Kernersville, North Carolina

Yard Waste Cart Fee

2011-10-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

The implementation of these changes was not taken lightly but a necessary decision in order to keep providing all of the services. When these changes were made, 1/3 of the households in Kernersville had a roll out yard cart. The means that 2/3 of the households did not have a cart and therefore did not use the service. Most likely those households pay a lawn care company to maintain their yards or haul the yard waste away themselves. It seems fair for the households that use the service pay the $60 fee. This way the service is not eliminated but only those who use the service pay for the service. Bulky items were being picked up weekly, in an effort to reduce cost the change was made to pick up those items once a quarter. Less than 1/3 of the households have an extra waste cart and again only those who choose to have an extra cart pay.

Recession and the impact on Kernersville

2011-10-18T07:39:00.001-07:00

The recession has impacted families and businesses in Kernersville; some more than others. The Town of Kernersville, like a business has also experienced the loss of revenue, and has made the appropriate cuts in both operating costs and capital purchases. In the FY 10-11, the operating budget was reduced over $600k dollars from the submitted requests. This year, FY 11-12, the operating budget was cut an additional $ 400k dollar.
The current budget eliminated positions and froze other positions. Employee benefits have been reduced in some areas to help reduce costs and overtime has been drastically cut. The capital purchases have taken huge cuts the last two years. In the current budget, resurfacing, and a large number of equipment replacements were eliminated. We also implemented minor changes to some services to help reduce cost. Just like in your home or your business the Town has cut back and we are working hard to stay lean while still providing our citizens with excellent service.

Obstacles for Kernersville

2011-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

My biggest concern this year is the Town’s Sales and Use Tax and Property Taxes. These are the two main sources of revenue for the Town and both have fallen over the past couple of years. I would love to see private sector growth that would increase our revenues, but it appears that it may take a little longer for the economy to recover. Another concern is the possibility of the state withholding funding. Did you know that 30 % of the Town’s revenue comes from other government resources? If these funds were to be held at the state level, or a portion of them held at the state level, this could cause enormous issues for the Town. As with your budget, normal expenses are increasing and some are hard to avoid. Items, such as, health care cost and contribution increases to the State Retirement System. Though we certainly do have budget concerns, Kernersville remains fiscally strong.

Proposed Thoroughfare Plan / Big Mill Farm Road

2011-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

In 2009 a committee was selected by the Mayor and BOA to review the Thoroughfare Plan of Kernersville with special consideration to be placed on Hopkins / Bill Mill Farm Road. I have reviewed the draft and while the document is much improved from 2009 I am still concerned with the number of lanes proposed for Hopkins Road and would like to discuss and consider what the proposed improvements to S. Main Street and the beltway interchange in Walkertown will do to the traffic counts and demand on this areas roads. In my opinion we need a plan. I still have many unanswered questions and will bring these up when the plan is presented to the BOA in November. I know that we can come up a document that will plan appropriately for the future while preserving the current atmosphere of the neighborhoods in the Hopkins Road area.

Should the Town of Kernersville consider placing a High School and future Middle School in Traid Business Park?

2011-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Currently no formal request has been submitted by TDO, the owners of Triad Business Park for rezoning approximately 110 acres to accommodate a Guilford County high school and a future middle school. However, based on the current information I do not support the rezoning of the industrial land to accommodate the school. When Triad Business Park was assembled and the agreement made with TDO this was a long term investment in the economic future of Kernersville. If the 110 acres becomes non-taxable it would equal approximately $ 422,000 loss in potential revenue for the Town of Kernersville based on today’s figures and after TDO is paid back. The preservation of this industrial land is important to Kernersville but also to the region. This area is identified as an industrial corridor by several development studies. Triad Business Park is extremely important to the future economic growth of Kernersville.

Re-Election

2009-10-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed serving as your Alderman for the Town of Kernersville for the past six years. I am once again, asking for your support as I seek re-election on November 3, 2009.

Over the past years, I have served openly and honestly, and with deep respect and honor for the office in which you have entrust me to serve. As your Alderman I have and will continue to work diligently to bring increased economic growth to our wonderful community while maintaining our excellent standard of services and continuing to find ways to preserve and improve our quality of life in Kernersville.

I will continue to listen to your concerns and to make sure your concerns are addressed. I will continue to utilize my past experiences as an elected official and my experience as a small business owner to lead Kernersville in the right direction in the coming years.

I am proud of my record as your elected official and will continue to serve this community with honor. If you have a question or just want to simply talk about Kernersville and the future please contact me by phone, email or simply stop by my office. My door is always open.

