Date/place of birth: 3/15/1943, Salisbury, N.C.
Current occupation: Mayor of Siler City
Campaign website/social media: facebook.com/mayorjohngrimes
Education and work history: Graduate of Davie County High School, President of the Student Body Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Leadership Award, Graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science degree; Officer in the US Army: Company Commander in the 3rd/8th Cavalry, Eighty Infantry Division, Mannheim, Germany; Partner, Cecil Budd Tire Company, LLC, Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest award for extraordinary service to the State.
Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members): Cecilia B. Grimes, wife, John Thomas Grimes, son (wife, Alysia Grimes), Stephen Grimes, son (wife, Marcia Grimes), grandchildren: Alaina (Andrew) Maddox, Jonathan, Abigail, Tucker, Sophia, Daniel Grimes.
Party affiliation: N/A
Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: Chatham County Commissioner, 1 term; Siler City Commissioner beginning in 1999, 3 four-year terms; Mayor since 2013, 3 two-year terms
Campaign manager (if applicable): Bill Milholen
Campaign treasurer (if applicable): N/A
Why are you seeking this office?: To continue the tremendous progress we are achieving to make Siler City a better place to live and work. I want to continue working with this board to make the CAM (megasite) a reality. I have proven I know how to get things done.
What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in one sentence, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?: I am qualified to continue my proven record of success through the leadership qualities I have gained throughout a lifetime of service in local government, a career in local business, years as a military officer at home and abroad and peer-elected roles in my church and in collegiate athletics.
One of the most important decisions that elected officials make is on the annual budget, which includes spending and tax rates. Do you have a budgeting philosophy? What’s more important to you, spending more to allocate resources to needed programs or cutting spending and keeping the tax rate low?: I like a balanced approach, where you don’t spend money you don’t have but allocate where need is greatest while being respectful of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected: To judiciously manage the $32 million in grants that will be used for upgrading our water and sewer capacities and other needs. To recruit environmentally-friendly industries to enhance economic development.
The Mayor does not vote on any items that come before the town board, but serves as a “chairman of the Board” and figurehead for the town. What are three principles you would carry into that role to deserve it?: Integrity, respectful interaction and accessibility to citizens.
Siler City’s median household income is around $27,000, lower than the county median by a significant distance. What role does the mayor play in making that number rise?: Economic development is the engine that increases income for our citizens. The mayor and the board of commissioners constantly seek strategies and enticements for more industry to locate here and provide well-paying jobs.
What do you think are Siler City’s three best features?: Its people who get along and work together for the common good. Its geographical location with crossroads of U.S. Highways 421 and 64, commercial rail service and an airport that handles corporate jets. A dynamic Board of Commissioners and Mayor with like-minded vision and purpose to bring prosperity to our Town.
What are three areas where Siler City can improve?: Infrastructure issues, specifically aging water and sewer pipes which will be addressed in two phases through recently-secured grants. Appearance around town where our streets are suffering from aging and other problems caused by weather and traffic which, fortunately, is soon to be addressed with grant money. Reducing litter.
If you are not elected, what steps will you take to serve Siler City?: I will continue to serve this Town I love and where I have lived most of my life as opportunities become available.
Biographical Facts
Political/government hero: Dwight Eisenhower
Favorite book: The Bible
Book most recently read: “Last of the Little Lintheads” (written by several childhood friends)
Favorite film: “Patton”
Hobbies: Following Wake Forest sports and researching my ancestry online.
Church/civic involvement: Sunday School teacher, First Baptist Church; Town Commissioner and Mayor
Personal motto or one-line philosophy: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Also listed under my name in my high school annual.
Strongest childhood ambition: To play college football while getting a college degree and serve in the U.S. Military.
Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: To have established a strong and loving family unit with my wife, two sons and daughters-in-law, and my wonderful six grandchildren
Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: Lose ten more pounds!