Cary, NC — This is the third installment of our Candidate 2015 series, in which candidates get to respond in their own words to the same three questions.

As usual, we publish the responses in the order we receive them. Next up is Lori Bush, running unopposed as the incumbent for the At-Large seat in Cary Town Council.

Candidate Questionnaire

As we have done in previous election cycles, we sent a list of three short questions to all the candidates for office in Cary. We do not edit the answers but provide a forum for the candidates to speak to our readers in their own words.

We encourage all citizens to go to the polls in Cary on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Lori Bush

Q1 – Why are you running?

It’s a privilege and honor to serve the citizens of Cary as an At-Large Representative on the Town Council. In a second term I will continue to support and champion open government, technology adoption, environmental protection and citizen involvement. Cary is moving in the right direction and I want to continue that momentum.

Cary remains one of the safest towns in the nation and one of the best places to live, work, raise a family and do business. Together we can make it even better.

Q2 – What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them?

I have worked hard over the last 4 years to deliver on my promise to ensure that Cary maintains our high quality of life while always making sure we are a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and ages. My top priorities include:

Promote citizen involvement and open government. Our citizens are highly engaged in our community and you are what makes Cary great!

Using technology advancements to improve our town. I will continue to advocate for technologies that can engage all of our citizens — from Google Fiber and broadband services, to Open Data and new apps, Cary will lead the way in leveraging technology for public good.

Protect our environment while fostering sustainable economic growth. I will continue to work to attract good jobs to Cary, be an excellent steward of taxpayers’ money and advocate for balanced growth that is appropriate and supported by infrastructure. I am passionate about protecting our environment and advancing sustainability. I have been a champion for clean air and water and sustainable development, ensuring our town is a leader in wise use of our resources.

Q3 – Give us a brief bio and tell us about your relevant experience.

A resident of Cary for the last 18 years, Lori Bush has been a Town Council member since 2011. She has participated in numerous citizens and non-profit organizations, including Cary’s Planning and Zoning Board, Site Design Focus Group and chairing the Cary Task Force for Issue Advisory Groups.

She was president of the Preston Village Homeowners Association, served as chair of the Wake County Information Technology Advisory Committee, a Trustee on the Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, secretary of the National Cyber Security Alliance and Executive Board member of the National Institute of Urban Search and Rescue and on the NC State, Hunt Library Technology Advisory Board.

Lori and her husband Greg have two children who both attended Wake County public schools, and she is an active participant in her community. She is currently employed by Cisco Systems, Inc. as a technical lead for Education and Learning products.

Candidate Information

Email: loribushtoc@gmail.com
Website: LoriBush.org
Facebook: LoriForCary
Twitter: @LoriBush

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Read more in the Candidate 2015 series.

Cary, NC — This is the fourth installment of our Candidate 2015 series, in which candidates get to respond in their own words to the same three questions.

As usual, we publish the responses in the order we receive them. Next up is Don Frantz, running as the incumbent for Cary Town Council, District B.

Candidate Questionnaire

As we have done in previous election cycles, we sent a list of three short questions to all the candidates for office in Cary. We do not edit the answers but provide a forum for the candidates to speak to our readers in their own words.

We encourage all citizens to go to the polls in Cary on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Don Frantz

Q1 – Why are you running?

We are truly blessed to live in one of the greatest communities in America. I am running for re-election to continue to work to make Cary an even better place to live, work and play and to give back to the community that has provided so much for me and my family.

During my service on the council, I have focused on economic development and fiscal management. I have worked hard to provide the high levels of service that Cary citizens expect at the lowest possible cost to you, the taxpayer and to create an environment that encourages business growth and creates jobs. I have been a champion for our revitalization efforts inside the Maynard Loop and downtown and I have worked to bring accountability and accessibility to Cary government. Most importantly, I have listened and I have learned.

As a member of the council I have earned a reputation as a no-nonsense pragmatic leader. I say what I mean and mean what I say.

My values and life experiences are what guides me – not political ideology. Common sense solutions and principled leadership will continue to move Cary forward – not partisan politics.

I believe that a transparent government is an inclusive government. So do a number of my council colleagues. That is why we work very hard to communicate with Cary citizens both through our blogs and social media. You, the voters deserve to know what we are doing on the council and how we vote. We do work for you after all.

You may not always agree with every decision I make, but you will always know where I stand.

This council works very well together as a team. If you have paid attention over the years you know that hasn’t always been the case – and while each of us are individuals of different backgrounds, beliefs and priorities, we also understand that this isn’t about us – it’s about community.

I believe our positive relationship to be largely responsible for our success. Of course we don’t always agree with each other, but we do understand that compromise is a two-way street and we strive towards solutions that all of us can be satisfied with and that move our community forward.

