On the ballot, District 5: David Ham
By From staff reports
Published in News on October 28, 2015 1:46 PM
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David Ham
Q: Why do you want to be a member of the Goldsboro City Council?
A: With my district councilman running for mayor, it created a vacancy for representing the fifth district. I'm a passionate supporter of Goldsboro's revitalization program and felt this was my opportunity to contribute my energies to that effect. I believe that Goldsboro is in the midst of transforming from a city that has experienced tough economic times, to one of renewed growth. I also want to make the point that the welfare of the citizens of Goldsboro is, of course, a paramount component of the success of that growth. I want to do my part to ensure that they are always considered in every decision made. I know that you cannot please all the people, all the time, but I want to feel that my decisions are for the good of the whole. And lastly, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is another invaluable component of the success of Goldsboro. Let's face it, the economic and cultural impact it makes on the city and county is awesome. Our governing elements must do everything possible to ensure that it remains here. We must strive to make the men and women and, yes, the children, enjoy their time here. Additionally, when other members of the Air Force receive assignments here, we want them to look at Goldsboro as a choice place to work and live.
Q: What government experience do you have? If you have experience, what is it? If you don't have government experience, what are your qualifications?
A: I have no elected experience in government. Governing Goldsboro is essentially like running a corporation. The city manager serves as the chief executive officer and with his staff, conducts the daily operations of the city. The City Council serves as the board of directors, and the mayor is chairman of the board. I have a degree in business administration, and have had numerous years of experience in business consisting of business ownership, management of defense contract programs and corporate purchasing programs. Throughout my military career I had leadership and staff positions at all levels of command, and served as president of the Fort Jackson, South Carolina School Board. Additionally, I have served in various leadership roles in civic and church organizations, and I was one of the first enrollees in the Goldsboro school of government. I feel very comfortable with my knowledge of our government and its processes.
Q: The council has designated four major issues it intends to tackle in the coming years. Where do you stand on these issues?
* Greenways and pathways around the city, both maintenance of existing systems and bringing new ones to Goldsboro.
A: I support the initiatives that are being taken on providing facilities that allow our citizens to exercise and relax in a pleasant and safe surrounding. We can see that Goldsboro's residents are becoming more personal fitness minded. Our city-sponsored and private exercise centers are well-attended. Greenways and pathways not only add additional recreational facilities, they also enhance the appearance of our city. To ensure the continued individual use and appearance they must be maintained. That's where I think the City Council working with the Parks and Recreation Department needs to work very closely together to make sure that we don't get too over-extended. We need to provide facilities for our youth, and I support the efforts that are ongoing in that regard.
* Continue to invest in downtown
A: This is a particular interest of mine. I feel very strongly that we should be able to identify with the city we call home and be proud of it. That's a very important attitude of mine. I was born and raised here, and I want to be proud of where I live. In recent years, I think many residents could not express a feeling of pride about the state of downtown. Over the course of the last three decades our city, like many others, has suffered from economic and urban flight, and there's issues that cause the downtown to suffer. But with forward-looking members of the city's governing body and local civilian and business leaders, plans were developed to breathe new life into Goldsboro. As a result of the recent efforts that have been taken and are currently under way, the face of Goldsboro is changing. Through federal and state grants augmented by taxpayer funding, many improvements are appearing downtown. I will acknowledge that not everybody has been a staunch supporter of what is taking place, but in the end I believe they will appreciate what will have been accomplished. Last, but not least, is that while this effort has been ongoing, entrepreneurs and existing businesses are coming to and investing in Goldsboro, creating jobs and adding to the tax revenue, which in turn are extra benefits of a downtown renewal project.
* Develop the city's parks and recreation department.
A: The development of our Parks and Recreation department is well under way. The department director, Scott Barnard, has developed an aggressive program to rehabilitate existing parks, as well as identifying new recreation activities and facilities. The focus should be on addressing the needs of our youth. There's a unified effort on the part of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation department to work towards that goal. In conjunction with this effort, park use studies are being conducted to make sure our tax dollars are being spent on facilities and activities wisely. Again, I would add that the sea to the mountains trail is going to bring tourism, it's going to bring revenue to the city. Just as this week we had the United States Tennis Association tournament here, albeit it was rained out, those things contribute to the city as well.
* Combat blight throughout the city
A: This is one of my major concerns to be honest with you. I'm very sensitive about this. As you know, I'm rehabilitating my second project now in six months. I've already stated my feelings about being proud of my hometown. The state and appearance of buildings and grounds is an essential factor in ones attitude about where they live. It applies to our commercial district downtown, as well as the residential areas. I believe it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that they first meet the safety standards for use, and second that the property is maintained so as to contribute to the enhancement of the area in which they are located. In a situation where an owner refuses to take these two necessary actions, I want to see the city use all applicable legal means to force them to do so. No property owner should be exempt.
Q: As for the budget, are there things you would like to see cut, increased or added?
A: To say that I want to cut items at this time, I would not say so because I do not know to what degree they've been obligated or committed. But I will say the current council, in developing this budget, did not increase taxes. As a council member it would be my obligation to be a part of the next four year cycle of budget preparation costs. I will not just rubber stamp the draft document, but will look closely into where and on what our tax dollars are projected so as to minimize the taxes placed on our citizens. Again, as I stated, operating the city is a business, and as such requires the same due diligence and frugal financial planning to prevent waste.
Q: What do you think the city needs to do to help curb the violence, particularly shootings, that seems to be escalating?
A: Unfortunately, the image of Goldsboro has suffered as a result of the violence and publicizing of those activities. And it's unfortunate. I would first want to make it clear that the downtown Goldsboro business district has the lowest crime rate of any location in the city. Our citizens need to be reminded of that fact so they feel safe in patronizing the many commercial establishments and entertainment events located there. Having said that, the frequency of shootings and murders in our city are totally unacceptable. The safety of our citizens should be, as I believe, the top priority of our governing body. Our police department cannot solve this problem alone. I had a meeting with Interim Police Chief Mike West, and spent about two hours talking with him. I support his program of stressing community involvement in curbing crime. We need citizens to be watchful and contact the police when suspicious or observed criminal activity is observed. We need a fully staffed police department armed with all the necessary technology to identify and defeat those who want to rule our streets and cause harm to our people. We also need a court system that will take swift action and firm action on violators. In the meantime, the city, working with the county, has to place emphasis on education and poverty. These two conditions contribute to the crime situation we have here. It would be my sincere desire to work with, support and do whatever I can with the police chief and sheriff's department, as well as others, to investigate and take whatever other actions may be necessary to identify and bring a halt to this unacceptable business of drive-by shootings and firing weapons into the air.