Candidates for Hope Mills Board of Commissioners, Part 1

Elyse Craver has been a resident of Hope Mills for more than 50 years. She has two adult daughters. 

Elyse is currently a commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. She was first elected in 2023.

Supports working with real estate developers to attract new businesses, which will increase tax revenue and job opportunities.

- Supports working with real estate developers to attract new businesses, which will increase tax revenue and job opportunities.

Economy

Advocates for increased transportation options for seniors.

- Advocates for increased transportation options for seniors.

Public Services

Wants to establish housing options for the unhoused in Hope Mills, similar to Community First! Village in Austin, Texas.

- Wants to establish housing options for the unhoused in Hope Mills, similar to Community First! Village in Austin, Texas.

Housing & Urban Development

As of September 3, 2025, Elyse Craver did not have a website or any information online.

Public Safety

Wants more attention given to improving roads, streets, drainage, and addressing traffic congestion.

Supports the exploration of public transportation options, such as buses or shuttles.

- Wants more attention given to improving roads, streets, drainage, and addressing traffic congestion.
- Supports the exploration of public transportation options, such as buses or shuttles.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports partnerships with local schools, vocational training, and higher education opportunities to ensure the local population has the skills and qualifications that businesses need.

Supports promoting education and workforce development.

- Supports partnerships with local schools, vocational training, and higher education opportunities to ensure the local population has the skills and qualifications that businesses need.
- Supports promoting education and workforce development.

Education

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Elyse Craver

Supports working with real estate developers to bring in new businesses, saying "new businesses will bring in additional tax dollars and job opportunities while attracting new residents."

Wants to create housing options for the unhoused in Hope Mills, similar to Community First! Village in Austin, Texas.

Supports exploring options for public transportation, such as buses or shuttles, to improve mobility and access to essential services.

Wants more attention given to roads, streets, drainage, and traffic congestion.

Elyse Craver has been a resident of Hope Mills for more than 50 years. She has two daughters, Michelle and Robert Taylor; Melody and Michael Lance.

Zachary Odom

Walter Ley

Buket Urgen

Bryan Marley running for reelection as Hope Mills, NC Commissioner

Government Watch: Candidates announced for municipal elections ...

Bryan Marley is currently a commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. He was first elected in 2019.

As of September 3, 2025, Bryan A. Marley did not have a website or any information online.

Supports regular community events to strengthen unity and a sense of community among residents.

- Supports regular community events to strengthen unity and a sense of community among residents.

Plans to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to improve traffic conditions, including establishing new truck routes.

- Plans to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to improve traffic conditions, including establishing new truck routes.

Bryan A. Marley

Bryan is currently a commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. He was first elected in 2019.

Bryan is currently a commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. He was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. 

As of September 3, 2025, Bryan A. Marley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports collaboration with the Planning and Economic Development Department and NCDOT to address growth and traffic issues in Hope Mills.

Hope Mills mayor holds second town hall event

Cynthia is retired. She previously worked in human resources.

Hope Page (Hope Mills Town Council, North Carolina, candidate ...

Cynthia's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

City View - Hope Mills Board of Commissioners: Cynthia Hamilton

Believes there is "unnecessary spending resulting in higher taxes in Hope Mills that have forced some of our citizens to consider selling their homes."

Said, "I am particularly focused on the fact that the elderly, disabled, homeless, and single parent families are going to suffer if the town doesn’t stop the spending, construction, and help the citizens of Hope Mills."

Wants to make the town more attractive to businesses by cleaning up certain areas.

- Believes there is "unnecessary spending resulting in higher taxes in Hope Mills that have forced some of our citizens to consider selling their homes."
- Said, "I am particularly focused on the fact that the elderly, disabled, homeless, and single parent families are going to suffer if the town doesn’t stop the spending, construction, and help the citizens of Hope Mills."
- Wants to make the town more attractive to businesses by cleaning up certain areas.

Wants to limit the duration of events and stop giving away food at each event.

Opposes the construction of a multi-million dollar facility on the Golfview Greenway.

- Wants to limit the duration of events and stop giving away food at each event.
- Opposes the construction of a multi-million dollar facility on the Golfview Greenway.

Believes growth should be "very carefully researched and discussed" before any annexations or construction occurs.

Said, "I feel that all commercial businesses need to be located outside the city limits."

Wants all commercial businesses to be located outside the city limits.