Dana Caudill Jones
Alderman Town of Kernersville

Anti-Graffiti Meeting

2008-05-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

Please make plans to attend a very important community forum on graffiti and what we as a community can do to help local officials in winning this battle. The meeting is scheduled for May 19Th at 6:30 P.M. at Town Hall. The meeting is hosted by The Town of Kernersville and the Kernersville Police Department. This meeting will be informative and educational. There will be time for citizens to ask questions and express concerns. MAY 19Th 6:30 P.M. Town Hall

NC Primary Election TODAY

2008-05-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

It’s time to make your voice heard. Today all across North Carolina we have the opportunity to vote. Although the republican nominee has been chosen there are still very important races on the ballot, so please take time today to vote. On the democratic ballot NC voters have a chance to play a large role in who will become the Democratic Presidential nominee.

Today is a day that many around the world will never know. The opportunity to freely vote with no recourse or fear. Please research your choices and make good informed decision. To see a sample ballot in your area click on the link below.
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/voterlookup.aspx?Feature=voterinfo.

A Day of Planning

2008-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last week the Board of Aldermen participated in a planning session to identify and brainstorm on the major issues facing Kernersville. I am pleased to say this was one of the best planning retreats I have participated in since being on the BOA. We had solid, positive discussion that should help our Town Manger and staff in carrying out the vision of the BOA. Five major areas of concern were focused on during the session.

1. Open Government
2. Public Safety
3. Small Town Atmosphere
4. Economic Development
5. Facilities and Growth

We could have spent an entire day on each topic but do to time we talked about the main items in each area. Over the next few days I will talk more about my vision on each area and the things that we all can do to keep Kernersville a safe and vibrant community.

Budget Discussion

2008-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Proposed Budget 2008 – 2009

Last week the Kernersville Board of Aldermen discussed several major issues facing the TOK in the upcoming year. The fist day of the planning session focused on the proposed budget. Town Manger Curtis Swisher in my opinion did a great job on presenting an accurate accounting for the upcoming year. The proposed budget does contain a 1 cent tax increase. I like many or most of you are not in favor of passing along another tax increase to our citizens. We are still working on ways to find the additional 1 cent. It could come from fund balance which is currently close to 8.5 million dollars or it could be that some of the figures used in property tax collection could increase, thus the need for the tax increase would not be necessary. The numbers used where estimated projections of collection from back in February. I invite the public to attend the Public session on the budget to be held June 3rd at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

New Town Manager / Open Mayor Position

2008-01-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

I am positive the citizens of Kernersville are pleased that a New Town Manger has been named. As a Board of Aldermen member I am glad to see that we chose a native of Kernersville and former Mayor, Curtis Swisher. This announcement came late Wednesday evening following a long closed session meeting held by the BOA. Curtis has served the citizens of Kernersville over ten years as an elected official. Many of those years he served as Alderman before first being appointed and later being elected Mayor.

A special meeting of the BOA will be held Monday, January 14th at 6 pm in the executive conference room at town hall. During this meeting the BOA will discuss and may take action on the appointment of a Mayor.

I am confident the BOA will make a good decision on the appointment of Mayor and select an experienced BOA member.

Two Community Leaders Will Be Missed

2008-01-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate the start of 2008, Kernersville will miss two great community leaders. David Holt and Rev. Homer Good. I knew Mr. Holt growing up in the Kernersville community but as I attended High Point University in the early 1990’s he became a personal friend and advisor. He always took the time to give to others and the community. I came to know Rev. Good when I was about ten years old. My family attended Main Street Baptist Church here in town and Rev. Good was filling in as Pastor for the church. It was at that time I accepted Christ as my Savior and Rev. Good baptized me at the church. I would say it would be impossible to know the impact Rev. Good has had on the lives of many in this community.

I feel blessed to have known both of these gentlemen.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy the following Christmas prayer. This is one of my favorites to share at the holidays.

The Christmas Prayer

On the first day of Christmas I pray for you joy in abundance and laughter, for laughter cures our ills and joy makes our spirits soar.

On the second day of Christmas I pray for you a sigh when you need one, for a sigh clears the heart as a cough clears the throat, and with a sigh comes acceptance of what we cannot change.

On the third day of Christmas I pray for you tears when you need them, for tears clear the eyes to see the stars and cleanse the soul to let healing begin.

On the fourth day of Christmas I pray for you serenity, for fights and wars start in individual breasts and that is where they must end.

On the fifth day of Christmas I pray for you wisdom, for our priceless gift is the gift of choice- and we should use it well every day, in word and deed.

