By Miles Layton

EDENTON — Democrat Kathleen Miglorie says Chowan County stands at a pivotal moment — one that calls for “passion, communication, and ideas.”

Miglorie, 55, will appear on the November ballot for District 02, Seat 02 on the Chowan County Board of Commissioners. Her opponent in the race will be Larry McLaughlin, a Republican. Larry, I’ll write a future story about you. 

Other candidates – if you have an interesting story to tell – something beyond politics – then reach out to me at mlayton1969@gmail.com 

Word to the wise – if you’re boring and a “yes” person as a candidate or elected leader running for reelection, someone whose story reads like carefully crafted campaign literature that claims that you invented the question mark (Dr. Evil) or the internet (Al Gore), then don’t bother.  That said, if you love dachshunds, kayaking or whatever, but especially love your community, reach out ot me.

Back to Miglorie — I wanted to know more about her — Married for nearly three decades and a relative newcomer to the county, Miglorie says her decision to run is rooted in a desire to help guide Chowan’s growth while preserving what longtime residents value most.

“We will be married for 29 years this coming May,” Miglorie said. “We have a 23-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son, plus two crazy dogs.”

After years of visiting family in the area, Miglorie and her husband made a permanent move.

“After years of visiting family here, we decided to relocate from Virgina to Chowan County,” she said. “We’ve called Edenton home for just over three years now.”

Miglorie previously served one term on the Mount Mansfield Unified School District Board of Education in Vermont, marking her first experience in elected office. Mount Mansfield is a medium-to-large district within the state — 2,500-2,600 students.

Professionally, Miglorie works in the federal contracting sector, where she says collaboration and strategic planning are central to her role.

“I develop management plans and collaborate on technical solutions for one of our nation’s largest federal and defense contractors,” she said. “I put together step-by-step procedures for managing schedules, budgets, quality, risk, and project staffing. I research and assess opportunities to meet customer needs, like saving money, responding faster to a problem, or dealing with personnel shortages. I collaborate with teammates to introduce tested solutions and innovations to meet challenges.”

She emphasized that working with diverse teams toward common goals is a key part of her experience.

“A huge part of my job is working with all different kinds of people to accomplish a common goal,” Miglorie said. “We often have differences in how to do that, but the process of working together to move things forward is a skill I hope to bring to Chowan County.”

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“An Exciting Time” for Chowan

Miglorie said her candidacy is driven by the county’s rapid growth and the need for careful stewardship.

“Chowan is growing, and I want to help guide that growth so we can preserve what makes this place special while also expanding opportunity,” she said. “I hope to bring fresh energy, real-world experience, and a focus on smart, community-centered solutions to make Chowan better for all.”

If elected, she said one of her primary goals would be to improve transparency and public engagement.

“I would like to bring greater transparency and public awareness to what the Commission is doing and spark greater engagement with residents,” Miglorie said.

She suggested practical ways to make local government more accessible.

“Simple things like ‘What happened in tonight’s meeting?’ recaps and developing plain language summaries of dense topics like how taxes in Chowan County work can engage more people with what we’re doing and inform the decisions we make,” she said.

Miglorie added that the county faces significant decisions about development and infrastructure.

“I also want to help us navigate the tough choices ahead as we decide on key growth issues that impact residents’ lives, the environment, and our tax base,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for our County, but also one that demands passion, communication, and ideas.”

Priorities: “Smart Growth and a Better Chowan for All”

Asked what issues she would prioritize, Miglorie pointed to balancing growth with preservation.

“Smart growth and a better Chowan for all,” she said. “We’re at a crossroads. We need to retain our sense of place, clean water and environment, and neighborliness – while also allowing for opportunity and strategic growth.”

She acknowledged that some initiatives are already underway but said additional oversight is necessary.

“We have some good solutions underway, but additional oversight and creativity are essential to helping us build the future while maintaining the community we love,” Miglorie said. “Listening to the people is key to shaping our future.”

Turf Field Funding

One issue commissioners may face, hopefully sooner than later, is funding an artificial turf football field at John A. Holmes High School using remaining funds from school construction. Albemarle Observer’s question centers on whether the money should be spent on replacing the field or left unused to reduce borrowing and bond payments. A story about the pros and cons of an artificial turf playing field will be the subject of a future story. 

Miglorie emphasized the importance of athletics while also stressing fiscal responsibility.

“The John A. Holmes athletic program is a vital part of our community,” she said. “It is important that our student-athletes have safe and suitable facilities to practice and compete.”

At the same time, she said any decision must be transparent and prudent.

“In the interest of transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, I welcome open dialog with school leadership to explore options that best serve our students while demonstrating fiscal responsibility,” Miglorie said.

Confederate Statue Debate

Another long-running issue in Chowan County is the placement of the Confederate statue, which has been the subject of legal action and public debate. While the statue is slated for relocation near Veterans Park, a pending lawsuit continues to raise questions about placement near the courthouse.

Miglorie acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic.

“This has been a divisive issue for a long time,” she said. “Passions run deep.”

She said whatever the court decides, unity and respect for the law must guide the county forward.

“Whatever the legal outcome, we need to move forward in a way that respects the community and the rule of law,” Miglorie said.

She framed the issue in broader terms of shared values.

“I believe what unites us is bigger than what divides us – kindness to our neighbors, respect for our Constitution and the rule of law, and the hope – I still hope this optimism exists – that we can work together to solve problems and leave the world a better place for our children,” she said. “Let’s look toward the future.”

Miglorie added, “To build a better Chowan, we need listening and understanding. Let’s refocus our energy on where we are going.”

Property Taxes and Fiscal Philosophy

CLARIFICATION from earlier story — Property taxes did NOT increase last year in Chowan County.

Per Commission Chairman Bob Kirby — Property Taxes in Chowan County remained at the same rate in Fiscal Year 2024/2025 and Fiscal Year 2025/2026. $0.695 per $100 assessed value. The County Fire tax was also unchanged at $0.070 per $100 assessed value. The Town of Edenton did adjust their tax rate, but that does not fall under the purview of the Board of Commissioners.

Asked about her philosophy on taxes, Miglorie said she favors a comprehensive approach.

“My approach to property taxes is to analyze all funding sources (property taxes, leases, grants) to find the right balance to best move forward for the County,” she said.

She emphasized transparency and thoughtful decision-making.

“We need to be transparent, listen to the community, ask good questions, and make smart choices,” Miglorie said.

While acknowledging that tax increases are unpopular, she said residents are more likely to accept them when they see results.

“No one likes taxes to go up, but when people see tangible benefits, that’s something families can appreciate,” she said. “Every tax dollar spent should work as hard as the people who earned those dollars.”

Looking Ahead to November

As the November election approaches, Miglorie said her campaign will center on engagement and optimism.

She describes Chowan County as a place of opportunity — one that can grow strategically while maintaining its identity.

“We’re at a crossroads,” she said. “We need to retain our sense of place, clean water and environment, and neighborliness – while also allowing for opportunity and strategic growth.”

For Miglorie, the path forward begins with listening.

“Listening to the people is key to shaping our future,” she said.

Voters in District 02, Seat 02 will decide in November whether Miglorie or her opponent, Larry McLaughlin, will serve on the Chowan County Board of Commissioners.