(Photo Carney)
The Mirror met with Mayoral Candidate Terry Carney last Saturday at the Palace Theatre in Cape Charles. As a relatively unknown candidate, the Mirror was anxious to learn more about Mr. Carney, and what he plans to bring to Cape Charles.
Mirror: So, what, or why are you running for Mayor?
Carney: My wife and I had been coming to the Shore for vacations for several years…we stayed in different places, including a Pungateague. We just fell in love with the Eastern Shore, and over time, tried to stay in different places, which is how we came about to Cape Charles.
Mirror: Where do you live now?
Carney: We bought a place in Bay Creek. We always loved Cape Charles, and wanted to buy a home in the Historic District, but at the time, we couldn’t afford what we really wanted.
Mirror: That may be a blessing in disguise…these old houses.
Carney: I know, we renovated a house in Petersburg, so…
Mirror: Yes.
Carney: I have a question for you. What would you want in the next Mayor?
Mirror: To tell the truth, I’d like to see someone like George Proto. He’s a smart guy, and more importantly, his work experience involved bringing together divergent groups and viewpoints, and he tried to form a synthesis of those ideas. I think in his tenure here, he was fairly successful in managing the competing desires of Town Council, producing a generally accepted consensus…so, I’d like to see more of that.
Carney: I agree. I’ve met with Mayor Proto, and he is a smart guy. I don’t think I’ll be able to fill all of those shoes.
Mirror: Well, you have to be yourself anyway. You may bring a skill set that is different, but maybe just as effective. What is the style that you would bring to the job?
Carney: In my job as an FBI agent, I spent most of my time listening to people. I think that is one of the most important things, listening to what the constituents have to say.
Mirror: What do see as a problem area or something that needs addressing?
Carney: Parking in the downtown business district is a big one.
Mirror: Agreed. We have been grappling with this for some time.
Carney: As a business owner, it is a concern.
Mirror: Once the town relinquished Meatland and the other lots, things got tight.
Carney: That leads to the back in parking.
Mirror: Not popular.
Carney: No, but with the limitations, we have to do something. Even with front in parking, backing out is still…
Mirror: Just as dangerous really…
Carney: Yes, it is. But on another subject, to me the harbor is really the crown jewel of this town. I worry that there are still issues with maintenance, receipts and other things…
Mirror: Yes, but the harbor has always operated in the red, not sure really how to turn that around.
Carney: Well, I think we need to get it physically up to speed, and then up the marketing effort. Even if we have to hire someone to help with that, I think the issues at the harbor need to be addressed.
Mirror: Agreed, but the beach is probably the twin jewel, but that is one area where I think the town has done a good job. We are lucky to have a great Dune and Wetlands Board, and they have done great managing the beach and dunes…some say they have managed the dunes too well.
Carney: I agree with you, but parking again is an issue we probably need to look at for the future. As a business owner, I’d also like to see, or at least have a clearer idea of where the beautification of the town lies…is it with the Town, like maintaing areas around trees or flower beds, or should the business take that on.
Mirror: That is a good question, I think the Community Enhancement Board will be addressing much of that, but if it’s in front of your store, the business may want to take that on. Curb appeal is very important.
Carney: Yes, it is very important. You know Wayne, the main reason I’m doing this, is that my wife and I really love this town, and if there is some way I can help keep it wonderful, or even make it better, well I’m here to do that.
Mirror: Well, it was great talking with you and getting you point of view on things. Good luck to you.
Carney: Nice talking with you also. I think I’m in a pretty good spot…the worst I can do is come in second place!
Terry also provided this statement:
I worked for the FBI for 31 years, was assigned to Washington DC, New York and Richmond Offices. During my career, I had leadership roles with special operations, SWAT, Evidence Response Team, and was a relief Supervisor for 20 years. I have never had a position in local government and after owning a home and business In town, we see a lot of good things happening in Cape Charles. My interest in running for Mayor is primarily related to being responsive to residents and business owners and promoting development, through the various groups in place. Common sense is an excellent leadership tool in my opinion. There will be challenges going forward and the issues can be resolved by having good dialogue between town management and citizens. I would encourage everyone to attend the Candidates Forum on Sunday, April 15th, 1:30pm, at the Palace Theatre.
if you are going to run for mayor it seems like you should already know that the parking problem is not with Meatland being gone. That was Fresh Pride grocery store. Also the fact that all you’re worried about is parking for your business I guess. If I were you I would be more worried about the indebtedness of the town and how to address that and fix it. Also everyone in the town pretty much buys bottled water because the town can’t seem to get it straight for how to produce good drinking water. While I don’t live in town anymore I complained alot about the drinking water and nothing was ever done. I also complained about the overspending and too many people in the offices but nothing was ever done about that either.
The happiest day of our lives with selling our house and getting the hell out of Cape Charles. If you think mayor Proto did such a good job ask the poor Mexican family that their child drowned on Father’s Day. Mayor Proto admitted on live TV that the town could have done more to prevent that poor boy from drowning.
Note: The error confusing Meatland with Fresh Pride is the Mirror’s, not Mr. Carney. We make this mistake all of the time, which is disturbing to the editor.