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here are 11 candidates for five Town Commissioner seats in the Nov 4 municipal elections. The Mayor is running unopposed.

Two incumbents are in the running: Commissioners Allen Price and Bonnie Crosser.

Nine others have put their names forward for consideration: Gregory Bohmert (this is his third time running), Iris Cooper, Paul Fairbank, Mary Ellen Ham, Paul Jordon, Bob Maxbauer (this is his second time running), Don McGuire, Chris Moffat, Lou Ostendorff

Mayor Sally Belangia is running unopposed.

Town Board elections are held every two years, however this year candidates are running for a one-year term. The 2023-2025 Board of Commissioners voted to move municipal elections to even years. That means this Board of Commissioners will serve a one-year term.

Because there are so many candidates in the running, TownDock.net and The Pamlico News are holding a Candidates’ Forum, Thursday October 23 at The Old Theater.

TownDock.net asked candidates to tell us about themselves and their vision for Oriental in 250 words or less, so readers can get to know the candidates in their own words.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order of last names with incumbents noted.

How and Where to Vote
Election Day, November 4, 2025, Oriental residents can cast their vote at the Southeast Pamlico Volunteer Fire Department at 182 Straight Rd, Oriental, NC 28571.

The Candidates:

Gregory Bohmert
I arrived in 1994 at a vastly different Oriental than we have today. I was enthralled by this town and the friendly, welcoming people in it, who told me not to pay attention to the “I don’t give a damn, how you did it, up north” bumper stickers, that were plentiful at the time.

I wanted to learn how to live life as they were doing it; I wanted to learn how to live with them and become part of the unique rhythm of “we” that was the heartbeat of Oriental at that time.

It took a good bit of effort on my part; Originally a commercial dock builder/mechanic of twenty-years from the NY metropolitan area waterfront, I had lots of decelerating to do…

I started Clancy’s Marina 1995 retiring from the boat fixing part in 2021. I still operate the marina today.

I started giving back to the community volunteering at our state prison in Bayboro in 1998 and still serve, one night a week, twenty-seven years later.

I volunteered at the Croaker Festival mechanizing the “Garbology” equipment & lending a hand wherever needed, during the 13 years my wife, Candy Bohmert served as the head Croaker…

I possess excellent trouble-shooting skills, communication skills, research and organizing skills, along with proven leadership & negotiation skills, both in business and volunteer settings.

I wish to serve as a “trusted public servant” for the town that has given me such a remarkable thirty-years. I am motivated by gratitude… not political advancement.

Iris Cooper
My name is Iris Cooper and I am a candidate for the Town of Oriental Town Board. I am asking for your support because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity and focuses on real results – a community where everyone has a voice.

I have 40+ years of public sector experience in leadership positions. My husband Mark and I have been part of this community for 15 years – full time residents for 5 years. I run a part time consulting business and volunteer as a grant writer for the Pamlico Music Society.

We fell in love with the quirkiness and character of Oriental – the community, the volunteerism and the many activities the Town offers. I value what the Town is today – but we also must have a sustainable future, and the services residents need balanced against what is financially possible. To achieve this, we must allow informed discussions, hear our residents and drive to achievable solutions. The division on the Town Board we have all experienced in recent years does not serve anyone.

If elected, I will work hard to ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and that decisions are made with your input! I am committed to transparency and civility – you deserve nothing less.

Bonnie Crosser (incumbent)
Bonnie Crosser, a dedicated Certified Public Accountant licensed in North Carolina, is running for Town Commissioner to safeguard Oriental’s future. As a proven financial leader, she has transformed the town’s fiscal health. Appointed as Financial Liaison in 2024, a role reinstated after a decade, Bonnie uncovered $265,352 in unreported assets, transferred idle funds to high- yield savings, and streamlined bank reconciliations. Her efforts turned a $10,500 average annual budget deficit (2021-2024) into a $196,000 surplus in just one year by cutting costs and boosting efficiency.

Raised on a farm as the eldest of six, Bonnie embodies hard work and resilience. Since her arrival three weeks prior to Irene in 2011, she has been engaged in the community. Her four years as Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Board reflect her commitment to Oriental’s vitality. She prioritizes addressing neglected infrastructure, particularly roads and the water system, advocating for a Restricted Reserve Fund for road maintenance. Collaborating with Commissioner Frank Roe, Bonnie helped secure a $5.4 million direct funding from the State to spearhead improvements in water distribution and plant infrastructure, with upgrades continuing over the coming years.

Looking forward, Bonnie aims to balance growth with preservation, supporting marine businesses, eco-tourism, and commercial fishing while protecting Oriental’s shoreline and charm. Her vision includes attracting retail and commercial businesses through responsible governance, while insuring a sustainable, vibrant community. With her financial acumen and dedication, Bonnie Crosser is the leader Oriental needs to stay strong and thriving. Vote for her to secure our town’s future.

Paul Fairbank
When I moved here in 2002 my house was in the County but not in Oriental proper. At Village Hardware for 20 years I was tuned into the goings on in town but not so much the stress and strain of town governance. As Parade Master for 40 parades I had contact with many of the townsfolk – but never did we get into town politics.

After having moved into town and paying more attention to town government it seems to me that there is too much ‘pushin and pulling’ going on. After all, how much trouble can it be to keep our tiny town on an even keel? Quite a bit as evidenced by some packed meetings with as many as 90 citizens showing interest in the agenda.

When elected I hope to be able to help smooth things out while still helping to guide the town through growth and development.

