With 31 years of dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps under his belt, and a further two years serving as Kinston's Mayor Pro Tem, Antonio M. Hardy is no stranger to leadership. A native of Kinston, Hardy has announced his intention to run for City Council in Kinston, aiming to continue his mission of being a "voice for the people" and fortifying the connection between city and county.

Highlighting the pillars of his campaign, Hardy said, "The key thing is making sure the government understands the needs of the community—housing, safety, jobs, streets, spending tax money for the people's needs—and being that voice at the table." His dedication to facilitating essential amenities, such as affordable housing, and attracting businesses to boost the local economy, remains evident.

Education and youth opportunities are paramount in Hardy's vision for Kinston. "I would advocate for more schools to join with businesses in the city to create jobs while students are still in high school," Hardy elaborated, emphasizing the mutual benefits to the local business workforce and offering students lucrative employment opportunities post-graduation.

Hardy's approach to economic growth revolves around proactive collaboration. He shared, "I will sit at the table with the House of Representatives and our state senator to look at the availability of grants and other funds that would aid in these areas."

Public safety, a concern for many, has seen improvements, according to Hardy. "In the last year or so, crime has dropped a lot, and that's due to good policing and excellent communication with the police department and community leaders."

Environmentally, Hardy advocates for initiatives that bolster Kinston's sustainability. He stated his intent to "push for green gas emissions" and continued commitment towards enhancing community waste management and recycling efforts.

In a time where public trust wavers, Hardy commits to reinforcing his connection with the Kinston community. "I will continue to communicate with the leaders of the city, and I will continue to walk in communities, speak with residents about issues, ensuring that I am trustworthy and a person that stands on his word," he said.

Closing his remarks, Hardy touched upon his intrinsic motivation, "I just want to continue to give back to my city, to my community, and to the residents, and to our veterans who are often forgotten about. They make up a majority of our population and drive our economy. [We need to] provide transportation for our elderly."

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