I have had the privilege of meeting and hearing from so many of you during my time on the council and together we have worked to solve a number of issues in Cary. We have accomplished a lot, but we still have work to do.

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 again on October 6th.

Q2 – What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them?

Economic Development and Job Creation

Quality of life begins with a good paying job. During my time on the council I have worked hard to create a business friendly environment here in Cary that encourages business growth and creates jobs.

Sound fiscal policy, low taxes and reduced government bureaucracies have resulted in significant business growth in Cary and at 3.5%, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.

There are now more Cary citizens working in Cary than those who commute outside town limits for work. That was not the case before I was elected.  As a successful businessman I know what it takes to create jobs in a tough economy. As a parent of six I know how much that matters.

Cary is now a significant player in the state and southeast in regards to job recruitment and retention.

Downtown Revitalization and Redevelopment

One of the reasons I first ran for council was that I was disappointed with the town’s efforts – or lack thereof – inside and around the Maynard loop and Downtown. The town sure talked a good game downtown, but nothing was happening. That is no longer the case.

I have worked hard to ensure that Downtown and old Cary receives their fair share of town investments.

I fought to make sure that Cary kept its promise to build a signature park downtown and not allow the majority of this land to be developed. I am pleased to report that Phase one of the park will begin construction in a few months. We also completed the long overdue Higgins Greenway improvements to better connect neighborhoods and promote walkability and healthy living.

I championed the redevelopment of old Cary Elementary into The Cary Arts Center. This project was completed on time and $3 million under budget and is now one of the crown jewels of Cary.

The Academy Street and streetscape improvements are currently under construction along with the Mayton Inn. I have also supported a number of infrastructure improvement projects, festivals, public-private partnerships, and the elimination of cumbersome regulations downtown to further promote private investment.

There is now a buzz and excitement in downtown Cary like never before. New restaurants, office uses and retail are locating in and around downtown – we even have a brewery on the way!

Great things are happening in and around downtown. With your continued support I promise to keep things happening.

Growth Management/Neighborhood Protection

The real question isn’t will we grow, it is how we grow that matters. Let’s be honest – Cary is one of the most desirable places to live in the country. The only way to stop people from coming to Cary is to make Cary a less desirable place to live. Nobody wants to do that.

As a member of the council I have promoted a balanced growth approach that supports quality development projects while maintaining a reasonable 3% growth rate. This helps to ensure that infrastructure and services keep pace with growth and that any new growth does not further burden surrounding communities. I support development that protects the character and charm of existing neighborhoods and I oppose that which does not. I know the word “NO” and am not afraid to use it when a proposed development does not meet the community’s expectations.

Q3 – Give us a brief bio and tell us about your relevant experience.

My wife, Lisa and I are the proud parents of six children who were all born and raised in Cary. Two of our sons are currently serving our country in the United States Army.

Lisa and I are also successful small business owners in Downtown Cary. As such, my background gives me first-hand experience with many of the challenges facing small business today, as well as the role that good customer service plays in any organization’s success. As a member of North Carolina’s National Federation of Independent Business Leadership Council and the Cary Chamber of Commerce, I work very hard to support our local and regional business economy.

Lisa and I have always been very involved in our community. We have been active members of the Cary Elementary PTA, Cary IMP Club, and function as boosters for numerous area civic and youth groups. I have served on Cary’s Planning and Zoning Board and Citizen Budget Review Commission and I also served as president of the Heart of Cary Association from 2005-2007.

As the District B Representative on the Cary Town Council I also serve as the council liaison to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board and The Friends of the Page Walker. I have also served on Wake County’s Growth Issues Task Force and Transit Advisory Committee.

I have a proven record of working with Wake County Commissioners and School Board members both past and present to address a number of school related issues and I remain committed towards increased vocational education opportunities for students.

Professional Achievements:

• Owner, Frantz Automotive Center
• 2010 NFIB Small Business Champion of the Year
• Top 100 NC Small Business, Business Leader Media
• Top 50 Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Leader Magazine
• 2008 Cary Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year
• Top 10 Repair Shop in the Nation, MotorAge Magazine 2007, 2009
• Voted “Best of Cary” Cary News, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015
• Grand Marshal, 2010 Carquest 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Public Service:

• Member, Cary Town Council 2007 – current
• Member, Town of Cary Planning and Zoning Board 2005-2007
• Member, Town of Cary Citizen Budget Review Commission 2004-2005
• Representative to the Triangle J Council of Governments Smart Growth Committee
• Council liaison – Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Committee
• Wake County Growth Issues Task Force
• Wake County Transit Advisory Committee
• Cary Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award

Civic Involvement:

• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Leadership Council
• Cary Chamber of Commerce
• Heart of Cary Association, member and Past President
• Cary IMP Club
• Cary Elementary PTA
• Friends of the Page Walker
• Vocational Education/Career Training Advocate
• Booster and Volunteer for Numerous Area Youth and Civic Groups

Candidate Information

Website: www.frantzforcary.com
Email: don@frantzforcary.com

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Read more in the Candidate 2015 series.