Mary Ellen Ham
My name is Mary Ellen Ham. I live at 402 Main Street and have for 61 years. I was raised in the country, the house right next to Paul’s Produce which my brother owns now. After graduating from Pamlico High School, I went to work at St. Luke’s Hospital. After about 6 years, I took some time off to have my two children.

In 1971 I started my catering business and continue to this day. In 1985 my husband and I opened Captn’s Gally Restaurant in Bayboro until 1991.

There have been many changes in Oriental during my life time. Some good, some bad. I know change is inevitable, but there must be a balance. People come to this sweet small town for the quaint laid back lifestyle. We must make sure we keep it that way.

As Commissioner that is one of my goals. Also our roads. I think most of you would agree they need a lot of attention.

Drainage is another problem this town has. Let us concentrate on issues that this town needs, and then what we would like.

I promise to listen to the town’s residents. Let’s work together for the good of the town and a place we are proud of.

Paul Jordan
Oriental is a special place. As citizens, it’s up to us to ensure that it stays that way.

I am recently retired from a 40-year career in information technology. I’ve worked as a project manager, software developer, and data scientist. I’ve also volunteered with a variety of non-profits over the years. My goal has always been to find ways to get people working together to get things done.

I’m running because I believe we need new leadership on our Board of Commissioners. When elected, these will be my priorities:

• Restore respect and civility to our town board meetings.
• Adopt a code of ethics and conduct for Oriental Commissioners.
• Let transparency be our guiding principle in governing.
• Restore common sense to our budgeting process.
• Restore public trust in our town government and ensure that the public always has a voice in our decisions.
• Develop a plan to repair and re-pave our town’s streets.
• Address our other infrastructure needs, especially the Hodges Street bulkhead, which is in serious need of repair.
• Respect and value our town employees, our most valuable resource.
• Revisit the issue of staffing levels to determine if we have enough people to adequately meet the needs of our town.

They key to making all of this happen is constructive teamwork. Working together, I believe we can create a bright future for Oriental.

I’m hoping I can count on your support.

Bob Maxbauer
Has not yet responded.

Don McGuire
I learned about Oriental on September 11, 2001. I was on the water, at the starting line of the North American Etchells Championship when we heard about the towers. The race was immediately canceled, but we couldn’t go anywhere. I ended up walking the shores of Lake Michigan talking to Henry Frazer and his crew. He told me about Oriental and it sounded like the kind of quiet place I’d like to be. I kept it in mind over the years.

My background is in industrial engineering, with a masters is in Marketing and Finance. I know what it takes to run a company, to open the books and dig into what makes – or breaks – a business. I’ve owned my own business for 40 years and served on the board of trustees for several others.

When retirement came around, my wife Sandy and I visited to see if this was the place. There were two major requirements: we wanted a sailboat and we wanted a place where the people were good to each other. We found both here and moved in 2018.
Oriental seemed like the kind of place that took care of its own. I liked that.

I joined the Harbor and Waterfronts Committee and have been a member for the last six years. Because of that. I understand the challenges this town faces from water intrusion along our shorelines, onto our roads, and when storms happen.

The town board needs fresh blood, and fresh ideas. I want to be part of that.

My wife and I love Oriental. I have the passion, the experience, and the time to give back to this wonderful town.

Chris Moffat
I’m running for Town Commissioner because I want to give back to the town where we retired. I feel that my background provides me with the experience needed to make valuable, positive contributions to the workings of the Town Commission.

My wife, Anne and I first discovered Oriental in the spring of 2007. In 2021, we retired and became full-time residents.

I spent 35 years in commercial real estate in Charlotte. I managed staff, developed budgets, negotiated contracts, managed construction projects, and arranged financing. This experience will be key to infrastructure projects moving forward for our Town.

I have learned to listen, to be collaborative and to communicate clearly with all parties involved. Even when there were differing motivations and goals, I always worked to move the project and the team forward.

I am committed to community service. I have served on non-profit Boards, I was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the Charlotte Housing Authority, where I Chaired the Development Committee.

I have served on Oriental’s Board of Adjustment since 2022. I am a member of the Oriental Rotary Club.

I think the role of the Town Commission is to promote the town, its residents and its staff while making sure to provide for its future. We owe it to the residents of Oriental to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan to fund the Town’s infrastructure needs that are not being addressed. None of the issues facing us are insurmountable if we work together.

Lou Ostendorff
I’m a retired mining/civil engineer who started coming to Oriental for the sailing opportunities. We retired 4 years ago after living in Raleigh for 26 years and moved here permanently to the Schoolhouse Condos.

We really like Oriental because of the small town atmosphere, friendly people, and diversity it garners from its location and boating connections. In a small way, I have contributed and promoted Oriental by being a volunteer at the History Museum since its inception in ‘2005.

As a prospective Town Commissioner, I would certainly want to preserve, as much as possible, the qualities of small town life that attracted us to Oriental.

Town growth & change need to be managed in a thoughtful and responsible way; we also need a Board of Commissioners that can work together on pertinent issues and reach consensus on important matters. My technical background may be helpful in formulating good decisions.

Commissioners need to listen to their constituents and bring these matters into discussion and resolution without making them a personal agenda. They also need to respect the chain of command previously established to conduct Town business.

I can only promise one thing…that I will be a harmonizing influence to the Board if elected to serve, and will be approachable to all constituents willing to talk respectfully about the issues that concern them.

Allen Price (incumbent)
I have served as an Oriental Town Commissioner for 5 terms. I am honored to now serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

My goals have always been to serve the people and businesses of Oriental to the best of my abilities, to make decisions that I believe are best for the town, and to be fiscally responsible in my duties as a commissioner.

Posted Wednesday October 15, 2025 by Allison DeWeese