Cary Mayoral Race Harold Weinbrecht Jr. | Michelle Muir
Cary Council: At-Large Zeke Bridges | Lori Bush
Cary Council: District B Jeff Foxx | Don Frantz
Cary Council: District D Gale Adcock | Don Hyatt
Raleigh Mayoral race
Nancy McFarlane | Billie Redmond | Randall Williams
Raleigh City Council: At Large
Mary-Ann Baldwin | Paul Fitts | Russ Stephenson
Raleigh City Council: District A
Randall Stagner | Gale Wilkins
Raleigh City Council: District B
John Odom (unopposed)
Raleigh City Council: District C
Corey Branch | Shelia Jones | Paul Terrell III | Eugene Weeks | Racquel Williams
Raleigh City Council: District D
Thomas Crowder (unopposed)
Raleigh City Council: District E
Bonner Gaylord (unopposed)
TRANSPORTATION: $40 MILLION | AFFORDABLE HOUSING: $16 MILLION
Wake County Board of Education
District 3
Kevin Hill | Heather Losurdo | Jennifer Mansfield | Eric Wayne Squires
District 4
Keith Sutton | Venita Peyton
District 5
Jim Martin | Cynthia Chiklis Matson
District 6
Christine Kushner | George Morgan | Mary Ann Weathers | Donna Williams
District 8
Susan Evans | Ron Margiotta
Age: 55
Occupation: Software engineer, SAS Institute
Education: Augusta College, mathematics, 1979; NC State, computer science, 1984
Political party and experience: Democrat. Incumbent mayor
Civic activities and affiliations: Mayor, Cary; president of the Wake County Mayors Association; Cary Town Council; chairman, Cary Operations Committee; Cary Planning and Development Committee; Wake County Growth Management Task Force; chairman, Cary Information Services Advisory Board; Cary Planning and Zoning Board; past president, Wynston Ridge Homeowners Association; Cary Community Lions Club; Cary Presbyterian Church
Why should you be elected? "Four years ago, I ran for mayor to restore balanced growth in Cary, put citizens ahead of special interests, keep taxes low and protect our environment. Over the past four years, we have set Cary on a positive course of balanced growth, economic prosperity and an unprecedented level of openness in local government. We have brought hundreds of new, high-paying jobs to Cary and achieved the lowest tax rate in Wake County.
"We need experience and commitment in the mayor’s office at this critical time in Cary’s history. I am running for re-election to continue our town’s prosperity while balancing economic interests and environmental imperatives, continue to listen to citizens’ concerns and make sure they are represented to the town council and maintain our citizens’ high quality of life and the character and charm of our neighborhoods. I offer steady, proven leadership to continue to move Cary forward."
Contact: Harold@ABalancedCary.org; www.abalancedcary.org/
Age: 46
Occupation: President, The Spoken Image, Inc.
Education:Bachelor's, psychology, UNC-Chapel Hill, 1984
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations: Cary Planning & Zoning Board; Wake County Commission for Women; Wake County School Board Advisory Council; NC State McKimmon Center Technology Education Advisory Board; Raleigh Society of Human Resource Management; Cary High School PTSA; Triangle Swim Team; Cary Chamber of Commerce; Heart of Cary Association; Cary High School Student Services Advisory Committee; Troop 244 Boy Scouts of America, Leadership Committee
Why should you be elected? "I believe that Cary needs a change in leadership in the mayor’s office. I believe residents deserve a mayor who can assist in job creation, develop a vision for Cary and who can devote the time needed to address our greatest challenges. I also believe residents deserve someone who is available during business hours to meet with residents and businesses, and to represent Cary in the region and state.
"The ability to maintain a sound infrastructure and protect our quality of life in the future is our most critical challenge. If we do not take steps now to strengthen our sources of revenue, reduce our operational costs and direct growth to places where we have existing services, we will lose our ability to provide a high quality of life. Our roads, clean water, parks, public safety, schools, everything we enjoy about Cary is at risk if we continue being in a responsive mode and do not define a more comprehensive forward-thinking plan for the town. "Contact: michelle@votemuir.org; www.votemuir.org
Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney; co-owner, Western Wake Law Group
Education: Associate's, Young Harris College, 1997; bachelor's, University of Georgia, 1999; J.D., Campbell School of Law, 2003
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations: Cary Chamber of Commerce; Heart of Cary Association; N.C. State Bar; N.C. Bar Association; Cary Bar Association; Tenth Judicial (Wake County) District Bar; N.C. Christian Legal Society, Raleigh Chapter; Front Sight Firearms Training Institute: Legacy Lifetime Member; National Rifle Association (NRA); member; New Waverly Place Board, Board of Directors; active member, Colonial Baptist Church; co-chair, Preston Village HOA Community Watch Committee; volunteer, Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic
Why should you be elected? "I seek the Cary Town Council At-Large seat as an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family and allowed my businesses to thrive.
"Through many years of business ownership in Cary, I have found that thoroughly listening to each point of view and being patient are the best ways to find middle ground so that progress can be made. My servant mentality and desire to better our community, combined with my passion and commitment to progress, will allow me to remain unbiased in conflict and make reasoned and sound decisions. I believe this type of diplomacy is the best way to represent each of Cary’s citizens. I welcome this opportunity to roll up my sleeves and work to keep Cary the place we love. It will be an honor to be part of maintaining the high quality of life that Cary’s citizens enjoy so that my children and their children may enjoy it also.
"In addition to the desire to give back, Cary needs a reasonable voice in the at-large seat on the Town Council, someone who has been in the real world, run several businesses, started a law practice from the ground up and continues to manage it and understands what it means to make payroll and critically look at budgets on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. "
Contact: 107 Draymore Way, Cary, NC 27519; 278-7838; zeke@bridgesforcary.org; www.BridgesForCary.org
Age: 47
Occupation: Solution Development Manager, Cisco System
Education: B.S. Computer Science, University of Missouri-Rolla, 1987
Political party and experience: Democrat
Civic activities and affiliations: Cary Planning & Zoning Board; Cary Site Design Focus Group; Cary Citizens Advisory Committee, chair; Preston Village Homeowners Association; Board of Trustee for Multiple Sclerosis Society
Why should you be elected? I care about Cary. It’s not a slogan, or a tagline. It’s who I am and it’s why I’m driven to run for office.
For more than a decade I’ve served my community in many ways – in my neighborhood, on town boards and commissions, and through a variety of local and national nonprofits and community groups. I’ve done all of this because I have a commitment to this community in which we all live, work, play, learn and grow. I’d like to continue that work at the Town Council table where I will advocate for citizens and continue to make Cary truly remarkable. I believe that continuing Cary’s focus on smart, balanced growth is key. This has been listed as a top citizen concern for a decade in survey after survey. That means ensuring that infrastructure and town services will support current citizens and neighborhoods, as new residents and businesses come to Cary. And, as Cary begins to reach its boundaries, growth will turn to infill, and we must balance infill development just as we do with new development and we must ensure that development is appropriate and sensitive to neighboring communities.Contact information: 107 Doric Court, Cary, NC 27519; 919-319-0530, 919-757-1161; Lori@LoriForCary.org; www.LoriForCary.org
Age: 36
Occupation:Web designer, SAS
Education: Bachelor's, communication, double minor in Spanish and journalism, N.C. State University 1997
Political party and experience: Unaffiliated
Why should you be elected?"I believe that government officials need to be held accountable for their actions. Democracy doesn’t serve the people unless the people have a choice and I chose to run to provide the people of District B with a choice. Over the past 4 years, I have seen more residents relegated to the sidelines as high-density housing gets approved in their backyards despite their vocal opposition. I don’t think this is the right direction for Cary.