On the sixth day of Christmas I pray for you patience, for most troubles pass if we wait them out, and success comes with persistence.

On the seventh day of Christmas I pray for you courage, for there may be many pitfalls and dangers ahead and problems can only be solved when they are faced.

On the eighth day of Christmas I pray for you compassion, for we cannot help others until we understand them, and we cannot understand them until we walk in their shoes.

On the ninth day of Christmas I pray for you a willingness to work, for work turns dreams to reality – whether the dreams are ours or belong to those we can help.

On the tenth day of Christmas I pray for you unwavering faith, for faith shapes our morals and our destiny and draws us closer to God.

On the eleventh day of Christmas I pray for you a mind full of hope, for hope determines our attitudes, sets our goals and creates our ideals.

On the twelfth day of Christmas I pray for you a heart so full of love that every day you must give some away to those whose paths you cross.

May you and your family have a truly blessed Christmas season and may you receive a multitude of blessings in the New Year.

God bless,
Dana

Thanks for your support

2007-12-12T06:30:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all who supported my re-election campaign. I am excited as we look toward the future of Kernersville. We have already gotten off to a great start with the approval of the Kernersville Hosptial! Please remember I am always willing to sit down and talk over concerns you might have regarding Kernersville. Thanks again for allowing me to serve as Alderman.

Candidate’s Forum Posted on Chamber Website

2007-11-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Election Day is next Tuesday November 6th

Please Vote DANA CAUDILL JONES

If you would like to view my responses and also view the responses of all of the candidates, please visit the chamber’s website, www.kernersvillenc.com. Near the top of the home page you can click on a link to the Candidate’s Forum page. The Chamber downloaded video of each of the questions asked to the candidates, along with each candidates opening and closing statements on the website. It will come through as a “streaming video,” so you will see the candidate’s answers instantly. We were each asked three questions, so most “chapters” are only about 3 minutes in length. The questions were drawn randomly and included:

Quality of life
Tax rate
Open space (Dana Caudill Jones answered)
Road project priorities
Pedestrian traffic
If Main and Cherry should be one-way streets
Local incentives to businesses
Capital improvement project priorities (Dana Caudill Jones answered)
Solid waste
Eminent domain (Dana Caudill Jones answered)
Downtown living and development

A big thank you to the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce! Technology has allowed the Kernersville Chamber to bring the candidate’s forum into people’s living rooms.

Please watch this, and then vote on Election Day. Remember the elected officials you choose on Tuesday will set the direction for Kernersville in the upcoming years. Again, I ask for you to look at my voting record and see that I have been a positive asset to the Town of Kernersville and will continue to be for the next term.
VOTE DANA CAUDILL JONES, Tuesday NOV. 6th

Election Nov. 6th

2007-10-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Vote
To Re-Elect
Dana Caudill Jones
For Alderman

• I will continue to bring strong, conservative, common sense leadership to Kernersville.

• I will continue to work to keep taxes low, improve roads, and promote the economic development of Kernersville.

• I will continue to work hard to improve public safety.

• I will continue to listen to the concerns of our citizens because you the citizens are the most important part of our town.

• I will continue to improve our recreation facilities. I will make sure that we have a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of all residents.

• I will continue to work on positive economic development for the town. I will support the continued redevelopment of downtown and will continue to work toward long-term industrial/commercial projects that will bring benefits to all citizens.

• As in the past I will continue to afford our citizens the balance of high quality town services and an affordable tax rate for all families.

I have greatly enjoyed serving as one of your Alderman for the past four years. It has been an honor. I am asking that you extend my service to you and our town by voting for Dana Caudill Jones on November 6th.

Please feel free to contact me so that we may speak on any issues or concerns. I may be reached at the following numbers or email.

