2025 Kernersville Municipal Election Voter Guide

Ahead of next month’s municipal election, Scope News Kernersville invited all candidates for mayor and the Board of Aldermen to respond to a series of questions about Kernersville’s future. Responses are presented below in their entirety, with light editing for style or clarity, and organized by question.

Candidates’ answers are listed alphabetically by last name. Not every candidate responded to the questionnaire by the publication deadline.

Scope News remains committed to fair and equal-opportunity coverage for all local candidates and will update this guide if and when we receive additional responses.

Question 1: What is your motivation for seeking this office and why do you believe you’re the best candidate?

Alderman Bill Apple: “My motivation in seeking election to my third term on the Kernersville Board of Aldermen is to provide a vehicle through which I can personally serve the citizens of my community in a meaningful and significant manner. I feel that I have been blessed with many opportunities in life that equip me to be one of the fine candidates for this post. Having attended UNC-Chapel Hill for my undergraduate business administration degree (1973), my law degree (JD, 1980), and my MBA degree (1980), I have a solid academic foundation. While on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, I completed my course work in a master’s program in guidance & counseling. I was also afforded the opportunity to attend the American Bankers Association’s Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware.”

Alderman John Barrow: “John is a person that is generous with his time and talents. He has passion for his wife and family, the law, and racing — and importantly, for his town, state, and country. He is devoted to the American way of life and appreciates the work and experiences that have brought him to this point in his life. He looks forward to applying his years of experience here in Kernersville to guiding the town into the future. He is devoted to ensuring that future youth in Kernersville have the same opportunities to work and learn and succeed. Only in America could a son of a music book salesman wind his way through life and end up an attorney at law. It’s America … and I’m not done yet!”

Board of Aldermen candidate Michael Enscore: “For over two decades, Kernersville has been my home, the place where I’ve raised my family and built my business. I’ve been a proud resident, but also an active community member, deeply committed to ensuring our town grows in a positive, sustainable direction. My experience as an entrepreneur in the development, construction, and real estate industries has given me a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities our town faces. It is this experience, combined with my proven track record of leadership and community service, that I feel will be a great asset to the Board of Aldermen.”

Alderman J.R. Gorham: “My love for the town of Kernersville runs deep – this community is not just where I live, it’s where my heart is. I’ve seen firsthand the strength, resilience, and potential that make Kernersville such a special place, and it’s that same passion that fuels my desire to see our town continue to grow and flourish while preserving the values that define us. My decision to run for a third term is rooted in a strong record of proven leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to thoughtful progress. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to bring people together, solve real problems, and make decisions that reflect the best interests of all our citizens. I believe that my experience, coupled with a clear vision for the future, makes me ready to continue serving and building a Kernersville we can all be proud of.”

Mayoral candidate Kevin Hansford: “Being the best of candidates would be a very subjective claim I am not comfortable making. I am a very realistic and honest person, so I am confident that I would be a great choice for mayor. I am motivated to provide our citizens with a choice when it comes to our leadership. Though I respect our current mayor and I feel confident she is completely capable of representing Kernersville positively in the future, the town has gone through many changes in the 17 years she has represented us. Some citizens may support having a choice to change our representation as well, in an effort to match the evolving community and embrace those differences. This is a good way for me to provide an opportunity to remind people that being involved is an option for everyone and at the same time, give me the potential opportunity to use my experience and leadership to continue positive representation of our town. I believe in helping to reshape the citizen’s view that our mayor is only a figurehead by taking the opportunity to listen to citizens, present new topics to our board, and initiate opportunities for new ideas. I am a charismatic, educated, and compassionate individual who cares about the same things as our community members care about. I am capable and willing to represent our town and the people here with dignity and pride and my actions would reflect that without question.”

Mayor Dawn Morgan: “It has been an honor to serve as the mayor of Kernersville since 2008. I am running for re-election to keep Kernersville a great place to live, work, and raise a family. In my time serving the town, I have learned that experience matters in accomplishing results for our citizens. I will continue to work for a safe community, because feeling safe in our homes and businesses is fundamentally important and the bedrock for economic vibrancy. I will continue to work to plan for growth so that Kernersville has opportunity, while keeping its hometown feel and charm. I believe it is important to have health care options in our community and good jobs close to home. I will continue to work for parks and recreation opportunities, a vibrant downtown, and the hometown festivals that we all enjoy. In 1997, I was working as an attorney. I wanted to be more involved in my community and so began volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce. I was appointed to the Planning Board, and enjoyed hearing about the ideas for the future of our community, visiting and walking on the land that was proposed for rezoning, and talking with the neighbors. I ran for the Board of Aldermen in 2001, and was elected to my first term, and in February 2008 became mayor. I enjoyed the land use planning and zoning cases, and also being engaged in and learning about the fire department, police department, and public services. I enjoy hearing the ideas of citizens, working with the town staff, and being involved. I am asking for your vote so that I can continue to serve as mayor and use my knowledge and experience to help chart the future of our town.”