Cary, NC — This is the eighth installment of our Candidate 2015 series, in which candidates get to respond in their own words to the same three questions.

As usual, we publish the responses in the order we receive them. Next up is Ken George, running for the vacant District D seat in Cary Town Council.

Candidate Questionnaire

As we have done in previous election cycles, we sent a list of three short questions to all the candidates for office in Cary. We do not edit the answers but provide a forum for the candidates to speak to our readers in their own words.

We encourage all citizens to go to the polls in Cary on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Ken George

Q1 – Why are you running?

I believe Cary’s best days are ahead, not behind.  Having virtually my whole life here, from attending Cary Elementary School through graduating from Cary High, and now having a grandchild at Cary Elementary, I understand where we’ve come from and have a vision of where we can go.

I believe I’m the best candidate in the race, not just for having that perspective, but also because I’ve built a one-man consulting firm into a thriving dozen person technology company in the last 20 years, weathering two major recessions.  My vast business experience of meeting payroll and navigating business climate changes, uniquely qualifies me to bring expertise to the council that is currently not present.

But these are simply reasons WHY I am qualified.  It’s my LOVE of Cary, my PRIDE in Cary, from having represented Cary beginning when I was only 14 years old that is driving me to run in this race.  I was a member of the Cary High School Marching Band in the 70’s, representing Cary in Texas, California, Florida and even Switzerland.  It’s hard to put into words the pride of wearing the uniform bearing those four letters:  C  A  R  Y, and knowing that there is no substitute for excellence in everything we did.

We were ambassadors for Cary, North Carolina.  I want to continue in a formal way, to be that ambassador, taking the message of “Cary’s Excellence” to those considering investing or moving here and to the surrounding communities, to maintain the quality of living in all of Wake County.

Q2 – What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them?

• I want to continue to look at our development plans and redevelopment plans, not to pattern ourselves after other over-crowded urban areas, but to bring fresh approaches to growth that will maintain our quality of living. I want to review with the council the plans that they have in mind for growth and bring my enthusiasm and perspective for moving Cary in the right direction for my children and grandchildren.  Public input from my district will ALWAYS be welcome.  I want to follow up with every citizen’s input and help find answers to their questions.
• Customer service by town staff is JOB ONE for the town. The staff is employed to make sure that they are SERVING the citizens.  I believe they are doing a GREAT job, but I also know that we are the LEANEST town in the county, perhaps the state, with only 8.1 employees per 1,000 residents.  Is that “lean” or do we risk “under serving” our people?  Due to the deep recession, we’ve got positions unfilled.  As we recover, we need to analyze and evaluate our staffing needs, adding people where needed, in order to properly serve the town.  Just as we’ll never get I-40 wide enough to avoid slow-downs at rush hour, we’ll never have enough employees for instant access for citizens at all times, nor should we.  I want to bring a smart approach to evaluating our staffing needs going forward.  This also includes smart planning with the police department, knowing that a large number of retirements will be happening in the next 7 years.  We must plan for the holes that this will create.
• District D has not been represented on the council since last December. I want to balance the needs of some of the older neighborhoods with the new in our district.  Most of the homes and developments in District D are not new.  Established neighborhoods, such as my own in Scottish Hills, are over 40 years old.  Making sure that roads, water and sewer lines and other infrastructure are maintained and updated is an important job moving forward.  We don’t want older developments to be neglected at the expense of newer ones.  Having seen paving and water lines replaced in my neighborhood all summer, has helped me appreciate the issue even more.

Q3 – Give us a brief bio and tell us about your relevant experience.

I grew up here, attending Cary Elementary, Cary Junior High and Cary High School.  My roots run deep in Cary.  Remembering my trip to Switzerland with the Cary High School Band, with then Mayor Fred Bond, seeing him receive the key to cities and swell with pride in the Cary Band, I was determined to move to Cary so that we could raise our children here.

As soon as I moved within the city limits in 1988 with my wife and six children, I got involved by applying and being appointed by the town council to the Cary Sister Cities Commission.  With those Sister City relationships, I have worked closely with the town council for nearly 20 of the last 26 years.  Having spent nearly 2 years abroad in the Dominican Republic with my wife as full-time missionaries, with all six of our children graduated from Cary High, all with degrees from UNC System Universities, and now that we have 8 grandchildren, Karen and I have settled in to the community again and want to give back.

