Havel for Dare

Aida Havel for Dare County Commissioner

<h4><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">August 25, 2024</span></h4><h4></h4><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/825be24e-bb42-43db-adb9-1223811d248e/825be24e-bb42-43db-adb9-1223811d248e.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C486%2C1794%2C1858&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h4><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary)">It’s time for my every three weeks update, but before I give you a rundown of everywhere I’ve been, I want to share with you several conversations I’ve had with Dare County residents, all of whom had the sound of “quiet desperation” in their stories:</span></h4><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A client of mine who co-parents well with her ex, but is considering moving away because she can’t afford to refinance the former marital home, and selling it won’t give her the funds she needs to buy a new place</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A longtime resident of Hatteras Island who sees over-regulation of fishing driving younger people away, and worries that a traditional and historical industry may be lost</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another longtime resident who worries that the swift pace of erosion will take his cottage away or that the extreme rise in insurance rates will force him to sell his home</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A teacher who loves her students but is finding it difficult economically to live here</p><h4><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary)">Dare County is a very special place to live, work, raise a family, and retire, but recently, the concerns I’ve heard are really sinking in. The weight of the decisions that I am about to face if/when I win a seat on the Board of Commissioners is sitting a bit heavy on me right now.</span></h4><p>To end on a more upbeat note, here’s what I’ve been up to since my last update on August 3rd:</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a Board of Commissioners meeting</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shared a very successful meet-and-greet with Katie Morgan, hosted by two new friends who reside in New York but wanted to make a difference here</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a Buxton Civic Association meeting</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended the 90<sup>th</sup> annual Daniels Day in Wanchese…the most enjoyable family reunion I’ve ever attended!</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended the campaign kickoff for my fellow candidate running for school board, Melissa Zehner</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended the Bryan Series Chamber Concert in Buxton</p><h3><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Oh, and yard signs! Yep, I’ve got ‘em! Shoot me a message and I’ll get one or more to you.</span></h3><h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">FINALLY, my campaign kickoff is Monday, September 9th from 5:30 – 7:30 at the home of Joan Collins and Javier Orellana in Skyco. Please come and bring a friend (but please RSVP for food and drink purposes!). I want to meet you and hear how you think you and I together can make Dare County better.</span></h2><p></p>

<p><strong>WE CAN DO BETTER, AND WE CAN DO BETTER  TOGETHER</strong></p>

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3><p><strong>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on.</strong> Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.</p>

<p>Your Issues Are My Issues</p>

<p>Petroleum-contaminated sand, oil on ocean waters, and exposed remnants of Navy buildings have contributed to a dangerous situation. There is a health advisory in effect, but the Army Corps of Engineers continues to "study" and "assess" the situation. This expanding safety hazard increases daily, and is a threat to health, business, tourism, and the environment. WE NEED IMMEDIATE FEDERAL ACTION.</p>

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

<p>Buxton Beach Emergency 3/31/24</p>

<p><strong>We're all aware of the housing crisis that Dare County has faced for years. </strong>We've had studies and data and task forces; now we need to make decisions and take action. There are ideas that haven't been fully explored, such as building on mainland Dare and on Hatteras Island. We're losing good people and quality of life every day by failing to move forward on this important issue. WE CAN DO BETTER.</p>

<p>Housing</p>

<p><strong>The health care we have in Dare County is growing all the time, and what we have is excellent. </strong>But we need more specialists, and more nurses and doctors. And Hatteras Island needs an urgent care facility. When Manteo lost its only doctor, it was the town of Manteo that created a task force. The Dare County Board of Commissioners should lead the way in searching for solutions. WE CAN DO BETTER.</p>

<p>Access to Healthcare</p>

<p><strong>The recently proposed regulations on mullet fishing do not make sense. </strong>Based on data gathered in 2019, and not mirroring any regulations in Virginia or South Carolina (or Florida), the proposals appear out of date, arbitrary, and not based on hard evidence. I will advocate for rules that preserve fishing traditions and also address wildlife and environmental concerns. WE CAN DO BETTER.</p>

