Black Mountain Aldermen candidate Q&A
Get to know the field of candidates seeking seats on the town’s governing board this November
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 7, 2020
Residents of Black Mountain will vote, Tuesday, Nov. 3, to fill three seats on the town’s board of aldermen. Six candidates remain in the race that will decide the majority of the five-person board.
Learn more about the background, priorities and vision of each candidate in their responses to questions from “The Valley Echo.”
Archie Pertiller, Jr.
“I am the fifth of seven generations who have lived, and still live, in the Town of Black Mountain. I am a graduate of Owen High School, class of 1974, and I have lived in Black Mountain all but 12 years of my life.” Archie Pertiller, Jr.
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Archie Pertiller, Jr.: I am the fifth of seven generations who have lived, and still live, in the Town of Black Mountain. I am a graduate of Owen High School, class of 1974, and I have lived in Black Mountain all but 12 years of my life. During those 12 years, I attended Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, served in the U.S. Air Force and lived in Long Beach, CA.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Pertiller: After retiring as a state employee for 29 years, I am currently the CEO and co-owner of NCI Plus, LLC, a competency-based standardized curriculum designed for people who provide services to people who require support, and for people otherwise interacting with consumers of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
Pertiller: As a life-long resident of the Town of Black Mountain, I can’t imagine a better way to give back to this community than to be their voice as alderman.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
Pertiller: I have had the privilege of serving on many boards and committees throughout my career to include the following:
• Executive Board of Directors, Swannanoa Valley Montessori School (Black Mountain Montessori), Chair.
• NCI Quality Assurance Committee, State of NC, Chair
• MLK Prayer Breakfast Committee, Chair
• UMAR Board of Trustees, Current Member
• Black Mountain Zoning Board, Member
• State Employees’ Credit Union Advisory Board, Member
• State Employees’ Credit Union Loan Review Committee, Member
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
Pertiller: The rate of growth of Black Mountain, access to affordable housing and maintaining and developing a sustainable infrastructure are the three key issues the town is currently facing.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Pertiller: To build relationships with my fellow alderman and the community to create a collaborative and transparent atmosphere.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
Pertiller: My vision is to see Black Mountain continue to grow and prosper without losing the integrity of a small town.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
Pertiller: I would work collaboratively with other board members by keeping lines of communication open, by actively listening to other points of view and, most importantly, respecting the views and visions of my fellow board members.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Pertiller: Please visit my Facebook page and feel free to ask me questions, express your concerns, or read my position and thoughts on local issues.
Doug Hay
“The top priority needs to be supporting the town through the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes keeping members of the community safe, but also supporting our businesses, downtown, citizens and quality of life.” Doug Hay
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Doug Hay: I have lived in Black Mountain since early 2016, but my history with this town dates back to the day I was born. My father was a Presbyterian minister so we moved around a bit, but each year I spent significant time visiting my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins who lived in Black Mountain and Asheville. While I’m not a lifelong resident, my passion for this town is deep and rooted in generations of family members that have called Black Mountain home. Now, as I watch my family grow up here, I want nothing more than for Black Mountain to be a place that thrives for future generations.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Hay: I'm the COO of a fitness and nutrition website, podcast and coaching program where I help people from all over the world achieve their health goals. This ability to connect and communicate with people online is especially important right now during the pandemic, but will also be a critical piece to foster community involvement and input in town decisions.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
Hay: I'm running for alderman because I believe we need a stronger plan for the future of Black Mountain. As I picture my daughter (soon to be two daughters) growing up here, I want them to live in a town that prioritizes green spaces and a thriving downtown, focuses on intentional, environmentally sound development and has a transparent government that works for the people. We are a little town that rocks, but we're also a town that gardens, runs, hikes, sews, dances, creates, plays and gives back, and I believe that together we can help shape Black Mountain for a future that truly lifts up the entire community.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
Hay: When I set my mind to something, I follow through. This has been critical in my previous work for eight years in Washington, D.C. with the Fulbright Scholar Program, throughout my ultramarathon running career and now as an entrepreneur of a digital business. I would bring that commitment and drive to everything I did on the board of aldermen.
Through my current work, I have developed countless skills hosting online trainings and events and reaching people through digital means. I could use those skills to help bring the board of aldermen and town further into the digital age.
One other important strength I have is my ability to listen and connect. As an alderman, I would be working for the people of this town, which means I'm only successful if I know and understand your priorities and goals just as much as my own. I would commit to regular community and outreach -- virtual or in-person once restrictions are lifted -- in order for citizens to both learn what is going on in town government and have an opportunity to share their input and concerns.
