Meet the candidates: Carolina Beach Town Council

Election Day is set to bring at least a few new faces to the Carolina Beach Town Council.

Five candidates are running for two open seats on the five-member council. The seats are opening up as the terms of council members JoDan Garza and Steve Shuttleworth expire. Both Garza and Shuttleworth chose not to run for re-election.

The term of the town's mayor, LeAnn Pierce, also expires this year. Pierce also opted not to run for re-election. She, instead, is planning a run for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.

New Hanover County elections: Carolina Beach incumbents choose not to run

None of the candidates have served on the town council before, except Joe Benson who served as mayor of Carolina Beach from 2017 to 2019.

Voters in New Hanover County have three options to cast a vote in this year's municipal election. Residents can vote before Election Day by mailing in an absentee vote or casting their vote during the One-Stop or Early Voting period, which begins Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 30.

Voters can also cast their ballots on Election Day, which is Nov. 2.

Joe Benson

• Age: 51
• Address: 1414 Spot Lane, Carolina Beach
• Occupation: Civilian with Air Force Special Operations Command, president of Air Commando Enterprises, LLC
• Family: Did not answer
• Political affiliation: Unaffiliated
• Education: Bachelor's degree in meteorology (broadcasting) from Florida State University, master's degree in special operations and low intensity conflict from the Naval Postgraduate School, master's degree in unconventional warfare from American Military University

Matt Dunn

• Age: 46
• Address: 905 Ocean Blvd., Carolina Beach
• Occupation: Full-time volunteer
• Family: Married with two sons, ages 9 and 11
• Political affiliation: Republican
• Education: 1997 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington

Mike Hoffer

• Age: 51
• Address: 608 Seafarer Drive
• Occupation: Mechanical inspector for New Hanover County
• Family: Wife, Janet, teenage children, John and Sarah
• Political affiliation: Independent
• Education: Masters of Public Administration from the University North Carolina Wilmington, Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Deb LeCompte

• Age: 58
• Address: 307 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach
• Occupation: Self employed since 2004 at Sunrise Express Super Laundry in Wilmington and self employed since 2014 at A Wedding At The Beach in Carolina Beach
• Family: Married for 31 years to husband George “Butch” LeCompte, two daughters and one son: Stephanie, Grayson and Peyton, one granddaughter, Rylee, and three rescue dogs, Miley, Rascal and Scout
• Political affiliation: Local municipal elections are nonpartisan. However, in my lifetime, I have been registered as a Democrat, a Republican and unaffiliated. I recently rejoined the Republican party because I believe positive change must come from within. 
• Education: Graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in Mount Pleasant N.C., attended Kings College in Charlotte for accounting, attended Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, N.C. for criminal justice, Paralegal Certification from Southern Career Institute, Real Estate Broker License (current but not active), ordained minister from Open Ministry, Wedding Planner Certification from International Association of Professions Career College, Notary Public from Cape Fear Community College

Vincent Losito

• Age: 57
• Address: 910 Carolina Beach Ave. S., Carolina Beach
• Occupation: Corporate controller
• Family: Wife Kim
• Political affiliation: Republican
• Education: MBA in finance from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. John’s University

What are the biggest challenges facing Carolina Beach and how would you tackle them?

Benson: The two biggest challenges facing Carolina Beach are upgrading our infrastructure and continuing beach nourishment. The mission of any municipality is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its residents. Infrastructure is explicitly tied to that. Acknowledging its woeful state, Carolina Beach decided on a massive overhaul of infrastructure. In 2016, the town secured $26 million through municipal bonds. The money completed four of eight phases of infrastructure upgrade. Of the original $26 million, $1.4 million remains for the completion of the Carolina Beach Lake dredge project. Within the next two years, Carolina Beach has plans for expansion of the wastewater treatment facility and additional storage for 1 million gallons of water. It’s not until July 2026 when the town plans to resume work on infrastructure upgrades associated with the remaining four phases. Against the backdrop of continued development and a population increase, I would push to resume work on the remaining four phases as soon as possible. ...