<p>Fairer Fishing Regulations</p>

<p>Yard signs and other political stuff are ex$pensive. Please help if you can, and know that we will use your gift wisely. Thank you very much.</p>

<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

<h5>February 2, 2024</h5><h4>Here’s my second bi-weekly (every other week, not two per week!) report on how my campaign’s going. In the last two weeks, I’ve:</h4><h4>• Attended an all hands on deck party candidate meeting</h4><h4>• Joined in celebrating Stuart Parks’ new job as the Theater teacher at First Flight High School (he’s leaving the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo after 15 years there as an archivist and will be sorely missed)</h4><h4>• Learned about the “Community Resiliency Model” from Susan Lee, an excellent facilitator, at the RWS Community Center</h4><h4>• Attended the State of the County breakfast at Captain George’s</h4><h4>• Participated in the Chamber of Commerce’s annual board retreat at Jockey’s Ridge</h4><h4>• Met island neighbors at the Hatteras Village annual dinner</h4><h4>• Met the dynamic chair of the NC Democratic Party, Anderson Clayton, at Waveriders</h4><h4>• Attended the Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards presentation at Captain George’s, where one of my fellow candidates, @Katie Morgan, was honored with the Chamber’s “Community Business Partner of the Year 2023” award</h4><h4>• Enjoyed a presentation at the Salvo Day Use Area by Hatteras Island CERT regarding the Starlink communications system that can be used if internet and cell service are down</h4><h4>• Celebrated with Steve Nelson on the 20th anniversary of the Inn at Pamlico Sound in Buxton</h4><h4>• Continued to work on my campaign website (ugh!) and detailed campaign strategizing</h4><h4>Whew! Just wanted y’all to know I’m not sitting on my hands, and this is an example of the type of hands-on, community-involved Commissioner I’ll be when I’m elected. Thanks for reading!</h4>

<h5>February 14, 2024</h5><h4>&nbsp;I’m a day late on my bi-weekly update, but what I have to report is fun and really interesting. First, I won $50 playing bingo at the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, and got a quick shout out during a break from the bingo caller who said, “This isn’t political, but Aida is a good person running for Dare County Commissioner from Hatteras Island, and I encourage you to vote for her!” Totally unexpected, and sooo appreciated.</h4><h4>Last Saturday, I spent three days in Washington, DC attending the National Conference of County Commissioners at the invitation of a dear friend of mine, Vickie Adamson, who is in her third term as a Wake County Commissioner. I learned so much about what resources are available to county commissioners, what issues they can really make a difference on, and the best practices that they can use on everything from veterans’ services to wastewater management to broadband access to housing affordability and so much more. I picked up fifty or more position papers (yes, really!) that I haven’t had time to look at yet, but I’ve hole-punched them and put them in a binder for later. And before you ask, no, none of our county commissioners were there.</h4><h4>This week, I was a sponsor for a fundraiser for Rachel Hunt, the daughter of former Governor Jim Hunt, who served 16 years (two separate eight year terms) and who was a champion of and for public education in NC. Rachel is running for Lieutenant Governor on many of the issues that were so important to her father.</h4><h4>Immediately following Rachel’s fundraiser, I attended the monthly meeting of Democratic Women of Dare County, and was honored to receive their support both generally and financially. Today, I attended my precinct meeting and was the featured speaker, and after that meeting, met with some folks in Avon who are quickly trying to bring me up to speed on the over-regulation of mullet fishing off our coast. It’s an issue that could have long-term impacts on our businesses, our guests, and the future of both commercial and recreational fishing all over Dare County. I’ll have more to say on this issue in my next post.</h4><h4>I’m also working on the finishing touches on my campaign website, and it will be live by the end of February, God willin’ and the crick don’t rise!</h4>