Board of Aldermen candidate Sarah Jane Sabanis: “My motivation for seeking a seat on the Kernersville Board of Aldermen is to build a more collaborative Town Hall that works alongside our citizens to manage growth. I am running because I believe the best solutions for Kernersville don’t come from elected officials alone; they come from partnerships with the people who live here and organizations within our community. As a mother of two has who set roots in this town, I want to help lead a local government that is proactive, accessible, and reflective of our shared values. I am the best candidate because I offer the right combination of professional skills for efficient governance and a commitment to deep community engagement. As a project manager with a master’s degree, my career is focused on bringing diverse teams together to achieve goals on time and on budget, skills that will help the board execute infrastructure and development plans efficiently. My past service on the High Point Human Relations Commission and Kernersville Community Appearance Commission showed me the power of public input in shaping towns, and I commit to hosting regular, accessible community listening sessions where citizens can express their thoughts to me, their elected representative. My platform is designed to solve problems together: I will work with state and federal partners and alongside local citizens and organizations to pursue funding for our most critical road and utility upgrades. I will champion a comprehensive review to our Unified Development Ordinance, working directly with citizens and neighborhood groups to strengthen standards and expand rezoning notifications to give every affected neighbor a real voice. Finally, I will invest in our parks and recreation options, creating and maintaining community gathering spaces so we can all enjoy our town without having to leave it. Good politics starts local, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and build a collaborative government where the citizens are our most valued partners in Kernersville’s future.”

Alderman Chris Thompson: “It was time for me to give back to a community that has provided so much for me since moving to Kernersville in 1995. When I started my profession, I kept my head down and worked hard to establish myself in Kernersville. I spent many years not involved with anything town related. When things slowed down during the recession in 2009- 2010, I felt it was overdue that I give back to the Town and citizens that supported my family. I have thoroughly enjoyed working as an Alderman for the last five terms and am humbled that the citizens have entrusted me over the years to continue.”

Question 2: What professional, civic, and/or political experience prepares you for this role?

Apple: “My qualifications are not limited to these educational accomplishments, however. I engaged in the private practice of law for some 40 years, mostly as a small-business owner of my own law firm. I also served as president and CEO of First National Bank of Reidsville and its parent holding company for 7 years. And in 1999, I retired after 26 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve. I have also served three terms as president of my local chapter of Lions Club International, one in Reidsville, and two in Kernersville. In addition, I served as Chairman of the Kernersville Downtown Preservation and Development Council.”

Barrow: “John Barrow has lived in Kernersville for the last 70 years and has practiced law in Kernersville since 1991. He is married to Shelly Pearson Barrow and lives on the south side of town off Hopkins Road. They have three grown sons that graduated from Kernersville schools. John attended Kernersville Elementary School, Kernersville Junior High School and graduated from East Forsyth Senior High School in 1972. John attended Western Carolina University and graduated from University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a BS in business administration. John graduated from Campbell University -Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a juris doctorate degree. While at Campbell University, John was a 1L and 2L Class Representative. In his third year he was elected student bar president. During the last 34 years of law practice, John has served on the Forsyth County NC Bar Ethics Committee. He has twice been elected president of the Forsyth County Criminal Defense Bar and twice served on the Forsyth County Bar Executive Committee. John has been awarded the Harvey Lupton Award – Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Forsyth County. This award is awarded annually by the vote of the Criminal Bar of Forsyth County. John is the third of six children of William “Wuz” Barrow and Ruth Barrow. From his home on Vernon Street, John as a child in the 1960s explored the town and dirt streets of Kernersville. John and his family attended the First Baptist Church and Kernersville public schools. JB was a lieutenant on the KES safety patrol, played little league baseball, KJHS Football and ran track. John was a paperboy for the Winston Salem Journal and Twin City Sentinel. When high school came, John felt he needed a job to help pay his way and buy a car. While in high school, John worked at Dairy Queen and Bi-Rite. After high school John attended WCU, not finding to his liking, returned to Kernersville to attend UNC-G as a day student and work. John has worked at Pizza Hut, Thurston Motor Lines, Pilot Freight, H.E. Crawford Co. while attending WCU and UNC-G. Was a Realtor in the mid 1970s and was a store manager for Bestway Grocery into the 1980s before finishing his college education. John worked several years as a carpenter before attending Campbell University Law School. John has often been called a Renaissance man, because of his wide range of skills and experiences. In the last 34 years, John has engaged in stock car racing. Starting at Bowman Gray Stadium, a NASCAR track, and most recently land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with the SCTA. In a racing career that spans 34 years, John has won 35+ races, two series Championships and holds numerous land speed records including four World Land Speed Records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It has often said that John is “the best welder at the Courthouse.” John has served as an expert witness in matters involving the grocery business (BS in business administration) and the automotive field (self taught). John is a North Carolina State Bar Licensed Attorney and North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Mediator. JB is uniquely qualified to serve the People of Kernersville as your alderman.”

