Once a week the KernersvilleNews are asking Candidates of Kernersville's local election a question to be featured in the KernersvilleNews paper.
This week's Question and Answer with John Stafford Stanley.
Q: How do you believe elected officials should best balance the needs of residents with growing development, particularly in more rural areas?
A: It is always the elected official’s responsibility and duty to represent the citizens first and foremost. The major issue is within local municipalities, there are pressures from the county and state level that often tie the hands of elected local officials, especially within ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) areas. It should always be the elected official’s goal to listen to residents on their needs and concerns in order to maintain a healthy quality of life. The major factor with any growth is to help determine if the development will put a strain on neighbors and taxpayers. I believe in property rights and being able to utilize your property in any way as long as it does not hinder anyone else's rights. It must be the goal of all elected officials in the USA to protect these individual rights.