<h3>August 3, 2024</h3><h3><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Did you miss me?! Wonder what happened? Well, nothing bad, just life!</span></h3><p>The busy season started for me and John in late May with the three Airbnb rooms that we rent out in our house, and we’ve had some delightful guests from foreign lands: England, China, Korea, Iowa, Indiana, New York, and Michigan….and of course, the old standbys: Virginia, North Cackalacky, and Pennsylvania.</p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">My learning curve about “all things Dare County” has continued, although at a slower rate due to heat and busyness. In the last three months, I’ve attended:</span></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;a couple of housing task force meetings, whose members are looking at this complex issue from many different angles</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;six or seven meetings of the Buxton Civic Association, who are doing an outstanding job of keeping the pressure on those who need it and also engaging and informing the community</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;meetings of the Oregon Inlet Task Force, Coastal Resources Commission, Waterways Commission</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a 2-day conference of the NC Beach Inlet and Waterway Commission, where I learned so much about our waters and ecosystems, and made many good connections</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative annual meeting</p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">In terms of straight up campaigning, my activities have included:</span></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attending candidate forums at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building and at a Nags Head precinct meeting</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting voters at Dare Days and a couple of First Fridays</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participating in a rally for women’s reproductive rights at Dowdy Park</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Knocking on doors in Kill Devil Hills during a “Canvass with a Candidate” event</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meet-and-greets and fundraisers in Duck, Raleigh (with Elaine Marshall and Anderson Clayton), and Manteo</p><p><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">My ongoing community activities have included:</span></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participating in two board meeting of the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum as we work to replenish the monies that were depleted during the two years it was closed for renovations</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Working as a board member of Hatteras Island Meals to promote and ensure the success of our annual raffle which supports over 10,000 meals to vulnerable residents every year</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attending a beautiful retirement ceremony for Jackie Tillett, Director of the Dare County Board of Elections, who I worked closely with for over three years</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attended the best ever Juneteenth celebration with the amazing Tshombe Selby in Manteo (pic below)</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing to serve as Secretary of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society; our most recent activity involved providing input to the NPS regarding relocating the Circle of Stones after the renovation of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping the Hatteras Island Events Facebook page as updated as possible</p><p>&nbsp;Just typing this was tiring….I won’t wait so long between updates next time. Thanks for staying with me!</p>

Campaign Events

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<p>St. Patrick's Day Parade, Nags Head</p>

<p>Come join me and wear your red, white, blue, and green! </p>

<p>Democrats and unaffiliated voters are welcome to join us at the RWS Community Building to meet the Democratic candidates running for office to represent us. We will hear from the following candidates:</p><p>Susan Sawin, NC District 1<br>Mary Beedle, NC District 79<br>Katie Morgan, Board of Commissioners, District 2<br>Aida Havel, Board of Commissioners, District 4<br>Dennis Zaenger, Board of Commissioners, District 3<br>Heather Euler, Board of Education, Hatteras Island<br>Haley Carey, Board of Education, District 2<br>Melissa Zehner, Board of Education, At Large</p><p>This is a great opportunity to hear about the issues of Dare County and what the talented slate of candidates plan to do to make our county a better place once they are in office. Hope to see you there, tell a friend, and bring a friend!</p>

<p>MEET THE CANDIDATES! (RSVP not required)</p>

<p>RSVP not required but appreciated.</p>

<p>Raleigh Meet and Greet and Fundraiser</p>

<p>Hosted by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson, with SPECIAL GUEST Anderson Clayton, Chair of the NC Democratic Party</p>

<h5>March 9, 2024</h5><h5>Whoops! I thought it had only been two weeks since my last update, but it’s been three…time flies! Here’s what I’ve been up to in the last 21 days:</h5><p>Went live with my campaign website, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://havelfordare.com">havelfordare.com</a></p><p>Attended my Chicamacomico Precinct meeting</p><p>Had a slight hair makeover</p><p>Attended Treasurer Training in Manteo with my awesome Treasurer, Shelley Tidd</p><p>With hubby John, represented the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society at the Hatteras Waterfowl Festival</p><p>Attended the annual International Women’s Day Lunch at Basnight’s Lone Cedar, where the speaker was our beloved Tess Judge, who spoke about all the projects and non-profits women have started in Dare County</p><p>And did I mention I went live with my website, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://havelfordare.com">havelfordare.com</a>?</p><p>Next update will be in either two or three weeks…..not tying myself down!</p><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/1801e00f-3989-4aa0-89e1-eda2c0e840c7/1801e00f-3989-4aa0-89e1-eda2c0e840c7.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=11&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2598%2C1948&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span>