"I think we aren’t doing enough now to preserve open spaces. Land right now is the cheapest it will probably be in our lifetime, and we should be buying it and preserving it for future generations. Once trees are leveled and asphalt is poured, we will never get these open spaces back. Also, I want to make sure that the infrastructure in my district is properly maintained."
Contact: 108 Canyon Run Cary, NC 27513; 961-3153; jeff.foxx@gmail.com; www.jefffoxx.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Owner, Frantz Automotive Center
Political party and experience: Republican incumbent
Civic activities and affiliations: Town of Cary Planning and Zoning Board Member, 2005-2007; Town of Cary Citizen Budget Review Commission Member, 2004-2005; council liaison, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board; council liaison, Town Center Review Commission; Wake County Growth Issues Task Force; past president, Heart of Cary Association; National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Leadership Council; NFIB NC Small Business Champion Award Winner, 2010; Cary Chamber of Commerce; Cary Chamber of Commerce Small Business Community Service Award, 2003; Triangle J Council of Governments Smart Growth Committee; Cary Elementary PTA; Cary High School IMP Club
Why should you be elected? "During my time on the council, I have focused on fiscal management and economic development. I have worked hard to provide the high levels of service that our citizens demand at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer and to create an environment that encourages business growth and creates jobs. I have supported initiatives that further protect our environment, and I have worked to bring accountability and accessibility to our government. Most importantly, I listen to citizens
"I have had the privilege of meeting and listening to most of you during my first term, and many of us have worked together to solve a number of issues in Cary. We have accomplished a lot in four years, but we still have work to do.
"Given current economic conditions, our number one priority is to keep Cary’s fiscal house in order. I have done that by focusing on core priorities and services, reduced spending and debt management.
"That’s why I am running for re-election; to continue to serve the citizens of Cary and bring common sense solutions to town government. I hope that I have earned your trust and support, and I ask for your vote on Oct. 11."
Contact: 706 East Cornwall Road, Cary NC 27511; 612-6870; don@frantzforcary.com; frantzforcary.com
Age: 57
Occupation: Family Nurse Practitioner; Director, Corporate Health Services, SAS Institute Inc.
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Master of Science in Nursing/FNP certificate. 1987; East Carolina University. Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 1978; Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. Nursing Diploma. 1975
Political party and experience: Democrat; incumbent
Civic activities and affiliations: Cary Town Council. East Carolina University Medical & Health Sciences Foundation Board; Wake County Nurse-Family Partnership; Blue Ribbon Task Force on the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees; N.C. Board of Nursing; N.C. Center for Nursing; N.C. Nurses Association; American College of Nurse Practitioners; Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; American Lung Association; Preventive Services Task Force, NC Health Planning Commission; Board of Directors, Governor’s Institute on Alcohol & Substance Abuse; St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
Why should you be elected? I’m running for re-election to continue my Council contributions as a consensus builder and problem solver and my commitment to citizen involvement and government transparency.
My top three priorities will continue to be fiscal responsibility, public safety and economic vitality and growth.
I will continue to support Town budgets with conservative revenue estimates, staffing to meet citizen expectations for levels of service, and capital projects that are necessary to protect our infrastructure investments. I voted to lower Cary's property tax rate from 42 to 33 cents. We have the lowest tax rate in Wake County while maintaining a AAA bond rating.
I will continue to support appropriate staffing for fire and police, deployment/location of these critical functions where most needed in Cary, and new methods of policing to address the root causes of crime. I have consistently supported and voted to fund Cary Police Department initiatives including Geo-Policing, Project Phoenix, and the Gang Suppression Program.
I will continue to work to make Cary's business environment healthier and more attractive for current and prospective businesses. A good example is my vote to waive impact fees for core downtown development for a limited time period. I will continue to advocate for streamlined, coordinated Town processes required to start or expand a business; look for innovative opportunities to kick-start redevelopment; and pay close attention to infrastructure and amenity upkeep that enhance our quality of life.
Contact information: 300 Legault Drive, Cary, NC 27513; 919-270-6155; gadcock1@nc.rr.com; www.galeadcock.com
Age: Born 1959
Occupation: Senior xoftware cevelopment manager, IBM
Education: Computer science, Montgomery College, 1987
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations: Cary Planning & Zoning Board; Cary School of Government; Cary Issues Advisory Task Force; NCCVE Board of Directors
Why should you be elected? "It’s time to make it clear that quality growth is good. It’s healthy. It provides jobs and parks and greenways. It brings us tennis courts and dog parks. Quality growth is the very thing that makes Cary such an attractive place to live. Quality growth ensures a positive future and it is both necessary and desirable to ensure a living, breathing Cary for our children and their families. Embracing quality growth and prosperity while working for a brighter Cary future is why I’m running for office."
Contact: 101 Parkrise Court, Cary, NC 27519; 362-7833, 919-228-9118; don@donhyatt.org; donhyatt.org
BACKGROUND: The City Council consists of eight members who are elected for two-year terms. Three of the members, including the mayor, are elected at-large, while the other members are elected from five districts. The City Council sets policy, enacts laws and adopts the budget each year. All members are up for re-election this year. Three are unopposed. Council members are paid $10,000 for their services. The mayor pro tem receives $12,000, and the mayor receives $15,000.
MAYOR: Nancy McFarlane; Billie Redmond; Randall Williams
AT-LARGE: Mary-Ann Baldwin (i); Paul Fitts; Russ Stephenson (i)
DISTRICT A: Retired Col. Randall Stagner; Gale Wilkins
DISTRICT B: John Odom (unopposed)
DISTRICT C: Corey Branch; Shelia Jones; Paul Terrell III; Eugene Weeks (i); Racquel Williams
DISTRICT D: Thomas Crowder (unopposed)
DISTRICT E: Bonner Gaylord (unopposed)
THE BACKGROUND: The winner will succeed Mayor Charles Meeker, who will not seek a record sixth consecutive term. If no candidate earns a majority of votes, the top two finishers will advance to a Nov. 8 runoff. The part-time mayoral position pays $15,000 annually. The mayor presides over City Council meetings and casts one of eight votes.
The candidates:
Age: 55Occupation: Pharmacist, President/CEO of MedPro Rx
Education: Bachelor of Science in pharmacy, Medical College of Virginia
Political affiliation, experience: Unaffiliated. Four years on the Raleigh City Council; chair, the Comprehensive Planning Committee; member, Budget and Economic Development Committee.
Civic activities, other affiliations: Upper Neuse River Basin Association; Raleigh Arts Commission and United Arts Council; Stormwater Utility Advisory Commission; Substance Abuse Advisory Commission; Environmental Advisory Board; Water Utility Transition Advisory Council; Sierra Club; N.C. Conservation Network; vice president, Wake County PTA Council; Sanderson Area Advisory Council; vice president, Durant Road Middle School PTA; PTA member, 1988-2008; president, Ligon Arts Booster; president, Greystone Homeowners Association; Women on Board, Steering Committee; Women’s Forum of North Carolina; Wake County Public Schools, City Council Liaison; Board of Directors, Pharmacy Foundation of NC at University of North Carolina.