When I graduated from Cary High School in 1976, I began attending NCSU that fall.  Due to circumstances beyond my control, I withdrew from NC State after having completed 4 semesters and pursued a career in Sales and Marketing, eventually founding NetSmart, Inc. here in Cary in 1995.  It was during my sophomore year in high school that my mother died.  Because she was worried that I would pursue a career in photography and not go to college, I made her a promise just weeks before she died that I would go to college.

In 2010, after returning from full-time mission work in the Dominican Republic, my promise began to haunt me.  I re-enrolled in NCSU, carrying a heavy course load for two semesters and graduated in 2011 Cum Laude.  Keeping my promises and honoring my commitments are paramount in my character.  I want to bring the work ethic and integrity that my parents instilled in me to the office of the Cary Town Council.

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Read more in the Candidate 2015 series.

Cary, NC — Election day is less than two weeks away, and early voting starts in Cary on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Here’s everything you need to know.

Election Day is October 6

Election day is Tuesday, October 6, 2015, but early voting starts this week.

This year’s election is a Town of Cary Municipal Election. Both Mayor Weinbrecht and At-Large Town Council Member Lori Bush are running unopposed for reelection to their current spots.

Four new candidates are running for the vacant District D seat on Cary Town Council. This seat, which represents the southwest portion of Cary, was formerly held by Gale Adcock, who is now representing Cary in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Two new candidates are running against incumbent Don Frantz for the District B seat, which represents Downtown Cary and its surrounding areas.

You can read about the new and returning candidates in our Candidate 2015 series.

Early Voting in Cary

Early voting runs from Thursday, September 24, 2015 through Saturday, October 3, 2015. Any eligible Wake County voter can vote at any Wake County early voting location.

Cary has one location for early voting:

Herbert C. Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513
Downtown, behind Town Hall

Voting Times in Cary:

• Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – 11am-7pm
• Thursday, October 1, 2015 – 11am-7pm
• Friday, October 2, 2015 – 11am-7pm
• Saturday, October 3, 2015 – 10am-1pm

Other Early Voting Location

You can also vote early in Raleigh starting today, September 24, 2015, at the Board of Elections Office, 337 S. Salisbury Street in Downtown Raleigh.

See the times and dates for Raleigh voting.

Candidate Questionnaire

Do you want to vote but feel uninformed about the candidates?

As we’ve done in the past, CaryCitizen has been publishing responses to our Candidate Questionnaire. We asked all the candidate(s) running for Mayor, At-Large, District B and District D seats on Cary Town Council the same three questions:

1. Why are you running?
2. What three issues are most important to you?
3. What’s your background?

All nine candidates responded this year – you can learn more about them in their own words (we simply copied and pasted their answers) in our Candidate 2015 series.

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Story by Jessica Patrick. Photo from CaryCitizen files.

Cary, NC — This is the ninth and final installment of our Candidate 2015 series, in which candidates get to respond in their own words to the same three questions.

As usual, we publish the responses in the order we receive them. Our last candidate is Maria Cervania, running for the currently vacant District D seat on Cary Town Council.

Candidate Questionnaire

As we have done in previous election cycles, we sent a list of three short questions to all the candidates for office in Cary. We do not edit the answers but provide a forum for the candidates to speak to our readers in their own words.

We encourage all citizens to go to the polls in Cary on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Maria Cervania

Q1 – Why are you running?

Cary needs a representative who will both complement the experience that has made our town great and provide a fresh perspective for its future. We need a new energy to engage our citizens who built Cary, and, at the same time, a voice for the people have recently moved here from outside North Carolina, the South, and even, the United States.

I will work hard everyday to ensure that our town council works for all of Cary. I will take care of what we value, be open about our work, seek collaboration, and be responsive in this dynamic, evolving environment. Ultimately, our most important goal will be in the forefront: a better Cary.

Q2 – What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them?

Intelligent Growth: I believe in a holistic, coordinated approach to growth. Decisions made by the Cary Town Council about growth affects our schools, neighborhoods and roads. The outcomes should be focused on preserving our quality of life and building a sustainable future.

• We need to do our part to avert any negative impact on our schools, teachers and students. It is also essential to maintain a strong relationship with our State-level decision makers and the Wake County School System. We must clearly communicate the needs of our children to ensure their best possible education.
• The work done by the Cary Town Council and the Town of Cary staff impacts our neighborhoods We must care for our town’s vital services so that Cary may continue to be one of the best towns in America and the world.
• It is increasingly difficult to safely drive and bike on our roads. We have to make ourselves and all responsible entities accountable towards solutions.

Flourishing Local Economy: Let’s have a vibrant Cary by building a flourishing local economy.  Supporting our local businesses invests in our neighbors and shows that we believe in them. Plus, it puts money back into our community.

Lasting Community Engagement: Beyond asking for input, it is important to have ongoing, permanent relationships with citizens in the community so that we may identify issues, agree on solutions, evaluate success and share results. Through community engagement, we can collaborate on what is truly best for Cary.

