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<h1>Aida's Service to Dare</h1>

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<h6 style="text-align: center;">April 24, 2026</h6><h6 style="text-align: center;">I'm way overdue for a campaign update….so for those of you who’ve been waiting patiently, here’s an update on my activities in February and MarcH....In February, I:</h6><ul><li><p>attended a Waterways Commission meeting in Buxton and a beach nourishment meeting also in Buxton</p></li><li><p>participated in a Women in Business conference in Barco </p></li><li><p>showed up at the infamous sheriff candidates’ forum in Avon </p></li><li><p>attended precinct meetings in Manteo, Kitty Hawk, and Avon (all on the same day!), and then later in the same week, attended more precinct meetings in Duck and Nags Head </p></li><li><p>delivered meals several times for my favorite non-profit, Hatteras Island Meals </p></li><li><p>played bingo and on-line bridge (a girl’s gotta have a little fun!)<br><br>In March, I: </p></li><li><p>attended a Women in Business event at Jennette’s Pier, and shared some information on non-violent communication, which uses a simple four-step process to deescalate tension and get to the heart of a conflict gently, so that creative solutions to resolve an issue can be considered </p></li><li><p>delivered a few more HIM meals and attended the Outer Banks Community Foundation annual lunch </p></li><li><p>had an emotional day attending a heartfelt and moving memorial service for Gee Gee Rosell, owner of Buxton Village Books, and then attending another heartfelt and moving event the same day dedicating the auditorium of Cape Hatteras Secondary School to Braxton Hall </p></li><li><p>walked in the annual Kelly’s St. Patrick Day Parade, and had so much fun waving and handing out my palm cards. Several friends ran out from the crowd to hug me, and I loved hearing Bob Muller’s booming voice at the end say, “Here comes Aida Havel, running for Dare County Commissioner at Large!” </p></li><li><p>attended the State of the County breakfast at Captain George's, and then two days later, gave my own State of the County address at the Dare Democrats annual convention, in which I described the state of Dare County as “fragile”—fragile economically, fragile environmentally, and fragile in terms of the opportunities we’re losing when we can’t offer housing and healthcare to those who live here and to the teachers, health care professionals, and first responders who want to move here </p></li><li><p>attended the Dare Challenge Open House (kudos to my opponent, Ervin Bateman, for having the vision and seeing it through to completion).<br><br>I’ll tell you about April once it’s over!</p></li></ul>

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<h2>Some of My Issues</h2>

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<h2>Campaign Videos</h2>

<h4>Why I'm running...</h4><p></p><p>(Note: I mention a "housing authority" in this video. I misspoke; it is the Dare Housing Foundation, set up as a non-profit to apply for grants and other funding that a housing authority under the county umbrella would not be able to do.)</p><p></p>

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<h1>Aida Havel for Dare County Commissioner At Large</h1>

<p>Here are some pictures from my travels around Dare County in early 2026....(with various scarves!)</p>

<h2><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">PICTURES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL</span></h2>

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">CHECK BACK SOON!</h4>

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<h2>Campaign Events</h2>

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<h1>Learn about Aida, your future CommissioNER(D)!</h1>

<h2> Education, Career, and Service</h2>

<p>BA, <strong>Davidson College</strong></p>

<p>JD, <strong>UNC School of Law (Go Heels!)</strong></p>

<p>Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution, <strong>UNC-G</strong></p>

<p>Mediator and Collaborative <strong>Divorce Attorney</strong></p>

<p>36+ years <strong>practicing law and helping people in need</strong></p>

<p>Service on what seems like a million boards –&nbsp;church, professional, non-profit, and governmental. (Did I mention I'm a nerd?!)</p>

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<h6>Above, from left to right:</h6><ul><li><p>the Honorable Toby Hampson, current NC Court of Appeals Judge</p></li><li><p>the Honorable Christine Walczyk, Wake County District Court Judge (she and I created a <em>pro bono</em> mediation program for lawyers to help people without lawyers resolve their cases quickly)</p></li><li><p>the Honorable John Arrowood, current NC Court of Appeals Judge and a colleague for over 30 years.</p></li><li><p>Me!</p></li></ul>

<h4>Time for an update. Had a fantastic February (two words that I have rarely used together). Hubby John designed a beautiful new palm card for me, and I was able to creatively reuse donation envelopes from two years ago by covering up the 4 in 2024 and replacing it with a 6. I'm thrifty! Spent a lot of time at precinct meetings, and was blown away be the response. From Colington to Manteo to Southern Shores to Avon to Duck to Nags Head, I received so much support, emotional and otherwise. I attended the monthly meeting of the Dare Dems, too. While at home, I polished up my website, and as you can see, it's now live!</h4>

