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1. Do you support or oppose Titan America's plan to open a cement plant on the NE Cape Fear
River?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
I oppose the construction of the Titan Plant. I think the increase in jobs is a good thing for the
region but the negative impact that this plant will have on our water table, our wildlife, our
waterways and the increase of mercury in the air and the other pollutants that this plant will
cause does not make it worth the damage to our environment.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
I generally place a high value on individual property rights and the rights of people to do with
their property as is allowed by law. However, like many others, I feel the threat that Titan poses
to our air quality and downstream waters, as well as our critical aquifers, is of great concern,
and I am not in favor of Titan or any project or company that would pose such a harmful threat
to our quality of life, let alone our drinking water supply.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I only know what I have read in the Star News about Titan America’s plan so I would need to
study the facts more thoroughly if I actually had a vote on their plan. However, from what I have
read, I would oppose their plan to open a cement plant on the NE Cape Fear River. I would be
very concerned about the effects on the waterways and ground water in Carolina Beach since
we are down river from the proposed plant.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I am in strong opposition of the Titan cement plant coming to our area. This type of industry will
bring too much air and water pollution to an already fragile environment whose economy
depends too much on the health of our coastal habitats.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I do not support the construction of Titan America's plant on the NE Cape Fear River. It would
replace Ideal Cement plant which did similar work.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I am not in support of Titan America's proposed plant. I am concerned about the emissions of
this facility and the possible impact to the health and well being of surrounding residents. I am
also concerned about the impact to the Northeast Cape Fear River. I understand the value of
creating jobs and the increased tax revenues that it would bring but I would have to be
convinced that it would not create a health risk to consider it.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
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I oppose Titan America's plan to open a cement plant. I do not believe that the minimal amount
of jobs created are the worth the negative impact a facility of this nature would cause to our
environment.
2. Do you support or oppose the opening of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean region to seismic air-gun
testing for the exploration of off-shore oil & gas?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
I oppose opening up the Mid-Atlantic Region to air gun testing for the seismic air gun for
exploration of offshore gas or oil. I think any offshore gas or oil exploration along the Carolina
Coast would potentially seriously damage our environment especially our fishing and tourism
industries and negatively affect North Carolina resident’s quality of life with little or no benefit
to our local economy.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
As with any emerging technology or process, it’s important to know the details before forming a
decision. I am attending a seminar on this very subject shortly, and I am also in the process of
reviewing other materials on the effects of seismic air-gun testing in our oceans. Once I have
had a chance to review all the detailed information, I will be able to better answer this question.
However, on the basis of information available today, I am against any process that knowingly
harms marine life, especially whales and dolphins, and our critical fish habitats.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I oppose the opening of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean region to seismic air-gun testing for the
exploration of off-shore oil and gas. Since I oppose offshore oil and gas production off the coast
of NC, there is no purpose for allowing anyone to explore the location of off-shore gas and oil.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I am in opposition to offshore exploration and production of oil and gas. I believe a more
efficient source of energy would be utilizing wind energy.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I will be attending a meeting in Kure Beach on Sept. 24th @6:00 pm to learn more about the
environmental impact of seismic testing for exploration of off shore oil and gas. Until I have
heard both sides of this issues I can not make a decision.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I am not in support of seismic air-gun testing. The effects of seismic shooting effect fish within
an 18 mile range. The research that I have read shows damage to sensory hair cells of fish ears.
Impaired hearing in fish leaves them vulnerable to their environment. I plan to attend the
meeting at Kure Beach this month to learn more about this.
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Mike Worley; Councilmen
I oppose the opening of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean region to seismic air-gun testing.
