16/10/2019
For those of you that haven’t read the candidate surveys for Fair Bluff published in The News Reporter online, I have copied my responses to the questions posed. Hopefully my answers will give some insight into my vision as a Town Commissioner for Fair Bluff.
Vote for me, Sherman Axelberg for Fair Bluff Town Commissioner.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for town commissioner because I have a passion for not only the survival, but the growth of Fair Bluff. I would like to see positive changes made that will cement the success of our beautiful, little river town for generations to come.
Why are you qualified for the office you are seeking?
I am qualified to hold the office of a Fair Bluff town commissioner because I have lived here practically all my life. I am also employed as the culinary arts teacher at Columbus Career and College Academy right here in Fair Bluff. Due to these facts, my roots run deep in my hometown, making me extremely involved and invested in the betterment of our community.
What is the biggest problem facing your town/city and how would you help fix it?
I feel the biggest problem facing the town of Fair Bluff is the future of our business district. Due to two devastating hurricanes, our business district has been left decimated and forcibly deserted. To help bring business and industry back to us, I feel we will need to offer incentives that will entice them into coming to Fair Bluff and investing in our town. If we can accomplish this, we will grow in a way that will not only be beneficial to us economically, but will also reignite the sense of pride that has always come from being a resident.
What will you recommend to help keep the town financially solvent in light of declining population and the accompanying decrease in state and federal revenues?
The key to financial solvency for the town of Fair Bluff is absolutely business and industry. We are going to have to attract the right type of commerce in order to grow our populace. We will have to really think beyond conventional realms to accomplish this. I think that the Wild Cat Rescue is a very good jumping off point. I believe that even though many of our lifetime residents will have a hard time letting go of the Fair Bluff that is recalled from thriving to***co days, they must also look ahead to new opportunities and a new vision for our quaint town.
What would you do to help redevelop Fair Bluff’s business community?
I would like to see a business district that focuses on and utilizes not only our beautiful river, but also our location in relation to Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Wilmington, N.C. The irony of the utilization of our river is not lost on me, as it ultimately almost led to our demise. The fact remains that the Lumber River, winding through our town, is our greatest asset, and must be used to rebuild, redevelop, and resuscitate Fair Bluff into an even more vibrant, yet humble North Carolina town.