Q3 – Give us a brief bio and tell us about your relevant experience.

• Born in the Silicon Valley and proud daughter of a United States Navy Veteran
• Graduate of the University of California at Berkeley
• Master’s degree candidate at the University of Illinois – School of Public Health
• Wife of over 10 years to husband, Jon
• Church affiliation: Roman Catholic
• Medic at a free clinic and Coordinator at a YMCA
• Former President of the American Public Health Association Student Caucus and Editorial Board Member of the American Journal of Public Health
• 12 years of public service receiving a Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner’s Vision Award and a graduate of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Leadership Institute
• Project Manager, Business Improvement Specialist, Performance Management Analyst and Statistician
• Community Organizer, Neighborhood Team Leader and co-Precinct Leader of Wake County Precinct 20-10
• Vice-Chair of the Wake County Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucus
• Founder, Cal (Berkeley) Alumni of the Triangle
• Board Member, Berkeley Homeowners Association

Candidate Information

Email: Maria@MariaCervania.com
Website: www.MariaCervania.com
Facebook: CervaniaForCary
Twitter: @mcervania

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Read more in the Candidate 2015 series.

Cary, NC — Find your voting place for the upcoming election on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Election Day is October 6

Election day is Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Early voting in Cary is going on right now and will continue until Saturday, October 3, 2015.

This year’s election is a Town of Cary Municipal Election. You can read all about the new and returning candidates in our Candidate 2015 series.

Find Your Voting Place

Your voting place can change from time to time–if you’re not sure where to go (or if you want to double check), the North Carolina Board of Elections provides the following online tool.

NC Voter Lookup

No sign-up is required–simply enter your name, date of birth, and county. Once you’ve logged in, you will see your voter info, precinct and polling place location.

Get a Sample Ballot

You will also find a link to view your official sample ballot on that same page. Print it out to see which candidates you’ll be voting for.

Candidate Info

Check out our Candidate 2015 series on CaryCitizen to learn more about the candidates in their own words. To avoid media bias, we simply sent each of the nine Cary candidates the same three questions. Then, we copied and pasted their answers without making any edits.

This year, all nine candidates participated.

Your Vote Counts

Many of the races are close and come down to only a few votes.

Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina. If you are standing in line at 7:30 p.m. when the polls close, you will be allowed to vote.

Curbside voting is available at every voting place for persons with disabilities.

For more information, visit the Wake County Board of Elections.

See you at the polls, citizens!

Related Content

• Early Voting in Cary Starts September 30
• 2015 Candidate Profiles

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Story by Jessica Patrick. Photo from Vox Efx.

Cary, NC — Get ready to vote! Election Day is next week on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. 

Vote Early

It’s not too late to vote early – check out our earlier story for all you need to know.

Vote on October 6 for Cary Candidates

This year’s election is a Town of Cary Municipal Election – which means that the candidates we’ll vote for next week live and work right here in Cary. They represent us and make decisions about our roads, developments and more. I can’t think of a better reason to vote this year.

You can read about all of the new and returning candidates in our Candidate 2015 series.

Mayor Harold Weinbrcht and at-large Council Member Lori Bush are running unopposed for reelection this year, so only two district races are competitive in Cary.

Four new candidates are running for the vacant District D seat on Cary Town Council. This seat, which represents the southwest portion of Cary, was formerly held by Gale Adcock, who is now representing Cary in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Photo courtesy of Ken George.

Candidates (from left) Ken George, Maria Cervania, Nancy Caggia and Gray Rinehart are running for the District D seat. We enjoyed getting to know them at the Heart of Cary Association’s Downtown Debates last week. Read their unedited answers to three questions to learn more about who they are and what they stand for.

The other competitive seat is District B, which represents Downtown Cary and its surrounding areas. Downtown Cary is currently undergoing a revitalization, or “renaissance,” and, because of that, the three contestants’ plans for downtown all differ quite drastically. In this year’s election, incumbent Don Frantz is being challenged by Frank Lazzaro and Gabe Talton.

Read about the three District B candidates in our unedited Candidate 2015 series.

What’s My District?

Not sure which district you’re in? Use this Town of Cary resource. All you need to do is click your location on the map to see your polling place and who you’ll be voting for.

Find Your Voting Place

Here’s another resource to find similar information. If you’re not sure where to go on Election Day, the North Carolina Board of Elections provides the following online tool. Enter your name, date of birth and county to see your voter info, precinct and polling place location.

NC Voter Lookup

You will find a link to view your official sample ballot on that same page, too. This resource shows you what your ballot will look like and who you’ll be voting for.

Other Tips for Election Day

Polls are open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina. If you are standing in line at 7:30 p.m. when the polls close, you will be allowed to vote.