Enscore: “My professional life has been dedicated to building and creating, and I am a past president of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Home Builders Association. My past leadership at the Korner’s Folly Foundation focused on preserving our town’s rich history, while my current role on the Boards of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem and Builders Mutual Insurance Company keeps me at the forefront of our community’s needs.”

Gorham: “My service as a Brigadier General in the North Carolina National Guard, combined with my experience as a business banker with a local bank and my leadership as Commissioner of Juvenile Justice under the McCory administration, has uniquely prepared me to continue to serve as an alderman for the Town of Kernersville. These roles have strengthen my ability to lead with integrity, managed complex challenges, and work collaboratively across diverse communities and agencies. From strategic decision making in the military to fostering economic growth in the private sector and overseeing critical youth justice initiatives at the state level, I have developed skills, discipline, and insight needed to serve effectively. Each experience has deepened my commitment to public service and sharpened my focus on achieving results that makes a real difference, qualities I am eager to continue to bring to the Board of Aldermen in service to the citizens of Kernersville.”

Hansford: I have been a positive activist for many charities, organizations, and public issues in the past. Doing this has allowed me to connect with citizens, organize ways to collect new ideas, and create opportunities for others to express opinions. In addition, my current professional role has allowed me to continue growing my skills as a communicator and get to the bottom line of issues that need attention, while creating ways to solve problems efficiently. My current career role as a physician liaison is one that requires me to present information to many high level professionals while also creating educational opportunities and identifying areas that need to be scrutinized for improvement. I am responsible each day for organizing data and information from physicians, medical records, and dozens of other sources. Using this data, I put together and roll out projects to help eliminate complex issues in their complex surgical specialties in order to provide better care for patients and better environments for physicians. Teaching new information and utilizing the opinions of a wide variety of professionals and colleagues has equipped me to listen to the needs of our citizens on a wide scale, regardless of the overall impact these ideas have, and implement ways to present ideas that could solve problems or identify areas for improvement.”

Morgan: “I am seeking re-election as mayor of Kernersville. I have served as the mayor of Kernersville since February 2008. Prior to becoming mayor, I was elected and served as a Kernersville alderman (elected in 2001) and prior to that served on the Kernersville Planning Board (February 1997). I have been involved in some way in every strategic planning effort in the Town of Kernersville in the past 27 years. I also currently serve as a commissioner on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities Commission, and am actively involved in developing the strategic plan for water and sewer service for Kernersville and all of Forsyth County. I have been recognized by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce as the Citizen of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, and with the Arnold G. King Community Distinguished Service Award. My professional experience is that I am an attorney, and worked at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice (now Womble Bond) in Winston-Salem, as a law clerk to a federal judge, and as an attorney in Kernersville with my husband Eric. I graduated from the University of Virginia (Bachelor of Arts), the University of Texas at Austin (Masters in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Marketing), and Wake Forest University School of Law. Eric and I have been married for 33 years and we have three children.”

Sabanis: “My diverse background has directly prepared me for the Board of Aldermen. Professionally, I have a Masters degree in Training and Development and work as a project manager. My job is to bring diverse teams together, manage complex scopes, and execute plans efficiently. This organizational mindset is essential for handling town budgets and infrastructure timelines. Civically, I previously served on the High Point Human Relations Commission and Kernersville Community Appearance Commission, which gave me direct insight into how local boards shape a town’s character. My year of service in Americorps also reinforced my dedication to grassroots action and addressing community needs directly.”

Thompson: “Since moving to Kernersville I received the Small Business Person of the Year – Kernersville Chamber of Commerce in 2010. I have served on the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Board of Delegates, President of the Korner’s Folly Foundation 2013 – 2014, Kernersville Museum Board of Directors 2014 – 2018, Kernersville Parks and Recreation Board of Advisors 2014 – 2015, Kernersville Tree Commission Board of Advisors 2010 – 2013, Leadership Kernersville Graduate 2009, Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden Board of Advisors 2004 – 2010, Triad Green Building Council Board of Advisors, President of the Home Builders Association of Winston Salem 2014 and 2020. Experiences from the aforementioned have better prepared me to work as an Alderman and represent the Citizens and the Town with a more effective understanding.”

Question 3: What is your vision for Kernersville over the next decade?

Apple: “My vision for Kernersville over the next decade is to see it continue to responsibly grow under the leadership of a Board of Aldermen, and town management and staff. We need to capitalize on the high level of interest of businesses and developers who find Kernersville to be an extremely attractive place to work and live.”