Why should you be elected? “I have the business experience and a track record on council working to make Raleigh the best place to live and work in the country. I will keep Raleigh innovative and moving forward.”
Contact information: 322-0239; 5932-A Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27612
Age: 59
Occupation: Business owner, Coldwell Banker Commercial TradeMark Properties
Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, degree incomplete
Political affiliation: Registered Republican
Civic activities and other affiliations: Past chairwoman, board of directors, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; board of directors and executive committee, North Carolina Chamber; board of directors, Hurricanes Kids’N Community Foundation; past chairwoman, board of directors, WakeMed Health and Hospitals; board of directors, Paragon Commercial Bank; co-chairwoman of the Wake County Citizens’ Facilities Advisory Committee; member, Pleasant Grove Church
Contact: 787-3313 ; 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 311, Raleigh, NC 27612, Redmond4Raleigh.com
Why should you be elected? We need new leadership and a new voice, one that will focus on creating jobs and strengthening our economy right here at home. My campaign is about the future of Raleigh, it’s about moving Raleigh forward – and making sure we focus on the issues that are really important. I believe that Raleigh can’t stay vibrant by just doing the same things – especially in a competitive and changing economy. That’s why I am the only candidate for mayor who has developed a 14-point plan that includes new ideas and solutions – linking job creation, fiscal stewardship, education and a valued quality of life to stimulate growth.
Age: 54
Occupation: Gynecologist
Education: 12 years of public schools in Burlington with graduation from Walter M. Williams High School; BA in history/zoology with Honors in History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Obstetrics /Gynecology Residency
Political affiliation, experience: Republican
Civic activities, other affiliations: Past president, Wake County Medical Society; Triangle Red Cross Board of Directors; N.C. Medical Society Nominating Committee; N.C. Commission for Public Health as appointed by governor; , past president of Capital Foundation and Caps Club, Needham B. Broughton High School; co-founder of Broughton Athletics Hall of Fame; past member, Wake County Board of Health and Wake County Indigent Care Commission; past physician volunteer at Open Door Clinic; on staff at Rex Health Care and WakeMed; White Memorial Church High School Sunday school teacher for 18 years and elder; medical consultant, Swinfen Charitable Trust, London, England; volunteer physician, International Medical Corp.; Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; volunteer, Flight Physician for Flight of Honor
Why should you be elected? My years of public service here in Raleigh and overseas in conflict zones will help me lead people to work together and meet the challenges we now face in Raleigh. One of my fundamental tenets in life is that we are more alike than different. I think most citizens want a functional government that is more focused on improving their lives than waging ideological battles. I would focus on keeping taxes low to attract businesses and create jobs so that we can increase our tax base and maintain the quality of life that makes Raleigh a great place to live and work.
Contact information: randall@randallwilliams.net; 321 Marlowe Road, Raleigh, NC 27609; 413-7791
Raleigh City Council: At-large
THE BACKGROUND: Two members of the City Council are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than single districts. This year, three candidates are vying for the two slots.
Age: 55
Occupation: President, Baldwin Communications
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, University of Rhode Island
Political party and experience: Democrat; member of City Council for four years; chair, Law & Public Safety Committee; member, Budget & Economic Development Committee; city's representative to the Triangle Transit Authority; city's liaison to the State Legislature; city's representative to the Metro Mayor's Coalition.
Civic activities and other affiliations: Former chair, the City of Raleigh's Economic Development Committee; former member, the Board of Directors for Artsplosure, Communities in Schools of Wake County and the American Lung Association; former chair, Business Friends Council, N.C. Museum of Art; current member, the Advisory Board, Triangle Family Services; member, Blue Ribbon Commission, Collaborative Partnership for Excellence in Youth Development.
Why should you be elected? I've served effectively for the past four years, working with others to move our city forward. My accomplishments include the creation of the Collaborative Partnership for Excellence in Youth Development, a gang prevention effort that is being funded with private dollars; the establishment of the City's Economic Development Office; the construction of two senior centers in Raleigh; and the launch of Rise Up Raleigh, a benefit concert for the April tornado victims. I would like to continue to serve to promote improved transit, establish an entrepreneurial / innovation center in Raleigh and move forward on Dix Park.
Contact information: www.maryannforraleigh.com; 919-828-5591; maryannforraleigh@gmail.com
Age: 55
Occupation: Architect and urban design consultant
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture, N.C. State; Bachelor of Architecture, NCSU
Political party and experience: Democratic Party. Appointed to Raleigh Planning Commission: 2003-2005; elected Raleigh City Council, at-large: 2005-current
Civic activities and other affiliations: Civic - PTA classroom volunteer, Wake County Schools; poll official, Wake County Board of Elections; board member, University Park Homeowners Association; design team, Hillsborough Street Revitaization; Pullen Park Master Plan Committee; Wade-Oberlin Small Area Plan Committee. Affiliations - American Institute of Architects; US Green Building Council, LEED accredited; Sierra Club; Triangle Land Conservancy; Preservation NC
Why should you be elected? During my six years of council service, Raleigh has risen to the top of the national rankings as the best place to live in the nation, while maintaining one of the lowest cost of services and highest rated municipal finances. This success is the result of a team approach and an unwavering focus on improving the quality of life for all Raleigh citizens through sustainable growth, low taxes and applying core values of integrity honesty, fairness and professionalism. I love Raleigh, and I look forward to continuing our success in tackling the challenges ahead.
Contact information: www.RussForRaleigh.com; P.O. Box 12004, Raleigh, NC 27605; 828-3699
Age: 42
Occupation: Mortgage lender, Academy Mortgage
Education: East Wake High School, 1987; Pembroke State University, 1987-1989
Political party and experience: Republican, assistant campaign manager for Bill Randall for Congress
Civic activities and other affiliations: Jingle Ball; Raleigh Parks and Recreation; Leukemia Lymphoma Society; Horse and Buddy; CMA; Christmas for Kids; Duke Children's, Wakefield Women's Association
Why should you be elected? I am a businessman who manages money all day long. I help people examine their incomes and live within their means, and help them from getting in over their heads. That is what the current city council has done: get in over its head. They live on with a champagne taste on a beer budget. I believe in wisely investing in this great city, but with the national and global economic conditions, people out of work, stock market down, the city needs to take care of its core values of water, sewer and safety, and lower taxes to put more money back into the pockets of our citizens who are struggling.
Contact information: www.paulfitts.com; 412-7682
Raleigh City Council: District A
THE BACKGROUND: The winner will succeed Nancy McFarlane, who is vacating the District A seat after two terms to run for mayor.
Age: 51
Occupation: Retired U.S. Army Colonel, national security consultant
Education: Bachelor of Arts, History—University of Missouri-Rolla (Rolla, MO); Master of Arts, Soviet (Russian) and East European Studies—University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS); Master of Science, National Security Strategy—National War College (Washington, DC)
Political party and experience: Unaffiliated
Civic activities and other affiliations: City of Raleigh Storm Drain Marking Volunteer Program; Greystone Lake Clean Up; N.C. Museum of Art; N.C. Museum of Life and Science; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Wounded Warrior Foundation; Military Officers Association of America; Truman National Security Project
Why should you be elected? I have a substantial record of successful public service as a leader who listens, works with others and gets the job done.