Curbside voting is available at every voting place for persons with disabilities.

For more information, visit the Wake County Board of Elections.

See you at the polls, citizens!

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Story by Jessica Patrick. Lead photo by P T.

Cary, NC — Wake County Board of Elections has released preliminary results for Cary’s municipal elections.

Cary Election Results 2015

Three incumbents have been returned to Cary Town Council, according to unofficial results from Wake County Board of Elections.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and At-Large Council Member Lori Bush ran unopposed and garnered 95.29% and 95.67% of the votes cast respectively.

Don Frantz, the incumbent in District B, bested a field of two challengers with 60.16%.

In District D, the Council seat had been vacated by Gale Adcock who left to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly. Ken George received the most votes for this district (42.23%) in a crowded field of four. Maria Cervania, who followed him with 28% of votes, is asking for a runoff.

In Cary, if a candidate receives more than 50% of votes, he or she wins. In this election, George’s shortfall to that 50% enabled Cervania, his runner-up, to request a runoff election.

Runoff for District D

Voters who live in District D will vote in the runoff election on November 3, 2015. Early voting will be open from Wednesday, October 28 to Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Herb Young in Downtown Cary. Continue reading CaryCiitzen for updates as we near the runoff election.

Low Voter Turnout

Once again, a municipal election in an off-year (no presidential race) drew little voter interest in Wake County with only 11.01% of registered voters casting a ballot.

Get Full Results

Get the full results of Cary’s 2015 Municipal Election at Wake County Board of Elections.

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Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC — Residents of Cary who live in District D can vote in an important runoff election on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

Runoff Election – Your Vote Counts

Two weeks ago, very few voters went to the polls to vote for Cary Town Council candidates. In fact, only 11.01% of registered voters cast a ballot in the October 6, 2015 municipal election.

Following the election, three incumbents returned to Cary Town Council, including Mayor Weinbrecht and Council Members Lori Bush and Don Frantz.

The race for District D, however, went undecided. Candidate Ken George received the most votes (42.23%) in a crowded field of four, and Maria Cervania followed him with 28% of votes. Since neither held the majority (50% of votes or greater), a runoff election will occur in Cary on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 for those who live in District D.

Find Your District & Polling Place

You can use one of two resources to learn your district and polling place.

On this Town of Cary resource, simply click the general location of your home on the map. Two tabs will pop up – one shows your polling place and another shows your district. District D residents will see that a seat is vacant and can vote for a candidate to fill it on November 3.

Here’s another resource from the NC Board of Elections. Enter your name, date of birth and county to see your voter info, precinct and polling place location. You will find a link to view your official sample ballot on that same page, too.

This resource shows you what your ballot will look like and who you’ll be voting for.

Candidate Information

To learn more about the two District D candidates, check out our candidate questionnaires below. We asked each candidate to answer three questions in their own words.

• Candidate Questionnaire – Ken George
• Candidate Questionnaire – Maria Cervania

You can also hear candidates’ positions on the issues most important to them on the Cary Community Candidate Forum on Cary TV.

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Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC — The Wake County Board of Elections has released preliminary results for Cary’s November 3, 2015 District D runoff election.

Cary Runoff Election Results 2015

Cary has a new Town Council Member.

According to unofficial results from the Wake County Board of Elections, Ken George secured 60.8% of the votes in yesterday’s runoff election. George will serve District D within Cary Town Council. This seat, which represents the southwest portion of Cary, was formerly held by Gale Adcock, who is now representing Cary in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Maria Cervania, the only other Cary candidate in the race, received 39.92% of the votes.

George will serve Cary with incumbents Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Lori Bush and Don Frantz, who were reelected in the October 6, 2015 election.

Voter Turnout

12% of registered Wake County voters cast a ballot in yesterday’s election.

Get Full Results

Get the full results of the November 3, 2015 election at Wake County Board of Elections.

——————————————————————————————————————————–

Story from staff reports. Photo by Jessica Patrick.

This story was contributed by Brent Ducharme of the UNC Center for Civil Rights at the UNC School of Law.

Wake County, NC — As the March 15 primary approaches, recent changes in state voting law are adding an extra layer of confusion for North Carolinians navigating the path to the polls.

Here’s how you can prepare for the election on March 15, 2016.

Early Voting

Under North Carolina law, the last day to register for the March 15 primary was February 19, 2016. If you failed to register last week, you can still vote during the early voting period, which is scheduled to last from March 3 – March 12, 2016.

During early voting, you can go to an early voting site, register and vote in one stop. There is no same-day registration on Election Day (March 15). During the early voting period, registered voters can cast a ballot at any of the designated early voting sites in their county. Check the Wake County Board of Elections for information on where early voting sites are located and when they will be open.