Barrow: “My belief is my vision for Kernersville: I think that the Town of Kernersville is well run. I think the police and fire departments are well run. I see a few things that I would like to change, but all in all, Kernersville is a well-run town. Thank You Mayor Dawn Morgan and Town Manager Curtis Swisher. We are lucky to have such able and talented people to lead the town. I believe that less government is better than more government. I believe town government exists to serve the people. I believe that town government must enhance the lives and businesses of the people of Kernersville. I believe town government action should reflect “How does this action benefit the quality of life for the people?” I believe that a strong police department is essential to our freedom and civil liberties. Safety in our homes, businesses, and town is the top priority of the police. I believe that the town should have an effective and efficient fire department. No more, no less. I believe the town should collect the taxpayers’ trash, yard waste and recyclables. You pay town taxes, the town should collect your residential garbage and yard waste. Residential at no additional fee. Commercial fee based on volume and character. I believe the town should maintain the streets in good order. We should push the NC DOT to help solve and improve traffic problems. It’s our town, and should be our choice! I wont be silent. I will push. South Main Street is a mess! We have to address this problem and not make it worse. We need a ramp off West Mountain Street to the New I-74. It only makes sense for that side of town. I believe the town should remedy problems caused by the town actions. If the town caused it, the town should step up and fix it. The town should retain jurisdiction over developers and hold them responsible for storm water problems they cause. Zoning manages growth. The main issue facing Kernersville going forward is growth. The challenge for town government is to responsibly manage the growth and preserve the small town lifestyle we enjoy here. With the growth comes more traffic, more rezoning and more expenditures for infrastructure (roads, sewer & water, etc.) and town services (police, fire, rec, trash etc.). I believe that the town’s primary role in recreation is to provide recreational opportunities for the people of Kernersville, (new Recreation Center) especially the town youth. Good kids make good citizens! And a public pool is a great place to start. (I’ve been pushing hard for this pool) and it’s coming soon (we’ll all be swimming in 2027)! I believe that the town should hire the best people for the job at a competitive wage. I also believe that money can be saved by contracting out services where it makes good business sense. I know the town is a non-profit entity, but it must be run as efficiently as possible; the taxpayers deserve nothing less. I believe the town’s finances should be totally transparent to all, and business conducted in a manner most advantageous to the people of Kernersville. After all, the town is run by the consent of the people. JB’s promise: I will never initially respond to a citizen inquiry with “You don’t understand”. Too many bureaucrats respond with this demeaning reply, and then go on to convince or argue or explain. You are elected to field the peoples’ questions. And I believe it is your duty to answer and educate all. As alderman, I promise to represent the people of Kernersville to insure that every request will be met with this question; How does this request make the lives of the people of Kernersville better? I have enjoyed my life in Kernersville for the last 70 years. It has proven to be a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. I have worked hard for the people of Kernersville the last four years to preserve our great way of life and low tax rate. God bless America. God bless North Carolina. God bless Kernersville!”

Enscore: “As a proven and effective leader, I understand that successful outcomes are the result of teamwork and collaboration. If elected, I will use my experience to work with my fellow Aldermen to manage our town’s growth responsibly, ensuring we have the infrastructure to support our expanding population while preserving the small-town charm we all cherish. I will be a dedicated voice for all citizens, working tirelessly to ensure your concerns are heard and your vision for our town is a top priority. I ask for your support and your vote so we can continue to build a brighter future for Kernersville, together.”

Gorham: “My vision for the town of Kernersville is one of thoughtful growth, balanced progress, and a continued commitment to preserve the unique character that makes our community so special. I envision a town where economic development brings quality jobs and opportunities for our local businesses, where infrastructure keeps pace with our growth, and where families feel safe, supported, and proud to call Kernersville, home. I believe in investing in our schools, parks, public service, while protecting the small town charm and sense of community that defines us. By fostering transparent leadership, encouraging citizens engagement and planning responsibly for the future, we can ensure Kernersville not only thrives today but continues to be a place where future generations can grow, succeed and feel connected.”

Hansford: “As Kernersville continues to grow rapidly, I would like to focus on seeing our community pace that growth based on what our town is currently equipped to accommodate. Allowing rapid growth with the hopes of patching up any problems it may cause, creates expansive issues that affect everyone. As important, with exponential and unchecked growth and expansion, comes problems that more populated cities are facing. As we move forward, keeping our community safe from crime, ensuring our public safety and service is equipped to handle population growth, and helping to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place will be pivotal. I would like to expand our ideas with current proposals for future growth to include more room for addressing these needs and also collecting more data from our citizens on what they expect. Our future as a safe and successful community will depend on our ability to adapt our current city plans and services, while having a successful relationship with other municipalities, State, or Federal services we rely on as a partner.”

Morgan: “My vision is that we continue to provide strong public safety and economic opportunities, while preserving Kernersville’s home town feel and charm. Kernersville should remain a safe community, with excellent police and fire services that utilize the latest technology. Feeling safe in your home or business and as you go about your day is a fundamental building block of a community. During my time as mayor, the fire department has improved its rescue capabilities, and its readiness to respond rating is ISO-1, a recognition that it is among the best in the entire state. I want a future for Kernersville with good jobs close to home, excellent medical care and parks and recreation opportunities. We have worked hard to secure this vision with Kernersville’s planning processes, and development of important roads and other infrastructure. During my time as mayor we celebrated opening a hospital, expansions of John Deere, Grass America, XPO, and opening Amazon, Fed Ex, and the VA Health Care Center. We’ve also built a Recreation Center, completed a downtown streetscape project and an additional downtown park, and preserved our town’s history. These good outcomes are a result of careful planning, and experience is important to our town’s success. I have been honored to be involved in planning efforts and decisions in Kernersville for the past 27 years. If re-elected I will continue to work hard to keep our town a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Sabanis: “My vision is to see deliberate and strategic development that still maintains our small-town charm. I want to see economic growth prioritized in our downtown and the north side of town, accompanied by an increase in affordable single-family housing options. Ultimately, I want our families to be able to enjoy the town fully. Kernersville is already the Heart of the Triad, and that means all citizens, young and old, should be able to live, shop, and have fun right here without needing to travel all across the Triad.”