I am a retired Army Special Operations colonel. I have led hundreds to thousands of highly trained professionals, been responsible for multimillion-dollar budgets and supervised property and equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars. But more importantly, I’ve worked with people from disparate organizations and countries in the pursuit of common goals. I worked with the Departments of State and Defense, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the intelligence community to counter ideological support for terrorism. I worked with British, French, Italian and German militaries to implement a U.N.-mandated peace in Bosnia. If I can get Bosnian Serbs, Croats and Muslims to play ‘nice’ in Bosnia, it shouldn’t be much more difficult to get Republicans, Democrats and Independents to do the same on our city council.Contact information: www.RandyStagner.com; 889-8822
Age: 55
Occupation: Political appointee and recent full-time student
Education: Bachelor's in Human Services, Peace College
Political party and experience: Endorsed by the Wake County Republican Party
Civic activities and other affiliations: City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission; Wake County Commission for Women; State Coalition Director for two presidential campaigns; appointee, Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and the White House Office of National AIDS Policy; PTA president, Faith Lutheran School; Institute of Political Leadership (IOPL); NC Center for Women in Public Service (Peace College)
Why should you be elected? Raleigh is looking for a confident forward-looking leader as we face unprecedented challenges economically. I am convinced that we need leadership with broad and diverse experience to deliver effective government to our citizens. I possess those capabilities. My background is diverse as I have served as a nonprofit executive director, a developer of programs for faith-based and community initiatives, a member of civic boards and commissions, and a two-time political appointee. I want to continue to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Raleigh. My objective is to influence my peers and the community leaders as we come together around common issues such as jobs, taxes, crime and public safety, transportation and the budget so that we can prepare a vision for a better future. I am knowledgeable about the issues and as a liaison for the citizens my responsibility is to inform them of how city government works and how their tax dollars are being spent.
Contact information: www.galemwilkins.com; 206 Royal Kings Lane, Raleigh, NC 27615; 870-0214
Raleigh City Council: District C
THE BACKGROUND: City council members appointed Eugene Weeks last year to complete the unexpired term of James West, who left to join the Wake County Board of Commissioners. District C represents Southeast Raleigh.
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired-U.S. Air Force-20 years; retired educator, Broughton High School
Education: Degree in Sociology; Advanced Studies in Education
Political party and experience: Democrat. Active in all elections for over 15 years as precinct chair for 01-22 and House District #33 coordinator
Civic activities and affiliations: Wake County Voter Education Coalition; retired associate, NCAE; Winston-Salem State Board of Visitors; deacon, Watts missionary Baptist Church
Why should you be elected? Because I have the experience as a grassroots advocate representing the issues on behalf of the citizens of Southeast Raleigh for the past 10 years before being appointed to the City Council.
Contact information: www.weekswork.com; 2509 Foxgate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610
Age: 33
Occupation: Area manager in network operations
Education: Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering<
Political party and experience: Democrat
Civic activities and other affiliations: National Society of Black Engineers; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; NAACP; Wake County Democratic Party
Why should you be elected? I have experience in managing complex problems and bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds together in resolving these challenges. My knowledge of the community from service and as a native will aid me in reaching out to find solutions that work to increase economic development, expand community involvement and enhance opportunities for youth development. I am ready to help keep Raleigh the "Jewel of the South" as we branch out and make change happen.
Contact information: www.Branch4DistrictC.com; P. O. Box 14871, Raleigh, NC 27620; 250-6113
Age: 48
Occupation: Pastor/founder, chair of JT Locke Resource Center
Education: BA, Public Administration/minor in Political Science, Shaw University; master's, Public Administration, N.C. Central; master's, Religious Education, Shaw University
Political party and experience: Democratic. Worked with Human Relations Board for the City of Raleigh; spoke for the Parents for Educational Freedom in NC to legislature regarding the charter school cap and discussed IEP's and how parents should have a choice in assisting their children; went to Ghana for 17 days to learn and study its government in 2010.
Civic activities and other affiliations: Founder, JT Locke Resource Center; strong advocate for children and families with Raleigh City Council; supporter, Parents for Educational Freedom in NC. Member, NAACP, ASAP, RWCA, Community Mobilization and Method Civic League. Alumni of Civitas Institution and GSGA president for Shaw Divinity School. Advocated and received space for the JT Locke Resource Center to house its program in a Parks and Recreation Building (Method Road Community Center).
Why should you be elected? The people feel they are disconnected with government. I have the ability, skills, passion and heart for people and government, and I am able to make sound decisions for all, especially for the low-income to moderate families that are struggling. Also to bring this area to a level of achievement that it once thrived in by help educating men and women who have lost hope in our government system. There has been a sense of gentrification, which is not just moving people out of the center of their location, but minority businesses being closed up or pushed away; transportation, jobs or rather redirecting job skills into a skill-set that they can use to prosper until jobs in their desired field comes to Southeast Raleigh. The city budget should be strictly reviewed, and there should be a line-by-line audit in each department to see why we have a deficit; I also have experience with budgeting.
Contact information: SheliaJones.org; 3715 Amistad Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610; 395-0421
Age: 36
Occupation: Student
Education: Ph.D. candidate, Public Policy and Administration (Emphasis in Law); master's in Public Administration (Magnum Cum Laude & National Honors); bachelor's in Politics, Economics and Law; associate degree, Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Juvenile Delinquency (Dean's List)
Political party and experience: Independent (unaffiliated), former Democrat
Civic activities and other affiliations: Recent graduate, N.C. Center for Women in Public Service; commissioner, Wake County Housing Authority; established the first and only daytime GED in Wake Forest in partnership with Wake Tech and Wake County Housing Authority; established PLAYGROUP 153 in partnership with 40 West Ministry which watched children for the mothers enrolled in the GED program within the Housing Authority; vice chair, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; chair, the Community Relations Committee; former chair, the Community Mobilization of the Wake County Gang Prevention Partnership; president, neophyte nonprofit Can I Live, Inc (www.canilive.org)
Why should you be elected? I am seeking Raleigh City Council to bring tangible solutions and innovative ideas to the public decision-making process. There is an absent voice in local government that is shouting innovation, diversity and inclusion. As a single mother once on welfare, I immediately saw the need for people challenged with the effects of poverty to be a part of the public decision-making process.
My skills, knowledge and experience add value to the council because I represent my constituency by way of race, gender, education, being a single parent, small business owner and nonprofit executive. I can tap into my constituency base at different levels. My ability to clearly articulate and present the issues and provide innovative solutions separates me from the rest of the candidates.
I should be elected because it is time for the City of Raleigh to reflect the diversity of its constituency.
The city councilors have never trusted the leadership and competence of Southeast Raleigh past and present city councilors, which explains the paternal relationship between the City of Raleigh and District C.
Contact information: www.racquelwilliams4citycouncil.com; Friends of Racquel Williams, P.O. Box 25713, Raleigh, NC 27611-5713; 926-8024
Age: 44
Occupation: Lead manufacturing maintenance technician for LED light maker Cree
Education: Graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. 1993
Political party and experience: Registered Republican/ ran unsuccessfully twice for N.C. State House in 2008 and 2010 District 33
Civic activities and other affiliations: At-Large NCGOP Executive Committee member, Congressional District 13; member, Northern Wake Republican Club; provisional lifetime member, Veterans of Foreign Wars; former member, Wake County Nursing Home Advisory Committee; former board member, the Sun Splendor Home Owners Association; veteran of the U.S. Army.