Election Day

If you plan to vote on Election Day (March 15), you must vote at your assigned precinct. You can check your registration and find your polling place at the NC State Board of Elections website.

On March 15, 2016, the polls will be open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm.

Instructions for All Voters

All voters will be asked to present a photo ID. Acceptable photo IDs include a North Carolina driver’s license or other DMV-issued photo ID, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID card or a tribal enrollment card. The address listed on the photo ID does not need to match the address on a voter’s registration. However, school-issued student IDs will not be accepted.

Voters who arrive to the polls without an acceptable ID can still cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional ballots, and accompanying declaration forms that explain why a voter does not have a photo ID, will be available at all voting sites. Voters casting provisional ballots must also either provide their birthdate and the last four digits of their Social Security Number on the declaration form or present a voter registration card, bank statement, utility bill, or government document with their name and address on it.

Your Vote Counts

Remember these important points and exercise your constitutional right to vote:

• If you didn’t register before February 19 and you want to vote, you must vote during the early voting period, from March 3 – March 12, 2016.
• Vote early if possible at any early voting location in your county, but, on Election Day go your assigned polling place.
• Bring your photo ID. Even if you don’t have one, you can still vote!

Questions?

Voters with questions or concerns can call the national Election Protection hotline at 888-OUR-VOTE (888-687-8683). The hotline is available during early voting and will be staffed by volunteer attorneys and trained UNC Law students on Election Day.

Story by Brent Ducharme, Attorney-Fellow with the UNC Center for Civil Rights. Photo by Keith Ivey.

Cary, NC — Early voting for the March 15, 2016 primary election starts today. Here’s what you need to know.

2016 Primary

Candidates for federal, state, and local offices will appear on the primary ballot on March 15, 2016, but Wake County residents can vote early starting March 3, 2016. You can visit the Wake County Board of Elections website to view your sample ballot and to find information about your registration, district and polling location.

Early Voting in Wake County, NC

Early voting runs from Thursday, March 3 through Saturday, March 12, 2016.

Any eligible Wake County voter can vote at any Wake County early voting location.

One Cary Location

Cary has one location for early voting:

Herbert C Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson ​Avenue, Cary
Times for early voting at Herb Young

Other Early Voting Locations

• Apex Community Center, 53 Hunter Street, downtown Apex
• Board of Elections Office, 337 S. Salisbury Street, downtown Raleigh

Find more early voting locations online.

Related Content

Find more information about voting in the 2016 Primary.

Story from staff reports. Photo by Jeffrey L. Cohen.

Cary, NC – A $2 billion dollar infrastructure bond issue for North Carolina is on the ballot in this election. Let us know in the comments if you plan to vote Yes, No or Don’t Care.

The NC Infrastructure Bond

The infrastructure bond supports education, water & sewage, the Zoo, the National Guard and farming.

Projects include:

• Water/Sewer – $309 million
• Western Carolina University Stem Building  – $110 million
• UNC Greensboro Nursing Building – $105 million
• NC A&T Engineering Building – $90 million

There’s also money for Umstead Park, Wake Tech, Kerr Lake, Pilot Mountain, Falls Lake, the Eno River and lots more.

You can download the detailed breakout of the NC Infrastructure Bond, sortable by item, amount, county and more.

>> Infrastructure Bond – Detailed Breakout <<

(Source: Connect NC)

Why March 15?

The $2 billion dollar bond issue has bipartisan support, including Sen. Dan Blue (Democratic Leader), Gov. McCrory (R), Rep. Gale Adcock (D – Cary) and the Cary Chamber of Commerce.

And yet, March 15 is a strange day to pick for something you support. Voter turnout in the last presidential primary (2012) was 34%. Turnout in the General Election was 68%. (source: NC Board of Elections)

It’s almost like they don’t want you to vote

Trump & Clinton

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are on the ballot in Cary, too. So is Jeb Bush, Martin O’Malley and a bunch of other people who never made it to the television debates. (Explanation: You can announce that you are withdrawing from the race, but that does not affect your status as a registered candidate on the ballot.)

So, you have a lot of choices.

Early Voting Now / Election Day March 15

Early Voting is open now. Election Day is Tuesday, March 15, 2016. More info from CaryCitizen:

• Early Voting Starts in Cary
• 2016 Primary: New Rules

Yes, No or Don’t Care?

You can express your opinion on the bond issue in the comments. Vote:

• Yes
• No
• Don’t Care

Keep it polite and respectful. First time commenters have to await moderation, which can sometimes take a couple of hours. More info: Comments Policy.

Story and picture by Hal Goodtree.

Morrisville, NC – When Morrisville Town Council member Vicki Scroggins-Johnson won her primary earlier this year, she believed the Wake County district she was running for would still exist come November. But now a recent federal court ruling has put this race in limbo.