Dana Caudill Jones
336-993-5070 Home
336-996-5151 Work
dcjones@caudills.com

Base your Vote on Facts not Fiction

2007-10-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

This was a recent Letter to the Editor

The upcoming November 6th Election is important to the future of Kernersville. I have served the citizens of Kernersville for the past four years and have done so with integrity and honesty. I ask you to vote November 6th based on the facts of the past two years and the public record of the individual Aldermen votes. Do not go by the false and misleading information that has been written in Letters to The Editor and stated by other candidates. First, the Board of Aldermen never took a vote on the change that occurred in regards to how we would pay for sleep time for the firefighters. The policy change was made by the Town Manger. Aldermen did comment on their opinion in regards to the change, but the Board did not take a vote to change the policy. Secondly, The Board of Aldermen did not accept Mr. Davis’s resignation as a fall guy. I believe every Alderman and the Mayor have stated many times that several factors led to the acceptance of his resignation. Thirdly, this Board of Aldermen has not voted to hold the school board hostage for $ 300,000. A past Board of Aldermen (in which I was not a member) did show forward thinking and reserved land from the developer for the construction of the new school. Currently, the plan is being looked at by the staff and the planning board. Lastly, let me say the Board of Aldermen did not vote down the construction of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. After one candidate stated he would work on bring them back to Kernersville, I have received numerous calls regarding this subject. Please make sure your vote on November 6th is based on the facts. I stand behind my voting record as a member of the Board of Aldermen and I am sure my fellow board members stand on their voting record. I ask that you not judge me or others based on false information. I would encourage you to go online and look at the minutes of past meetings or simply pick up the phone and call me. I will tell you the truth on how I have voted and give you my reasons why. You the citizens deserve leaders that will stand behind their records and tell the facts on the issues. I have always done that in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Our town web site is www.toknc.com or visit my blog at http://danacaudilljones.blogspot.com

"What do you feel are the two most important issues facing Kernersville today? In five years? In 10 years?

2007-10-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Kernersville will face issues over the next ten years and planning is the key in how to effectively find positive solutions to the issues. TODAY: Economic growth must continue and will with projects like Triad Business Park which at build out could add approx. 1/2 million dollars in revenue to Kernersville. The Kernersville hospital will bring immediate positive change to our citizens quality of life and to our economic base with the creation of jobs. Five & Ten Years: We must continue to build upon the strength of our location and current strong economy. We must continue to plan pro-actively and creatively in ways to increase our tax base in order to deliver a better road system. Establish plans now and work toward those plans for police, fire & rescue, recreation, & public works to service a growing community. We need leadership with a vision for the future and the motivation to make it happen.

As a citizen what do you feel are the important issues facing Kernersville?

Re-Election Campaign Support

2007-10-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the election signs all over town, it is campaign season and I am seeking a third term as Alderman for the Town of Kernersville.

I am reminded daily of what a great community we have when I get out and meet with our citizens. You then realize what enormous potential this small community has as we look forward and plan for our future.

Despite some negative press coverage of certain Board of Alderman decisions this has been a productive time for Kernersville. We are close to seeing the groundbreaking of the Kernersville Hospital. The proposed Triad Business Park will give Kernersville the additional industrial and commercial tax base this community needs. The FedEx hub that we have talked about for several years is approaching completion. We have successfully completed the Century Park Dam construction and along with this project will now work toward the completion of an additional park. The Oakhurst extension is underway and, Wow, how great to see construction activity on the site of the Ciener Botanical Gardens. This is a small list of the positive things happening with many more to come.

During the next two years the Board of Alderman must continue to build upon the strength of our location and current strong economy. We must continue to plan pro-actively and creatively in ways to increase our tax base in order to deliver a better road system. Now is the time to establish plans and work toward those plans for police, fire & rescue, recreation, & public works to be able to service the community effectively as we grow.

Finally, we need continued leadership with a vision for the future and the motivation to make it happen. I have been that type of leader and am asking you to allow me the honor of continuing to serve as your Alderman.

I am turning to you to get involved in my re-election campaign. Thanks in advance for your support and prayers. David, Eli and I are grateful for your friendship and wish you and your family continued blessings.

Sincerely,
Dana Caudill Jones

P.S. Please call me @ 362-5123 or email me at dcjones@caudills.com if you would like to work the polls, have a yard sign or would like a bumper sticker.

Election Time

2007-07-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

In November I will seek my third term as an Alderman for the Town of Kernersville. I am proud of the way in which I have served the citizens of Kernersville. I know that every decision I have made has been done so in the best interest of the Town.

From my first term in 2003 till the present I have worked toward economic growth for Kernersville. Why - to provide good solid jobs for our citizens and to help maintain and work toward a lower tax rate. I have been, and I will continue to be, a responsible elected official. I know that when elected the citizens are entrusting me with a great deal of power and responsibility and that is to be taken and used appropriately.

If re-elected in November I will continue to be accountable and to seek accountability from other elected officials and town staff. We must remember as elected officials and Town employees we are here to serve the public justly and equally. I will continue to lead Kernersville with principles that will guide Kernersville into a bright and prosperous future.