Thompson: “It has always been tough to manage the strain on infrastructure and high quality of life for our town that has grown so quickly. Moving forward I see our future boards continuing to manage our growth, listening to our citizens, and providing the same town services that make Kernersville so attractive. We cannot stop growth, but the key is to manage it the best way possible by guiding change thoughtfully. We need to continue to support the small businesses downtown and the larger ones around town. We all feel our town is uniquely special and I plan to try to keep it that way if re-elected.”

Question 4: What are your top three priorities if elected?

Apple: My top priorities are, first, to lay the groundwork for reversing the thoughtless mandating by state statute of our Board of Aldermen’s being required to run partisan elections, that is, of our having to either declare and run as a Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated. Our board has run on a nonpartisan basis forever, yet without collaboration with, or input from, our mayor, elected Board of Aldermen, or citizens, this Raleigh power grab was introduced, enacted, and became law in two days’ time. This statute must be repealed as soon as possible! Second, an additional priority must be our board’s continuing to responsibly manage the extraordinary growth opportunities that Kernersville enjoys.

Barrow: My top priority for Kernersville is the same today as it was four years ago when I was first elected. Preserve, maintain, and improve the quality of life for every resident in Kernersville. This includes working on the traffic problems in town, (still a lot of work to do here), improving the recreation opportunities for all residents with a focus on the young people here in Kernersville (we have a new Recreation Center with abundant opportunities for all ages and answering the #1 request of the people of Kernersville, a new public pool facility which will be open in 2027), and making sure every resident’s concerns are heard and considered when moving forward.”

Enscore: “My campaign is built on the principle of listening to the people who make Kernersville what it is. I’ve had the privilege of meeting new residents and talking with long-time neighbors, and their priorities are my priorities. They’ve shared their concerns, their hopes, and their vision for our town’s future. If elected, I will be a tireless advocate for the citizens of Kernersville. My commitment is to ensure that all development projects are aligned with our community’s needs and values. We need quality progression that not only brings new opportunities but also provides a positive impact on our existing neighborhoods and businesses. For me, that means three things: a commitment to public safety that keeps Kernersville a secure place to call home; a dedication to providing high-quality services that our citizens deserve; and a pledge to protect the investments that we’ve all made in our properties and our community. I am ready to work for you and be the voice that puts the people of Kernersville first.”

Gorham: As a candidate for the Kernersville Board of Aldermen, my top three priorities are managing growth, ensuring access to housing and maintaining the safety of our community. Thoughtful and strategic growth is essential to preserving the charm of Kernersville, while supporting new opportunities for families and businesses. I am committed to providing housing options that are affordable and well planned so that residents at all stage of life can find a place to call home. Above all, safety remains the cornerstone of a thriving community. I will continue to support our first responders and to invest in public safety initiatives that keeps our neighborhoods secure and our residents protected.

Hansford: “One of the major concerns for our citizens is the rapid, and sometimes unnecessary growth. Our citizens have spoken in many forums about their concerns for the expansion that is happening, and in some cases they feel as though the re-zoning and approval of such happens without enough scrutiny. Whether this is ever the case or not, I want to provide our leadership with data driven information that shows we can address these concerns with sensible ideas and a few checks and balances. It is important to know that while growth is inevitable and incredibly important here, there is a balance to the happiness of our community and the limitations of our existing infrastructure that needs to be met with caution. Our decisions on allowing proposals should be completely free from any conflicts of interest and never based on the prospect of personal gain or financial interests. Presenting ideas for ways to achieve this balance to our Board to examine and the possibility of introducing proposals for consideration will be something I look forward to. Listening to our community members, neighbors, and friends, and addressing their concerns should always be the first priority when working on these proposals. If elected, I will be providing more time and opportunity for our community members to reach out and provide feedback. I would like to provide some office hours to address town business with the people and to analyze and expand on the ways we distribute and gather information about our decisions and opportunities. Providing more areas for the people to be informed of the issues we address in Board meetings or places where more feedback can be received and responded to is something I believe our town can improve on. In the modern, digital world, it does not have to be something everyone agrees is a positive or negative, but everyone can agree that to be the most efficient in our communication, we have to embrace that reality and make sure to utilize it to its fullest. We owe it to our citizens to do anything we possibly can to provide transparency and knowledge to them in as many ways as possible. That includes providing opportunities to meet with their leaders, clearly accessible communication options, and a variety of social and technology based media. Another of my priorities will be to continue presenting Kernersville as the rare gem it is. Offering more community engagement activities is the start of that process, and to maintain community pride, determining proposals and projects that can be introduced to our Board for revitalizing the existing areas of our community that require it can be invaluable. Though we do have great plans in place, more in depth opportunities to expand on those, no matter how small, can provide opportunities for our community to be involved and ways to refresh the beauty of our town. I will work hard to improve and develop new ways to partner with other resources and Government agencies we rely on, in order to facilitate better and faster fulfillment of our needs.”

