Candidates view dealing with development as key topic
ASHEBORO — Two candidates will square off for the mayor’s position in Trinity.
Sitting mayor Richard McNabb will be opposed by Veronica (Vickee) Armstrong in the Nov. 2 election.
McNabb said he sees unfinished business, while Armstrong said she’ll focus on a long-term vision for the community.
McNabb was appointed to the position in February 2020 to fill the unexpired term of late mayor Jesse Hill. Prior to that, McNabb spent about a dozen years on the city’s planning and zoning boards, serving as chairman for about half that time.
“Somebody has got to do it,” McNabb said. “There’s a lot of that we’ve got going that we need to get finished up.”
McNabb said increasing the city’s sewer capacity and adding to police coverage should be priorities. Recent approval for development of a total of about 1,100 new houses could mean substantial population growth for the city of 7,000.
“That’s going to bring a lot more people,” McNabb said. “More people have more demands … more problems. If we get that many people in here, we’ll need more (law enforcement) coverage.”
Under the existing set-up, two deputies within the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department are assigned to Trinity. Three more deputies would provide 24-coverage, McNabb said.
Armstrong, who insisted in responding in writing to submitted questions, referred to rapid development in Trinity as something that needs to be addressed in her quest “to usher in an insightful, proactive, new generation of leadership.”
“Our charming city and rural way of life should be protected by managing commercial and residential growth via master planning,” Armstrong wrote. “Economic development, adequate infrastructure, the safety of our community, the accessibility of services for seniors and programs that provide kids with alternatives and safe havens from drugs and crime are the issues I wish to address.”
Armstrong, who has lived in Trinity for five years, is CEO of the Greensboro ABC Board. She said she has more than 30 years of experience in facility operations and management. She also owns My Father’s House, a Trinity venue that holds special events.
Armstrong, who hasn’t held a public office, also is an associate minister and director of Christian education at New Hope Community Fellowship in Archdale. As part of missions work, she lived five years in Virgin Islands.
Trinity was one of North Carolina’s last remaining “dry” towns until a 2020 vote permitted alcohol sales within the city – that’s something that McNabb said could spur economic growth. Residents voted down alcohol sales in votes in 2007 and 2011.
McNabb, 77, is a retired vice president of transportation for Westinghouse Hittman. He said he enjoys his involvement with local government.
“I don’t mind serving and I like the challenge,” McNabb said. “Another way to help people.”
Filing for municipal elections in Randleman and Trinity concluded Friday.
Also on the Trinity ballot for city council, incumbent Steve Lawing and Ed Lohr are on the ballot for Ward 2. In Ward 4, incumbent Don Payne is receiving challenges from Felix Forbes, Robbie Walker and Darian Campbell.
Andy Aikens initially filed in Ward 2, but he later withdrew his name.
- In Randleman, mayor pro tem Gary Betts Sr. is unopposed for mayor.
Current mayor Clarence “Bucky” Jernigan didn’t file to seek re-election.
For alderman seats, incumbent Melissa Blalock and Craig Hancock are on the ballot in Ward 2. In Ward 3, current seat holder Nancy Henderson was the only candidate to file.
