Cindy Motsko: Veteran Building Inspector Aims to Bring Accountability, Safety, and Smart Growth to La Grange
LA GRANGE — With more than 26 years of experience in building inspection and code enforcement, Cindy Motsko says she’s ready to put her expertise to work for the residents of La Grange as a candidate for Town Council.
A certified Building Inspector/Plans Examiner through the North Carolina Department of Insurance – Office of the State Fire Marshal, Motsko has spent nearly three decades ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of public and private construction projects. She says that same focus on accountability and standards is what she hopes to bring to town government.
“My career has been dedicated to serving the public,” Motsko said. “I want to use that experience to help make La Grange a safer, stronger, and more vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Professional Background and Community Service
Motsko has served as a Building Inspector and Plans Examiner for the City of Goldsboro for the past 17 years, performing plan reviews on all residential and commercial projects — from single-family homes to multi-story developments — to ensure compliance with state building codes.
She works closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and developers throughout the planning and construction process and is also an active member of the North Carolina Building Inspector’s Association Education Committee.
In addition to her professional work, she volunteers locally with Engage La Grange, a community development initiative, and serves on the Housing Revitalization Committee for the City of Goldsboro.
Family is also central to her life. Motsko has two daughters — Rebekah, a registered nurse, and Jordan, a paramedic — as well as four grandchildren and another due in early 2026. “My family is very important to me,” she said. “All of my grandchildren attend Lenoir County Schools, so the decisions I make for La Grange will affect them too.”
Top Priorities for La Grange
Motsko identified three major issues facing the community: dilapidated properties, poor road conditions, and limited job opportunities.
1. Addressing Dilapidated Buildings
“As an inspector, I’ve seen how neglected properties can drag down a community,” Motsko said. “They invite illegal activity and hurt the appearance and morale of surrounding neighborhoods.”
She supports empowering town staff to fine property owners who fail to maintain residential or commercial buildings. “The town manager and planning director already have a plan in place,” she said. “We need to back them up and enforce it consistently.”
2. Road Conditions and Infrastructure
Motsko said the town’s roads are in unacceptable condition and could deter future development. “Our roads are horrific,” she said. “If we want to attract businesses and new residents, we need to make road repair a top priority.”
She pledged to advocate directly to NCDOT officials in both La Grange and Raleigh until local projects move forward. “I’ll rally until they hear my voice,” she said.
3. Local Jobs and Economic Development
Motsko said she wants to help bring more employment opportunities to La Grange so residents don’t have to commute to nearby cities for work.
“I would work with the town manager and council to designate marketable land for industrial and commercial development,” she said. “We should also encourage growth in the downtown business and historic districts to support local shopping and services.”
Public Safety and Crime
Motsko expressed strong support for Sheriff Jackie Rogers and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services to La Grange.
“I support the Sheriff and his staff for the fine job they are doing to protect our town,” she said. “At the same time, we need to make decisions that help clean up areas where drug and criminal activity are known to take place. Residents deserve a safe place to live, work, and play.”
She does not support defunding law enforcement, emphasizing that public safety must remain a top priority for town leadership.
Transparency and Accessibility
Motsko believes La Grange’s local leaders have been transparent and said she intends to build on that trust through personal accessibility.
“All of the town council meetings are open to the public — there are no closed sessions before regular meetings,” she said. “I plan to be visible and approachable.”
To strengthen communication, she pledged to listen directly to residents, visit problem areas in person, and work alongside citizens to find solutions. “That’s how you build trust — by showing up and following through,” she said.
Smart Growth and Revitalization
Motsko said the town should play a leadership role in downtown revitalization and housing improvements, but that it must be guided by thoughtful planning and policy.
“The town manager and council should be working together to update zoning and unified development ordinances,” she said. “We also need to seek out state and federal grants that can help improve the quality of life here.”
Motsko added that all elected officials should be well-informed on planning and development issues. “Every leader should understand these challenges before making decisions for the community,” she said.
A Focus on the Future
Motsko envisions a future where La Grange grows responsibly while maintaining its small-town character. “We have a strong foundation to build on,” she said. “With accountability, collaboration, and community pride, we can make La Grange a place that families are proud to call home.”
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