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
Hay: (1) The top priority needs to be supporting the town through the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes keeping members of the community safe, but also supporting our businesses, downtown, citizens and quality of life. I believe we need a stronger public relations campaign around guidelines for our out-of-state visitors and a commitment from the town to provide the community needed support.
(2) Beyond that, we must plan for future development and growth. We have seen Black Mountain transform over the past several years and that growth will only continue. It's time we get intentional in how we handle it, with proactive infrastructure upgrades and updating of regulations so that the needs of the community are met. If managed properly, I view the growth as an opportunity for Black Mountain to enhance what the town has to offer and improve the quality of life for citizens.
(3) We must have a more transparent, community-centered government where members of the board are regularly reaching out to the community for input and comment. I would do this through regular town hall style events, and by making sure the town and board are reaching out through all available channels like social media and news media such as The Valley Echo.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Hay: My top priority would be to enhance our shared community spaces, green spaces and downtown. Right now especially, as many of us are staying closer to home, we're all growing more attached to the spaces that safely bring us together. I would get serious about finishing the greenway project, prioritizing the upkeep and beautification of Lake Tomahawk and Veterans Park, and providing promotion and opportunities for people to experience downtown shops and restaurants in creative new ways.
Many of the neighboring towns have seized opportunities to create destination parks, playgrounds or greenways, and established strong partnerships between the towns and their local chambers of commerce to enhance their downtowns. Black Mountain has so much to offer and I would help ensure that we're continuing to elevate the town for both citizens and visitors.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
Hay: When I think about Black Mountain's future, I can't help but think about my children growing up and what I would want for them. A big part of that is a town government that stands for the citizens.
We can do that by ensuring intentional, environmentally friendly development so that we all have a safe, secure and affordable place to live. We can do that by further investing in the shared spaces and green spaces that bring the community together, to play and thrive. And, we can do that by further escalating the relationship between the town and the downtown, with better promotion, regular events for community members, beautification and organization.
But we must do it in an open and transparent way that involves citizen input and provides fair avenues for community members to get involved and participate.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
Hay: I believe that anyone serving on the board wants what is best for Black Mountain, and that even if we don't always agree on how to go about something, we can find common ground and get things done. I know that many of the priorities I've outlined above are ambitious and will take time. If we can commit to laying the groundwork and vision now, we will see that hard work pay off for years to come.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Hay: Please visit my campaign website, www.DougforBlackMountain.com or Facebook page, where I go deeper on my priorities and goals for Black Mountain. I will also be holding regular town hall style virtual meetings so that we can better get to know each other.
Matt Turner
“ My number one thing is to make sure that the members of our fine community have a voice for the people on the board. I believe that since we are voted onto the board by the residents of the town, it’s only right that we be the voice for them.” Matt Turner
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Matt Turner: I have lived in Black Mountain my whole life, all 32 years.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Turner: I am currently the Assistant Manager at Henson Building Materials here in town.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
Turner: Well, it’s something I have thought about doing for the past couple of years, especially since I work downtown, and also since I’ve coached at the high school for the last 15 seasons. I’ve enjoyed making an impact with the youth in the community over those years, and now I want to make an impact with every member of the community.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
Turner: I have experience in management and familiarity with the people and places in the community.
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
Turner: First, is the housing situation. How can we manage that moving forward, and how can we make it more affordable to the working family? Second, is coming up with ways to keep our youth in the community involved and active to help make them valuable members of the community down the road. Third, is working with business owners and employees in the city limits to make sure that their business is successful and are able to be around for a long time to come to keep the town moving forward.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Turner: My number one thing is to make sure that the members of our fine community have a voice for the people on the board. I believe that since we are voted onto the board by the residents of the town, it’s only right that we be the voice for them. I will do my best to be their voice and to make sure they are taken care of.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
Turner: I think we have a great thing going here in Black Mountain. We are close enough to anything we need, but we seem far enough away from the hustle and bustle to really have a gem of a town, so to speak. I hope to continue to make the things that are going well continue that way. I also wanna improve some other things to continue to make this town great.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
Turner: I’m all for working with the other board members that are still on or the ones that get elected. I hope that some new faces that have never been on the board get elected, so maybe there can be some fresh faces and fresh ideas. I’m always supportive of mixing things up. I don’t think someone being on the board more than a few terms is real effective.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Turner: I have a Facebook page listed under Matthew Turner for Black Mountain Alderman, they can come there and reach out to me, or they can email me at coachmturner@yahoo.com with any questions they may have.
