Anthony Hall: Focused on Revitalization, Affordable Housing, and Transparency in La Grange
LA GRANGE — Current Town Councilman Anthony Hall is seeking another term on the La Grange Town Council, emphasizing a platform built on economic growth, transparency, and community collaboration. Hall, a longtime civic leader and active voice in local affairs, says his motivation to serve began nearly two decades ago — and continues to be driven by a desire to see La Grange thrive.
A History of Civic Involvement
Hall’s involvement in public service began in 2008, when he organized voter registration drives, phone banks, and door-to-door outreach to increase community participation in elections. Since then, he has served in a range of leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Lenoir County Health Board, President of the La Grange Branch NAACP, and First Vice President before that.
He is also a member of Cedar Grove Lodge #202 and the La Grange Frink Alumni & Friends Association. Professionally, Hall works as a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and as a Substance Abuse Worker with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
A 2006 graduate of the University of Mount Olive, Hall holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Organizational Development. He and his wife, Jamecia Hall, have six children: Dianthony, AJ, Harrison, Darius, Madison, and Mackenzie.
Supporting Local Control and Civic Focus
When asked about changing municipal elections to even-numbered years — a move some counties have made to increase turnout — Hall said he opposes the change.
“I believe switching municipal elections to even years would cause them to be overshadowed by state and national elections,” Hall said.
Hall describes himself as a civic-minded leader who believes in active engagement, though he declined to categorize himself under a “yes” or “no” label as an active voter.
Crime and Community Partnership
Hall praised the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services under contract to the Town of La Grange.
“I’m proud of the work our local Sheriff’s Office has done to fight crime,” he said. “Deputies need to be as visible as possible in our neighborhoods to deter crime. But the community also has a role to play — if you see something, say something. We need each other to prevent crime.”
Top Priorities: Revitalization, Housing, and Utility Relief
Hall identifies downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and utility costs as the top three issues facing La Grange.
During his first term on the Town Council, Hall says he helped drive progress in each of these areas:
Downtown Revitalization: “We’ve made great strides holding property owners accountable and bringing properties up to code,” Hall said.
Affordable Housing: Hall personally contacted Habitat for Humanity to facilitate a partnership where the town donated a vacant lot for a new home. “We need to continue collaborating with organizations to build more affordable housing,” he said.
Utility Costs: Hall advocated for a rate study following the NCEMPA debt payoff, with the goal of returning savings to residents. “We have to give those savings back to the citizens,” he said.
Commitment to Transparency
Hall said transparency remains a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy — and he’s worked to ensure residents can easily follow local government actions.
“I’ve been as open, honest, and transparent as any elected official could possibly be,” Hall said. “You can go to voteanthonyhall.com and see my voting record and newsletters. I was the one who pushed for the Town of La Grange to create a Facebook page, and I’ve suggested that we stream our meetings online like so many local governments do.”
Economic Development and Job Growth
To attract businesses and create jobs, Hall said location and logistics are key advantages for La Grange.
“I’ve been pushing for an industrial park in La Grange since the day I was elected,” he said. “We’re perfectly situated on the new Interstate 42 and have rail access. If we can acquire the land and build shell buildings, the businesses will come.”
Hall also commended the efforts of Mark Pope and Tray Cash of the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region for their work in promoting regional economic growth.
Accessibility and Communication
For Hall, improving communication starts with accessibility and honesty.
“You have to reach people where they are and be willing to listen to opposing views,” he said. “Anyone who’s ever talked to me knows I’m going to keep it real — but I’m also going to give you the facts. And if I don’t know something, I’ll find out.”
A Practical Approach to Local Issues
Hall said the council’s role in affordable housing, roads, and revitalization is both administrative and strategic.
“The council controls zoning, so we play a huge role in shaping affordable housing,” he said. “But developers ultimately make the financial investment — our job is to create an environment that’s favorable for them.”
On infrastructure delays, Hall noted that resurfacing projects have been slowed by shared contractors. “The City of Kinston, the County, and La Grange are all using the same paving contractor,” he said. “We’ve been waiting our turn — it’s out of our hands right now.”
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