Morgan: “Roads and water and sewer infrastructure, which are essential to quality of life. Public safety services, including continued support of our police, fire fighters and first responders. Strategic planning efforts, which will allow Kernersville to keep its hometown charm even as our town and the region grow with new businesses and more people moving to the area.”

Sabanis: “Investing in Infrastructure: As Kernersville grows, so should our infrastructure. I’ll collaborate with state legislators and the NCDOT to plan and fund roads that accommodate future growth, easing congestion and ensuring safe, efficient travel. Expanding Recreation and Community Life: Let’s make Kernersville a vibrant place to live and play without needing to travel to nearby cities. I’ll support local businesses, enhance our parks, and create community spaces that offer fun for everyone, keeping our dollars here. Updating Our Unified Development Ordinance: Our UDO needs a refresh to guide development and preserve our town’s character. I’ll advocate for and lead a review to ensure it reflects our values, promotes responsible growth, and amplifies citizens’ voices in development decisions.”

Question 5: What do you see as the most pressing challenge Kernersville faces? How would you address it?

Apple: “The most pressing challenge facing Kernersville at present is our somehow working with the NCDOT in improving the flow of traffic into and through Kernersville. Most of our main streets and roads are NCDOT planned, built, and maintained. Consultation with local elected officials, and with prioritizing transportation funding has certainly not been optimal, and we must seek a better working relationship with this state agency.”

Barrow: “The most pressing challenge Kernersville faces going forward is growth! Kernersville is a great place to live and raise a family. And everyone wants to live here. We, as aldermen, must carefully control this growth in a way that most benefits the people of Kernersville and the quality of life we enjoy here. I think this is common sense.”

Enscore: “In a race increasingly defined by party lines, as a candidate, I believe local leadership should rise above partisanship. My party affiliation is not as important as my background and business experience. If elected, I will represent all of the people and do what’s best for the entire community. Kernersville’s challenges- such as managing growth, supporting local businesses, and maintaining quality services, require practical solutions and collaboration rather than partisan division. For the past two years, I’ve had the honor of serving on the Kernersville Planning Board. This experience has given me a deep understanding of our Unified Development Ordinance and a clear vision for how to manage Kernersville’s growth responsibly. I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges we face, and I’m committed to ensuring our town’s future is one of positive, thoughtful growth that preserves the unique character we all love. I believe my experience is crucial for guiding our town’s direction, and I’m ready to bring that perspective to the Board of Aldermen.”

Gorham: “One of the most pressing challenges facing Kernersville today is striking the right balance between growth and development while preserving the small town character and charm that makes our community so special. As our population increases and new businesses seek to call Kernersville home, we must ensure that development is guided by a clear, responsible vision that respects our towns history, values, and quality of life. This means engaging citizens in the planning process, investing in smart infrastructure, providing green spaces, and maintain architectural and cultural standards that reflect who we are. By working collaboratively with residents, developers, and town leadership we can create a future where Kernersville grows with purpose, enhancing our community without compromising its identity.”

Hansford: “It is my opinion that managing growth and the issues surrounding the town’s expansion is a pressing issue that we face. I believe that helping to inform all of our citizens and expanding the opportunities for reaching our neighbors. Will provide an opportunity to ensure everyone has more opportunities to share their opinions and be informed of the issues this brings. In addition to the things our growth may bring that require caution, we also need to manage the opportunities and activities we are able to provide as we expand. Introducing new ideas to our Board and collecting input from the public in better ways will help us navigate the future.”

Morgan: “One of the most pressing issues in our community is public safety. We need to continue to have effective, timely response to emergency situations, which requires continued attention and investment to keep up with changing times and new challenges. In the current budget, we hired 7 additional fire fighters and equipped a new Rescue Vehicle to further improve our emergency response. The effective use of technology is essential for law enforcement, and we need to continue to invest in the needed training, equipment, and technology. Cybersecurity is important also, and our town staff is ever vigilant and at improving that infrastructure of our community so that town operations are not disrupted. Having a safe community allows our residents to enjoy living, working, and raising their families in Kernersville.”

Sabanis: “The most pressing challenge Kernersville faces is the need for sustainable infrastructure planning to keep pace with our rapid population and economic growth. Our success as a regional hub, attracting major employers and new citizens, is placing a strain on our existing systems, most visible through traffic congestion and capacity concerns with our water and sewer utilities. My plan to address these concerns focuses on strategic investment. This means we must move quickly to upgrade core utilities ahead of the development curve and aggressively advocate for state and federal funding for major road improvements and projects.”

