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Ivory Craig, Jr.
Registered Voter Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
Yes
Previous experience in elected office:
Currently a city council member (elected in 2021)
Age:
~37
Occupation:
Realtor; former police officer
Description:
On serving on the city council, Craig said at a Gaston Business Association candidate forum, “God has given me this journey to run.” He says he is a public servant at heart, having been a former law enforcement officer. He says he has prioritized first responders in budgeting and talks to citizens about “what they want.” He also says he wants grants for more sidewalks and that one of the council’s best achievements is that it hired an economic development director who has been able to recruit businesses to Mount Holly. Regarding crime, he says that the cameras installed near the greenways have helped to recover stolen vehicles and stopped drug smugglers.
Other personal:
Craig is the father of three and a graduate of East Gaston High School. He is a registered Republican.
The Gaston Business Association Questionnaire
Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements.
Progress on Veterans Park. MOU in place.
Muddy River Distillery opened.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery groundbreaking.
Bolton’s Curbside Cookery
Infrastructure improvements - City installed 8” water lines on Main St.
New Security Cameras approved for Greenway.
Flock cameras approved & installed to help continue to keep Mount Holly safe.
Ransom Hunter Park.
What inspired you to run for city/town council, and what specific qualities or experiences make you well-suited for this role?
As a former Police Officer, I had to attend some Council meetings that involved our Department and after attending those meetings my interest grew for what was happening in our town. Not only what but how things were happening, then I began attending meetings without having to be there and some people asking “what are you doing here?” Because it wasn’t mandatory. My experience as an officer working for Mount Holly PD & the City of Mount Holly, being on the Community Development Foundation and being on Council the last 4 years makes me more than suited for this role.
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?
Being that I am an incumbent, my goal is to continue to support our local businesses and continue to stay connected with them to know what they’re happy with, what their struggles are and how I can help. Being approachable is key to that success because they know they can speak with me so we can collaborate to ensure their needs are taken care of if they’re realistic. Also being on council when we approved the funding to hire an Economic Development Director was a huge piece in not only telling but showing our business owners that we want and need them to do well 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.
Naturally Public Safety is near and dear to my heart, the backbone of our City is our First Responders! There’s support for our Law Enforcement but then there’s those that have served as one and it gives you a different perspective and feel for their needs and the things they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. I may not be in Law Enforcement any longer but I’ll never forget the support I knew I had and the support I knew I didn’t have. Officers are in positions where they can’t speak on certain things but I am now and I stand with those who keep us safe! That goes for our Police, Firefighters and Dispatchers!