Supports providing affordable housing for the homeless.

- Believes growth should be "very carefully researched and discussed" before any annexations or construction occurs.
- Wants all commercial businesses to be located outside the city limits.
- Supports providing affordable housing for the homeless.

Wants to address homelessness in Hope Mills.

Supports addressing homelessness in Hope Mills.

Opposes the board's decision to implement 4-year staggered terms for the board.

- Supports addressing homelessness in Hope Mills.
- Opposes the board's decision to implement 4-year staggered terms for the board.

Wants to address the streets and sidewalks in Hope Mills, saying "there are potholes, streets that are constantly flooding due to drains that haven’t been serviced in years, and sidewalks that are non-existent, cracked or uneven."

- Wants to address the streets and sidewalks in Hope Mills, saying "there are potholes, streets that are constantly flooding due to drains that haven’t been serviced in years, and sidewalks that are non-existent, cracked or uneven."

Advocates for providing education to the homeless in order to help them gain employment.

- Advocates for providing education to the homeless in order to help them gain employment.

Cynthia Hamilton

As of September 3, 2025, Cynthia Hamilton did not have a website or any information online.

As of September 3, 2025, Cynthia Hamilton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

LinkedIn

Grilley earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Liberty University. He is active in the community, volunteering at ALMS House and working as the 
President of the Cumberland County Veterans Council (CCVC).

Grilley Mitchell | WMGU-FM

Grilley is a retired military veteran. He served in the military for 20 years before retiring from Fort Bragg in 1993. He also worked as an Area Corp Site Manager in Iraq and held logistics management positions with various businesses and organizations.

Grilley J. Mitchell (Hope Mills Town Council, North Carolina ...

Grilley J. Mitchell served on the Hope Mills Town Council from 2021-2023. 

Grilley Mitchell

Supports property tax relief through homestead tax exemptions and grants for seniors and families on fixed incomes.

- Supports property tax relief through homestead tax exemptions and grants for seniors and families on fixed incomes.

Plans to increase transparency and accountability through regular town meetings, newsletters, and community feedback systems.

- Plans to increase transparency and accountability through regular town meetings, newsletters, and community feedback systems.

As of September 3, 2025, Grilley J. Mitchell did not have a website or any information online.

Plans to meet with Department of Transportation (DOT) experts and public work staff to discuss improving traffic flow.

Plans to prioritize repairs and upgrades based on traffic volume, service disruptions, and citizen input.

Plans to seek grant funding for affordable housing construction and assistance.

- Plans to meet with Department of Transportation (DOT) experts and public work staff to discuss improving traffic flow.
- Plans to prioritize repairs and upgrades based on traffic volume, service disruptions, and citizen input.
- Plans to seek grant funding for affordable housing construction and assistance.

Grilley J. Mitchell

Grilley J. Mitchell's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

Supports encouraging community members to volunteer.

Believes in meeting with town staff and citizens to discuss future plans and strategies for town development.

Supports the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) in North Carolina Public Schools.

Hope Mills Board of Commissioners: Hope Page

Hope Page has resided in Hope Mills for over 20 years. 

Hope is the guardian ad litem supervisor for the Cumberland County Courts.

Hope's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Wants to ensure that decisions do not impose "an economic strain, as decisions made should have the best interest of all in mind, now and in the future."

- Wants to ensure that decisions do not impose "an economic strain, as decisions made should have the best interest of all in mind, now and in the future."

Believes communication is essential for community engagement.

Advocates for a Central Hub station at the recreation center or Town Hall to provide tax relief programs for seniors and veterans.

- Believes communication is essential for community engagement.
- Advocates for a Central Hub station at the recreation center or Town Hall to provide tax relief programs for seniors and veterans.

As of September 3, 2025, Hope Page did not have a website or any information online.

Advocates for sustainable infrastructure.

- Advocates for sustainable infrastructure.

Hope Page

Hope is guardian ad litem supervisor for the Cumberland County Courts.

Hope Page's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Joanne attended Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Joanne worked as a non-commissioned officer for the U.S. Army for over 20 years.

Candidate Joanne Scarola is running for Hope Mills commissioner.

Joanne is currently a commissioner for the Town of Hope Mills. She was first elected in 2021 and is serving her first term.

Supports bringing in new businesses to increase the tax base, but wants to consider how it will affect future traffic patterns and protect established neighborhoods from commercial traffic.