<p><strong>Intro to the testimonials</strong> can be written here.</p>

<p>Aida Havel For Dare County Commissioner</p>

<p>Bob Muller<br>Mayor of Nags Head 2000-2005<br>Nags Head Commissioner&nbsp;1985-2000</p>

<p>KATHRYN FAGAN, ATTORNEY</p>

<p>SIDNEY W. KILGORE, attorney</p>

<p>Barbara Yow</p>

<p>We’re grateful for your donations!</p>

<ol><li><p><strong>Host a meet and greet. </strong>I will pretty much go anywhere, anytime!</p></li><li><p>Make<strong> telephone calls.</strong></p></li><li><p>Provide a <strong>written endorsement </strong>or testimonial.</p></li><li><p>Send<strong> emails.</strong></p></li><li><p>Send a few <strong>post cards.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Greet people at the polls </strong>and during early voting.</p></li><li><p>Plant a<strong> yard sign.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Donate</strong> any amount; we promise to use it wisely!</p></li><li><p><strong>Suggest</strong> another way you're willing to help (it takes a village!)</p></li></ol>

<p>HOW YOU CAN HELP (and it is all appreciated!)</p>

<h5>April 26, 2024 </h5><h5>recap of the last three weeks!</h5><h4>Well, I simply can’t keep up anymore! It’s been three weeks since my last bi-weekly update. Here’s the skinny!&nbsp;</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended two Dare County Housing Task Force meetings, as well as a specially called Board of Commissioners’ meeting on the same topic</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Co-facilitated the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership OBX Hatteras Day</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended two meetings of the newly formed Buxton Civic Association</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Co-facilitated and attended the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society’s annual Keepers’ Weekend at Cape Lookout Lighthouse</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provided notarization services for parents at Cape Hatteras Elementary School needing to verify their addresses before their kids enroll in kindergarten.</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participated in a Hatteras Island Meals board meeting</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a Hazard Mitigation Plan update at the Dare County Emergency Center</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a Chamber of Commerce board meeting</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a Coastal Resources Commission meeting</h4><h4>And….I received quite a lot of media coverage from my participation in several of these events. Thank goodness I’m not camera shy!</h4><h4>Unfortunately, after returning from Cape Lookout, both John and I came down with bronchitis, from which we are still recovering. We are still coughing, but the end is in sight!Use the toolbar above to format your text as well as add images, lists, and hyperlinks.</h4>

<p><strong>Havel for Dare</strong><br>P.O. Box 676<br>Rodanthe, NC 27968</p><p>919-740-7031</p><p></p><p></p>

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<p>Reach out....we'll reach back!</p>

<p><strong>Aida has been working on behalf of Dare County for over ten years.</strong></p>

<p>Aida's Service to Dare County</p>

<p><strong>Secretary, </strong>Dare County Board of Elections</p>

<p><strong>Precinct Official, </strong>Chicamacomico Precinct</p>

<p><strong>Board Member and Chair, </strong>Friends of the Outer Banks History Center</p>

<p><strong>Board Member,</strong> Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association</p>

<p><strong>Driver and Board Member, </strong>Hatteras Island Meals</p>

<p><strong>Board Member and Secretary, </strong>Outer Banks Lighthouse Society</p>

<p><strong>Board Member, </strong>Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce</p>

<p><strong>Graduate of Leadership OBX and co-planner/facilitator of three Leadership OBX Days</strong></p>

<p><strong>Board Member, </strong>Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum</p>

<p><strong>Creator and Page Administrator, </strong>Hatteras Island Events Facebook page</p>