November is not far away and I am asking for your help in the upcoming campaign. Please call or email me if you would like to participate.
336-362-5123 dcjones@caudills.com

Thanks again for your support and prayers. DCJ

Benefit Hot Dog Supper for Capt. Brian Creason

2007-06-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Town family has experienced several deaths and accidents in the past few weeks. One of the ways the employees are supporting one of those in need is a Hot Dog Supper. This event will benefit Brian Creason. Capt. Creason sustained injuries in a recent accident at his home resulting in an extended absence from work. A Hot Dog Supper will take place Friday, June 8th from 5 pm till 9 pm at Fire Station #41. This station is located at the corner of Bodenhamer and Nelson Street. Please come out and support Capt. Creason. The cost is $6.00 for two hot dogs, chips and a drink. If you would like more information on this event or information on how to contribute to Capt. Creason please call 336-996-4885.

Budget Discussion

2007-05-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2007-2008 budget, tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to hear about the budget and to express concerns or to ask for changes in the proposed budget. The proposed budget does not contain a tax increase and adds only one new position to the staff.

Alderman Seat Additions

2007-05-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

It was brought to the attention of the current BOA that many residents wanted to see more representation on the Kernersville Board. Mr. Owensby of the Kernersville News wrote an editorial on the issue that favored more representation. In that same edition of the paper Ivey Redmen (a past board member) and Dawn Morgan (a current board member) submitted a letter to the editor stating why more representation was needed.

The item was then placed on the agenda for the Board of Aldermen to discuss. During that discussion I made the motion to add two Aldermen seats and keep the Mayor’s voting rights as they are now, which means the Mayor would vote in the situation of a tie.

In my opinion if we are really talking about adding more representation, then adding two seats is appropriate considering our growth and our future growth. I think the Mayor is well informed and is an important part of our town government. The Mayor has his opinion and he shares his opinion. I feel giving the Mayor a vote would stifle the communication on the BOA and in the long run cause harm. The position of Mayor is that of a great ambassador for Kernersville and a key leader on the Board.

On April 3rd the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to pass a resolution with the intent to change the Town Charter. By doing so this BOA set into play a series of requirements. One being to set a public hearing on the charter change and to receive feedback from the citizens. This was written about by the newspapers and yet only one person spoke at the public hearing on the issue. I was disappointed because I value the public’s opinion and many times I feel as though I only hear from the same folks.

The course has been set and the final vote on the addition of the two seats will take place at our June meeting. I stand behind our unanimous vote for the additional two seats.

I do, however, question if some people really wanted more representation or if they just wanted to amend the charter to afford a voting right to the Mayor. I sincerely question the motives of Mr. Owensby and the Kernersville News. Do you want additional representation or not? Mr. Owensby writes in a May 15th editorial that pickings are slim for good candidates, and have been slim in past elections. If that is the case why would Mr. Owensby have even supported adding one Alderman seat?

In the 2005 election we had eleven candidates, in 2003 we had seven candidates and in 2001 we had eleven candidates. I believe we will see the number of candidates increase as the number of seats increase. We can never predict the qualifications or motives of candidates in any year.

Let’s add the seats and give the citizens of Kernersville more representation in the matters that affect this community. We have good leadership now and I feel sure we will continue to attract good sound leaders for the future.

Please let me know your thoughts on this matter. Do you want to add two additional seats to the Board of Aldermen?

Wonderful Information Sessions

2007-05-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Town hosted two wonderful information sessions Tuesday, May 22nd. The citizen turn out was low and disappointing. These sessions were designed to try and meet the loaded schedules of all the community. While both sessions were for everyone I felt the morning session was great for our senior citizens and our mom’s with school age and pre-school age children. I felt the afternoon session running from 4 pm till 6 pm would be used by our working folks that could swing into the session before going home for the evening.

The reason for my disappointment was the fact that the staff had a tremendous amount of beneficial information available for everyone. The maps, displays, and hand-outs contained valuable information that we all need to have available.

I did talk with citizens that attended the sessions and most of the things on their minds were roads and how they could stay informed on items happening in town. There were also concerns regarding the replacement of the Salisbury Street Bridge.

The number one question seemed to be…how can I know what is happening in Kernersville? In my opinion the Town of Kernersville web site, of course my blog and the local newspapers (Kernersville News and Winston-Salem Journal) are your best way to stay abreast of events taking place in town.

If you were unable to attend the information sessions and you have some questions please

Town Information Session

2007-05-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Please stop in today at one of the information sessions. These sessions are being held in teh auditorium of Kernersville Elementary School. Session times are 11 am - 1 pm and again between 4 pm - 6 pm. These are informal drop in sessions. iam really looking forward to the opportunity to meet with as many citizens as possible.