Question 6: How should Kernersville balance growth and development with preserving its character?

Apple: “While acknowledging the strong demand for business and residential development, we must not become irresponsible in approving each business or residential development so presented. Our Board of Aldermen pay great attention to such factors as adequacy of roads and streets, effective management of stormwater run-off, and development impact on surrounding neighborhoods. We do a great job of focusing of each of these factors, and on the dynamic nature of how development affects them.”

Barrow: “Re-read the answer to question 5. I see my job as alderman as the protector of our great Kernersville quality of life.”

Enscore: “Over the last 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Kernersville flourish. The incredible growth we’ve seen hasn’t diminished the small-town charm that drew me here in the first place. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, from building beautiful parks for our families to strengthening our police and fire departments. These are the reasons why other towns look to us as a model. I believe we have a responsibility to protect these investments and continue this legacy of thoughtful growth. As your next alderman, I’ll be committed to preserving the heart of our community while we build a bright future for all.”By being deliberate with our growth and making smart investments in what we value most, we can ensure that Kernersville remains a wonderful place to live for generations to come. We can have a thriving economy and a growing population without sacrificing the small-town charm that we’ve all come to cherish.Our downtown is the heart of Kernersville. We need to continue supporting our local businesses, improving public spaces, and encouraging activities that bring people together. A vibrant downtown is the best defense against feeling like we’re losing our identity. Simply stopping growth isn’t a sustainable option, but we can make sure that as we grow, we actively invest in the elements that make Kernersville special.”

Hansford: “Kernersville’s unique character is one of the many reasons for the growth we experience. Our community is easily recognizable as a very coveted place to live, so we have to continue our traditions of preserving the community standards we enjoy. To do this, we have to continue to make sure each of our services have the tools and support they need – from public safety having the necessary advancements to keep us safe, to our Parks and Recreation Department having the needed support to keep our town beautiful. Again, we have to address the valid concerns of our community when it comes to losing much of our rural areas and balance the amount of new development we allow by focusing on revitalization and utilization of existing areas. We should respect our history, enjoy our present, and embrace the future.”

Morgan: “Good jobs, close to home are important for maintaining Kernersville’s economic vibrancy. Manufacturing, logistics, and health care are all key parts of the Kernersville economy. In these areas, many local businesses have expanded, and new businesses are locating in Kernersville. During my time as mayor, John Deere has completed construction of two new buildings, and has plans for additional expansion of its manufacturing operations in Kernersville. XPO Logistics has relocated to Hwy 66 (the former Yellow terminal) and has expanded its Kernersville location to 265,000 square feet of space and 332 doors and expects to manage over a billion pounds of freight each year and significantly expand the number of employees. A manufacturer of sheets and pillows, Indo Count, recently celebrated a ribbon cutting in the Piedmont Commerce Center, and Duro-Last, a manufacturer of roofing products will open soon. Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center has completed its expansion to add a mother-baby unit and Cardiac Cath lab and the VA Health Care Center and the North Carolina State Veterans Home have opened. While those economic opportunities are very important, it is also crucial to preserve the small town feel of Kernersville. We can do this with careful planning. Currently underway is a community Comprehensive Planning effort, and I serve as Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee. Citizens have responded to surveys, stopped by the planning booth at community events, and attended open houses and public input sessions. A future open house and public input session is planned for mid-November. Local residents can offer their ideas about the types of housing, community amenities, and town events that they are interested in to help the Board of Aldermen chart the future of Kernersville. Efforts to maintain our hometown vibe that I have been involved with have included a streetscape project to increase the vibrancy of downtown, tearing down a dilapidated building and constructing in its place a new downtown park, recreation opportunities, including the new Recreation Center, and additions to Ivey Redmon Park. If re-elected, I plan to continue to work to provide for economic opportunity, along with Kernersville’s friendly hometown atmosphere with parks, community events and excellent public services. It is an honor to serve, and I am asking Kernersville residents for their continued support and their vote.”

Sabanis: “We must guide development collaboratively and set clear expectations for growth that align with the priorities and character of Kernersville. My job as an alderman will be to ensure we preserve that character by being proactive and inclusive. This means three things. First, we must strengthen and update our existing rules. While we have standards and requirements, they need constant review to keep up with current growth trends. I will use my experience as a project manager to lead a comprehensive review of our UDO to reinforce quality design, manage density, and expand the rezoning notifications so every citizen has an opportunity to provide input. Second, we must invest strategically in infrastructure. I will fight to secure funding for critical road and utility investments and make sure developers contribute their share to increase our capacity before breaking ground on projects. This ensures growth supports our town instead of stressing it. Third, we must invest in community life. Our character is about our quality of life, and we need to invest in our parks and community spaces so families can enjoy life here without having to drive to Greensboro or Winston-Salem for recreation.”

Question 7: What steps would you take to ensure transparency in the board’s decision-making process?

Apple: “We must continue to be very judicious in applying the NC statutes pertaining to the requirement of open meetings, and the limited exceptions to those requirements. We should err on the side of transparency, while respecting the privacy rights of parties that the NC Open Meetings Law is intended to protect.”

