Jacob Dean is challenging incumbent Rex Stainback in the District 1 Roanoke Rapids City Council race along with challenger Robbie Clements.

The following is some personal information and responses to candidate questions:

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Occupation

Americans For Prosperity

Personal information

My father pastors the Roanoke Rapids Church of God, where I also serve on the finance committee. 

I am the former vice chair of the Halifax county GOP, as well as chairman of the Roanoke Valley Young Republicans. 

Why have you decided to run or if you are an incumbent why are you seeking re-election?

I moved here six years ago when my dad was appointed pastor of the Roanoke Rapids Church of God. Over the years I've grown to love the city. 

However, we are heading in the wrong direction. 

Our young people are leaving and never coming back and there's little opportunity for good-paying careers. 

Our city could be thriving but we must elect leaders who have a vision for the future instead of rubber stamping the status quo.

What makes you qualified to run?

I've worked in politics for years. I've worked for presidential, senate, Council of State, judicial, congressional, as well as local campaigns. 

In doing so I've had the honor of knocking on nearly 20,000 doors right here in Roanoke Rapids. That gives me unique insight into the important issues that the citizens care about.

What do you hope to accomplish or as an incumbent what have you accomplished and what do you hope to accomplish if re-elected?

I hope to make Roanoke Rapids a place that people want to move to and raise a family. By providing career opportunities as well as a safe community where people can live in peace without the fear of falling victim to crime.

What are the main issues facing the city of Roanoke Rapids and how would you go about addressing them?

Lack of career opportunities, good-paying jobs, and crime. We must be more business-friendly and we must actively work to try to attract industry to our area to provide good-paying jobs by whatever means necessary

With the theater now sold, there still remains a debt on the venue. How does the city address that remaining debt? Would you be willing to attempt a debt-forgiveness plan, seek legislative assistance or continue to pay as is currently the case? Please elaborate.

I would seek some sort of legislative assistance. I have many connections in the General Assembly and I would use those to provide relief on the debt.

Are you in favor of a casino being located in the Carolina Crossroads Entertainment District? Why or why not and please elaborate.

I am not. While a casino would provide jobs and revenue, it would be mostly low-paying jobs, which we need more of but won't solve the issue of a lack of career opportunities. 

As for the revenue, while it sounds nice in theory, I do not believe it would offset the issues that come along with casinos which include crime, trafficking, etc. 

What is your opinion on the Halifax County Commissioners rejecting and then coming to a deadlock on the city’s resolution favoring the casino?

I agree with the decision of the board of commissioners.

Would you be in favor of a property tax increase to help support salaries of all employees in order to make pay more competitive? Why or why not and please elaborate.

I would not. I do not believe in raising taxes except as a last resort. I believe there are other ways we could help support salaries of employees without raising taxes. 

Would you be in favor of discussing a possible sales tax increase to help support salaries of all employees in order to make pay more competitive? Why or why not and please elaborate.

I do not support raising any taxes except as a last resort.

What does the city need to do to attract industry?

There are many things we can do to attract industry. 

We can look at things like tax incentives, identify compatible companies, and provide those companies with concise data to entice them to come to our city. 

How do you envision the future of the Premier Boulevard extension and what, if any, promise does it hold for the city?

I am happy about the extension of Premier Boulevard. It will hopefully provide jobs and revenue to our city. 

However, we can not be satisfied. While it has promise, we still need to attract industries that can provide good-paying career jobs.