CANDIDATE PROFILE: Hays says past experience will help council

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The race for Wilmington City Council is well underway, and one candidate said her previous experiences on the city’s planning commission and housing authority prepare her for a seat on the council.

Deb Hays said that experience also shows her dedication to the Port City.

“We want to set Wilmington up so that it is the city that people pick at instead of us having to go out and pick companies and businesses and try and get them to us,” Hays said.

One of Hays’ goals if elected, encouraging and fostering growth.

“The most specific idea is we’ve got to get this Comprehensive Plan enacted so that we then can write the land development code,” Hays said. “That’s going to spur all types of opportunities for businesses and developers to come into Wilmington.”

For Hays, code enforcement is also key to keep the city looking its best.

“We want to make sure that our city is clean, warm and welcoming,” Hays said. “A clean city is reflective of a very safe city and a place that people want to come and live.”

Another top issue for Hayes — crime.

“I really want to look at doing more joint New Hanover County, City of Wilmington law enforcement,” Hays said.

The top priority for Hays, if elected, listening to her constituents.

“Once you’re elected, you are representing all the people,” Hays said. “Every single one of them. And that’s important.”

Early voting begins on October 22. Election Day is November 3.

Click here to learn more about candidates running in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties.