What issues are important to you this election year?

Wrightsville Beach voters who enter the polls in November will come face to face with a diverse list of candidates.

Five contenders have announced their bids for the pair of available seats on the Board of Aldermen (BOA), meaning that a majority of those bidders — James Smith, Walter DeVries, Susan Collins, Bill Sisson and incumbent Ed Miastkowski — will be going home empty handed.

In recent interviews and statements, almost every candidate highlighted different issues that encompass their pitch to voters.

Smith, 52, said he wants to develop a strategic plan to bring together the town’s wide array of organizations.

"I’d really like to see us work together," he said. "We’ve got so many great groups out there doing so many different things, but it doesn’t seem like there’s any coordination."

He cited the current economic situation, and said that if a comprehensive strategic plan was developed, the town would qualify for a multitude of government grants.

Smith also made reference to his commitment to raising town income by cutting costs.

His specific comments landed in favor of raising parking fees and increasing parking spaces. He also wants the town to consider cutting trash collection to once a week, and charge extra for those properties that require twice a week pickup.

DeVries, 79, asserted that his campaign platform will focus on government openness and quality-of-life issues. He emphasized the importance of televising all BOA and planning board meetings as well as other town activities.

"This is fundamental to American democracy," he said, "that the people are entitled to know what their government is doing, no matter the level ... I believe that elected officials have the responsibility to provide this openness and access."

DeVries has an extensive background in the field of politics and campaigning. He is the author of at least three books on politics and was the president of a campaign consulting firm.

He was also an assistant to the speaker of the Michigan House, served as the executive assistant to former Michigan Governor George Romney and held several other government-related positions.

Collins, 59, who is serving a second term on the planning board, is the one who, along with her sister, donated the family’s beach cottage to the Chamber of Commerce to house the Wrightsville Beach Visitors Center, she said.

In a statement, Collins vowed to work diligently to ensure wise government spending.

As a resident of Banks Channel, Collins cited her support of recent legislation that, if approved, will create a countywide no discharge zone.

Clean waterways and beaches, as well as beach renourishment and public safety will be her campaign focal points, Collins said.

Sisson, 61, a former New Hanover County Commissioner, made recent claims regarding what he called the BOA’s inability to work as a cohesive group.

"People on the board need to learn how to work together," he said.

"I think that is not serving the citizens well and it’s certainly not serving the town well either," he added, referring to what he said was the BOA’s habit of bickering.

Sisson also stressed the need for increased citizen involvement.

"We have an awful lot of very bright people who live in our town and not to avail ourselves of their expertise and their ideas just seems to be missing something very important," he said.

Sisson said he wants to restore the citizens’ faith in their government, be proactive in planning for the future, work to improve the residents’ quality of life and strive to make Wrightsville Beach a safer place.

Miastkowski, 68, could not be reached for comment.