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Editor’s Note: For coverage of the election, The Stanly News & Press sent questions to each group of candidates. We limited their responses to 200 words per answer. Answers appear as is, with the exception of editing for grammatical/spelling errors or length. This allows potential voters to see the candidates through their own words and gives equal opportunity for the candidates to respond. We gave candidates two weeks to email their answers back.
For Red Cross, Lionel Hahn is unopposed for mayor. Barbara Carpenter and Millie Steed are unopposed to the two open seats on the town board. Hahn and Carpenter chose to respond.

1. Tell us a little about your background?

Barbara Carpenter: I was born and reared in Stanly County. I have lived in Red Cross since 1985. I am a retired teacher. My first years teaching were at Central Elementary in Albemarle, but the majority of my teaching career was at Stanfield Elementary in Stanfield.

Lionel Hahn: I, Lionel Hahn, am a sixth generation life-long resident of the Red Cross community. My wife, Tamra and I have two adult daughters and six grandchildren.
My working career spanned 42 years as an engineering manager serving in the power generation and construction industry.

We attend Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church where I currently serve on the deacon board and teach. I also serve as President ex-officio of the NC Baptist Lay Renewal Ministry and remain an active state coordinator.
Upon retirement in 2019, I began serving on the West Stanly Christian Ministry Board. I am also currently serving as Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board for the Town of Red Cross.
I regularly enjoy outdoor activities including camping, cycling, kayak/canoeing, and hiking with great respect for our national and state parks.

2. What made you decide to get involved in your community and run for Red Cross Town Mayor?

Carpenter: I love Red Cross and have a deep desire to help make it the best little town possible.

Hahn: My involvement decision began early in 2000-2001 timeframe when my father, Heath Hahn, initiated the concept of incorporating the Town of Red Cross.
Approximately two years ago while attending regular town council and planning meetings, I gained knowledge of proposed plans to re-shape the rural landscape into more of an urban lifestyle environment at an unsustainable rate of growth.
As Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board for the last couple of years, we have been able to recommit our community to its founding rural principles and I hope to continue that as Mayor of Red Cross. I have always believed the best way to support anything in life is simply “Get Involved,” so I am.

3. Why do you think you are the most qualified candidate for this position?

Carpenter: I previously served on the Red Cross Town Council when the highway through our little town was changed from a two lane road to a major four lane highway.
I have experience working with a council and know the responsibility a council member has to the fellow citizens of the town. I believe it is very important when a town council is voting on crucial issues that the members have a vision of how this decision is going to affect not only the current citizens but future generations.

Hahn: I believe I am most qualified for three simple reasons. First of all, I have a deep rooted passion, dedication, and concerns for the future people and plans of our town. Secondly, I have historical resident tenure. Thirdly, through my working career I have developed professional leadership skills including organization, communication, and execution.

4. What would you think are the biggest issues most impacting residents in your community?

Carpenter: Red Cross is a wonderful community of approximately 700 residents that was incorporated into a town in 2002. I think the biggest issues impacting our residents at this time is the growth that is surrounding our town. This growth has an effect on the traffic through our town which life long residents of the town never anticipated.

Hahn: 1. The migration of unsustainable growth into our community. 2. To encourage the preservation of a rural lifestyle for all current and future residents.

5. What would you focus on if you got elected?

Carpenter: My main focus would be my answer to question number 2 — making Red Cross the best little town possible.
As I always told my students at Stanfield School, we are so blessed where we live and this applies to Red Cross. “Little” is a word with big responsibilities when it comes to keeping that down home atmosphere in our town.

Hahn: My focus would be to further the historical preservation all the while creating an inviting and friendly environment with safe town growth.