Campaign Platform
When I ran in 2021, I pledged to focus on three core pillars: Leadership, Relationships, and Priorities. These remain the foundation of how I lead our Council and our Town.
Leadership
Leadership as Mayor means exerting influence—not power. It means uniting a group of independent voices into a common direction for Oak Island. Council works best when every member feels heard, respected, and part of the solution—and I’ve made that my guiding principle. Leading our Town Council Meetings, representing Oak Island to state, regional and federal agencies, and navigating challenges like storms and emergencies have shown me the value of patience, listening, and balance. A mayor’s role isn’t to dictate—it’s to inform and guide the Council toward consensus so decisions reflect both wisdom and unity. I’m elected by you, our citizens. I work with Council but I work for you!
Relationships
Consensus-building starts with relationships. I’ve worked hard to repair strained ones, strengthen existing ones, and create new ones with Council members, staff, and community partners. My strong working relationship with the Town Manager and leadership team has ensured Council discussions stay focused and productive. By fostering mutual trust and respect, I’ve helped Council find common ground even on complex or sensitive issues, keeping us focused on what matters most: serving Oak Island. But the most important of all relationships, is mine with you, the citizens of Oak Island. I strive to be that strong and trusted voice that represent your views and will continue to advocate on your behalf for opportunities to actively participate in shaping our path forward as a community.
Priorities
Together with the Town Manager and Council, I’ve helped to guide the Town through the creation of a three-year FY2025–FY2027 Strategic Plan, ensuring that our budget and our priorities align. A clear, shared plan allows Council to move forward with unity, purpose, and transparency to avoid the distractions of competing agendas. I’m committed to continuing to work diligently on your behalf to ensure public safety, protect our community well-being, preserving our values and way of life, manage effectively proportional growth, diversify our tax base, and grow our economy, all while finding funding sources to address the more complex issues of infrastructure restoration and developing environmental resilience. Building consensus isn’t just about reaching agreement, it’s about defining and investing in the actions that will yield results.
Contact Liz White
I would love to learn more about you as a person and as a citizen of our great coastal town - Oak Island, North Carolina.