3. Do you support or oppose offshore oil & gas production off the coast of NC?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
see #2 above
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
I am not totally opposed to offshore oil & gas production. However, I am extremely concerned
about any adverse affects such activities could have on our environment and marine life, let
alone our beaches, wetlands and tourism industry. The environmental impact the recent Gulf
spills have shown to have is unacceptable, especially if it were to happen near, or on, our
beaches and wetlands, let alone the impact on our regional seafood industries. While I would
heavily scrutinize any proposals for such activities to insure that they include any new safety
measures that could avoid incidents we have witnessed, I would not shut the door permanently
on every possible new technology.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen- Incumbent
I oppose offshore oil and gas production off the coast of NC because of the possibility of
environment damage similar to the gulf coast disaster.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I am in opposition to offshore exploration and production of oil and gas. I believe a more
efficient source of energy would be utilizing wind energy.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
It depends on the impact of their exploration methods, safety concerns of their operations and
finally the depth at which they will be working. The deeper the requirement for drilling the more
hazardous the impact to the environment. I would need to know these issues before taking a
position.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I am not in support of offshore oil and gas production. Although I see the possibility for jobs
and economic income, I also see the possible environmental damage an oil spill could cause.
Not only could this effect the health and safety of our marine environment, it would also effect
other industries such as fishing and tourism. I certainly am not an expert but until more studies
can be done, I cannot support this.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
I oppose offshore oil and gas production off of the NC coast. I understand the possibility that
wells off of our coast would not have to be as deep thus reducing the risk of a spill. However, I
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believe that any offshore drilling off of our coast could possibly have an adverse effect on our
shoreline, water quality and fishing industry.
4. Do you support or oppose lifting the moratorium on Hydraulic Fracking in NC?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
I oppose the lifting of the band of the moratorium on Hydraulic Fracking.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
Once again, I believe strongly that the appropriate use of personal property, as long as it is
within the current laws, should be acceptable. However, as with Titan, the uncertainty
surrounding the chemical components used and their potential impact on human health of the
fracking process, as well as other unintended health and environmental consequences that
could occur when the drilling process has not been done to a high enough standard, is not
acceptable. If it exposes our citizens and our environment to potential harm or health hazards,
then it is not acceptable to me. In addition, the recent suggestion that Fracking waste material
be re-injected into deep wells in the coastal regions of North Carolina is unacceptable, and as an
elected official, or citizen, I would fight to block that from ever happening here.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I absolutely oppose the lifting of the moratorium on hydraulic fracking in NC. I do not believe
that fracking can be done without a negative effect on our environment.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I am opposed to lifting the moratorium on fracking in NC. Again, our coastal environment is
already too fragile and the risk outweighs the reward.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I do oppose Hydraulic Fracking in N.C.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I am not in support of lifting the moratorium on fracking in NC. Again, until more studies can be
done to determine its effects on ground water, I cannot support this.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
5. As an elected leader, what are some of your ideas for improving stormwater
management?
Bob Lewis; Mayor
As an elected official I have worked with our operations staff and our management team
implementing additional storm water collection and identifying the major contributors to storm
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water impacts on our environment. As a town we need to identify all the major storm water
retention ponds and ensure that all owners keep them free of debris on a consistent basis. I
would also have the town assign our operations department to schedule inspections of those
business owners who house contaminates on properties to make sure these are disposed of
properly. Additionally we need to remove old non-running vehicles and equipment on
residential lots which may contain oil or contaminates.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
Storm water management in a coastal town, where much of our land mass is below sea level
and prone to flooding, remains a substantial challenge to all of us. In past years, Carolina and
Kure Beach have been in the forefront of trying to deal with this critical environmental issue,
and while Kure Beach successfully uses a dune filtration process created by NC State University,
our problem is more extensive in that we don’t have the ability, given current technologies, to
affordably divert the storm water flow away from our harbor. The ultimate solution requires
extensive investigation and a substantial investment by our town to try and overcome the
harmful effects of polluted stormwaters draining into our waterways or beaches. While I served
on P&Z and worked closely with the Harbor Commission initiatives, I made it one of our
priorities to see our town commit to a more focused attempt to deal with this issue and to go
even further in continuing to implement and improve upon current regulations. I would also
suggest we work closely with other coastal communities in finding affordable solutions, and I
stress affordable, and I would actively support a additional commitments to storm water
programs that have proven to work successfully in mitigating or reducing adverse affects.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen
First of all, I know that I am not an expert in the area of stormwater management. The town of
Carolina Beach has an excellent stormwater management department. They have used creative
solutions such as special sponges to help capture pollutants in our stormwater before it enters
the marina waters. However, I would like to see a more extensive use of rain collection systems
on town buildings. The collected water could be used for irrigation and even toilet flushing's.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen
When managing stormwater it is important to make sure our drainage ditches and outflow pipes
are up to date and able to manage the amount of development that is happening. I know it is
impossible to force the use more environmentally friendly lawn fertilizers and pest control
measures but I believe that raising awareness about alternative options is a big step in managing
the water that runs off and into our ocean. As a former marine chemist I worked in the field
studying harmful algal blooms or "red tides." It is nearly impossible to deny the facts when it
comes to seeing an increase in toxic blooms in areas where higher concentrations of fertilizer
runoff and into the ocean. Managing stormwater runoff is just as important as managing what is
running off.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
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This is an issue I would have to rely on environmental regulations on and follow the guide lines
that are currently in place.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
Some ideas would be to allow less impervious surfaces and have more vegetation. I would like
to see filtration systems explored and more underground storm water retention on new home
construction. I would consult our experts on this issue.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
I believe in incorporating more "green infrastructure" techniques, infiltration practices,
promoting public education and participation, continue to improve methods for construction
site run off, enforce illegal discharges into the soil and sewer and offer household waste and
pollutant collection.