Dunn: Common challenges everyone in Carolina Beach is facing include the need for the town to complete planned infrastructure projects like water, sewer, stormwater and roads. The Lake dredging and Marina bulkhead projects are important, too. I would begin to tackle these challenges by communicating to the public where we stand with each project so we can reset expectations for residents, businesses and all other stakeholders. Paying for some of these projects will likely include a need for the town to issue bonds, something that probably will not occur until around 2024. Projects like the lake dredging and marina bulkhead will be funded by a combination of sources. Some of our issues are a mindset and do not cost millions of dollars. We can mitigate some stormwater problems and conserve water during peak usage times through education and outreach programs. 

Hoffer: 1) Ensuring that we still have a beach to enjoy and a functional inlet. Beach nourishment and inlet dredging are paramount. Everything else is secondary to these challenges. 2) Living with the increased crowds that accompany the growth of Wilmington, Pleasure Island and local tourism. In addition to straining our infrastructure, roads and safety, it affects our local way of life. 3) Ensuring that future developments fit with the character and needs of our town. We must not allow new projects to negatively affect our community.

LeCompte: The biggest challenges facing Carolina Beach are infrastructure issues. Our water and sewer systems are five-to-six decades old. While we have a Five Year Infrastructure Project Plan, due to funding issues there has been no movement on the final three phases, which are the largest in the project. We will be applying for bonds that will not be available until 2024. This means at least another two years before we can possibly get funding while the streets remain in disrepair with many being unsafe for bikes, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic. We also need to finalize a new well and storage facility as a study indicates our year-round residents will more than double by 2050. I would tackle these issues by seeking other means of funding. I believe that every aspect of our infrastructure supports tourism. If our water and sewer fail, we would not be able to support the public safety needs of residents or our visitors.

Losito: Fiscal responsibility – Greater transparency to the community of what we are spending their money on and why. Infrastructure – Flooding, beach nourishment, land use, water and wastewater. Focusing on what drives people to the town – Focusing on the Central Business District and partnering more with business owners on new solutions that are a win for all. Parking – Seeking creative ways to both build more parking as well as ways to fund these changes

What should the town council do to secure beach nourishment funding in the future?

Benson: In December 2020, U.S. Congress passed the Water Resource Development Act. Embedded in this legislation was the 15-year approval for nourishing the 2.7-mile stretch of Carolina Beach's municipal beach. The approved project timeline was 2020 - 2035. After passage, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began working on a 50-year project for Carolina Beach. Not included in the legislation, however, was a commitment of federal funding. Historically, the federal government has contributed 65% of the project, the remaining 35% a split between state and local. The 2019 beach nourishment of CB and Kure Beach cost approximately $18 million, $12 million of which the federal government covered. Carolina Beach in concert with the Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach town councils, must seek assistance from our state Senate and House representatives and request an amendment to the Senate and House bills which assign the distribution of the room occupancy taxes for specified purposes. Council must petition for an increase of ROT to beach nourishment. ...

Dunn: Beach nourishment projects help beach communities maintain healthy beaches. Not only do healthy beaches provide for larger recreation areas for people to enjoy, their sand and dunes protect property and infrastructure during hurricanes and strong nor’easters. Oversight and half of the funding for the nourishment project has been in the hands of the federal government for years. The town council and staff will have to continue to stay in contact and work with state and federal representatives to ensure funding of the maintenance program continues. Should federal and state funding cease to exist, the town needs to safeguard the existing interlocal agreement (between all three beach towns in New Hanover County) outlining emergency funds provided through Room Occupancy Tax remains in place.

Hoffer: 1) We need to start planning for a future where we pay a larger portion of the cost. Currently Carolina Beach pays about 17% of the total which comes from room occupancy tax (ROT), not our citizens. ROT collection is strong and growing, so we can handle an increased burden. 2) We must work with our local government partners to ensure that we’re properly represented in Washington. No more surprises from the federal government! 3) We must coordinate our efforts with the other beach towns to be as efficient as possible. To be clear, this is far too important to be a group responsibility. The mayor and town manager must accept personal accountability on this critical issue. I’ll go anywhere, do anything and talk to anyone to help, but it must be the primary responsibility of the mayor.