Supports bringing in new businesses to increase the tax base.

- Supports bringing in new businesses to increase the tax base.

City View - Hope Mills Board of Commissioners: Joanne Scarola

Believes the town should work to be more inclusive and encourage citizen involvement.

As a commissioner, worked to advance Heritage Park and fund its second phase.

Supports four-year terms for mayors and commissioners.

- Believes the town should work to be more inclusive and encourage citizen involvement.
- As a commissioner, worked to advance Heritage Park and fund its second phase.
- Supports four-year terms for mayors and commissioners.

Believes that attracting new businesses to increase the tax base is essential, but requires careful consideration of how it will affect future traffic patterns and protecting established neighborhoods from commercial traffic.

Concerned with protecting established neighborhoods from commercial traffic.

Wants to update the Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan.

Believes housing development should not outpace the arrival of businesses, restaurants, and retail spaces.

Supports creating a town center with retail, housing, and a park to attract businesses and residents.

Opposes tax increases on property, especially for seniors and those on fixed incomes.

- Concerned with protecting established neighborhoods from commercial traffic.
- Wants to update the Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan.
- Believes housing development should not outpace the arrival of businesses, restaurants, and retail spaces.
- Supports creating a town center with retail, housing, and a park to attract businesses and residents.
- Opposes tax increases on property, especially for seniors and those on fixed incomes.

Believes in reducing homelessness through partnerships with organizations like the ALMS House and the Hope Mills Homeless Advisory Committee.

- Believes in reducing homelessness through partnerships with organizations like the ALMS House and the Hope Mills Homeless Advisory Committee.

Believes Hope Mills leaders must manage "safe and orderly growth" to address traffic congestion issues on major roads.

Supports placing better signage at the 162 bypass to direct travelers to the downtown commercial area.

Plans to address stormwater problems and flooding in Hope Mills by incorporating stormwater impact considerations into future traffic planning.

Supports the development of public transportation.

- Believes Hope Mills leaders must manage "safe and orderly growth" to address traffic congestion issues on major roads.
- Supports placing better signage at the 162 bypass to direct travelers to the downtown commercial area.
- Plans to address stormwater problems and flooding in Hope Mills by incorporating stormwater impact considerations into future traffic planning.
- Supports the development of public transportation.

Believes in strong leadership and swift action to ensure student safety, as demonstrated by the town's quick takeover of the School Resource Officer program.

- Believes in strong leadership and swift action to ensure student safety, as demonstrated by the town's quick takeover of the School Resource Officer program.

Instagram

Joanne Scarola

As of September 3, 2025, Joanne Scarola did not have a website or any information online.

Opposes attempts to silence concerned citizens, calling it "unconscionable."

Hope Mills mayoral, commissioner candidates address infrastructure ...

Karen Smith Saracen has a master's degree in nursing administration and management. 

Karen is a registered nurse for the Fayetteville VA health care system. 

Candidates for Hope Mills Board of Commissioners, Part 2

Karen's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Plans to control spending, protect town employees, and keep tax rates low.

Supports working with real estate developers to bring in new businesses, which will increase tax revenue and job opportunities.

- Plans to control spending, protect town employees, and keep tax rates low.
- Supports working with real estate developers to bring in new businesses, which will increase tax revenue and job opportunities.

Advocates for a multipurpose building, emergency shelter, swimming pool, and improved dining options.

- Advocates for a multipurpose building, emergency shelter, swimming pool, and improved dining options.

As of September 3, 2025, Karen Smith Saracen did not have a website or any information online.

Believes drug-related issues are a significant concern, particularly for young people.

- Believes drug-related issues are a significant concern, particularly for young people.

Believes traffic congestion and safety concerns are due to recent annexations and questions if Hope Mills can provide municipal services to these areas.

- Believes traffic congestion and safety concerns are due to recent annexations and questions if Hope Mills can provide municipal services to these areas.
- Supports public transportation.

Believes Hope Mills needs more schools to address capacity issues in Cumberland County schools.

- Believes Hope Mills needs more schools to address capacity issues in Cumberland County schools.

Karen Smith Saracen

Karen Smith Saracen's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Candidates for 2025 elections in Fayetteville, other municipalities in ...

Lisa's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

City View - Hope Mills Board of Commissioners: Lisa Tremmel

Said, "Essential services must be prioritized but scrutinized to see if there is any wasteful spending."

