Republican Ryan Collins faces Democrat Brookey Hardee for the Pender County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat.
In-person early voting begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 20, and those must be returned to the local board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
North Carolina residents can check their voter registration status on the North Carolina State Board of Elections webpage.
Here's a look at the candidates and where they stand on certain topics. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar, style and length.
Ryan Collins
- Age: 45
- Occupation: Training Specialist; Retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer
- Education: B.A. in Political Science; M.A. in International Relations
- Political experience: Former Vice Chair of the Pender County GOP; seeking first public office
- Political affiliation: Republican
Brookey Hardee
- Age: 58
- Occupation: Financial Institution Strategic Consultant (currently focused on merger and acquisition client and colleague experience)
- Education: B.A. in Communications from North Carolina State University.
- Political experience: None.
- Political affiliation: Democrat
What are the top issues facing the county?
Collins: Pender County faces rapid growth, traffic congestion, rising infrastructure costs, and increasing pressure
on public services. Residents are also concerned about property taxes, public safety, and preserving our county's character. Growth must be managed responsibly so it does not outpace our roads, schools, emergency services, or taxpayers' ability to afford it. Development should align with available infrastructure and be balanced with commercial and industrial growth to help broaden the tax base. Our challenge is to plan responsibly today so Pender County remains affordable, safe, and livable for current residents and future generations.
Hardee: School funding is definitely on the minds of our residents. The board of commissioners and board of education should be closely aligned to ensure school funding is a top priority for the budget. We have an opportunity to create a learning environment that promotes creative and educational growth in students while supporting teachers and staff. Commissioners should attend school board meetings to hear directly from parents and staff about concerns. We should also research school systems around the country who have successfully navigated rapid growth while meeting the educational needs of their communities.
What goals do you have for the county?
Collins: My goals for Pender County are responsible growth, safe communities, strong schools and low taxes. Living in Hampstead, I see firsthand how growth is outpacing infrastructure. As development expands toward Rocky Point and Burgaw, we must ensure communities are prepared and preserve their character. Supporting our first responders is essential to public safety. Families need a community where their children can grow and succeed, which means putting schools and essential infrastructure first. Above all, we must remember that government does not spend its own money, it spends yours. We must meet these goals without taxing residents out of their homes.
Hardee: We seem to have a difficult time recruiting and retaining Pender County employees. I would like to understand what makes the current staff want to be employed by Pender County and what incentives (career growth potential, better health care options, more PTO, childcare options, etc.) would keep them excited about working here. As someone who has spent many years studying colleague engagement, I do think we can develop a plan that makes people not just want to work for Pender County, but become loyal career employees.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Collins: I bring proven leadership, long-term management and planning experience, and a deep commitment to public service. Throughout my military career, I led complex organizations, managed significant resources, and balanced competing priorities while remaining accountable to those I served. I listen first, ask tough questions, and focus on practical, results-driven solutions. I’m not running for a title; I’m running to do the work and represent Pender County residents responsibly. I bring conservative principles that have long been a part of Pender County’s character. My focus will remain on the issues that matter to Pender County, and those blessed to live here.
Hardee: I have extensive experience in developing and executing strategic solutions that create strong partnerships across organizations. This requires an ability to effectively and transparently collaborate with people who may have different views and objectives. Pender County needs this skillset to be able to move past the toxic environment the current board is experiencing.
What is the biggest infrastructure need in Pender County?
Collins: Pender County's biggest infrastructure needs are keeping essential services, transportation, water, and sewer, aligned with our growth. Road capacity and traffic safety are major concerns. Driving home should not be the most dangerous part of your day. Growth has outpaced improvements, particularly along high-traffic corridors. We must work closely with NCDOT, prioritize projects that improve safety and mobility, and ensure new development contributes fairly to the infrastructure it requires. At the same time, reliable access to basic utilities, including water and sewer, remains a challenge in parts of the county and must be fixed.
Hardee: We must rethink how and where we source the water for our community. Our residents deserve safe, clean water from a reliable source which means we may need to go to the state for additional resources and guidance.
How should Pender County balance growth and development with the need for more infrastructure and government services?
Collins: Growth must be deliberate and planned. Development should pay its fair share for the roads, utilities, schools, and services it requires, rather than shifting those costs onto taxpayers. We should be treated as neighbors, not a piggy bank. The county should use data-driven planning, phased development, and enforce existing regulations. Growth should also include commercial and industrial development that creates jobs and broadens the tax base to help offset the cost of residential growth. Growth is not bad, but unmanaged growth is. Infrastructure, safety, services, and the taxpayer must come first, not be treated as an afterthought.
Hardee: Pender County is a beautiful place to live and work. Unfortunately, our population has outpaced the maintenance of our county infrastructure and our residents are the ones who pay the price. Beyond our need for better water sourcing, we also need to have a hard conversation with the state about our roads' capacity to handle this rapid growth.
How will you work to improve public trust in Pender County’s local government?
Collins: Public trust begins with understanding that a commissioner serves the county and its people, not the other way around. Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and accountability. I will support open communication, clearly explain decisions, and engage respectfully with residents. Commissioners should be accessible and willing to explain not only what decisions are made, but why. Not every citizen will agree with every decision of the Board, and that is okay. But when residents feel heard, know the facts, and see their Commissioner working in good faith to improve Pender County, trust can be earned and strengthened.
Hardee: Step one is creating transparency around board decisions. Closed door sessions create the illusion of secrecy which leads to distrust. The only time discussions should be closed to the public is when they are involving personnel issues. The residents of Pender County fund the Board of Commissioners with their tax dollars and should be able to bear witness to how decisions are made.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Meet the candidates for Pender County Board of Commissioners District 2