LeCompte: Sand is not just important to our beach towns; it is important to our county and state. While sand is very important to our storm surge mitigation, our economy is inherently tied to our beach strand. We should continue to grow our reserve fund in anticipation of a day when federal funds are no longer accessible. We should also seek durable relationships with our county and state partners to secure funds for sand in the future. I do feel that we should lobby our state and federal representatives because ultimately, they work for us.

Losito: We need to do more of what the town is already doing which is focusing on our governmental contacts and marshaling more support for a consistent solution.

How should the town balance new housing developments and businesses while maintaining its small-town feel?

Benson: Carolina Beach has a vibe unlike any place on the East Coast. For many, the charm of Carolina Beach is a combination of its many unique places. The desire of residents to maintain our town's charm was made clear in the Land Use Plan. The 2020 plan detailed priorities and laid out a vision for the future. Residents acknowledge that growth is inevitable. Residents expect that permissible uses for development be adhered to. The small-town feel and charm are typically associated with older structures like buildings near the boardwalk and the pier. These places must be preserved. For many, myself included, the charm of such places was the hook that brought me here and kept me here. Our small town feel and charm go beyond what is seen. It includes the generosity of our residents. They have always rallied around those in need. Without question, this is the most generous place I’ve ever been. We take care of our own.

Dunn: The town should continue to offer amenities that lure families to Carolina Beach. While some homes have converted to rentals, new construction has added families to neighborhoods where vacant lots used to sit. There is a great mix of people in all stages of life living here. I’m one of three generations of Dunns living in the community. My family supports local businesses, as many of the owners are residents too. Carolina Beach Elementary School just started the year with 425 kids. We have a state park, youth sports, surf contests, skate park and a perfectly quaint Island Greenway for bikes and pedestrians. It’s a family beach town whether you are visiting with your family or if you live here full-time. I would like to see the town grow responsibly, while we actively work to preserve the small-town, laid-back beach lifestyle that residents love. I mean, who wants to go OTB?

Hoffer: In a small town you can walk to school, bike to work, sit under a shady tree, feel safe on the roads and find a parking spot downtown. New growth needs to accommodate these characteristics. Quite simply, we need to negotiate better on our behalf. We’re in a position of strength, but we don’t act like it. We must insist on keeping density to a minimum and require large projects to contribute to our quality of life. That means requiring road improvements, street crossings, tree plantings and bike/pedestrian access for our citizens. Nothing hurts the small-town feel like forcing everyone into cars to avoid getting run over.

LeCompte: Establishing, once and for all, what we want our town identity to be going forward is key to ensuring that any type of new development is harmonious with that established identity. Development is inevitable. However, we need to ensure smart growth that does not negatively impact our current infrastructure systems. I am not opposed to seeking preservation of the historic buildings on our boardwalk as well as our beach cottages, while also maintaining our 50-foot height limit. I would also like to pursue investors to put permanent family rides on our historic boardwalk.

Losito: I am all for new development on those lots that exist. We should also focus on the upkeep of lots that have not yet been built upon to keep the town looking great to tourists and potential new residents. I am not for more short-term rentals being added to the town.

What should the town do to address ongoing flooding on some streets?

Benson: In recent months, Carolina Beach has really begun getting after issues associated with stormwater. Hiring a stormwater manager and, just last month, the receipt of close to $2 million has helped in working to resolve recurring stormwater “hot spots.” Here’s what I would do: accelerate work on infrastructure projects, which would modernize the aging stormwater system; do a partial dredge of the Carolina Beach Lake, which would increase stormwater capacity while addressing the algae problem; add another 12-inch pump on the west end of Carolina Beach Lake as part of phase D (one of the four major infrastructure projects) which would increase pumping capacity in moving stormwater out of the lake and into the Cape Fear River.

Dunn: A town council-appointed committee assessed properties along the canal where tidal flooding tends to occur. Two of the nine properties identified as being responsible for the flooding are owned by the town of Carolina Beach. Taking the lead on the mitigation of the issue, the town is currently looking into the design of bulkheads and Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permitting. There is a need for a rigorous clean-out and maintenance program for stormwater catch basins and conveyance pipes in the area as sand build-up causes tidal waters to back up into the streets. Tidal waters can be prevented from backing up into the outfall pipes by adding functional backflow valves at the outfall side of the drainage pipe. It is also imperative to communicate with area property owners to develop a mutually beneficial plan.

