Principles Over Empty “Diversity”
True leadership isn’t about chasing “diversity” for its own sake, but about championing excellence in decision-making. A mix of good and bad ideas may technically be diverse, but it is not progress. Waxhaw deserves leaders who stand for integrity, clarity, and accountability. Corruption is never a matter for compromise—leaders must have the courage to uphold what is right and refuse what is wrong.
The Growth Strawman
It’s misleading to claim that those of us who support stable, responsible growth want “no growth.” We fully recognize that growth cannot be stopped—property owners with existing development rights will use them—but it can and must be guided in ways that serve residents first. Our aim is to channel development in ways that fortify infrastructure, safeguard quality of life, and prioritize residents—not outside developers. Portraying this as stagnation or death is a strawman that diminishes the gravity of our choices, and parrots big developer propaganda.
Independence and Values-Driven Diversity
Our record speaks for itself. In 2023, our team wasn’t a monolith—Dan Farris was notably skeptical of the original Waxhaw Wall. But after witnessing favoritism and a lack of transparency in key board appointments, he recognized the importance of the Wall’s principles and joined in supporting them. Moreover, when a state legislator in our own party attempted to strip local governments of zoning power, we spoke out, even though we shared the same label. That is not “one voice politics.” It is evidence of independent, values-driven diversity—not token opposition.
Even when it comes to the critical issue of development, we have chosen pragmatism over ideology. Often the choice is not whether to develop, but what kind of development will proceed – since the existing zoning already allows a buildout, and we have been prohibited from downzoning. For example, we voted for the Brinley project, which offered larger buffers, better design, and neighborhood support, even though it included a slight increase in residential units.
Transparency Restored
Waxhaw has already seen what cronyism and shadow governance look like. Prior boards were known for splitting into twos to skirt open-meetings laws and making decisions outside public view. That is precisely what we have worked to dismantle—restoring transparency, building trust, and ensuring every resident has equal access to governance.
Leadership That Builds, Not Divides
Lastly, candidates who launch baseless and dishonest attacks on sitting officials—especially those not running for office—should consider: if they cannot respect their peers, how will they work alongside them effectively post-election? Real leadership demands cooperation, honesty, and vision—not division for division’s sake.
A Wall Worth Standing Behind
Waxhaw deserves leaders who rise above false narratives and commit to the hard work of building a community rooted in truth, transparency, and shared responsibility. This is the real wall worth standing behind.
