Press Release
Tony Bonnici for Alderman Ward 3

Background
My name is Anthony Michael Bonnici, and I am challenging incumbent Max Freeze for the Ward 3 seat on the New Bern Board of Alderman.
I am 47 years old, and have lived in New Bern, for nine and a half years. Prior to coming to New Bern I lived in Virginia Beach, VA for 21 years. I was born in New York City, but grew up on the Mediterranean Island of Malta, my father’s home land. At age 17 I returned back to the States and Joined the United States Navy. I served in the Navy for just a little over 20 years. I have been out of the Navy uniform for 10 years now and recently received my official retirement. I now wear a different uniform, that of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. I serve as the Public Education Staff Officer. I am divorced and have 3 children,
Samuel 19, Alexa 16, and Matthew 8.

Military Experience
Honorably served for 20 years and 29 days.
Assigned to numerous ships and stations in the Hampton Roads Area of Virginia.
Aircrew Survival Equipment Technician
Retired as a Petty Officer First Class on 01 May 1999

Education
BA Psychology from Saint Leo University, Saint Leo Fl 1992
Master of Science Degree from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 1998
Hold a USCG License as a Master / Mate.

Work Experience
During my Naval Career I worked in Naval Aviation Maintenance as an Aircrew Survival Technician. I have never worked in the corporate environment, however part of my military duties I was responsible for accountability of a monthly budget of over half a million dollars. My books always balanced to the last penny. Post military career has been a very diversified. As a certified teacher I taught Math and Science at the High School level. I am also a USCG Licensed Master / Mate as well as a USCG AUX certified instructor. I teach any subject relating to Boating as well as Boating Safety.

Community Service
I believe that belonging in a community involves giving back some of your time for the betterment of the community. My past and present speaks for itself. In 1988 I was selected with the “Military Citizen of the Year” award by the Hampton Roads, VA Chamber of Commerce And that same year was selected as and by the City of Virginia Beach, VA as “ Outstanding Military Citizen”
When people ask me what do I do for a living I have to be very careful. When I say I am Retired I get that look….”aren’t you a bit young to be retired?” Then I have to explain that yes I do work but not for that proverbial weekly paycheck. I do mostly Volunteer work. It may be teaching a Boating Safety Class, performing a courtesy vessel inspection, or volunteering in a classroom, and YES even being involved in several controversial issues. I believe that if one has a strong objection to something that is not in the best interest of the community, than he or she has to stand up and protest. That is what makes the such a great Nation.

Why do I want to Serve
Those that know me will tell you I didn’t just get up on the 10th of July and decided to challenge Mr. Freeze. I have worked on this since December 2007. I feel that Alderman / Alderwoman should listen to there constituents needs and desires are.
I have attended my share of Board Meetings. I feel that when the floor is open for public comment is nothing more than just for show. The Citizens of New Bern deserve better.
I feel that holding an elected office should be just that….another form of COMMUNITY SERVICE. Elected positions should not turn into a life long career. This is why I will pursue from the first day that I am sworn in, to reinstitute Term Limits for Alderman. I also will push to reverse the current “No Term Limits” voted in by the current Board for the Mayor’s Position.
Further more if a person wants to serve than do it for the sole satisfaction of serving the community. This is why I want the voters in Ward 3 to know that WHEN ELECTED I will not accept any compensation provided by the City.

Platform
* Fiscal accountability and responsibility
a review of the current budget, becoming better stewards of the public’s taxes.

* Efficiency in City Government
institute “Total Quality Management” principles. We need to be able to think “Out side the box”. For our City to improve it’s citizen
“quality of life” we need to sometimes step away from conventional thinking. Set “Priorities” We need to “Triage” our problems and needs.

* Infrastructure.
Develop and improve both short and long term strategic plans. We need to start investing in the current state of our roads, water and sewer delivery system before we expand outside the city limits.

* Transparency in Government
“Limit Closed Door” Board of Alderman Meeting, with the exception of personnel issues. Table voting on issues that present an unusual number of public comments. This gives the board time to consider the comments presented by the general public.

* Term Limits
Reinstitute the two four year terms for Mayor and institute the same limits for Alderman.

* Elections
Set a goal to have an increase in voter registration, 75% for the 2010 elections and 90% by 2012. National Election. Work with both County and State level government to return to the Nation Election cycle for City election.
Work with County Board of Education to promote an increase in Civics. To-day’s young students will be tomorrow’s voters and leaders.

* Conclusion
I am ready to serve the people of Ward 3 as well as the entire City of New Bern. I will work for you the citizen. My loyalty is to you, the Voters. I do not use the catch we need “CHANGE”. What the city needs is a fresh look on how we can make our City a better place. City Government needs to become a “PROACTIVE” force instead of always being “REACTIVE”.

I want your vote come October 6th. Let’s all work together as we usher in a new decade and Century of New Bern History.