Tonia Holderman
“I would work to identify areas where opportunities are lacking, create a plan, and work as a cohesive team to achieve goals.” Tonia Holderman
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Tonia Holderman: I have lived in Black Mountain since 2004.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Holderman: I am the Regional Admissions Director for the N.C. State Veterans Homes.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
Holderman: As a wife, mother and grandmother, I am concerned about the current climate of our society. I believe that the best way to ensure freedom and quality of life for myself, my family and all others is to be a part of the processes that allow it to happen.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
Holderman: In addition to my 27-year healthcare career, I have spent my adult life serving our community of Black Mountain, Buncombe County, and the City of Asheville on boards, committees and fundraising groups for needy causes. My civic involvement over the years include Civitan, Junior League and currently Kiwanis. I have served on the board for the Buncombe County Council on Aging, and most recently the board of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, where I served as President from 2017 until 2019.
I also served as Chairman of the search committee for the chamber executive director. I have participated in planning committees and fundraising efforts for the Western North Carolina Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society and the committee for raising awareness of elder abuse. Lastly, I served for two years in Asheville City on the Mayor’s Committee for Veterans’ Affairs, raising awareness of the complex needs of veterans and active duty military in our communities.
I take great pride in each of these acts of volunteerism and have a great understanding of what it means to be active and engaged. I value other people’s opinions and investigate thoroughly before making decisions that affect others.
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
Holderman: The three key issues in Black Mountain are sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection, community enrichment initiatives and community safety.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Holderman: Safety of our citizens is of utmost importance to a healthy, productive community. I will encourage continued collaboration and open communication between our citizens and first responders to ensure safety concerns are being handled in a timely and effective manner.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
Holderman: My vision is that citizens of Black Mountain experience opportunities where personal growth happens, freedom to be creative, a place where volunteerism is strong and families and individuals of all ages feel a special sense of place and purpose.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
Holderman: I would work to identify areas where opportunities are lacking, create a plan, and work as a cohesive team to achieve goals.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Holderman: They can follow and reach me at fb.me/committeetoelecttoniaholderman
Jennifer Willet
“I am always available for conversations and would love to discuss anything that our citizens feel is important.” Jennifer Willet
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Jennifer Willet: I was born and raised here. I graduated from Owen High School and Montreat College, with a degree in Business Management.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
Willet: I am a Financial Services Officer with the State Employees Credit Union. I have been in this career for 21 years. I work with people to achieve their financial goals and dreams and it is a career I am passionate about. Helping people is my calling. I am also a certified tax preparer and licensed mortgage loan officer. I co-own a local business here in town as well—the Bliss Beauty Bar.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
Willet: I was appointed to continue the remainder of Mr. Showers’ term earlier this year. I have enjoyed serving the town in this capacity and would love to continue in this line of service for the community. I believe strongly in open lines of communication and a strong working relationship between the board, the town and the citizens.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
Willet: I am financially and fiscally minded, and I feel that is an asset, especially during these trying financial times. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. It is important to me that people feel heard and understood. I have the ability to hear and see both sides of an issue and try to always come up with resolutions that benefit all. I am currently serving on the board of alderman and was previously on the planning board.
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
Willet: One issue, and potentially the most immediate during this time, is continued fiscal responsibility and management of the citizens and taxpayer funds and town assets while continuing to keep the town employees safe and healthy during this time.
Another issue is continuing the growth of the greenway and the recreation areas. Both are huge assets to the town, and I want to see continued growth to serve the town and the visitors to the area. The government, at every level from local and above, has experienced unprecedented hardship and upheaval and now is the time to continue to revise and revisit and grow our comprehensive plan for continued sustainability.
The storm water issues our town continues to face are a problem. Our public works department continues to work diligently to mitigate the water issues in the residential and business areas. I would like to see them receive more support and resources to formulate sustainable action in this area.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
Willet: I would continue to serve the community and maintain the good working relationship with my fellow board members while putting the town and citizen interests and concerns first. I would also prioritize managing future growth in a sustainable way while continuing to manage finances prudently.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
Willet: My vision is to see the town managed in a fiscally responsible way, and to support the town employees so that they effectively serve the citizens. I envision support that will allow the downtown businesses to grow and flourish. Continued growth and expansion of the greenway and recreation areas that serve the town’s people and the visitors is also part of my vision for Black Mountain. We have such an amazing and beautiful town.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
Willet: I am an excellent communicator and listener, so effective communication and cooperation among the board and the town for the future would be my goal. I hope to continue my work with the board, as I feel we have faced a tough time recently and effectively communicated well during these unprecedented times.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
Willet: I am always available for conversations and would love to discuss anything that our citizens feel is important. I can always be reached by email at jwillet877@gmail.com or my cell is 828-242-7683.