6.
Do you support or oppose efforts to reduce single-use plastics? As an elected official what steps
would you support or oppose, a check out register Plastic Bag Ban, Fee, or Bag Return Incentive?
Bob Lewis; Mayor
I would support the reduction of plastic bags within our community and would help in the effort
to “ban the bag” promoting the effort at all of our retail locations in our town.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
I support efforts to reduce, or even eliminate, single-use plastics and I would like to work
towards the elimination of the use of plastic bags altogether. However, I also feel we need to
start with an public option program and educational process, and over time, advance from an
“optional” choice to a “for charge” program for plastic bags, to eventually the complete
elimination of plastic. However, like many things, we not only need the public’s cooperation
with these issues, we need their understanding. So let us work to find a staged program that
addresses this problem immediately.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I do support efforts to reduce single-use plastics. I would work with the Chamber of Commerce
to solicit ideas from area businesses. I am sure that we can develop a plan that will reduce the
use of plastic bags without negatively affected the economic welfare of our businesses.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen- Incumbent
Yes, I wholeheartedly support efforts to "ban the bag!" I know a big change like this will be met
with resistance but I am fully in favor of taking the necessary "baby steps" to get to the ultimate
goal of banning single use plastics like the grocery shopping bags.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I do support eliminating all plastic where feasible.
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LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I support the effort to reduce single-use plastic. I believe one of the best ways to reduce the use
of plastic is education especially with our youth. I am a member of a local group called Island
Women. We are currently working on a reusable bag project to promote in our community. I
would continue to support these efforts.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
I support efforts to reduce single-use plastics. While an all out ban on plastic bags would be a
major accomplishment, I feel that it would create a a financial burden on most local businesses
that would be hard to recover. I feel that educating the residents and visitors would be the the
most effective route while having less of an impact on our business community. Local
businesses could play a vital role in this education process.
