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Jennifer M. Stepp
Registered Voter Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
Yes
Previous experience in elected office:
Gastonia City Council for Ward 5 Representative (2017-Present)
Age:
~61
Occupation:
Former school teacher
Description:
Stepp says that Gastonia has shaped who she is. She lived through the economic turbulence of the declining textile industry, which led to vacated buildings and a smaller tax base. She describes herself as a "people person" who has worked with numerous non-profits over the years. She says that infrastructure and public safety are critical issues for the city council. She wants to ensure that Gastonia is a good place to "live, work and play." She says that her drive is to "bring us back to our glory days" and "to make the quality of life better." She mentioned in a Gaston Business Association candidate forum that stricter code enforcement on vacant buildings may help improve downtown Gastonia. She believes she is a "reasonable voice" for the city and participates in depolarization efforts.
Other personal:
Stepp is a lifelong resident of Gastonia and a grandmother. Stepp has a bachelor's from Gardner-Webb University and is a registered Republican.
The Gaston Business Association Questionnaire
Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements.
I am a lifelong resident of Gastonia, as well as a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. My background includes serving as a teacher, summer program coordinator, and minister of music, experiences that deepened my passion for people and community. For the past 8 years, I have had the honor of serving on Gastonia’s City Council, along with several local, state, and regional committees and boards. Beyond public service, I have been active in numerous organizations and ministries for decades, working side by side with others to strengthen and uplift our community.
What inspired you to run for city/town council, and what specific qualities or experiences make you well-suited for this role?
My love for Gastonia. This is the city that shaped me, and I want to give back by helping it grow in a positive direction. My background has taught me the importance of listening, serving, and working with people from all walks of life. My 8 years on City Council, along with service on local, state, and regional boards and committees, have given me the knowledge to navigate policy, budgeting, and planning. Just as importantly, my experience as a wife, mother, and grandmother keeps me grounded in the values of family and community. I believe these qualities, combined with a heart for service, make me well-suited to continue representing and advocating for our city.
What are your top priorities for your city/town (specifically pertaining to the business community), and how do you plan to address them if elected?
My top priorities for Gastonia’s business community are strengthening our infrastructure, supporting smart growth, and keeping taxes and fees reasonable so businesses can thrive. I want to continue attracting new industry while also supporting our small businesses, which are the backbone of our community. That means investing in roads, utilities, and technology so businesses have what they need to succeed. It also means streamlining processes, listening to business owners, and making sure our policies encourage growth instead of creating barriers. By fostering strong partnerships between the city, local organizations, and the private sector, we can build a business-friendly environment that creates jobs, grows our tax base, and strengthens Gastonia’s economy for years to come.
Please select one of the following local issues, and provide a brief description of your stance on the topic: Economic Development, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure, or Education.
Strong infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving city. We must be able to provide reliable services that our residents rely on every day. Gastonia has an aging infrastructure and we must continue investing in reliable water and sewer systems, power, neighborhood roads and updated equipment to support both our current needs and future growth. I will continue working with the state through my position on the MPO to improve our main streets. I helped bring Go Gastonia to our city and will continue to work on improving and expanding that service. I believe in proactive planning, looking for grants and funding opportunities, and working with developers, regional partners, and the state to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth while keeping our fees reasonable. By modernizing our systems and expanding transportation options, we not only improve quality of life for residents but also create a strong foundation for attracting new businesses and jobs.