Vote411 Questions & Answers
Dear Mike Van Horn Sr,
Thank you for replying to our 2024 voter guide questionnaire. We appreciate your cooperation. Here is a copy of your submission:
Over 40 years experience as a Restaurant Leader. Over 40 years of Financial Experience in Strategic Planning, Budgets, and P&L’s. Proven Leader with a track record of success.
Youngstown State University - Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration
VanHorn4Office@gmail.com
www.MikeVanHornSr.com YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/-RLJO-TRA6A?
1204 Iron Bridge Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC, 29466
https://www.facebook.com/
8438708697
Why do you want to represent the citizens of Mount Pleasant as a member of Town Council?
I believe that the residents of Mount Pleasant are not being heard by a good majority of our current council members. When we have monthly meetings, too many times residents bring things to the attention of council and there's no follow up on the various items of concern. I want to bring a conservative common sense approach as the next Town Councilman. All Neighborhood Matter and everyone should be heard and their concerns addressed. When my family and I made the choice to move to Mount Pleasant in 2009, I wanted to ensure that we had a Thriving Environment. Even though the Town has grown substantially since then, it remains the Best Place to Live. Though the current Special Election is only for a short period until the November election, I've committed to being a public servant for free. Upon being voted as the next Town Councilman, I will donate my salary as a councilman to the following charitable organizations. St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital - to help cure childhood cancer. Make-A-Wish South Carolina - to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Just Bee - to encourage positive experiences for those with Autism. WakeUp Carolina - to help address the rising substance misuse among our minors.
What experiences qualify you to serve on the Town Council?
I have been a restaurant leader for over the past forty years. I've opened over 15 new restaurant from ground breaking to grand opening. I have the experience in dealing with the public as well governmental agencies across a wide range of topics. I have extensive experience with strategic planning and have a proven record of providing positive results. As a quick thinker, I'm able to take charge of situations and ensure the desired results are provided in a cost effective manner. The best words to describe me are: Truthful Reliable Disciplined
What do you think are the top two or three most important issues facing the town and what are your specific suggestions and timeline for addressing these issues?
The most important issues that we face currently are Public Safety to include Traffic. Also ensuring that we protect our Green Spaces while ensuring Smart Growth. With Public Safety - we need to ensure our Roadways are being monitored more effectively. With the number of accidents on a weekly basis, measures need to be put in place to reduce the potential accidents. Measures such as having more Police presence to pull over vehicles speeding along our major roadways. In regards to the amount of Traffic moving through the Town on a daily basis, we need to look at ways to ensure traffic is moving more efficiently. We have opportunities to utilize roundabouts and ensure traffic lights are synchronized. With Smart Growth, we need to ensure that we are protecting our Green Spaces. I've seen various plans to widen roadways that would fill in marsh areas as well eliminate green space in the process. We need to have a zero tolerance with this type of growth & development. If someone wants to build in the Town and the project doesn't seem to be a good fit for the town, we need to say NO. We can't afford to lose the charm and character that's made Mount Pleasant the All-American City.
What are several specific things you will do to provide more transparency and responsiveness at Council meetings and to strengthen communications with constituents?
With regards to transparency, I am committed to ensure that everyone gets and answers to their concerns or problems. As previously mentioned, I'm not a fan of the current council meetings that allow residents to speak for 2 1/2 mins. with no follow up. Community engagement is too important and what bring unity for everyone. It's my promise to remain actively engaged with public comments that are presented at council or committee meetings. I will make is my mission to ensure the residents are being listen too and followed up with. I'm also a firm believer that residents should be able to reach out to their representatives by phone and email and receive a timely response. As a candidate, I've continued to let folks know that they can reach out to me on my Cell Phone at 843-870-8697 or email me at VanHorn4Office@gmail.com I look forward to serving the community and having opportunities to meet with residents at various Town functions and even hosting various meet & greet sessions to listen to concerns or suggestions. As a councilman, I'm committed to ensure that we continue to utilize the various forms of Social Media as well YouTube streaming to help keep residents informed.
Thank you for sending your reply. We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please contact our VOTE411 Director Sandy Moretz at 678-546-1659 or at sandralmoretz@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Paula Egelson, President
League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area