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The Candidate

Name

Mike Ernst

Age

71

Address

Holly Circle

Family

Wife of 43 years, Linda Ernst; 2 married daughters; 5 grandchildren.

Education

Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, Parkland High 1968 graduate; master of business administration degree Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Management (Received Babcock Builder Award from the student body in graduating class)

Occupation

Retired in 2014 from Hanesbrands Inc. as president of the direct to consumer business segment. Responsibility included 300 plus stores, 4 catalogs and 5 internet businesses. At Hanesbrands received numerous awards for business performance and community involvement, including 2016 Outlet Retail Industry Hall of Fame induction

In The Community

• 2010 co-chair, Winston-Salem Arts Council Campaign

• 2013 co-chair for the Winston-Salem United Way Campaign

• Current Bermuda Run Town Council

• Cognition Children’s Museum of Davie County Board of Directors

• Yadkin Valley Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Leadership Advisory Board chair

• Crosby Scholars Sponsorship Committee and chair the operations committee for the annual Crosby Scholars Golf Invitational

• Active member of Friedberg Moravian Church, chair of technology committee.

Why did you decide to seek public office?

Ernst: I currently serve on the Bermuda Run Town Council and I am running for re-election. I strongly believe it’s important to give back to one’s community. I feel sharing my skills, talents and leadership will be beneficial to the citizens of Bermuda Run. My experience serving on the Town Council has given me tremendous insight on the requirements needed to plan for the future and to insure that citizen’s tax dollars are wisely spent. In serving on the Town Council, I realize that the decisions we make are critical to the future of our town and that we must represent all the citizens of our town. Therefore, experience and knowledge of the process makes for more thoughtful discussion in doing the citizen’s work. Although, we are a small town the decisions we make will impact future generations and we need council members that will put in the time and work required to make quality decisions. I am committed to working for the people of Bermuda Run and doing the right thing for our future.

What is the No. 1 issue facing the town and how will you address that issue?

Ernst: We have several issues facing our town, but the main issue is creating a quality lifestyle and environment for our citizens. There has been a major shift in the demographics of our town and that requires thoughtful decision making by the council. We must provide quality housing options, address security needs, expand recreational opportunities, address technology gaps, enhance communications and provide additional services that the citizens expect from a town of our population. I feel the current town council has made significant progress on many of these needs but there is much work ahead of us. That’s why we must have town council members with the skills to address future needs. We cannot live in the past, but must chart a course for the future. That’s why having a sound Comprehensive Plan (we have one) and keeping it updated is so important to our future. Citizen’s needs and requirements change and we must recognize the flow of change to address it. I have the background and experience to tackle the future with a positive vision.

What is the top quality that makes you proud of your town?

Ernst: I’m very proud of the work and decisions that have been made by the town leadership. The hard work done by the Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager and Town Staff has made a positive difference in the quality of our town. The achievements are many, but I would like to highlight some of these achievements for our citizens. We are moving forward with the Blue Heron Trail, added 2 new exit streets from the Kinderton Business Park, welcomed the RISE Sports Complex, rejoined the Economic Development Council, replacing the diseased Leyland Cypress trees along Highway 158, the addition and expansion of numerous businesses and eateries, added the sidewalk along Yadkin Valley Road, completion of the Pedestrian Bridge over I-40, continued with our summer concert series, welcomed new housing options with Comet Apartments and in the process of updating the Town Comprehensive Plan that will guide our future. This gives our citizens a snapshot of what is happening in our town. What makes all this possible is our focus on Controlled Growth. This translates into creating an environment and lifestyle for our town that will benefit our citizens for generations to come. We have sound leadership that uses a thoughtful process with a fully engaged town council to make decisions for our town. As a citizen of Bermuda Run that’s the process you should welcome to ensure we have a future that the town and our citizens will enjoy a quality lifestyle. It does not happen by chance, but through hard work of town leadership and the support of the town citizens.

I would ask for your support on Nov. 2 by re-electing me (Mike Ernst) to the Bermuda Run Town Council.