Opposes out-of-town seminars for town staff and commissioners, suggesting Zoom as a more cost-effective alternative.

Supports tax reductions for new businesses.

Believes in showcasing the local workforce to attract businesses, citing the WAWA Travel Center's 1800 applicants for 50 positions as evidence of available labor.

- Opposes the recent tax increase.
- Said, "Essential services must be prioritized but scrutinized to see if there is any wasteful spending."
- Opposes out-of-town seminars for town staff and commissioners, suggesting Zoom as a more cost-effective alternative.
- Supports tax reductions for new businesses.
- Believes in showcasing the local workforce to attract businesses, citing the WAWA Travel Center's 1800 applicants for 50 positions as evidence of available labor.

Said, "If elected, I will ensure that constituents’ voices are prioritized in our initiatives."

Opposes the Board of Commissioners' decision to change terms to four years.

- Said, "If elected, I will ensure that constituents’ voices are prioritized in our initiatives."
- Opposes the Board of Commissioners' decision to change terms to four years.

Supports a moratorium on housing development until infrastructure can catch up.

Opposes the construction of "cookie-cutter housing" in established neighborhoods.

Wants to update zoning laws to set aside space for industrial development.

Advocates for ordinances that require housing developers to save or replant trees and increase yard sizes.

- Supports a moratorium on housing development until infrastructure can catch up.
- Opposes the construction of "cookie-cutter housing" in established neighborhoods.
- Wants to update zoning laws to set aside space for industrial development.
- Advocates for ordinances that require housing developers to save or replant trees and increase yard sizes.

Said, "Real solutions need to be brought to the forefront. Alms House currently helps to feed and clothe the homeless population. We need to find ways as a town to support their efforts. If that means setting aside money in the budget, then that is what we need to do. I don’t believe a tax increase is needed."

Said, "Alms House currently helps to feed and clothe the homeless population. We need to find ways as a town to support their efforts. If that means setting aside money in the budget, then that is what we need to do. I don’t believe a tax increase is needed."

- Wants to address homelessness in Hope Mills.
- Said, "Alms House currently helps to feed and clothe the homeless population. We need to find ways as a town to support their efforts. If that means setting aside money in the budget, then that is what we need to do. I don’t believe a tax increase is needed."

Said, "All you need do is take a drive around town to see that our streets are not being maintained. The landscaping on town-owned roads is out of hand. Where are the current employees that should be taking care of these things?"

Wants to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to maintain and build roads to accommodate new growth.

- Said, "All you need do is take a drive around town to see that our streets are not being maintained. The landscaping on town-owned roads is out of hand. Where are the current employees that should be taking care of these things?"
- Wants to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to maintain and build roads to accommodate new growth.

As of September 3, 2025, Lisa F. Tremmel did not have a website or any information online.

Lisa F. Tremmel

Lisa F. Tremmel's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is her first entry into politics.

Mark's campaign for Hope Mills Town Commissioner is his first entry into politics. 

As of September 3, 2025, Mark Hess did not have a website or any information online.

Elevra - Mark Hess

Supports preserving historical sites and buildings in the town.

Opposes the current board's decision to extend their terms to four years.

- Supports preserving historical sites and buildings in the town.
- Opposes the current board's decision to extend their terms to four years.

Opposes zoning commercial residential properties and wants to be more selective of the types of businesses being put into the town.

Opposes big-box retailers like Walmart locating near houses.

- Opposes zoning commercial residential properties and wants to be more selective of the types of businesses being put into the town.
- Opposes big-box retailers like Walmart locating near houses.

Believes increasing crime is a major issue.

- Believes increasing crime is a major issue.

Believes traffic issues are a major concern.

- Believes traffic issues are a major concern.

Mark Hess

Believes the town should focus on restoring and preserving existing buildings and historical sites.

Ronald was born in Hope Mills at the Reeves Clinic and attended Hope Mills High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Strayer University.

Ronald Starling

- Town commissioners serve as the legislative body for the town government. 
- Town commissioners have the authority to decide the services offered to the town, pass the budget, decide the property tax, acquire property, and enter into agreements with other governments. 
- The town commissioners can create or abolish any offices, positions, departments, etc. to improve the organization of the town. 
- Town commissioners may make investigations into the town or any of its departments or agencies. 
- Most town commissioners in Georgia are elected in odd years to staggered 4 year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Legislative body for your town's government. 