<p>Aida's work has included:</p>

Born

Party

<span class="image image-framed image-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/6beb0b77-43b9-481f-aa7d-8c21321b716d/a6805b4f-75be-453c-97af-c7190661ed50.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=11&amp;con=26&amp;sat=16&amp;high=0&amp;shad=-5&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=152%2C90%2C3139%2C4006&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h3>Meet Aida.....</h3><h3><strong>My name is Aida Havel, and I’m running for Dare County Commissioner from Hatteras Island. Although I live on Hatteras, everyone in the county gets to vote for me.</strong></h3><h3>And I hope everyone WILL vote for me: the issues we face are not red or blue, left or right. </h3><p><strong>We have issues here that are not being adequately addressed: housing, access to health care, unreasonable fishing regulations, and more. WE CAN DO BETTER, AND WE CAN DO BETTER TOGETHER.</strong></p><p><strong>In my work as an attorney over the past 35+ years, I've sought (and found) creative and practical solutions to what on the surface appear to be thorny and difficult problems.</strong> I also have a Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution, so the idea of bridges, both real and metaphorical, appeals to me. I will work with anybody who has a good idea, time, and energy.</p><p><strong>To keep Dare special, we now need strategic and innovative thinking, which is something I've done all my life.</strong></p><p><strong>My pledge to you is to listen and to always have an open door and an open mind. </strong>I will work tirelessly on your concerns to create effective and successful results.</p><p>Oh, and yes, I'm a nerd....I love reading policy papers and delving into arguments on both sides of an issue, and really looking at all sides of a problem. <strong>I will be your CommissioNER(D)!</strong></p>

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<p><strong>AIDA IS READY TO SERVE WITH PASSION, CREATIVITY, AN OPEN DOOR AND AN OPEN MIND.</strong></p>

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<p>Fun Facts</p>

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<p> Education, Career, and Service</p>

<p>BA, <strong>Davidson College</strong></p>

<p>JD, <strong>UNC School of Law (Go Heels!)</strong></p>

<p>Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution, <strong>UNC-G</strong></p>

<p>Mediator and Collaborative <strong>Divorce Attorney</strong></p>

<p>36+ years <strong>practicing law and helping people in need</strong></p>

<p>Service on what seems like a million boards –&nbsp;church, professional, non-profit, and governmental. (Did I mention I'm a nerd?!)</p>

<p>                   </p>

<p>Here are some pictures from my travels around Dare County....(a work in progress)</p>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">PICTURES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL</span></p>

<h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">    LET'S GET FOCUSED AND HAVE SOME FUN!!</span></h2><p></p><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/e284380d-4aff-43db-a51a-c711371acf3f/e284380d-4aff-43db-a51a-c711371acf3f.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2550%2C3300&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Please join me for friendship and fellowship as we kick off the final 60 days to Election Day! I'm so grateful for all the support I've already received, and now the end is in sight. Come pick up a yard sign, let's chat, and let's start marching to November 5th! </span></h2>

Raised

Married

Education

<p><strong>“My husband and I feel so blessed to be able to live and work in this beautiful place called Dare County. </strong>My goal is to work with anyone and everyone to keep this county's traditions alive while meeting the challenges that our growth is bringing.</p><p>Our challenges are not red or blue, left or right. They require cooperation, creativity, and strategic thinking. <strong>WE CAN DO BETTER, AND WE CAN DO BETTER TOGETHER.</strong></p><p>Let's work together to keep Dare County strong and healthy for all of us and our guests. Please click on the tabs above to learn more about me and how we can work together.</p>

<h2><sup><span style="color: var(--color-text)">       SALVO MEET &amp; GREET FOR KATIE MORGAN &amp; ME</span></sup></h2><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 45%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/d0820bbf-6ad5-4c45-96e0-2c3cd79febd4/d0820bbf-6ad5-4c45-96e0-2c3cd79febd4.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C213%2C275&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="45" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Come meet two future Dare County Commissioners!</span></h2><h2>Ask questions and tell us what's on your mind.</h2><h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Hear why we're running and how we can make Dare County better, together!</span></h2>

