PINK HILL—Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Michael Whitfield is vying for the Pink Hill Town Commissioner seat in the upcoming 2023 municipal election. A third-generation Pink Hill resident, Whitfield aims to apply his financial expertise and community involvement to address local challenges.

Whitfield, a partner at Sitterson & Whitfield, PA, said, "My primary motivation is a love of Pink Hill and desire to see it grow." With 12 years of accounting experience and involvement in not-for-profits such as UNC Health Lenoir and The Rotary Club Kinston, Whitfield emphasizes his skill set for making informed policy decisions.

When it comes to local infrastructure, Whitfield believes in working closely with county and state agencies to improve surface streets, storm drains, and culverts. "Everyone that lives in or visits our town relies on safe, well-maintained roads," he said.

Strong schools are essential for Pink Hill's growth, according to Whitfield. While respecting the autonomy of school administrators, he said local government should offer support wherever necessary. "Our local leaders must be visible to the students and teachers, demonstrating their commitment to our schools," Whitfield stated.

Whitfield lauds the existing community spirit among Pink Hill's businesses and seeks to create an environment that supports both existing and new enterprises.

Public safety is a cooperative endeavor in Pink Hill, as per Whitfield. He commends the work of the local police force in collaboration with Lenoir County Sheriff Rogers for interagency coordination.

Whitfield underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading water and wastewater systems as crucial for environmental sustainability.

In his prospective role, Whitfield plans to implement an open-door policy and utilize digital platforms for transparency. For public concerns, he intends to expand the public comment section in board meetings and introduce a new system for more detailed minutes. "To create transparency while in office, I would implement an open-door policy," he said.

For all Lenoir and Greene Counties election coverage, join Neuse News Election night Results Show presented by Brooks Poole, Realtor at 7:30pm on November 7, 2023.