Dan Bonillo’s quest for re-election to the Carthage Board of Commissioners is driven by a vision for a vibrant future rooted in the solid ground of achievement.
During his period of service beginning in 2019, Bonillo has participated in advancing a robust agenda that has elevated quality of life, improved community infrastructure, and modernized services through innovative thinking, aggressive timelines, and budgetary stewardship.
Even the best planning stagnates absent the right personnel at the right time. Dan helped identify and hire a new Town Manager, a full-time planner, a full-time human resources officer, and elevated an intern position to a full-time management analyst.
The Carthage Fire Department has been fully modernized. In recent years, the commissioners authorized acquisition of a new brush truck, a factory new fire engine, a new ladder truck, and allocated funding to renovate the first station’s living and working areas.
The department hired a new full-time captain and increased part-time wages for firefighters.
A long overdue downtown revitalization project has eliminated empty storefronts in Carthage, and with this important development and overall population growth arose a need from prompt attention to town infrastructure and services.
A Phase 1 sewer expansion was completed, increasing sewage capacity. The commissioners authorized the purchase of a sewer camera robot, resulting in water infill into town lines dropping and sewage treatment costs cut by half. Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) units were installed for all businesses and homes in town, resulting in more accurate metering, leak detection and real time water monitoring for all residents.
This technological leap of faith has alerted many to hidden leaks and sustained the town’s water capacity for other residents. Another modernization initiative was the installation of Enhanced Dissolved Air Flotation (E-DAF) systems to pre-filter water before treatment. A clear-well backwash recycling system integrated with the town’s water treatment plant ensures proper filtration and saves 50,000 gallons of water a week, while lengthening filter life and freeing the water supply for other uses.
The pace of change brings with it residual improvements. Carthage was the recipient of an AIA grant to map and upgrade its water system. The commissioners secured an $8.8 million grant to fund plant upgrades and interconnects with other municipalities and counties.
Water and sewer upgrades are vital but so, too, are improvements that enhance the aesthetics of the community, and these have been prioritized during Dan’s tenure.
The town purchased a new, state-of-the-art tractor that minimizes small mower requirements and reduces a three-hour project to one hour. This saves a month’s worth of man-hours each year. Government spending does not have to be frivolous, after all.
Also new, two pickup trucks, playground equipment for Nancy Kiser Park and sidewalks on Sunset and McReynolds Streets. A new park is springing up in Savannah Gardens and Caviness Park underwent a remodeling.
On the law enforcement front, the commissioners, with Dan leading the way, ushered in a new era.
Increased officer pay was approved to address high turn-over rates. This pay increase has enabled the town to keep officers after costly certifications are gained thus granting Carthage a net savings.
With Dan’s support, the town purchased fuel efficient patrol vehicles consisting of low-displacement turbo and hybrid power trains that use a local dealership for maintenance. The department has purchased body cameras for all officers, license plate readers for the patrol fleet, replaced patrol fleet laptops, and upgraded tasers for all officers to ensure more reliable use of non-lethal capabilities.
Carthage is booming as we look toward 2024 and beyond. Dan is running for re-election to keep his beloved town on course toward the incredible renaissance on its horizon.
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