Pam King
“Black Mountain is already a great little town with a strong sense of community. It has a long history of strength and resiliency.” Pam King
The Valley Echo: How long have you lived in Black Mountain?
Pam King: I have lived in Black Mountain for seven years.
TVE: What is your current or most recent occupation?
King: I am employed as the Development Coordinator at Helpmate, Buncombe County’s domestic violence agency.
TVE: Why are you running for alderman?
King: When I settled into Black Mountain, I immediately began looking for ways to serve my community. That’s just who I am. I was honored to serve on the Black Mountain Greenways Commission. Later, I served as the president of the Friends of the Black Mountain Library and was pleased to see that organization thrive during my three-year term.
Now I feel called to serve in a new way-as a member of the Black Mountain Board of Aldermen. I feel I bring a fresh point of view and an openness to new ideas.
My whole life has been committed to being a good citizen, whether as a volunteer, or in my work with non-profit organizations.
TVE: What skills or experience do you believe you would bring to the board?
King: My career includes non-profit management as the executive director of an organization with a $2.5 million annual budget. Those years taught me to balance a budget and to be a good steward of donated funds. I had to be both visionary and frugal, and guided the organization through some challenging times when we had to develop new ways of fulfilling our mission while remaining viable.
I was an effective leader in that position, highly regarded for bringing together a wide variety of people in the community to work toward solutions. My ability to seek out people with differing points of view, and work together for common sense solutions, makes me a good candidate for the board of aldermen.
I am currently employed in resource development for a highly regarded local nonprofit organization. In this capacity, I must be organized, thoughtful and an excellent listener. Over the years, I have learned to work with a wide range of people. It is my desire to do that on the board of aldermen.
TVE: What are three key issues facing the Town of Black Mountain?
King: Accessibility and transparency: Citizens have every right to know what issues are being considered by the board of aldermen, and how decisions are being made. I have adopted the campaign slogan “A Fresh Voice for the People” because I hear this concern so frequently. People want to be heard and to be informed of issues as they are being considered.
Leadership in the time of COVID: The challenging times we live in require strong leadership to keep our community healthy and safe. Our board of aldermen can be that leadership to create and set consistent expectations for residents and visitors alike. We’re all going to have to pull together, in one direction, if we hope to get past this pandemic, feel safe in public and fully open our community.
Caring for our environment: This is a central and underlying concern for all of us and should underpin the long-term vision for our community. Not only does concern for our environment mean our children and grandchildren will have a world fit to live in, it makes sound economic sense as well.
TVE: What would be your top priority if elected to a seat on the board?
King: Upgrading the equipment so that the public can access public meetings, like the board of aldermen meetings for example. These meetings should be easy to log into, and easy to hear and see what’s going on. The use of technology is a great thing when it works properly, and we would be wise to make this investment soon. Access to government by the citizens is a fundamental right and we need to make sure these opportunities exist, during the pandemic and after.
I am aware of a number of other important concerns that the town needs to address, but this would be my most urgent priority.
TVE: What is your vision for the future of the Town of Black Mountain?
King: Black Mountain is already a great little town with a strong sense of community. It has a long history of strength and resiliency. Its people have worked together for many years to create a positive environment for commerce, education, faith and recreation.
I’d like to build on this strong foundation to ensure a broad range of people can live and thrive here. This is a great time to decide just what kind of community we want to be going forward. For me, becoming “The Greenest Small Town in North Carolina” would be a great goal and would provide a framework for addressing many of our local concerns. It makes good economic sense in the long term too!.
TVE: How would you work with other board members to make your vision for the town a reality?
King: I’m a team player, always have been. I am a listener and seek out the opinions of others whenever possible. I approach everything with an attitude of mutual respect. I start by assuming all members of the board of aldermen want only the best for our community, and we can build on that to move forward.
Of course, there will be differing opinions and ideas as difficult issues are addressed and challenging funding decisions arise. I like to gather facts, analyze options, listen to the people and develop solutions that make sense.
TVE: How can readers learn more about your campaign and position on local issues?
King: Please visit my website at PamKingforBMT.com. There you can see specific proposals I make to implement my “3 Pledges.” For more frequent updates, check out my FaceBook page: Elect Pam King, Black Mountain Alderman.