Frances Hildebran

Full name: Frances M. Hildebran (Incumbent)

Age: 68

Education 

Valdese High  School 1973

Western Piedmont Community College - Associate Degree, 1975 

UNC Institute of Government/Municipal Clerk Certification School - Certified Municipal Clerk, 1986 

Notary Public since 1980 

Military service

None

Employment 

UNC Blue Ridge HealthCare, Sr. Executive Assistant to the  President and CEO and Secretary to the Board of Directors 

Retired Municipal Government Administration, 30 Years 

Residence

- How long have you lived in the town in which you desire to serve? 50 years

- Do you own your home? Yes

- If so, how long have you lived at that address? 17 years

Why are you seeking election?

I have lived most of my life in Valdese with over 32 years of experience in municipal government. 

I have served on the Town Council for 12 years and as Mayor Pro Tem for the past two years. 

I am committed to continuing to represent my constituents and help maintain an excellent small-town quality of life.

- If elected, what will be your primary focus during your first six months in office? 

If elected, my primary focus during my first six months in office will be to:

• Continue working with the street paving committee on street resurfacing.
• Engage with town departments to enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods, parks, and downtown.
• Oversee the replacement of 80-year-old water lines.
• Work with engineers/architects and management to build a new public safety building.
• Recruit small businesses and restaurants to Valdese.

- If elected, how will you address recent property revaluations and the subsequent increase in the actual dollar amount citizens are paying in property taxes?

Due to a property revaluation conducted by Burke County during the peak of a housing boom, property values in Valdese have increased, resulting in higher property taxes for all residents.

The Valdese Town Council recognized the financial burden this would place on residents and reduced the tax rate from 54.5 to 51.5 cents per $100 valuation.

However, the town has faced several challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. As a result, the town was unable to reduce taxes by more.

The implemented tax rate will be used to maintain essential services, such as police and fire protection, road resurfacing, and sanitation.

It will also be used to provide recreational activities for seniors and youth.

- What is your understanding of the proposed public safety building and how it will be funded? 

After studying the issue for over five years, we have concluded that the current police and fire department facility is dangerous and no longer meets the needs of a modern department. 

Multiple engineers and architects have confirmed that the facility is not up to code and cannot withstand a major hurricane, ice storm, or tornado.

While the existing building could be renovated, it would be costly and would not provide enough space for the department's expanding operations. 

The cost of a new facility would be comparable to the cost of renovating the existing building, and it would provide a number of benefits, including:

• A secure area to bring arrestees into the facility
• Larger bays for easier vehicle access
• Quicker response times due to the proposed location and facility features
• Separate bunk rooms, showers, and lockers for male and female firefighters

A new facility would also have a projected minimum life of 40 years and be classified as a category 4 essential facility. It would be designed to withstand severe weather events and other disasters. 

The construction of the building will be funded with cash we have already saved for the project, a grant from the state, and a loan from USDA.

- Do you support moving forward with a new building? Why or why not? 

I support moving the project forward. The town has been planning this project for five years, and has held public meetings to gather input from citizens. 

The current facility has been toured, and architects are currently designing the new facility. Once the bids are received, the project and financial obligations will be reviewed, and a decision will be made based on the numbers.

- If elected as a public servant, what legacy do you hope to achieve during your tenure in office? 

I am a servant leader who is passionate about serving the Valdese community. I have seen first hand the sacrifices and major decisions that past councils and mayors have made for the betterment of our town. 

I am committed to continuing that legacy of goodwill, honesty, and working for the good of all citizens. I will be a fair and transparent leader who will always put the needs of the community first. 

I will work tirelessly to create a safe, warm, and friendly town where everyone is respected and has the opportunity to thrive.

Any additional comments or remarks 

Valdese is a wonderful place to live, and I want to help make it even better. I believe that we can do this by attracting more small businesses, quaint shops, and restaurants to the downtown area. 

This will help to create a more vibrant and attractive community that will be more appealing to young families and others looking for a place to live. 

We should also continue to celebrate our heritage and culture, and make sure that our community is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.