Mike Porter looked back over the nine years he was Mayor of Mount Gilead to review the Village’s accomplishments. Porter says much progress was made by having a common goal to keep the village strong and he also credits the hard work of the Village Administrator, Clerk, Village Council and employees for the progress that was made while he was mayor.

Village Council Member, Donna Carver said that Porter was instrumental in getting the large solar array for the sewer and water department. That meant a big savings for the village. Porter is proud of the work of the village in street paving, upgrading sewer systems and extending water lines in the village.

Carver said that Porter maintains a calm demeanor in difficult situations. She said he listens and shows respect for others point of view. He is interested in what is best for the village and the county rather than any concern for a person’s party.

“I consider myself to be fiscally responsible,” Porter said. “We need to encourage growth and still be frugal.”

During his years as mayor, refinancing of the water plant bonds brought a five percent savings that will allow the debt to be paid off by the spring of 2017.

The village has worked to stay on schedule to update police cruisers and fire trucks as they are needed. Some village properties have been cleaned up through grants and the swimming pool has had major repairs.

Mount Gilead Council Member John Curtis served for four terms on the legislative body and said that Porter gets along well with both Democrats and Republicans. He added that Porter works to have a cooperative environment in the village offices.

Porter’s goals as County Commissioner include maintaining and improving roads and other infrastructure as well as services such as fire and law enforcement. A major concern for Porter is the problem of drugs in the county. He said that 70 – 80 percent of crime and thefts are related to drugs.

Porter said that no one department can solve the problem of drugs and their needs to be a joint effort of the Sheriff, Prosecutor and judges as well as social services working on the problem. He believes the problem should be a priority for the county and commissioners.

“We need to look at whatever avenues we can in solving the problem of drugs and crime,” Porter said. “We need to look at what other counties are doing too.”

Other goals for the county Porter advocates are attracting employers that pay sufficient wages, and having fiscal responsibility for the prudent use of public funds as the county prepares for growth.

Porter is a graduate of Mount Gilead High School. He owned a distributorship for 7-Up and RC Cola before he owned and managed Porters’ Restaurant in Mount Gilead for 10 years. He and his wife Kim have four children and four grandchildren. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Gilead, past president of Habitat for Humanity and past master of the Mount Gilead Masonic Lodge.

Porter
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/10/web1_DSCN0499-1-1-1.jpgPorter

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel

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