2022 New Bern Voter Guide
New Bern voters: make your voice heard in this year’s election for Mayor & Board of Aldermen!
WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the New Bern Board of Aldermen make a wide range of decisions affecting your life. The Board sets policies and priorities and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• Historic Preservation
• Zoning & Building Code Enforcement
• Affordable Housing
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
• Water & Waste Disposal
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
Members of the New Bern Board of Aldermen are elected in nonpartisan races. The Mayor is elected citywide, while the other six members are elected from wards. Click here to find out which ward you live in.
Candidates for New Bern Mayor
Jeffrey T. Odham
Occupation: Division Manager
Background: Division manager with global coatings manufacturer responsible for hundreds of employees and nearly $80MM in annual revenues. Currently serving as alderman for over 8 years with a proven and successful record of notable accomplishments.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Economic development and smart growth is paramount. Improving the safety and quality of life for our residents through expanded parks and recreation as well as increased coverage of public safety.
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Affordable housing: Housing is not an issue that the City of New Bern has historically managed. We have a housing authority that assists low-income citizens with housing in a variety of ways. The city does partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide free lots for homes.
Website: JeffreyOdham.com
Toussaint E. Summers, Jr.
Occupation: Retired Chief of Police, New Bern
Background: 44-year career in Law Enforcement in towns and cities. 23 years at the Executive level. Consultant to Department of Justice to bring police and communities together. BS American University, Masters Certificate from VA Commonwealth University. Also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class 181.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
1. Community involved Government. Help the community understand how the city government works. An informed and involved public can help to maximize available resources. 2. Establish a minimum standard of quality of life in all neighborhoods. Improve streets, sidewalks, flood mitigation.
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Affordable housing: Affordable housing is vital for city growth. True communities are built with a mix of income levels, backgrounds, and ages. Increasing the supply should also lower the rents or purchase prices. ‘Tiny houses’ are an option as are various grants.
New Bern Board of Aldermen – Ward 1
Sabrina Bengel
Occupation: Business Owner
Background: Incumbent Alderman representing Ward 1. Business owner, 25 plus years of public service serving on public and private volunteer boards. Recipient of NC Long Leaf Pine for dedicated public service, named 2015 Community Fabric Award winner for Community Leadership.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Continue to work with and help facilitate the Redevelopment Commission and work with other organizations to improve the quality of life in the Choice Neighborhood District which includes creating more affordable and updated housing, access to health care and transportation. Resiliency in Ward 1.
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Affordable housing: Continue to work with the Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity and Redevelopment Commission to increase the number of affordable units as well as build new public housing units and create communities that are mixed income and not concentrated poverty.
Rick Prill
Occupation: General Manager
Background: Over 29 years’ experience working as a City Manager in communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 3 years as a Business Manager working in a Motorola R & D facility. Currently working as General Manager with Home Inspection Professionals-HIP.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Promoting “Quality of Life” services for all residents; Supporting “Smart Growth & Development” to Strengthen New Bern’s Economic Base; Supporting preservation and maintenance of the diverse housing that graces our community
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Jobs for youth: There is no better time than right now for young people who are committed to joining the workforce and becoming educated and trained in vocational trades. I support Community College programs, the Volt Center programs, and other programs aimed at developing the next generation of skilled tradesmen.
Website: facebook.com/RickPrill22
New Bern Board of Aldermen – Ward 2
Jennell Reddick
Occupation: President of R L Thompson Company Inc
Background: My career began in the public School System, I’m the second generation running a trucking business. I am a New Bern Housing Authority Commissioner which means I’m responsible for affordable housing. Our organization works with the Board of Alderman.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
Economic Development, connecting citizens with resources, work with my colleagues to build a better New Bern for us all
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Jobs for youth: Education is my passion. I love teaching those who others see as unreachable or unteachable. As a former educator, I know that education changes our mindset. My goal is to help prepare our community when opportunities are presented.
Hazel Royal
Occupation: Executive Director/Abundant Life Community Services, Inc.
Background: My community service spans 40 years as an advocate for marginalized communities faced with disparities in access, quality, and availability of basic services. Disparities such as food insufficiency, homelessness, disaster relief, healthcare, education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Please describe your top 2 or 3 priorities if elected:
1. Community Engagement. Citizens must be aware of public policy. The impact will result in informed citizens empowered to make informed decisions and voice what is best for their community. 2. Inclusion of all people by representing all people. The impact will be a government of, by, and for the people.
Please choose any ONE issue below and answer how you would address that issue (affordable housing, police accountability, or jobs for youth):
Affordable housing: Working in partnership with local and government housing agencies such as Habitat for Humanity, RCS, City of New Bern, HUD, Coastal Community Action to build affordable housing and repair and renovate substandard housing, Housing bonds is also an option.
Website: HazelRoyalForward2.com
Voting Tools
Questions about New Bern’s election?
Contact the Craven County Board of Elections at (252) 636-6610.