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<span class="image image-framed image-center" style="width: 100%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ee017ce8-cae6-4de2-82f2-09520e8eaeb4/2262b748-60f2-4c3a-8c3f-246ae36394f7/2262b748-60f2-4c3a-8c3f-246ae36394f7.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1286%2C1800&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="50" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none;"></span></span><h4><strong>My name is Aida Havel, and I’m running for Dare County Commissioner at Large. </strong></h4><h4>The issues we face are not red or blue, left or right. But they are complicated, and they<strong> require constant attention.</strong></h4><h4><strong>We need innovative thinking, strategic action, and PERSISTENCE. I will make the phone calls, write the emails, and PUSH to get what we need.</strong></h4><h4>Oh, and yes, I'm a nerd....I love reading policy papers and delving into all sides of an issue. I will be your CommissioNER(D)!</h4>

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<p><strong>AIDA IS READY TO SERVE WITH PASSION, CREATIVITY, AN OPEN DOOR AND AN OPEN MIND.</strong></p>

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<h1>What Aida's Done So Far.....</h1>

<p></p><h1 style="text-align: center;">PRESS RELEASE 8/10/2026</h1><p></p><h3>Aida Havel Supports Parks and Recreation Referendum, But Says County Should Not Spend Taxpayer Dollars to Promote It</h3><p>Aida Havel, candidate for Dare County Commissioner at Large, today announced her support for the November referendum to raise the county sales tax by one-quarter of a cent to fund upgrades to parks and recreation facilities. A recent county study found the county lags behind comparable-sized counties in parks and recreation infrastructure, and Havel agrees the need is real.</p><p>"Our parks and recreation facilities matter to families, to kids, to seniors, and to our quality of life here," said Havel. "While I was initially on the fence, I now support this referendum because the need is documented and the case for it is strong. Voters deserve the chance to decide this for themselves in November."</p><p>However, Havel said she cannot support the Board of Commissioners' decision today to spend $20,000 in taxpayer funds on a campaign to promote the referendum's passage.</p><p>"If the case for this tax increase is as strong as the commissioners say it is, they shouldn't need to spend $20,000 of the public's money to convince the public to vote for it," Havel said. "That's a decision for voters to make, not something county government should be using the very tax dollars they’re asking people to trust them with."</p><p>Havel noted that the timing raises additional concerns. Local teachers have had to turn to public Amazon wish lists and social media to get basic classroom supplies.</p><p>"When our own teachers are asking the public for notebooks, file folders, dry erase markers, and stacking bins on Facebook, it's hard to justify spending $20,000 in county funds on a persuasion campaign — no matter how good the cause," Havel said. "That's $20,000 that could go a lot of places before it goes toward convincing people how to vote."</p><p>Havel also questioned why the commissioners, if they believe so strongly in the referendum, have not instead committed to a series of public town hall meetings across the county to explain the need directly to residents and answer their questions face to face." If the commissioners want to make the case for this tax increase, the right and cost-effective way to do it is to show up — in Manteo, in Hatteras, in Kill Devil Hills, in Duck, and everywhere in between — and talk to voters directly, answer their questions, and let people decide for themselves," Aida Havel said. "That kind of engagement doesn't cost $20,000, and it builds trust instead of spending it."</p><p>Havel said she will continue to advocate for the referendum's passage on her own time and with her own resources, and she encouraged other supporters of the measure to do the same rather than relying on county government to make the case. "I'll be out talking to voters about why this referendum matters," Havel said. "I just don't think it's the county's job to pay for that conversation."ng area</p><p></p>

<h1>Issues (some people would say I have a lot of issues!)</h1>

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<p><strong>Intro to the testimonials</strong> can be written here.</p>

<h2>Aida Havel For Dare County Commissioner</h2>

<h6>Bob Muller<br>Mayor of Nags Head 2000-2005<br>Nags Head Commissioner&nbsp;1985-2000</h6>

<h6>KATHRYN FAGAN, ATTORNEY</h6>

<h6>SIDNEY W. KILGORE, attorney</h6>

<h6>Barbara Yow</h6>

<p>Bob Muller<br>Mayor of Nags Head 2000-2005<br>Nags Head Commissioner&nbsp;1985-2000</p>

<p>KATHRYN FAGAN, ATTORNEY</p>

<p>SIDNEY W. KILGORE, attorney</p>

<p>Barbara Yow</p>

Testimonials

<p><strong>Aida has been working on behalf of Dare County for over ten years.</strong></p>

