As part of our continuing effort to bring relevant local news to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for the Tega Cay City Council special election. We’ve furnished them with a series of questions designed to provide the answers you need in order to decide on the candidate who will occupy the available seat.
Leading up to the election, we will feature one of the candidates along with their responses to a list of questions. We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide them to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice. The order in which they’ll be featured was determined by response time to our inquiry.
Today, we’ll feature Jim Foltz, Tega Cay City Council Candidate.
Please state your name: Jim Foltz
Please state your occupation:
– Former board-certified physical therapist and retired military officer
(Lieutenant Colonel, US Air Force)
– Currently employed as a Senior Business Accountability Specialist in
financial services.
How long have you lived in Tega Cay? 4 years
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
City council plays a central role in governing the city and is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and shaping long-term plans, priorities and goals for the city. Council sets the policies, adopts ordinances (local laws), and passes resolutions that guide how the city operates. Resolutions are different from ordinances in that they are not laws but are used to approve administrative actions such as adopting annual budgets, approving contracts, and making appointments to positions, such as city manager, municipal judge, and municipal attorney. City council must work closely with the city manager in our Council-Manager form of government, where the council sets policies and priorities, and the city manager executes the council’s directives.
Most importantly, city council must be transparent and accountable to the residents of Tega Cay. Resident input is crucial to understanding community needs and is imperative in making informed and responsible decisions that have a direct impact on our financial sustainability, public safety, funding for essential services and infrastructure, and the overall quality of life in Tega Cay.
What skills and experience do you have that you believe would be beneficial to you as a Council member?
My most valuable set of skills were developed and honed through 25+ years of experience as a leader in the military and in the private sector. I have a diverse professional background and have held numerous leadership positions throughout my career. I’ve managed multiple healthcare clinics, planned and executed large budgets, led strategic programs for the US Air Force Surgeon General’s Office, built and managed an elite Human Performance Program for the Air Force Combat Control School, and I currently oversee multiple programs and manage financial risks for a Top 5 financial services company with a multi-billion- dollar annual budget.
I’ve been able to succeed in diverse industries by leveraging my ability to synthesize large amounts of information and data, through my ability to build strong networks and solid working relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers, and by taking the time to gather the information needed to formulate thoughtful and informed decisions that optimize performance and mitigate operational risks. I will bring to city council my extensive leadership experience and the skills I’ve developed over the course of my career to deliver results for the residents of Tega Cay.
What previous community involvement have you had in Tega Cay or another city?
I coached youth sports (softball and soccer) for several years and volunteered regularly as an elementary classroom literacy tutor in various communities while serving in the military. I actively support and volunteer for Moms for Liberty and Founding Fathers of York County, Disabled American Veterans, Samaritans Purse, Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and NFL Play60, which inspires children to live a healthy and active lifestyle. I have also served my community as an election Precinct Vice President, Precinct Chair, and was elected to the Wake County, NC, GOP Executive Committee.
What do you see as top priorities for the city and why?
My top priority is ensuring Tega Cay remains financially secure and sustainable over time. Remaining financially healthy is critical to preserving everything we love about Tega Cay and is essential to funding all our priorities as a city. This requires leadership that is committed to budgeting responsibly and carefully prioritizing spending. We must remain financially secure to fund our public works, stormwater system, maintain and repair our aging infrastructure, keep the city safe by providing critical equipment and resources to our police and fire departments, and revitalize our beautiful waterfront resources, parks, and trails.
Another top priority is to responsibly manage future growth of the city, which I discuss in further detail in one of my responses below. I’m very confident that I can bring my extensive financial management experience to the council and work effectively with the mayor and other council members to thoughtfully plan and execute responsible budgets that prioritize spending and reduce unnecessary expenditures, allowing us to effectively fund our critical services and resources while also limiting the tax burden on residents.
Have you previously served on a governing board of any type (business, government, non-profit organization, church, etc.) or as a leader in any organization? If so, please briefly describe the organization(s), your role, and the number of years you served in that capacity below.
Leadership positions (limited to previous 15 years for brevity), governing boards and non-profit experience:
– Flight Commander, Physical Therapy and Radiology Departments, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware (3 years)
o I managed clinical operations and budgets for 2 clinics and supervised 10 healthcare practitioners
– Clinical Medicine Flight Commander, 436th Medical Group, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama (3 years)
o I managed clinical operations and budgets for 5 healthcare clinics and supervised 35 healthcare practitioners
– Deputy Commander, 436th Medical Operations Squadron, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama (3 years)
o I served as the interim commander responsible for managing clinical operations and budgets for 7 healthcare clinics and supervising 70 healthcare practitioners and support staff
– Chief of Medical Doctrine and Joint Medical Capabilities, Air Force Medical Support Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, and the Pentagon (3 years)
o I managed 3 operational programs providing direct support to the Air Force Surgeon General
o I was responsible for certifying and publishing medical doctrine documentation providing authoritative guidance for the organization and deployment of all Air Force medical capabilities
o Produced strategic military readiness reporting for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
– Human Performance Director, 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina (3 years)
o I designed and stood up the first-ever human performance facility for the US Air Force Combat Control School
o I developed specialized training curricula that optimized performance and reduced injuries, and I managed all medical and rehabilitative care for the instructors and students assigned to this elite special warfare training program
– Business Governance Lead for Model Risk Management (2 years)
o As a line of business lead for model risk management, I currently oversee the testing, validation and certification of qualitative financial models that protect the organization’s multi-billion-dollar annual investment spending and operating budget.