Hoffer: I’m the only candidate with civil engineering and stormwater management experience. I can provide technical assistance. We have the correct measures in place (ordinances, staff, equipment) we just need better implementation, consistent enforcement and continuous improvement, and most importantly, maintenance. Stormwater systems require regular cleaning to be effective. It’s an unfortunate fact that many of the flooding problems after Florence were due to poor maintenance of stormwater systems. There’s already money in the current budget to complete the Carolina Beach Lake project. Let’s get it done so we can move onto new projects.

LeCompte: We need to improve the cleaning and clearing of our town conveyances (how stormwater flows to storm drains). When large rain events are forecasted, we need to anticipate and plan accordingly by clearing drains and conveyances ahead of time. New development or redevelopment dictates that we need improved and hardened review of the permitting process for property grading and fill to ensure proper handling of stormwater runoff. Development and redevelopment of parcels must be properly engineered by a qualified stormwater engineer. We need to apply strict penalties to those who fail to comply with our stormwater mitigation plan.

Losito: We need to partner more with the various stakeholders, whether they are homeowners, those with environmental concerns and our contacts at higher levels of government to look at alternative solutions than what has been tried in the past.

What makes you the best candidate to serve on the Carolina Beach town council?

Benson: Having served as an Air Force special operations officer for more than 22 years, my leadership and ability to solve complex problems in dynamic situations - including active combat - make me a good fit to serve on the town council. Humility is another quality that has served me well in the past. I make no successful outcome about myself. Finally, I pledge to remain accessible and accountable to the residents of Carolina Beach. While serving as mayor, whenever a resident needed to see me or speak with me, I made the time. If elected to serve on the town council, I will do the same.

Dunn: I have traveled extensively with a background in sales and market development. Believe me, a little customer service can go a long way. In recent years, I have been immersed in the community as a full-time volunteer. I have been a Carolina Beach resident for 16 years and I have two boys, ages 9 and 11. I absolutely love living in Carolina Beach, but over the last decade, I have not heard enough candidates mention the issues my wife and I talk about every night. Other parents, residents and friends share many of the same concerns. Someone with a different perspective needs to stand up and bring these topics to the table. I am capable and willing to do that on your behalf. I will encourage town council and staff to be more visible outside of Town Hall to create communication opportunities to give our citizens a voice. 

Hoffer: I stand out because I have a personal mission and I’m setting measurable goals. I want to make our town safer, greener and better for locals. I have a burning, passionate desire to improve the experience for bikes, pedestrians and all forms of alternative transportation. We have plans in place and I’ll see them implemented or be held accountable if I can’t. I’m proposing a tree planting program that will improve the lives of our grandchildren with 100 trees by 2023. Once again, a specific goal. Four years from now, no one will have to wonder if I achieved my mission. It will be apparent because I’m setting goals that can be measured!

LeCompte: I currently am serving my second term on our Planning and Zoning Commission. I currently am the commission's chair and have served as vice chair. I am also in my second term on our Police Advisory Committee. I chair this committee as well. I have worked closely with current and former mayors, council members and town staff on a number of issues. Prior to my first appointment to a town committee in 2014 where I served as chairwoman of the Boardwalk Ad Hoc Committee, I actively spoke at council meetings and at public input sessions. For example, I spoke out against the infamous Road Diet, the Arcadius project and in solidarity of a beloved school resource officer leaving our police department. I have extensive experience in working with our elected officials and residents to get results. I believe my 17 years as a successful business owner and my 11 years as a real estate paralegal add to my qualifications.

Losito: I am a very strong candidate for town council due to my strong and successful career in business and finance. I have had to create some out-of-the-box solutions to complex problems while being transparent about the financial impacts. I am a very transparent person who believes that more information is better. I am also well versed in bringing together diverse groups of people to come to consensus on issues that we are all facing.

Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at 910-343-2096 or edill@gannett.com.