Why should you be elected? I will be the forceful advocate so long missing for District C here in Raleigh. For too long District C and Southeast Raleigh have been long dismissed as a sure vote on the council for Mayor Meeker. I will not take the voters and citizens in District C for granted as they have been for years. I will fight to bring better schools, public transportation, safety and most importantly jobs.
Contact information: voteterrell.com; 4549 Tollington Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604-6161; 523-0304
Raleigh City Council: Districts B, D and E
THE BACKGROUND: The following City Council members are running unopposed.
Age: 64
Occupation: Small business owner, Meineke Car Care
Education: Wagram High School, 1965; Oakridge Military College, 1966; joined the U.S. Army: 1967-1969, served in Vietnam 1967-1968 (wounded veteran); RTI Institute, 1969-1970 (now known as Richmond Community College)
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations: Raleigh Civitan; coached little league baseball and basketball; served on numerous boards and commissions; Greater Raleigh Merchants Association; Shop Local Raleigh; Raleigh Crime Stoppers
Why should you be elected? My past experience on the Raleigh City Council
Contact information: John.odom@raleighnc.gov; City of Raleigh, Mayor/Council Office, PO Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602; 996-3050 (council office), 876-7625 (home)
Age: 55
Occupation: Registered architect and president of ARCHITEKTUR PA
Education: Broughton High School
Political party and experience: Democrat; Raleigh City Council District D Representative (2003 - present); co-chair, Council's Budget & Economic Development Committee (2007 - present); chair, Council's Comprehensive Planning Committee (2004 - 2007); member, Council’s Budget & Economic Development Committee (2004 - present); member, Council’s Law & Public Safety Committee (2003 - 2004); city representative & vice president, Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation (2009 - present); council representative, Triangle J Council of Governments (2003 - present); chair, Triangle J Council of Governments (2009 - 2010); council representative, Wake County Growth Management Task Force (2008 - 2009); Dorothea Dix Master Plan NC Legislature Oversight Committee (2003 - 2004); member, Raleigh Planning Commission (1999 - 2003); member, the Tree Preservation Task Force (2003); chair, Planning Commission’s Strategic Planning Committee (2000 - 2003); co-chair, Downtown “Livable Streets” Program (2002 - 2003); member, Western Boulevard Streetscape Committee (1999 - 2001)
Civic activities and other affiliations: Member, American Institute of Architects; member, National AIA Citizen Architect; member, American Planning Association; member, Preservation North Carolina; member, Urban Land Institute; member, Sierra Club & endorsed for Council (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 & 2011); board member, Occoneechee Council Boy Scouts of America; past chair of Boy Scouts’ “Timeless Value” Golf Classic Fundraiser; Past-Honorary Chair of Boy Scouts’ Clay Shoot Tournament Fundraiser; Eagle Scout and God and Country Award, Boy Scouts of America
Why should you be elected? Authored Raleigh’s first mission statement adopted by the past two councils; required growth to pay more of its fair share for the cost of new parks, roads, water and sewer systems rather than you, the taxpayer; worked with three councils to make downtown a 24/7 place to live, work and play; created the landlord registry and the probationary rental occupancy permit in order to protect tenants and neighborhoods from irresponsible absentee landlords; created the District D Neighborhood Alliance in order to educate, empower and engage SW Raleigh citizens and neighborhood leaders in city government; first on council to commit to making all 306 acres into a world-class urban park when the state announced the closing of Dorothea Dix Hospital; built consensus on council to get Hillsborough Street construction under way enhancing pedestrian safety, calming traffic, creating additional on-street parking and jump-starting economic development; created a future revenue resource pilot program for bus shelters and benches at no cost to taxpayers through a partnership with Capital Broadcasting Company; worked with SW Raleigh citizens to keep Athens Drive Library open; worked with SW Raleigh residents to ensure the 2030 Comp Plan and Future Land Use Map addressed growth while protecting existing neighborhoods; changed the policy that previously required property owners pay for new sidewalks and sidewalk repairs; worked with N.C. State University to create the SW Branding and Economic Development Partnership.
Contact information: 1409 Ashburton Road, Raleigh, NC 27606; 852-1297
Age: 33
Occupation: General manager of North Hills
Education: Bachelor's of Science, Biology, UNC; MBA, UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business
Political party and experience: Independent. Served Raleigh for two years on City Council; member, Comprehensive Planning Committee; member, Public Works Committee; council liaison to seven boards (Capital Area Preservation, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wake County Keep America Beautiful, Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh Youth Council, Wake County Growth Management Task Force and the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board). Served 2.5 years on Raleigh Planning Commission.
Civic activities and other affiliations: Council member, National Technology Adoption Advisory Council; board member, Triangle Commuter Bike Initiative; board member, Greater Raleigh Merchants Association and Shop Local Raleigh; board member, Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina; past board member, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County; past executive committee member, ULI Triangle; past Young Leaders Group Chair, ULI Triangle
Why should you be elected? Over the past year and a half, I have been very busy working for Raleigh as city councilor, member of the Comprehensive Planning Committee, member of the Public Works Committee and Council Liaison to eight boards and commissions.
Working with a broad coalition of councilors, neighborhood advocates and taxpayers, I spearheaded the effort to stop construction of the proposed 305,000-square-foot, 17-story Clarence Lightner Center while advocating for the preservation of the building we already own. This misconceived project was budgeted to cost $205 million, saddling future generations with substantial debt despite the fact that the project provided no demonstrable public benefit. This was a major victory for all of Raleigh.
Despite encountering reluctance from staff and council to explore a new way to serve citizens of Raleigh and provide openness in government, I launched SeeClickFix in my district to prove it would work. I then found a way to fund the program citywide without costing taxpayers a dime through a public-private partnership. With all questions answered and at no cost to the city, council voted unanimously to bring SeeClickFix to Raleigh. Because of these and other efforts, I was awarded Outstanding Public Servant by the N.C. Center for Voter Education.
A desire to make Raleigh a premiere city in the 21st century has motivated me to engage in new ways of thinking about our government. Recognizing our city’s significant potential for economic growth in the technology sector as well as our need for a more open government, I recently partnered with others to co-found an “un-conference” called CityCamp Raleigh. This event brought three days of open sourced talks, workshops, and hands-on problem solving to re-imagine the way the web, applications, technology, and participation will shape the future of Raleigh.
Contact information: www.BonnerGaylord.com; BGaylord@BonnerGaylord.com
There are two on the ballot:
This is the first transportation bond issue in the city of Raleigh's history to include money for bicycle lanes, greenways, new sidewalks and sidewalk repairs, and general street resurfacing projects.
State-owned roads that are considered neglected are included in the bond project list.
The proposal sets aside $3 million toward the proposed Union Station, a downtown transit hub for local, regional and long-distance bus service; Amtrak rail service; and future rail transit.
State and federal funds totaling $20 million to $25 million would be used for the first phase of development of the facility.
Raleigh voters have voted “yes” on four previous transportation bond referenda, including $40 million in 1987, $45 million in 1998, $45 million in 2000 and $60 million in 2005.
Questions, call Eric Lamb, manager of the office of transportation planning, at 516-2161 or visit raleighnc.gov.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: $16 MILLION
Housing program money is leveraged as loans to developers, contractors and first-time homebuyers to reduce cost barriers. When loans are repaid to the city, the money can be applied to other housing developments or to retire the debt from bonds.