– Board of Directors (3 years), Carolina Teachers Alliance (now American Teachers Alliance), which is a non-profit association for professional educators that empowers its members to provide the highest quality and achievement-driven education to all children.
– Air Force Company Grade Officer Council (6 years)
o I planned and participated in numerous volunteer activities that benefited the military base populace as well as surrounding civilian communities.
– I served for 4 years as an Election Precinct Chair, Precinct Vice President and was elected to the Wake County GOP Executive Committee.
What do you believe are the three (3) greatest strengths of the City of Tega Cay?
The greatest strength of our city is the strong sense of community that is rooted in traditional values and the pride shared among residents that call Tega Cay home. I’ve asked dozens of our neighbors what they like most about living in Tega Cay, and easily at the top of the list is an appreciation for living in a close-knit community where residents greet one another in their neighborhoods, organize and attend events hosted in one of our beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, attend church together, or cheer for each other’s children playing in one of the many local sports leagues.
Our department heads and city staff are another of the great strengths of Tega Cay. We are so blessed to have such dedicated professionals leading and supporting the many departments committed to keeping Tega Cay one of the safest and most desirable places to live in the state.
As a resident, I have the greatest appreciation for those who bring their very best to work each day to provide our city with first-class services, manage our critical infrastructure, keep us safe, and maintain our beautiful outdoor amenities.
Another strength that really makes our city one of the most desirable places to live is the incredible recreational resources and facilities that contribute to the high quality of life we all enjoy. Our city leaders have maintained a strong commitment to keeping Tega Cay a beautiful resort-like community that features amazing lakefront recreation, boating, golfing, sports facilities, and beautiful parks and trails.
Does your interest in serving on the City Council stem from a personal interest or goal? Is there something in particular you hope to accomplish while serving on the City Council, and why is serving on the Council important to you? Please elaborate.
My interest in serving on city council comes from my lifelong desire to serve others. As a young adult, I took a break from college and enlisted in the US Army because I wanted to serve my country. As I was nearing the end of my enlistment, I made plans to return to college as soon as possible; however, my enlistment was unexpectedly extended when my Army unit was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. The pride I felt in serving my country in
combat far outweighed any disappointment I felt about delaying my return to college. I eventually went on to complete my education but felt the call to serve again, so I re-entered active-duty military service in the US Air Force.
There were personal sacrifices along the way, to include missing the birth of my daughter while deployed to Afghanistan, but I never questioned my decision to serve because I knew it was a calling. Having moved frequently during my military service, I made it a priority to serve in each of the communities where we lived over the years, to include supporting numerous local charities and non-profit organizations. I looked for ways to contribute in some way to the communities that welcomed us. Now that I have the option of choosing where to live and having been blessed to find our forever home in Tega Cay, I believe that serving on the council is the best way for me to have a meaningful impact and to give back to the community that my family loves.
What I will strive to accomplish on the council is ensure we remain financially sustainable over time, continue to be one of the safest cities in the state, prioritize investments to repair and maintain our aging infrastructure, and commit funding to revitalize and care for our beautiful parks, trails and recreational resources. A strong city is one that is financially stable, prioritizes safety, and prides itself on maintaining the services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Please list any areas you believe the City of Tega Cay could improve upon:
The city could improve on its perception of transparency and accountability to residents. Our leaders have done a very effective job in representing the needs of the city through prioritization of policies, ordinances and funding of resources that provide a high quality of life for all; however, it is the perception of many residents that the city council is not communicating effectively and not holding itself accountable to voters. I believe the council has conducted its duties with reasonable transparency, but there is always room for improvement, and perception is reality for those who feel their government is lacking accountability.
One of my priorities for the council is to identify ways to enhance information sharing and improve community engagement so residents are better informed, feel like they are being heard, believe their city leaders are accountable to them, and have a say in how the city is governed.
The City Council must render decisions regarding the implementation of policies and/or programs that may be somewhat difficult. Are you willing to take on the responsibility of making decisions that are in the best interest of the public even though they may be somewhat difficult?
