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Candidate Q&A series | Warsaw Commissioner
Sheree Shepard
With over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership and recruitment, Sheree Shepard is no stranger to managing complex systems. Now, she’s seeking to bring that expertise to local government as a candidate for Warsaw Town Council. In this Q&A, she shares her qualifications, top priorities and vision for a more responsive town government.
What is your political background? What motivates you to seek public office?
I have a long history of community involvement and public service, including previous runs for Pender County Commissioner, Burgaw Town Council, and the Pender County Board of Education. I am motivated to seek public office in Warsaw because I want to bring fresh energy, forward-thinking ideas, and a people-first approach to help our town thrive. Professionally, I bring over 20 plus years of healthcare experience and four years in high-level recruitment, overseeing teams and operations, which has prepared me to manage policy, budgeting, and strategic initiatives effectively. My experience leading teams, managing resources, and building strong community relationships equips me to serve Warsaw with integrity and results-driven leadership.
What capital improvement initiatives would you propose to address drainage and infrastructure issues in Warsaw and how would you fund those initiatives?
I would address drainage and infrastructure issues by continuing to improve stormwater systems, repairing roads, and enhancing sidewalks. We would see if we could get funding from state and federal grants, prioritizing projects based on impact and urgency.
What steps would you take to improve the town’s financial oversight, transparency, and accountability?
I would improve financial oversight by implementing regular audits, clear reporting, and transparent budgeting processes. I’d ensure residents have easy access to financial information, hold public meetings to review spending priorities, and establish accountability measures for all town departments to ensure responsible and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
If elected, What would be your top three priorities in your first 90 days in office?
If elected, my top three priorities in the first 90 days would be: 1) Assessing and addressing critical infrastructure and drainage issues, 2) Reviewing the town’s budget and financial processes to ensure transparency and accountability, and 3) Engaging with residents and town staff to identify immediate needs and opportunities for operational improvements.
In August, the town waited five days to inform the public after millions of gallons of partially untreated wastewater spilled into Stewarts Creek. What would you do differently to ensure transparency and timely public notification in future incidents?
I would ensure that any environmental or public health incident is handled with clear leadership and the correct approach to inform citizens promptly. This includes immediate notification through multiple channels—social media, the town website, and local media—along with regular updates on actions being taken to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.
Given Warsaw’s repeated violations of wastewater treatment standards, how will you restore compliance and public trust? What specific reforms would you propose to prevent future environmental breaches?
To restore compliance and public trust, I would ensure strict adherence to wastewater treatment standards through regular inspections, updated equipment, and staff training. I would implement transparent reporting, establish accountability measures, and create a preventative maintenance schedule. By partnering with engineering firms and environmental experts, we can address these issues and develop a phased plan to improve wastewater treatment effectively.
In the FY 2025–26 budget, only $63,000 was allocated to drainage—less than a quarter of what was budgeted for a recreation facility. Would you have prioritized this funding differently? Why or why not? please explain.
Yes, I would have prioritized funding differently. Adequate investment in drainage is essential to prevent flooding, protect property, and ensure public safety. While recreational facilities are important as well, infrastructure like drainage directly affects residents’ daily lives and long-term town sustainability, so it should receive a higher, more proportionate share of the budget.
Why should people vote for you?
The citizens of Warsaw should vote for me because she brings proven leadership, a results-driven approach, and a deep commitment to our community. With a strong business background and experience in policy and operations, she will strengthen Warsaw’s policies, work closely with town staff to support them in their roles and ensure they thrive efficiently, improve communication, and promote transparency, accountability, and growth for all citizens.
