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Incumbent Jeff Wenzel is joined in the race by challenger Walter T. Zabicki.
Early voting starts Oct. 14 and continues until Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 2.
Jeff Wenzel
The Daily News
Contributed photo
Name: Jeff Wenzel
Age: 45
Address: 315 Rose Bud Lane, Holly Ridge
Occupation: Photographer
Family: Wife of 23 years; two children ages 10 and 7
Education: Computer Science degree from UNCW
Political affiliation: The mayor position is not partisan
Walter Zabicki
The Daily News
Contributed photo
Name: Walter T. Zabicki
Age: 63
Address: 411 Belvedere Drive, Holly Ridge
Occupation: Substitute Teacher
Family: Married, one son
Education: B.A., Bloomsburg University of Pa.
Political affiliation: Republican
What are the biggest challenges facing the town of Holly Ridge and how would you tackle them?
Wenzel: The biggest challenges facing Holly Ridge are attracting more commercial and industrial businesses to Holly Ridge so our residents have quality jobs in town. Also, as Holly Ridge continues to grow, we face issues with sewer capacity.
Zabicki: The two biggest challenges facing Holly Ridge are education and job growth.
It is important that our students have a quality education in safe schools. Our schools must prepare our students for the 21st Century workforce. The graduation rates must increase. Getting a job, joining the military (or) going onto a trade school may all require a high school diploma. To tackle this issue, I intend to communicate with Onslow County Schools and attend as many school board meeting as possible. As for job growth, I want Holly Ridge to be a business-friendly town. I will encourage new and existing businesses that Holly Ridge is a place to open and stay in business. I will work to attract businesses that pay a good wage.
Why are you the best candidate for the position?
Wenzel: Two reasons: 1. I bring my experience in business. 2. I have strong relationships with other local municipality leaders on Topsail Island.
Zabicki: I am a mission-oriented person with a sense of urgency. I have worked in retail, manufacturing, the military, trucking, trash and recycle, Catholic Social Services and Law Enforcement. I have led, managed and supervised hundreds of people on two continents and in three countries.
How would you grade the current council and why?
Wenzel: Due to the tremendous growth over the past decade (229% population increase), the current council is having to solve problems no previous council has had to solve. They are working hard and looking for proven ideas. I would give the current council a grade of "B".
Zabicki: At this time, I am unable to assign a grade.