Yes, having served in leadership positions for over 25 years, I’ve had the responsibility of making several very tough decisions on policy and personnel matters that had a significant impact on the mission and the people serving with me. I have been singularly accountable for many decisions that were difficult to make, but I always placed the best interests of the people and the organizations
I’ve served at the forefront of each of those decisions. My approach to leadership has always been to gather all the information necessary to make informed and thoughtful decisions. I’m deliberate in my thought process, and I gather input from as many sources as possible, particularly when making decisions that have far-reaching impacts. I’ll bring a collaborative leadership style to the council, but
I will stand firmly in my commitment to always put residents first in every decision I make.
What do you believe is the single most compelling issue facing the City of Tega Cay?
The most important issue for the city is its financial sustainability over time. While we are currently in a sound place financially, Tega Cay will be faced with significant funding challenges as a significant source of revenue will disappear over the next 7 years or so. Up to 10% of our annual revenue is gained through residential construction impact fees that are collected from developers for each new home built in the city. When new residential construction is completed, the city will need to have a plan firmly in place that effectively closes that gap with alternate sources of revenue.
Growing the commercial tax base is one way of replacing revenue lost to residential impact fees. The challenge we’re confronted with, however, is balancing any future growth in ways that not only increase revenue but are desirable to residents and protect the unique charm and character of the city. City council needs leaders with the experience to plan carefully, budget responsibly, and manage growth wisely – all while preserving the appealing qualities of Tega Cay.
Please tell us about any other activities, specialized skills, knowledge, or professional experience that would contribute to your effectiveness in serving on the City Council.
My greatest strengths were developed and honed through years of leading organizations and people. I have a very diverse professional history that spans over 25 years in both the military and private sector. Managing multiple clinics simultaneously and supervising dozens of healthcare practitioners, all while treating my own patients, required me to become very organized. I learned how to analyze and process large amounts of data to make informed decisions. I led large cross-functional teams that were tasked with finding solutions to complex challenges. I became very good at networking and collaborating effectively with key industry stakeholders, and I consistently executed projects on time and within budget. I managed programs at the Pentagon supporting the Air Force Surgeon General and generated strategic-level military readiness reporting that advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
After retiring from the Air Force, I applied these skills to pivot rapidly and successfully across diverse and unrelated industries, transitioning from clinical healthcare to financial services, where I’m currently employed as a senior finance professional. The skills that were developed through years of on-the-job leadership training and challenging assignments will serve me well as a member of City Council.
Many are concerned about the growth within Tega Cay. What’s your plan to help ensure we maintain a small-town feel while continuing to grow appropriately?
Tega Cay has limited capacity for additional growth. Any growth beyond what has already been approved and currently underway will require deliberate and responsible planning to ensure growth meets the needs of residents and enhances the character of our city. The City Council must work closely with the Planning Commission and city leaders and will play a crucial role in updating the current Tega Cay Comprehensive Plan, which is the long-term planning document that serves as the blueprint for managing growth and shaping the city’s future. The Comprehensive Plan is an invaluable guide for managing growth because it reflects the values of the community, relying on input from residents, business leaders, city staff and civic commissions.
Responsible growth is crucial to our economic stability, and it will require careful planning by city council to balance the financial needs of our city while maintaining the character and small-town feel that brought so many residents here. As a member of city council, I will always place the desires and needs of residents first while also carefully considering the economic and social impacts of future growth.
Is there anything you’d want to tell us about yourself and why the people of Tega Cay should vote for you?
Throughout my years serving in the military, my family didn’t have a choice in where we lived or when I was deployed. Those were sacrifices we readily accepted in service to our country. My wife and children deserve so much credit for their patience, flexibility and commitment, and I’m so grateful for their support in allowing me to serve.
When finally given the option of where to call home, we were very selective in the type of community we wanted to raise our children in, and we wanted to surround our family with neighbors that love our city as much as we do. We did a lot of research before selecting Tega Cay as our home. It literally checked all the boxes important to us: small town feel rooted in traditional values, safe streets and neighborhoods, quality schools, and beautiful
outdoor spaces.
I’m running for city council because I want to serve my community and give back to a city that has provided so much joy to our family. I’m running to provide leadership and make difficult decisions that protect the economic stability of our community. I’m running to keep Tega Cay one of the safest cities in the state. I’m running to ensure we grow responsibly as a city in ways that satisfy the desires of residents while also preserving the character, charm and quality of life that brought so many of us here.
I will bring a positive and optimistic view of our city to the council. I’m not interested in relitigating past grievances but will take the lessons learned from previous decisions and focus my efforts on moving the city toward an even brighter future. I will leverage my leadership experience to improve the way city council collaborates and communicates with the city manager, department heads, city employees, civic commissions and residents – all with the goal of making the city stronger, safer and more beautiful!
This is my commitment to Tega Cay: I will always put the needs of residents first in every decision I make, and I will be transparent and accountable in all my actions on the council. I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve our great city, and I hope to earn your trust and your vote on February 3rd !
