Milton Foster: Scientist and Business Owner Aims to Bring Practical Leadership to Kinston City Council
Local business owner and scientist Milton Foster is running for Kinston City Council, bringing two decades of residency, professional experience, and a data-driven mindset to his first bid for public office. Foster said his campaign is focused on practical solutions to issues like taxes, property values, and economic development.
Background and Community Roots
Foster has lived in Kinston for 20 years and says the city’s sense of community and potential for growth inspired him to seek office. A graduate of East Carolina University, he works in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist and owns a small business, giving him what he describes as a “dual perspective” on both workforce and entrepreneurial needs.
“I understand the challenges and opportunities facing both working families and small business owners,” Foster said. “I’m running because I believe in Kinston and its people. If we all work together and support one another, we can make this city flourish.”
He is also a proud father — his son currently attends NC State University — and said being a parent keeps him grounded and focused on Kinston’s long-term future.
Top Priorities for Kinston
Foster identified property taxes, overinflated property appraisal values, and economic development as his top priorities if elected.
He said Kinston residents are burdened by high taxes and assessments that don’t match real property values. “Lowering property taxes would immediately make life more affordable for families and local businesses,” he said.
Foster said he wants to see policies that make homeownership and business growth easier. “We need to focus on smart growth and make sure city decisions create real value — not just more bureaucracy.”
Public Safety and Code Enforcement
When asked about crime, Foster emphasized the importance of code enforcement as a foundational tool for public safety. He said maintaining property standards and addressing neglected areas can deter criminal activity and improve community pride.
He does not support efforts to defund local police departments, instead calling for city leaders to work collaboratively with law enforcement and community members to keep neighborhoods safe.
Economic Growth and Jobs
Foster said he would prioritize lowering taxes, creating incentive programs, and streamlining city processes to make Kinston more attractive to investors and employers.
“We can’t keep doing business the same way and expect different results,” he said. “Let’s lower taxes, expedite permits, waive unnecessary fees, and make it easier for businesses to start and grow here.”
Transparency and Communication
Foster said he believes transparency is crucial to restoring trust in government.
“With social media, there are more tools than ever to explain policy and share information,” he said. “Leaders should take time to explain why or how a decision was made and the potential impact — it shows that choices aren’t arbitrary.”
He said he would host regular town halls and community engagement sessions, as well as use social media videos to reach residents directly and explain council decisions in plain language.
Infrastructure, Housing, and Revitalization
Foster said the city must balance its focus on downtown revitalization with attention to other neighborhoods.
“The roads need to be addressed not only downtown but across the city,” he said. “Lowering property taxes can help make housing more affordable in the short term, but we also need long-term investment in infrastructure and maintenance.”
He added that city leaders should work to ensure that revitalization projects improve quality of life across all districts, not just the central business area.
Vision for Kinston
Foster describes his approach to leadership as “honest, transparent, and action-driven.”
“Kinston has everything it needs to grow — hardworking people, a central location, and a strong sense of community,” he said. “What we need now are leaders who listen, collaborate, and make decisions that move the city forward.”
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