The city has provided money for an affordable housing program since the mid-1980s.
Raleigh voters have voted “yes” on three previous affordable housing referenda, including a $20 million proposal in 1990, a $14 million proposal in 2000 and a $20 million proposal in 2005.
Questions, call Shawn McNamara in the city’s community development department at 919-996-4330 or visit raleighnc.gov.
Wake County Board of Education: District 3
THE BACKGROUND: District 3 covers the fast-growing Northeast Raleigh area, including communities such as North Ridge and Wakefield. The opposition that helped elect the new school board majority in 2009 has split with the Wake County Republican Party and the Wake Schools Community Alliance backing different candidates against Democratic incumbent Kevin Hill.
Age: 57
Occupation: N.C. State assistant professor, retired K-12 teacher and principal
Education: bachelor’s in history and master’s curriculum and instruction, N.C. State
Political party and experience: Democrat. Elected to Wake County school board in 2007.
Endorsements: Wake County Democratic Party, Wake chapter of N.C. Association of Educators, BiggerPicture4Wake, Triangle Labor Council AFL-CIO
Civic activities and affiliations: Meredith College Teaching Fellows Advisory: presenting sessions on “Marketing Yourself” and “Professional Ethics” at both Meredith College and NCSU helping seniors prepare for the job market.
Why should you be elected? My goal is to represent the best interests of ALL students and ALL schools in Wake County. With 35 years experience as a teacher and principal, I have the breadth and depth of experience needed for our Board of Education. A nine-member Board of Education needs at least one board member with my considerable level of experience. I understand and can explain both the intended and unintended outcomes that decisions made by the board have on students and teachers. No other candidate or remaining board member comes close to matching my experience as a teacher, administrator and leader in public education.
As an educator, I know our children represent our future, and my future includes living in Wake County. So, I am running as my way of contributing to the community.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Academic diversity (student achievement) should be considered with the development of any new plan. We cannot afford to create new high-needs schools. They demand additional resources to provide the programs necessary for educational equity. This will require one of two approaches: Raise taxes or take resources from schools deemed “successful.”
I agree with Superintendent Tata that we must avoid an assignment plan that creates high-needs schools or schools considered low-achieving. I agree that we need to maintain our nationally acclaimed magnet school program. I also believe that choice and proximity are very important to many parents. Data show that 90 percent of our students travel less than 5 miles to their school. To help balance percentages of high- and low-achieving students and to maintain our current magnet program, students might have to attend their 2nd or 3rd closest school – but, again, based on other school systems that use a choice model, 85 percent of parents should get their first choice.
The Board of Education must ensure that the educational needs of ALL of our children are met by whatever assignment plan is finally adopted.
Contact information: www.hillforboe.com; 300 Paprika Ct., Raleigh, NC 27614; 848-3362
Age: 40
Occupation: Self-employed mother
Education: U.S. Air Force
Political party and experience: Republican, past president of Northern Wake Republican Club
Endorsements: Wake County Republican Party
Civic activities and affiliations: Volunteer for various reading programs to help elementary school students; board member, Business and Professional Women; PTA board member; room mother for many years; active and involved with local, state and national politics and policy with a focus on education.
Why should you be elected? Although our school system is on the right track, there is still much room for improvement and innovation. I want to go to work for our children and our community to ensure that we are properly preparing our next generation for the 21st century global economy they will face the moment they graduate from our school system.
In my vast experience in management and leadership roles in the U.S. Air Force, small business banking and many volunteer positions in PTAs, schools and as a mother of two girls, I have proven I can effectively communicate, lead and rise above the status-quo to research and implement proven models of success.
It is time for District 3 to have a visionary leader who has these attributes and skills; it is time we have a leader who will put student achievement ahead of all else.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Wake County is a diverse community. I believe it’s time we challenge the stereotypes of race, socio-economic status and academic performance and continue implementing proven methods of educating, that address the needs of each individual child. Currently we put more emphasis on the socio-economic makeup of each school rather than on the teaching programs and their results.
Contact information: www.HeatherLosurdo.com, 438-1120
Age: 43
Occupation: Parent to two East Millbrook Middle School students and school system volunteer.
Education: Bachelor’s in history, Illinois Wesleyan University; master’s in family & consumer sciences, Illinois State University
Political party and experience: Unaffiliated
Endorsements: Wake Schools Community Alliance
Civic activities and affiliations: Member of the school board’s Economically Disadvantaged Student Performance Task Force; served on school system’s Community Relations Committee; member, PTA/PTSA and arts boosters; coach and school coordinator, Odyssey of the Mind; end-of-grade exam proctor.
Why should you be elected? District 3 needs a strong leader who can successfully represent all of District 3 by putting aside politics to work with parents, teachers and administrators alike. I believe strongly in having schools in our communities and communities that are involved in our schools. I recognize the flaws and strengths of both the previous and proposed policies and am committed to making objective, well-researched decisions in the best interests of those served by our schools. I am not beholden to any political party or ideology, and I am not interested in keeping score or holding grudges. I bring objectivity and a willingness to work with everyone to make WCPSS a system that serves all students with excellence and equity. I would be honored to serve as your Board of Education representative in District 3.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? WCPSS is currently considering ‘achievement’ as the diversity component of the plan instead of socio-economic status, and we should be asking very pointed questions about what that means. Can a school can be designated ‘high-achieving’ without serving its low-achieving students well? Will ‘high-achieving’ schools have the proper programs in place to help struggling students? Will we be committed to making all of our schools ‘high achieving’ or will once again be content to merely spread low-performing students around? We run the very real risk of falling into the same flawed model that we have now, and we must be deliberate and honest about what ‘achievement’ diversity means.
The key here is choice. For many years, low-income families have endured the bulk of long distance diversity busing. Affluent families are rarely bused for diversity against their wishes; they are enticed with special magnet programs. Diversity is good, but we must make sure that we are giving all families real choices in both proximity and magnet or ‘achievement’ schools.
Contact information: www.mansfieldforwakeschools.com, PO Box 99096, Raleigh, 27624; 696.7247
Age: 48
Occupation: Computer engineer, manager of Information Sciences
Education: Bachelor’s in management with concentrations, UNC-Wilmington
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations: Involved in ministries in both counseling and youth programs
Why should you be elected? The other candidates are well meaning folks, but it’s time for a much stronger voice in District 3. I bring unique skills to the table in leadership, quantitative research and business. That means I like numbers and discovering new and better ways of doing things. Wake County is poised as one of the best places in the country to make real advances in education for its kids and communities. I saw the other candidates as being retired teachers/administrators and well-meaning moms, but we already have thousands of employees and parents who already represent those views. What the board needs is a businessman who understands research, who is strong enough to work with the current board, and who has an unconditional love for the kids. I believe it’s time for a much stronger voice for the parents and kids in District 3. I’m the candidate who doesn’t want your money, I want your message. A vote for me will send a clear message to the Republican and Democratic National Committees that we don’t want their Washington politics getting in the way of our kids' education. Kid’s 1ST in Wake County!
