the consultants on my team and help them grow. During the 28 years I have worked for Tupperware, I have been privileged to earn expense paid trips to Jamaica, New Orleans, the Bahamas, Hawaii (2 times), New York City (2 times) and Las Vegas.

During the early years of our marriage, my husband and I lived on Lake Wheeler Road, where I-40 E is now. We later moved to Holloway Road, just off Rock Quarry Road, immediately adjacent to what is now Walnut Creek Ampitheatre. When we moved there the adjacent property was an operating farm. During the process of Walnut Creek being built, I learned that one cannot just be a “good citizen” and everything will be okay. At that time I became involved in a southeast Raleigh Citizen’s Advisory Council and also served on a task force for noise abatement and traffic control for Walnut Creek. Our house was located on 4 ½ acres adjacent to what is now the VIP parking lot at Walnut Creek. After four years of enduring endless traffic issues, intrusive noise from performers and intoxicated individuals wandering through our neighborhood, we agreed to sell our home to the City of Raleigh, and we moved into the Garner town limits, which was the logical choice for us, as we already shopped in Garner, our pediatrician was located in Garner, and housing/land values were in a price range we could afford with our large family, now grown to six children.

After living in Garner for one year I became involved in “community watch” and have proudly continued my community service involvement for the past 15 years.

The issues

Retail incentives a good idea? Maybe. Determine on a case-by-case basis.

Should the mayor be given a vote all the time? Yes, if voters approve.

Top two priorities facing Garner? Economic development, schools

Being transparent, available, understandable during the trash decision? “We are transparent, although that is not always reported accurately in the media. … With the decision that we made, there were facts that were explained in open meetings that did not always make it to the newspapers. … I stand by our decision, and I think that our transparency was adequate.”

Fire department (independent or part of the town)? Undecided. “It’s an open question at this point.”

Build community center in next four years? Yes, when economy rebounds.

Notable quotes: “The gangs have had a presence in Garner for quite a while, and we need to work toward moving that out and not letting them stay here with us.”

“One of the key points to me is how the realtors sell Garner or not sell Garner. I’d like to reach out to the real estate community … get these folks … to see what we have.”

“We need to get positive articles about us in the media. I know that newspapers sell whenever you have something negative to say. But we have a lot of good things to say.”

Letter to voters

I don’t believe I have accomplished anything alone while I have been on the Town Council. We are an elected body, charged with making the best decisions possible for the good of the town and its citizens. I believe the best governing decisions are made when a variety of viewpoints are brought to the table.

Each of the five Council members, as well as the mayor, brings a different aspect of professional expertise and life experience into the decision-making process, and I believe this combination serves Garner well.

Read Kathy Behringer’s full letter to voters »

Mona Parks

Bio

Age: 56

Profession: Sr. associate research scientist, Talecris Biotherapetics

Address: 104 Stockett Court, Garner, NC; resident of Garner since August 1978. I have two daughters educated in Garner schools.

Website: monaparks.com

Previous Election Experience: Filed for public office in 2009 for Garner Town Council. Previously served two terms as President of Raleigh-Wake NCCU Alumni Association and served two terms as Regional Vice President of NCCU National Alumni Association.

Charity of Choice:  SPCA of Wake County and the American Cancer Society

Favorite Quote:  I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.—Edward Hale

Favorite Song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Favorite Movie: “The Notebook”

Last book you read: “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom

Personal Values and Influences: My personal values have been influenced by my faith in God which was initially instilled in me by my parents. Early in life, my parents taught me to apply the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Following this rule has always allowed me to blindly accept cultural and social-economic differences and freely love every individual. Like my parents, I have instilled these values into my two daughters and grandson with hopes that it will continue from generation to generation.

I was raised on a farm in Wayne County (Goldsboro, N.C.), the fourth of eleven siblings. While attending high school, I was a member of the National Honor Society, Debutante, DECA, and many other clubs and organizations. Upon graduation, I attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, where I studied biology and minored in chemistry. Shortly after graduation, in 1978, I moved to Garner. I am a member of Solid Rock Ministries International located on Creech Road here in Garner.

The issues

Are retail incentives a good idea? Yes, if they bring “sustainable” jobs

Should the mayor be given a vote all the time? Yes.

Top two priorities facing Garner? Bring new business, improve schools.

Being transparent, available, understandable during the trash decision? Find better ways of connecting with the public; “That way, when we do pass a vote, we know that it is what the citizens want.”

Fire department (independent or part of the town)? Remain independent.

Build community center in next four years? Yes, if funds available.

Notable quote: “I am the quiet storm, but you will be hearing a lot from me in the next few months.”

Letter to voters

My family and I moved to Garner more than 30 years ago because of its big-city amenities and small-town charm: close proximity to Raleigh, quality education, multi-use parks and cultural opportunities are just a few of the reasons.

Now the citizens of Garner are at a turning point; it’s time to combine ideas — merge the old with the new to get a fresh perspective — to make Garner the best town in which to live, work and play!

Read Mona Parks’ full letter to voters »