<h2>Aida's Service to Dare County</h2>

<p><strong>Secretary, </strong>Dare County Board of Elections</p>

<p><strong>Precinct Official, </strong>Chicamacomico Precinct</p>

<p><strong>Board Member and Chair, </strong>Friends of the Outer Banks History Center</p>

<p><strong>Board Member,</strong> Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association</p>

<p><strong>Driver and Board Member, </strong>Hatteras Island Meals</p>

<p><strong>Board Member and Secretary, </strong>Outer Banks Lighthouse Society</p>

<p><strong>Board Member, </strong>Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce</p>

<p><strong>Graduate of Leadership OBX and co-planner/facilitator of three Leadership OBX Days</strong></p>

<p><strong>Board Member, </strong>Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum</p>

<p><strong>Creator and Page Administrator, </strong>Hatteras Island Events Facebook page</p>

<h5>Aida's work has included:</h5>

<p>Aida's work has included:</p>

<p><strong>Havel for Dare</strong><br>P.O. Box 676<br>Rodanthe, NC 27968</p><p>919-740-7031</p><p></p><p></p>

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<h1>Testimonials</h1>

<ol><li><p><strong>Host a meet and greet. </strong>I will pretty much go anywhere, anytime!</p></li><li><p>Make<strong> telephone calls.</strong></p></li><li><p>Provide a <strong>written endorsement </strong>or testimonial.</p></li><li><p>Send<strong> emails.</strong></p></li><li><p>Send a few <strong>post cards.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Greet people at the polls </strong>and during early voting.</p></li><li><p>Plant a<strong> yard sign.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Donate</strong> any amount; we promise to use it wisely!</p></li><li><p><strong>Suggest</strong> another way you're willing to help (it takes a village!)</p></li></ol>

<h2>HOW YOU CAN HELP (and it is all appreciated!)<br></h2>

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Service to Dare

<p>Democrats and unaffiliated voters are welcome to join us at the RWS Community Building to meet the Democratic candidates running for office to represent us. We will hear from the following candidates:</p><p>Susan Sawin, NC District 1<br>Mary Beedle, NC District 79<br>Katie Morgan, Board of Commissioners, District 2<br>Aida Havel, Board of Commissioners, District 4<br>Dennis Zaenger, Board of Commissioners, District 3<br>Heather Euler, Board of Education, Hatteras Island<br>Haley Carey, Board of Education, District 2<br>Melissa Zehner, Board of Education, At Large</p><p>This is a great opportunity to hear about the issues of Dare County and what the talented slate of candidates plan to do to make our county a better place once they are in office. Hope to see you there, tell a friend, and bring a friend!</p>

<h4>MEET THE CANDIDATES! (RSVP not required)</h4>

<p>Sixteen houses fell in six weeks! Yes, one groin is being rebuilt, and beach renourishment is scheduled. It's not enough. We need to help homeowners move or safely take down their threatened houses BEFORE they come down and debris washes across Highway 12, making the road impassable in or out. I will push for multiple solutions and help on every level. </p>

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

<h2>Buxton's Continuing Shoreline Collapse</h2>

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

<h4>St. Patrick's Day Parade, Nags Head</h4>

<p>Come join me and wear your red, white, blue, and green! </p>

<p>RSVP not required but appreciated.</p>

<h4>Raleigh Meet and Greet and Fundraiser</h4>

<p>Hosted by Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson, with SPECIAL GUEST Anderson Clayton, Chair of the NC Democratic Party</p>

<p>How frustrating is it to sit down at your computer and not be able to connect to the world? Or to not to see your favorite TV show? Or to not be able to make a phone call to a loved one? These issues happen way too frequently in Dare County, and in 2026, we must find solutions that will work consistently.</p>

<h2>High Speed Broadband</h2>

<p><strong>"Shrimpgate" was a wake-up call for all of us...and it's not over. </strong>We must be vigilant in protecting our commercial fishermen, and also make sure that our visitors can enjoy recreational fishing without arbitrary limits on their catches that are unsupported by recent and reputable scientific data.</p>

<h2>Fairer Fishing Regulations</h2>

<p><strong>The health care we have in Dare County is excellent. </strong>But we need more specialists, and more nurses and doctors. And Hatteras Island needs an urgent care facility. And daycare is a problem throughout the county. The Dare County Board of Commissioners should lead the way in searching for solutions. We need to keep pushing on these quality of life issues.</p>

<h2>Access to Healthcare and Daycare</h2>

<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">The Housing Task Force spent two years studying our housing problems from eve</strong>ry angle. We now have a Housing Foundation in its early stages. I will provide constant oversight, so that we don't continue to lose good people and quality of life every day by failing to move forward on this important issue.</span></p>

<h2>Housing</h2>

Aida Havel for Dare County Commissioner

Havel for Dare

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