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? We must have diversity in our schools and communities. In the 3rd District, we must be able to work and fight with the new board for what we need. Otherwise, we will have to start shipping our kids to other districts to meet the demands. Everyone knows that proximity is the largest key to helping families and students be involved in their schools. And integration and broad cultural problem solving skills are needed for a stronger generation to come. Having said that, Superintendent Tony Tata has worked tirelessly with his staff to make a better assignment plan for everybody. Currently, he predicts over 85 percent of the choices parents are making for their school assignments can be achieved, with most being closer than 5 miles to their school. With the extreme needs of the 3rd District, I would like to see this number of 5 miles be reduced to biking and walking distance. With the 30-40 new schools we will have to build in the next several years, we can make sure the diversity of our communities and schools are taken care of. But we can’t do that when the board is ignoring the current democratic incumbent or looking for an ambitious Republican to obey. We can’t wait four more years for strong representation in the District 3. We need to improve the education environment of the students, teachers and the supporting communities today. Send the message: Kids 1st in Wake County! No Petty Partisan Politics Welcome.
Contact information: (919) 235-7400 or ericwaynesquires@gmail.com
Wake County Board of Education: District 4
THE BACKGROUND: District 4 runs from the heart of downtown Raleigh east to Knightdale, and from the U.S. 1-401 split on the north to a corner of Garner in the south. Incumbent Keith Sutton, a state employee and advocate for diversity in the school board minority, faces a challenge from Venita Peyton, a longtime East Raleigh businesswoman who has tended to side with the board’s GOP majority.
Age: 41
Occupation: victims advocate liaison with the Governor’s Crime Commission
Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial relations, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill,
Political party and experience: Democrat, worked in congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.
Civic activities and affiliations: founder, Triangle Urban League
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? “[Diversity] should be one factor that can be considered along with other factors. It can be given equal consideration with proximity, stability and choice. And they all can co-exist in a plan.
“I understand that we will probably never get back to the old way of doing things. I understand that and accept that. I would not flip a switch and go back; I think the community has expressed itself about that.”
Sutton also said student achievement should be used as the measure of diversity.
Endorsements: Democratic Party, Triangle Labor Council AFL-CIO, Wake NCAE, Wake Democratic Party, BiggerPicture4Wake
Contact information: www.votekeithsutton.com; 4536 Drewbridge Way, Raleigh, 27604; 850-8868, office; 231-5752 residence
Age: 55
Occupation: real estate broker, businesswoman
Education: Master's in Public Adminstration, N.C. State University; bachelor's in Public Administration, Shaw University
Political party and experience: Republican, previously ran for mayor, city council and county commission.
Civic activities and affiliations: National Association of Realtors; Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce; National Notary Association; chair or co-chair, East Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Peyton said diversity should have no role in the new assignment plan. “I'm going to be in favor of anything that gives parents a choice,” she said.
Endorsements: Wake County Republican Party
Contact information: venitapeyton.blogspot.com; Box 14316, Raleigh 27620; 834-3272
Wake County School Board: District 5
THE BACKGROUND: District 5 covers territory from N.C. State’s groves of academe, through unincorporated territory around Ten Ten Road, down to areas bordered by Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina. Current representative Dr. Ann McLaurin is stepping down. It’s being contested by N.C. State chemistry professor Jim Martin, backed mostly by Democrats, and Cynthia Matson, college president of ITT Institute and the pick of the county GOP.
Age: 47
Occupation: professor of chemistry, N.C. State University
Education: Bachelor's, Goshen College; Ph.D., Indiana University
Political party and experience: Democratic.
Civic activities and affiliations: Member, Wake County Public Schools’ committees: economically disadvantaged student task force, equity policy committee, subcommittee for evaluation of effectiveness; youth and adult Sunday school teacher at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church; contributor to national workshops on science and education
Why should you be elected? I bring the perspective of a parent, the classroom experience of a teacher, and administrative and government experience.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new assignment plan? Maximizing student achievement should be the highest priority in any student assignment plan. This goal requires policies and practice that prevent the formation of high poverty, low achieving, and/or racially identifiable schools. Such school environments negatively impact students and teachers, imposing unnecessary costs on taxpayers.
Diversity never was, nor should be, a stand-alone factor for student assignment. Socioeconomic diversity, student achievement, stability, and proximity were four of the nine criteria to be considered in the original assignment policy. Unfortunately, both socioeconomic diversity and student achievement were removed from the current policy, while stability and proximity were too often overlooked in previous assignment practice.
Contact information: jimmartin4schools.com/; 8613 Cavatina Ct., Apex, NC 27539; 434-4677
Age: 45
Occupation: college director, ITT Technical Institute
Education: B.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Political party and experience: Republican
Civic activities and affiliations:Founder of non-profit Assignment By Choice, member of The Mayor’s Task Force on School Assignment, state director for The Parent’s Network for Better Education, volunteer in Wake County Public Schools, the Fletcher Academy and St. Andrews Catholic Church.
Why should you be elected? For the last decade I have advocated on behalf of Wake County families for stable neighborhood school assignments. In fact, my organization, Assignment By Choice was instrumental in the creation of the first ever community engagement meetings which opened the door for communication between the public and administration. As a result we now have an assignment plan that truly reflects the needs and wants of the community by providing stability and choice for families. My in-depth knowledge of school assignment issues, coupled with my business acumen make me the best candidate for the District 5 seat.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Wake County is a diverse community and we have more minorities than non minorities in our school system. I believe that demographics do not define destiny. It's time we challenge the stereotypes of race and socioeconomic status as they relate to academic performance. I advocate for implementing KIPP or Knowledge is Power Program schools.
Contact information:cynthiamatson.com, 6016 Heatherstone Dr., Raleigh, 27606; 590-9253
Wake County School Board: District 6
THE BACKGROUND: Incumbent Democrat Carolyn Morrison’s decision not to run again opened up a free-for-all, with four first-time candidates vying to represent District 6, which covers most of western and North Raleigh, then extends east across Capital Boulevard. Top money-raiser Christine Kushner, a Democrat, faces energetic competition from Republican activist Donna Williams and retired educators George Morgan and Mary Ann Weathers.
Age: 48
Occupation: Policy analyst and freelance writer
Education: E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville; bachelor's and Morehead Scholar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; master's in Public Administration, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University
Political party and experience: Democrat; no previous political experience.
Civic activities and affiliations: PTA leader; member, Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council: member, District 4 and 6 Board Advisory Councils; member, School Improvement Plan teams; facilitator, YWCA Study Circles on racial and ethnic relations; parent representative, Parents As Teachers advisory group, Project Enlightenment; Sunday school teacher, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Why should you be elected? As a committed parent and advocate, I have spent 11 years deeply involved in our public schools, from rolling up my sleeves as a classroom tutor and PTA president to serving on School Improvement Teams and the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council. My experience has prepared me to develop sound policy as a board member. I have seen firsthand the excellence of our system—as well as the work that needs to be done. My children have had an excellent experience in Wake County Public Schools, and I want that for every child in every school. As a supportive parent with no personal or political agenda, I will support our teachers and have been endorsed by the Wake NCAE. My work experiences and school involvement demonstrate that I will be an advocate who will work hard to support our public school system.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? I oppose returning to past policies that divided neighborhoods and led to far too many reassignments. Yet the current board majority’s fragmented policies are creating “have and have-not” schools. I expect the new student assignment plan to reflect the goal of academic success for all students. Academic success requires effective teachers, and research shows that low-performing schools struggle to retain high-quality teachers and principals. Students also must learn from each other to thrive in a global and fast-paced world. In addition, we must utilize our buildings efficiently, just as we should spend tax dollars efficiently. A sound, sustainable student assignment policy maintains property values and protects neighborhoods. All of our schools should be strong, and the student assignment policy is just one tool to achieve that. Strong public education is a foundation of a strong local economy.
