September 15, 2013 TBCC C/O John Clapp jkclapp@aol.com Dear Topsail Beach Concerned Citizen Member, As many of you may know, I stated early after the 2011 Town Board election that I was not going to run for re-election. However I reassessed that decision and I would like to share several key considerations that changed my mind: 1. I believe the town needs continuity (both on the Board and in Town Administration). Our town has too often changed directions and we need a period of stability of longer than 4 years. Three Commissioner Offices are up for election. While there remain two very capable commissioners on the Board, it takes time for a board to become effective. The beginning of our new board in 2011 had its rough start and I was at fault for a portion of that. There was a point when I decided that I had to take steps to make things better. That is why I requested a meeting with Mayor Howard Braxton to begin the first steps of rebuilding trust – I believe that I met that challenge with our Board and I am hopeful that all of you have recognized that our Board is working better together and we actually get along with mutual respect for each other. 2. Due to certain circumstances, I felt compelled to run for re-election as a means to support our Town Manager. Tim Holloman has been a very good town manager for Topsail Beach. He has provided oversight for all of the big projects that we have accomplished in these past two boards and has done a great job. Nothing comes to my mind where he hasn't come through for us. He is a dedicated employee and has masterfully walked that thin line between all of our personalities (past and present board) to deliver on his job responsibilities. Tim and his young family are great ambassadors of Topsail Beach and I am proud that he is our Town Manager. 3. Continuity of Town Programs and Projects are important. Our 30 Year Beach Inlet and Sound Maintenance program, our Federal 50 Year Hurricane Protection project and planned capital improvements to our Town need to be supported. I have many years of experience with these programs. The following have been asked to each candidate by your TBCC Board: A short biographical sketch: I started and ended my corporate career at Philip Morris USA, beginning as an Associate Level Engineer and progressing to Director of New Business Development. I managed over 55 fulltime Philip Morris employees and about 30 contract employees from the Technician level to the PHD level Scientist/Engineer. My responsibility as Director of New Business Development was to lead and manage a diverse team - a microcosm of Philip Morris (Marketing, Finance, Engineering, Research & Development, Inventory Control, Sales, Legal, Regulatory, Project Management and Production). During my career I earned 35 patents and several corporate awards for cost cutting measures from the simple to the complex, saving in one instance over
$25 million. Currently my efforts go to supporting our family owned and operated businesses on Topsail Island, The Gift Basket in Topsail Beach and the Topsail Island Trading Co. in Surf City. The personal characteristics that make you a good candidate for Town Commissioner: I believe that I have demonstrated that I engage comprehensively in the process of governing. What I strive not to be is a Commissioner that just shows up, is handed a packet of information and then is “told” how to vote. I believe that a good commissioner should invest the time to understand the issues, seek input and then decide. I believe that I am a strategic thinker that can see down the path. This town needs strategic thinking in order to stay true to who we are. We need to protect and enhance our family atmosphere and values that Topsail Beach represents. Determination is a virtue, which can be construed as stubbornness. Of course, there are many instances when stubbornness can get in the way, such as when we’re not willing to explore other viable options or when we’re unwilling to admit when we’re wrong. I believe that I am always open to other viable options that may address the issue at hand. However, as I mentioned earlier, I determined soon after the last election that I personally needed to make a course correction for the betterment of our Board. I met with the Mayor and together positive changes happened which have been recognized and acknowledged by my fellow commissioners. Your political qualifications and accomplishments, whether in Topsail Beach or elsewhere: I was appointed to the Topsail Beach Shoreline Protection Committee by the Town Board in 2007. I was elected to the Town Board November 2009 and am currently serving a 4 year Board of Commissioner term. Since being elected I believe I have been instrumental in helping the Town achieve some significant positive results. I have dedicated many personal efforts to: o Successfully redirecting our first major beach nourishment project from Ocean dredging to Sound/Inlet dredging, saving the town millions of dollars. o Implementing the 30 Year Beach, Inlet and Sound Maintenance plan. o Implementing a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) qualified beach. Hurricane Irene (2011) eroded 27 % of our newly nourished beach and because we were FEMA qualified we were awarded a $6.3 million dredging project (paid for by FEMA) to replace the lost sand. o Reducing operating expenses, improving town administration efficiencies. Updating antiquated DOS software to current Windows based software, combining job functions etc. o Advocating and implementing the recording and webcasting of the Board of Commissioner and Planning Board meetings for greater transparency. For the first time in the Town’s history out-of-town owners (who are a majority of owners) can see in real time Town meetings. o Modernizing the Town’s website. o Facilitating the decision to purchase our new Fire Pump Truck. o Facilitating a comprehensive review of all Town Ordinances. Modernizing and updating many years of confusing and inaccurate edits. o Helping in developing and implementing a “Rules & Procedures” policy for the Town Board.
o Supporting the acquisition of the Town Center and the vision that our Planning Board presented to maintain and strengthen our Town’s family oriented mission. I will continue to work to find State grant funds and private funds to pay for this project. o Modernizing to NC State requirements the Town’s water system. Our Town is now very well protected with three times the fire fighting water reserves capacity. We also improved water flows to areas that were inadequately being served and protected. o Working with our Federal, State and Local elected officials. The Town of Topsail Beach in my opinion has never been as well positioned with the outside elected officials as we are today. I believe that a major reason that the State approved new funding mechanisms to help pay for dredging our inlets is because our Town was a leader in how to leverage Inlet and Sound dredging maintenance projects to the benefit of beach nourishment. Topsail Beach is first in line to receive funds to clean out our inlet this coming dredge season. All of the sand dredged will be deposited on our beach (approximately 700,000 to 900,000 cubic yards – similar to our first beach nourishment project). The issues or concerns – past, present and future – that you believe are important to Topsail Beach voters and residents and your position on each matter: o Efficient Government – I’m always looking for ways to run the Town more effectively with less cost. We have honed our budget process and the Town has been managed cost effectively. Our taxes are the lowest on Topsail Island, yet we have the best Beach Nourishment Program, best beach and best family atmosphere. o Transparent Government – I have been a big advocate for Town transparency and have worked to put in processes and equipment to address transparency. I will continue seek ways to communicate to our out-of-town owners and permanent residents. o Continuity of present efforts to maintain our Beach and Town – The Town just celebrated its 50th year anniversary which is a significant milestone. My history with Topsail Beach began in 1987. I have owned property here since 1988 and it is my observation that the Town’s infrastructure has never been in better shape than it is today. We need to continue to focus on opportunities to maintain our Town’s family beach oriented mission. Any other comments that you deem appropriate to your candidacy: I would like to thank the TBCC Board for this opportunity to specifically reach out and communicate to you. I have learned much these past 4 years as Town Commissioner and the most important lesson is that we all want the best for Topsail Beach – we can disagree on issues, but we don’t have to be disagreeable to each other. I would be honored and humbled if you were to vote for me this coming election. Thank You, Grier Fleischhauer