MARY JOAN PUGH FOR CITY COUNCIL

Honor. Service. Asheboro.

FOUR DECADES OF SERVICE IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CERTIFIED PLANNER SINCE 1979
RETIRED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ZOO
RANDOLPH COUNTY TRAIL COORDINATOR
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
ORDER OF THE LONG LEAF PINE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ATHENA AWARD

READY TO SERVE OUR CITY.

GET TO KNOW MARY JOAN

I have lived in Asheboro for over 40 years. Asheboro is where I raised my two sons, both of whom graduated from Asheboro High School and became Eagle Scouts. Asheboro is where I have worked in state and local government. Asheboro is where I attend Church and volunteer with community organizations. I love Asheboro and want to serve on its City Council to protect what makes it great well into the future.

During my four decades in government, I always strived to deliver high quality public service with honesty and efficiency, mindful that as public employees we are ultimately answerable to the citizens who place their trust in us. After 29 years, I retired as the Deputy Director of our North Carolina Zoo. In this position, I helped our State Zoo develop into one of the most respected and highly ranked zoos in the nation.

Before coming to the North Carolina Zoo, I served as an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the administration of Governor James G. Martin from 1985 to 1989. Later, I served as an Interim Assistant Secretary for Natural Resources. I have also worked in municipal administration with the City of Asheboro as well as the City of High Point, earning a Certificate in Municipal Administration from the UNC School of Government and receiving the George C. Franklin Award from the North Carolina League of Municipalities for outstanding achievement. I was a Republican appointee to the Randolph County Board of Elections for five years, and I continue to work for Randolph County as its Trail Coordinator, where I help protect our community's history and natural beauty.

I am a member of Church of the Good Shepherd and have severed as Senior Warden of the Vestry and as a Lay Reader since 1993. In addition to being active in my church, I have been a member of the Asheboro Rotary Club since 1995, serving as its President, District Assistant Governor, and District Grants Chair. I have also been honored to hold other leadership positions in our community: Vice Chair of the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board; President of the Board of the United Way of Randolph County; Vice President for Regional Affairs and Community Enhancement for the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce Board; and President of the Piedmont Land Conservancy Board.

As a result of my work and volunteerism, I was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the State of North Carolina and their communities. My other honors include the the Athena Award for outstanding professional and community leadership from the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority's Excellence in Hospitality Award, the Randall Lake Billings Public Service Award from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, and the Year of the Trail Spirit Award from the Great Trails State Coalition.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and Master's degree in Regional Planning with a concentration in environmental and land use planning, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I became a Certified Planner in 1979. I have been a Fellow of American Institute of Certified Planners since 2001 and am a Past President of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association.

If elected, I will bring these decades of experience and expertise in government to the Asheboro City Council to ensure my fellow citizens receive the service from their City they expect and deserve.

MARY JOAN'S PLAN

Asheboro is at a pivotal point in its history. The City is in the midst of significant growth and a major change in leadership with a new City Manager and the upcoming election of a new Mayor and at least two new Council members. As someone who has lived in this community for several decades and been fortunate to have many leadership roles during that time, I am prepared to bring the necessary knowledge and expertise to lead our City.

Strategic Planning for the Future

Municipal leaders must be proactive. As a Certified Planner with more than 40 years of experience, I know how to anticipate and prepare for the infrastructure and budgetary challenges a city will face—both in the short term and decades into the future. If elected, I will work closely with the new Mayor, my fellow Council members, and City staff to develop a fiscally responsible Capital Improvement Plan and Budget that addresses our most pressing infrastructure needs. This includes replacing and expanding our aging water and wastewater treatment facilities, repairing water and sewer lines, improving streets and sidewalks, and purchasing essential equipment to support fire and public safety services.

Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility

By leading the City in planning for upcoming needs, I will ensure our City models fiscal responsibility. Neglecting essential public services and raising taxes on its citizens is not the Asheboro way. I will fight to ensure we are prudent with the expenditure of tax dollars and utilize my expertise in government financing to obtain funding from non City revenue dollars for projects when appropriate.

Protecting and Improving Our Quality of Life

Though change is inevitable, we cannot lose the Asheboro we know and love. I will advocate for the City’s vibrant Downtown with its local retail, restaurants, and entertainment. I will also ensure Asheboro’s share of room tax revenues is used effectively to market local destinations such as the NC Zoo, Zoo City Sportsplex, and Agriculture Center to the benefit of City residents while simultaneously attracting new businesses and tourists. As a part of this growth, I will encourage incorporating walkable communities with sidewalks and greenways connecting outdoor facilities and neighborhoods. And addressing quality of life requires planning for future transportation needs to prevent traffic congestion and dangers to the public.

Ensuring Public Safety

Our City's Police Department, as well as its Fire & Rescue Department, will have a strong ally and advocate in me on the City Council. Properly funded, supported, and operated police and fire departments are the most essential of city priorities, which is why we must plan for the additional challenges our first responders will face as the population in and around the City grows.

Providing Responsive and Honorable Government

Those holding public office must never lose sight of the fact that they serve at the pleasure of the voters, who are entitled to a government that is fair, honest, and transparent. If elected, I will be an available and responsive member of the City Council. Whatever the issue, I pledge to give it my full attention, actively listen to all sides, carefully consider the options, and do what is in the best interests of the City and its residents.