Endorsements: Wake chapter of N.C. Association of Educators, Wake County Democratic Party, BiggerPicture4Wake, The Independent, The News & Observer
Contact information: www.ChristineForWake.com, www.facebook.com/ChristineForWake; 3220 Birnamwood Road, Raleigh, 27607; 637-3168; Twitter: @Christine4Wake; blog: www.christinekushner.wordpress.com
Age: 65
Occupation: retired educator
Education: Bachelor's, St. Augustine’s College; master's, N.C. Central University
Political party and experience: Democrat
Civic activities and affiliations: active member, Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish; Grand Knight, Knights of Peter Claver.
Why should you be elected? I have 36 years worth of information that will streamline the decision-making process. I’ve served all of Wake County for 36 years: Wendell, Fuquay, Apex, Leesville, the center of Raleigh at Conn Elementary and I was the first black football coach at Millbrook.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Diversity should play a major role in any student assignment plan. It must be protected and promoted if our society and communities are to function for the good of all its citizens, especially in this increasingly global economy. A diverse student population and faculty should be maintained in every school in the Wake County Public School System. Diversity in schools provide students with opportunities to learn about cultures different from their own, share ideas and beliefs, and develop lifelong friendships while receiving the best education possible.
Endorsements: AFL-CIO Triangle Council
Contact information: 6217 Valley Estates Dr., Raleigh, NC 27612; 848-1440
Age: 65
Occupation: educator and consultant
Education: Bachelor's, N.C. State University; Ph.D., UNC-Chapel Hill
Political party and experience: Democrat
Civic activities and affiliations: coordinator, N.C. Teacher of the Year program; executive director, N.C. English Teachers Asociation Board
Why should you be elected? I am a Raleigh native, and I went through public schools here as well as being born here.
I have 40 years experience as an educator and consultant. I saw what was going on with the school board in the last election and decided to give back to my school. I have more education and experience than anyone else running.What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? I think that the magnet program is dealing with that fairly well. My bottom line on everything is as long as an individual student is having his or her needs met or talents addressed, then we are doing everything we should. I think we have to pay attention to it or the system will wind up resegregated.
Contact information: 2400 Still Forest Place D, Raleigh, NC 27607; 900-8723; weathers@nc.rr.com
Age: 55
Occupation: 25 years of experience in training, communicating with, developing and managing several thousand sales people and over 200 sales managers.
Education: Graduate, nursing program at the State University of New York at Delhi.
Political party and experience: Republican, founder of North Raleigh Republican Women
Civic activities and affiliations: Active member, Hope Presbyterian; soccer mom for 18 years; co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 620
Why should you be elected? “I see many of the same issues happening today that were happening 20 years ago, due to the result of poor program equity and an unstable assignment model. Let’s build upon the policies of the past two years to expand the focus on student achievement. I believe I can work with ALL of the members of the school board to improve academic achievement for all students, as well as operate the Wake County School System more efficiently and cost-effectively.”
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? “I am opposed to the busing of children for socioeconomic purposes. I also believe parents need to be given the choice of where their child attends school. We need a stable assignment model that has better tools for growth while providing more parental choice and flexibility. This will allow the parents to be more active and become a more empowered component of the school system.”
Endorsements: Wake County Republican Party
Contact information: www.donnaforschoolboard.com/; 1100 Watermark Court, Raleigh, 27609; 817-8411
Wake County Board of Education: District 8
THE BACKGROUND: District 8 covers Apex, Holly Springs and part of southern Cary. It’s been a historically fast-growing area that has dealt with student reassignment and year-round schools more than most districts.
Age: 53
Occupation: Accountant
Education: Bachelor’s in business administration and accounting, UNC-Chapel Hill.
Political party and experience: Democrat
Endorsements: Wake County Democratic Party, Wake chapter of N.C. Association of Educators, BiggerPicture4Wake, Triangle Labor Council AFL-CIO
Civic activities and affiliations: Wake County school advocate, team leader for YMCA “We Build People” Campaign, active in Social Justice Ministries of the United Methodist Church, various leadership roles in local United Methodist churches.
Why should you be elected? Wake County citizens deserve a school board that is made up of competent, open-minded and intelligent adults who understand their job of seeing that all children in Wake County are prepared for the future. As a 31-year resident of Wake County, a product of public education, a parent who has had children in the Wake public schools for the past 16 years, I care deeply about the quality and reputation of our schools. I am an accountant who has worked in public accounting and business management and promise to exhibit professionalism and integrity. I am acutely aware of the interrelationship between our well-respected public school system and the economic prosperity of our area. I will be dedicated to making reasoned decisions in collaboration with others that address difficult issues in non-polarizing ways. I will be a board member who works hard to see that our school system provides the best possible learning environments for our students and teachers.
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? Our recent growth has presented challenges for accommodating all of our students, and many of our families have experienced undesirable reassignments as we shifted to fill new schools. It is critical that we devise assignment plans that provide more stability for families.
At the same time, we must realize that a scenario that would lead to a stratified system of schools, divided according to the “haves” and the “have not’s” would be costly for our community. Higher needs schools typically require more financial resources and yield poorer academic results. Our magnet program has been a very successful way to provide balancing in schools that might otherwise be underutilized or heavily weighted in higher-needs students, while relieving overcrowding in the suburban schools. I fully support expansion of the magnet program and other types of school choices that encourage balanced populations in our schools. It is important that all of our schools are attractive places for teachers to teach and that we are utilizing our facilities as efficiently as possible.
Contact information: evansforwake.com; 2016 W. Sterlington Place, Apex, NC 27502; evansforwake@gmail.com
RON MARGIOTTA (incumbent chairman)
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired small-business owner
Education: Attended St. Peter’s College in New Jersey.
Political party and experience: Republican. Elected to Wake County school board in 2003.
Endorsements: Wake County Republican Party, Wake Schools Community Alliance
Civic activities and affiliations: Member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex.
Why should you be elected? "As an effective board member and chairman, my focus remains on teaching and learning in the classroom. I have worked to ensure that each policy decision is in the best interest of our students with a keen eye on fiscal responsibility. During these economic times, our system has dealt with nearly $100 million in budget cuts yet, under my leadership, we protected the classroom and passed a budget that resulted in no loss of teaching positions. With a commitment to student achievement, I have worked to increase the educational resources and programs provided to our students and teachers. I have also expanded parental choice and will work to ensure all families are offered a proximate school assignment with long-term stability for their children. I wish to continue this critical work to better serve our communities, our families and, most importantly, our students."
What role, if any, should diversity play in the new student assignment plan? "I support an assignment plan that embraces the values of our student assignment policy. Parents want school choices close to their neighborhoods and communities, as well as long-term stability and predictability for their children. The constant shuffling of students under the previous ‘diversity’ policy caused much disruption yet proved to have no positive effect on academic success. I value diversity in our communities and schools, but the top priority of our school system must be the academic achievement of our students. Under my leadership, we are implementing an assignment plan based on empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children. My focus will continue to be on providing the tools and resources our teachers and principals need to boost student achievement, not on just offering students a long bus ride."
Contact information: www.ronmargiotta.org, www.isupportron.com; Citizens for Ron Margiotta, 219 Wendhurst Ct., Apex, NC 27502; ronmargiotta@gmail.com