<h5>January 19, 2024</h5><h4>People keep asking me how my campaign is going, and my answer is, “We’re still ramping up.” There’s a lot that goes into a county-wide campaign: getting set up with a treasurer and the right forms, creating a new Facebook page and getting a dedicated email address, developing both a strategy and a message, and speaking to people and groups who are eager to hear from you NOW!</h4><h4>So here’s what I’ve been up to in the last two weeks: joining other candidates at precinct meetings in Manteo and Nags Head, attending a “Feast of Three Kings” party where I listened to people tell me what Dare County needs besides housing (public transportation and daycare were two items mentioned), attending a “Saving Lives Task Force” meeting in Avon which detailed all the many resources available to people who are actively addicted or who are in recovery, and attending an all-hands on board candidate Zoom meeting.</h4><h4>I’ve also been trying to figure out what kind of print media I will need, and am trying to determine what colors and design my logo should be (having a graphic designer hubby sure does help!)</h4><h4>It’s a mix of public and private work, and I’m enjoying the heck out of it. Thanks for your support, and I’ll give you another update in a couple of weeks.</h4>

<h5>APRIL 7, 2024</h5><h5>Recap of the last two weeks from the campaign trail:</h5><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a game night at the Hatteras Library (a girl’s gotta have a little fun!)</h4><span class="image image-framed image-right image-tilt-right" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/2da00ea3-572a-4ab8-9c52-ea9badb98034/2da00ea3-572a-4ab8-9c52-ea9badb98034.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C367%2C3600%2C2933&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spoke up at a Chamber of Commerce board meeting to urge immediate action on the Buxton Beach disaster and the President and Board Chair (after the board voted) put out a letter supporting immediate remedial action</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended an NPS public meeting that evening on the same issue (with ~90 people in attendance)</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a retirement party for a friend</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sat in on a Working Watermen’s Commission meeting</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hosted NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall at our house for a couple of days and threw together an impromptu group of 12 or 13 people to join us for dinner at Lone Cedar (see pic above!)</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Took Elaine to church on Easter Sunday</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended and spoke up at a Dare County Board of Commissioners’ meeting about Buxton Beach, thanking them for the actions they’ve taken already, and urging them to keep working on ways to get this problem solved</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Introduced myself to the Duck Town Council and asked them not to forget about Buxton Beach</h4><h4>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participated in my first First Friday in Manteo and met a few voters who were knowledgeable and engaged on the issues facing Dare County….really good conversations!</h4><h4>And of course, I had some client work to do here and there, as well as turning a couple of our Airbnb rooms (we have three rooms for rent; we rent one to a long-time local friend, and the other two are short-term rentals) and getting ready for the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society’s annual Keepers’ Weekend at Cape Lookout next weekend (I plan to sleep on the ferry!)</h4>

<span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/5e8cd78a-d4d2-4378-b476-080eeb09b54e/5e8cd78a-d4d2-4378-b476-080eeb09b54e.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=14&amp;rect=28%2C75%2C457%2C679&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><p></p><p></p><h5>March 22, 2024</h5><h5>Happy weekend….it’s time for my bi-weekly update from the campaign trail!</h5><p>In the past two weeks, I’ve:</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended a school board meeting (Dare County students are winning on and off the field!)</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Heard about the great initiatives the Outer Banks Community Foundation is supporting through their philanthropy</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Participated in the State of the Child Conference and learned about the pressing needs for infant/child care and teen mental health services</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended the Dare Dems County Convention one day, and then marched in the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in NC (in Nags Head) the next day</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Heard a presentation by NC’s Insurance Commissioner and asked him a few questions about why he settles rate hike requests rather than take them to court</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Met a lovely group of voters in Frisco and listened to their concerns while also educating them about some of the issues Dare County faces</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Attended the annual economic summit and heard about trends for the Outer Banks in new business acquisition, retail, and hospitality.</p><p>I continue to hear about the needs that Hatteras Island has relative to the rest of Dare County, and I’m more determined than ever to be a voice and a presence for representation and inclusion in this beautiful county. Thanks for reading!</p>

<strong>Introduce the videos below</strong> with a short blurb.

Aida Havel for Dare County Commissioner Hatteras Island

Aida: A passion for service and creativity.

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