Barrow: “The transparency is here, and has been for the four years I have served as alderman. Every Board of Alderman meeting is broadcast live online for all to see. And if that isn’t convenient, you can replay every single meeting any time. Don’t get no more transparent than that.”

Enscore: “Building the American dream for families is more than my profession; it’s my passion. As a third-generation custom home builder and a leader at The Veritas Group Inc., I’ve spent my career creating the spaces where families grow and make memories. My family’s 123 years of combined experience in construction have taught me the importance of integrity, quality, and a strong foundation. For me, Kernersville is where I call Home! My wife, Nedra, and my mother, Laura, my daughter, Tara, and son-in-law, Jonathan and granddaughters, Stella and Olivia, are my biggest supporters. This town is not just my business, it’s my community, my family, and my home. I am running to ensure Kernersville remains a wonderful place for all of our families to thrive.”

Hansford: “One of the most important fundamentals for fair and inclusive governance is maintaining transparency, and the best way to enhance that is by increasing communication efforts. Though we have processes in place for communicating our events and meetings, we can always try to do more by presenting more ways for our community to stay connected. Offering more robust information in a larger variety of communication options could reach people who may not be reached effectively now. We can also work harder to make sure we are constantly reminding our citizens of the resources we have now to participate in meetings and stay informed of our decisions. With technology available that is constantly advancing, there are ways to implement the process of sharing decisions that are made in ways that everyone can understand. We can not only post record of our minutes as we do now, but enhance those posting with a simple and more concise breakdown in outline form, of what the decisions mean and the impact on citizens. Involving the community is another way for people to feel more connected and to allow them to be more excited about the role they can play. We can host community events, specifically tailored to our Town’s government processes that allow for our community members to come and learn more about how to be involved and what they can do to stay informed. This can provide an opportunity to meet and speak with our representatives in a neutral and friendly way as well.”

Morgan: “As mayor, during my service as an Alderman and as a member of the Planning Board, I have valued citizen input. Hearing ideas and viewpoints is essential for good decision making. During the time I have served, the Kernersville Board of Aldermen has adopted new procedural rules and policies to increase citizen awareness of issues facing the town, allowing better access to information, and encouraging more citizen input. Agendas are published online in advance of a meeting, and supplemental information including maps, analysis of sites on the agenda for zoning decisions, and memos written by town staff are included as items linked to the agenda so that citizens have access to the same information at the same time that elected officials can view it. Citizens can sign up to get notifications when agendas or updates are posted on the town website at and can stay informed. The Community Development Department has a page “Happenings in Kernersville” with detailed information about proposed developments and rezonings, road projects, and other information about the town. Citizens can get current information about public safety press releases, recreation and stormwater by signing up online. All of this information is available on the town of Kernersville website to help citizens be more informed about the decision-making process. Citizens can attend Kernersville Board of Aldermen meetings and sign up to speak during the public comment period. When I was first elected, there was only one public comment time and it was only at one meeting a month, and was at the very end of what could be a long agenda and a lengthy meeting. I advocated for and supported having public comment at all of the regular meetings of the Board, and to move it up on the agenda so that all the voices in our community could be heard and considered before the Board of Aldermen made a final decision. If citizens are not able to attend a meeting, they can stream it at their convenience on the town of Kernersville YouTube channel. All of these changes have been made during the time I have served so that the Kernersville Board of Aldermen can make the best decision, after hearing the ideas and comments of citizens, as we vote on the issues that shape the future of our town.”

Sabanis: “As your alderman, I will be committed to making our community more informed and accessible. The first key step is to address the lack of awareness surrounding development: I will propose expanding the rezoning notification radius beyond the current 200 feet and installing larger, clearer signs at proposed rezoning sites. I’ll also work to ensure our meeting agendas and streaming links are shared on social media ahead of time, so everyone can easily access them. We need to make sure our meetings are where the people are: accessible and transparent. In addition to those updates, I would like to have all proposed ordinances and resolutions accompanied by a plain-language, non-legally binding summary drafted by staff and published alongside the meeting agenda and minutes. Citizens deserve to know what is being voted on without hiring a lawyer. This is especially critical when it comes to our town’s budget. Citizens want to know where the money is coming from and where it is going to without having to have an accounting degree.”

Thompson: “There has always been the utmost care ensuring that our town government is transparent. All of our meetings are public and broadcast live on YouTube. Our meeting schedule is released on the town website before the year starts. Our meeting minutes are public and can be requested anytime for anyone. I would ask that you please vote for Chris Thompson on November 4! You can visit my website for more information.”

A full list of the candidates in the mayoral and Board of Aldermen race can be found at this link.

In addition to receiving our questionnaire, all candidates are also invited to participate in a “meet-and-greet session” hosted by the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Kernersville Fire and Rescue Station #42, 1180 NC Highway 66.

Stay with Scope News for ongoing election coverage, including more information about this upcoming event.

This voter guide is dedicated to the memory of Alderman Joe Pinnix