7. Do you support or oppose policy to allow the use of more hardened structures (terminal groins,
jetties, seawalls, etc) to stabilize beach erosion and inlet stabilization?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
I would oppose the use of jetties, terminal groins or sea walls because the research does not
support the need for these man made solutions in trying to save our natural beaches. Even
where terminal groins are implemented beach erosion still occurs and it dramatically changes
the movement of sand nearest to the groin.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
I have attended most of the regional seminars on terminal groins, and other hardened
structures, and if anything is clear, it is the divide among both experts and scientist on their
effectiveness in protecting beach erosion, and their secondary impacts. There seems to be
evidence that some areas can benefit from hardened structures, and some would not. What
everyone does seem to agree on is that before hardened structures should be considered for
any location, that a long list of scientific studies, surveys and tests be performed to determine
suitability. As I understand it our area is not under consideration for hardened structures, and
likely would not meet the threshold requirements. So, I am generally open minded to the use of
hardened structures if all required tests, surveys and studies are conducted, and if there is a
robust and open public process where all the citizens can participate in the final decisions and
outcome.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I oppose the policy to allow the use of more hardened structures to stabilize beach erosion and
inlet stabilization. I prefer that the State allow one or two such structures in order to study their
effectiveness in stabilizing beach erosion and inlet stabilization.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I do not support increasing the usage permits in NC for hardened structures. I understand that in
some instances beach communities have become dependent upon them. However, great
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damage can be done to downstream beaches. Careful consideration must be taken when
considering this as an option.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I have always viewed the use of groins a means to restrict the migration of beach sand and
support the use if made fron large rock. The Corp of Engineers attempted a groin on the south
end of Freeman Park made of heavy pilings and timbers which lasted only a season. If large rock
groin was constructed those lasted for years on CB and were covered up by the first beach
nourishment. So I do support hardened structure if constructed correctly.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
I can support the use of terminal groins, jetties, and seawalls to stabilize beach erosion and inlet
stability on a case by case basis. I understand that there are pros and cons to this but we are
constantly being faced with funding issues such as inlet dredging and beach re-nourishment. I
do believe these options should be used as a last resort.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
I oppose policy to allow the use of more hardened structures. With renourishment being a
continual financial obligation to Coastal communities, I understand why some would not oppose
this policy. I feel that while an increase in hardened structures might decrease erosion and
provide inlet stabilization in one area, it would cause an increase in erosion in other areas. Thus,
not solving our problem of erosion.
8. Do you support or oppose the regulation of smoking on publicly held land including parks and
beaches?
Bob Lewis; Mayor - Incumbent
I support and have voted on council to ban smoking our beaches and would support the same
on public property such as parks.
Dan Wilcox; Mayor
As a non-smoker, I support limiting public exposure to second hand smoke, and more
importantly, in dealing strongly with the issue of smoker’s littering our beaches, parks and
roadways . However, I also support the right for people to smoke in open public areas where
approved. As an elected official, I would actively endorse extensive public educational
programs, signage, enforcement of existing littering laws, and aggressive expansion of public
awareness programs to address our littering issues. But I do not support an all out ban on
smoking in our public parks and beaches, or in other outdoor areas, as long as people are
considerate of others nearby.
Tom Bridges; Councilmen - Incumbent
I support the regulation of smoking on publicly held land including parks and beaches. As a nonsmoker, I do not enjoy cigarette smoke on the beach or anywhere else. However, I am
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concerned about our ability to enforce a smoking ban on the beaches and in parks. We should
never have a rule that we cannot enforce. We already have difficulty in enforcing our current
rules although I believe that we can improve on that performance.
Jody Smith; Councilwomen - Incumbent
I would support trying to regulate smoking in public places like beaches and parks mainly
because of the issue of cigarette butt litter. This is an example of an opportunity to raise
awareness for better management protocol in an effort to eliminate cigarette butt litter. I would
first encourage more effective measures for enforcing litter laws and issuing fines to those that
disobey before moving to extreme measures like trying to ban smoking entirely.
Gary Doetch; Councilmen
I support a ban on smoking in enclosed structures but not outside. My problem with smoking is
the litter and that can be controled by enforcement. My position on many of these issues would
have to wait until I have been educated on both sides of these issues. There are many differing
opinions from professionals that would require more study on my part to determine support or
opposition to some of these issues. Sorry but this is the best I can offer at this time.
LeAnn Pierce; Councilwomen
While I am a non smoker and loathe cigarette butts that people leave behind in many places
including my business which I have to sweep up constantly, I cannot support the ban on smoking
in open places. I do support the ban on smoking in all other enclosed facilities. Although I don't
personally like it, I have to consider the rights and freedom of smokers. I would like to see more
enforcement of the litter issue and education to the public. I would like to research the idea of
putting cigarette butt "pouches" at beach accesses to give away to smokers going on the beach.
Mike Worley; Councilmen
I see this issue being not only about air pollution, but that of litter. Since smoking is not banned
in NC, I feel that a local ban without a statewide ban already in place could cause a negative
impact on our tourism industry. Littering however is illegal and I feel that until a statewide ban
on smoking is in place, we should heavily enforce the littering aspect. In this situation, I feel that
the best education program is a good enforcement program.
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