New Districts

In 2015, the North Carolina General Assembly changed the election map in Wake County for the Board of Commissioners. In their new version, the seven districts around Wake County, each of which have a commissioner, are joined by two at-large districts: District A and District B.

Scroggins-Johnson won the Democratic primary to run for the new position of Wake County Commissioner in the B district, running against Republican John Adcock from Fuquay-Verina.

However, state Democrats alleged that the Republican-controlled legislature redrew the county election map to benefit Republicans and on Friday, July 1, 2016, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the new map.

Now, Scroggins-Johnson does not know if her district will be there when the November election comes.

“No one has given me any information. I get everything from the News & Observer and other media,” Scroggins-Johnson said. “No one in my party or anyone else has told me anything, which I find unusual.”

Wake County elections director Gary Sims and Wake Board of Elections Chairman Brian Ratledge are currently assessing what to do with the election map. So for now, Scroggins-Johnson is running for somewhat of a Schrödinger’s District.

“My contingency plan is to continue to serve in any way that I can, including my work on the Morrisville Town Council,” Scroggins-Johnson said. She added that she is looking to see if there will be an opportunity to refile for the election.

Growth in Wake County

While Scroggins-Johnson is a Democrat, it is partially due to the actions of her fellow state Democrats that the future of the Wake County district she is running for is uncertain. But Scroggins-Johnson said having some kind of at-large district would fit the area.

“We are growing so much so I feel we need additional seats on the Board of Commissioners,” she said. “I think districts A and B are an opportunity to do that.”

As part of her idea, Scroggins-Johnson said she would like to make the districts such that people from all over Wake County would vote on them and the two districts’ elections would be staggered by two or more years. Also, adding two more seats would mean Wake’s Board of Commissions and School Board would have the same number of seats.

Scroggins-Johnson said, in her opinion, the county should redistrict when there is a census, as it did in 2010 and 2011. And while Scroggins-Johnson said her colleagues have said there is no harm in going back to the 2011 map, she disagreed.

“We have had 100,000 votes for this election already,” she said.

The Fourth Circuit also ruled against the 2013 redrawing of Wake’s School Board map, which changed the nine-district county into seven districts with two at-large districts much like the A and B districts for the county commissioners.

Story by Michael Papich. Photos courtesy of Wake County and Keith Ivey.

Cary, NC – With the recent federal Circuit Court ruling undoing North Carolina’s 2013 changes to the laws surrounding voting rules, CaryCitizen will lay out the current rules over the next few months to make it easy for you to understand what to do come election day.

Voter Registration

Even if you are already registered to vote, you may need to re-register if you have changed addresses recently.

With the voting law struck down by the courts, same-day registration is now back in place so voters can register on the same day they go into vote. This is particularly accessible during the early voting period, which now stretches from Thursday, October 20 to Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Also, 16-and-17-year-olds who will be 18 on election day (Tuesday, November 8, 2016) can now pre-register to vote.

State-sponsored voter registration drives are also back in place now so there may be information available in your area to help you learn more and navigate voter registration.

To register, you can either fill out this form online and mail it in (contrary to the state website, electronic signatures on the PDF are now allowed, according to the Wake County Board of Elections) or go in person to either your County Board of Elections, your local Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health or other public assistance locations.

And you can also register the day of voting but it is always better to act ahead of time.

CaryCitizen does not take a stance on elections or endorse candidates but we encourage everyone who is able to go out to vote and make their voice heard.

Story by staff reports. Photos by Jessica Patrick and Mira Montes.

Cary, NC – With the recent federal Circuit Court ruling undoing North Carolina’s 2013 changes to the laws surrounding voting rules, CaryCitizen will lay out the current rules over the next few months to make it easy for you to understand what to do come election day.

Early Voting

If you want to vote in the 2016 election and don’t want to fight the crowds on Tuesday, November 8, there are two weeks of early voting you can now take advantage of as a result of the court ruling.

While you have a specific precinct you will need to vote at on Election Day, for early voting you can to go to the Herbert C. Young Community Center at 101 Wilkinson Ave. in Cary, though there are many other sites across Wake County.

Previously, the Wake County Board of Elections had determined that the first week of early voting would only be available at their center. But after work from Cary’s staff and Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, early voting will be available at the Herb Young Community Center starting Thursday, October 20, 2016.

For early voting from Thursday, October 20 to Saturday, November 5, 2016, the times are:

Oct. 20 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 21 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 22 – 8:30 AM to 2 PM

Oct. 23 – 1 PM to 5 PM

Oct. 24 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 25 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 26 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 27 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 28 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Oct. 29 – 8:30 AM to 2 PM

Oct. 30 – 1 PM to 5 PM

Oct. 31 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Nov. 1 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Nov. 2 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Nov. 3 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Nov. 4 – 9 AM to 7 PM

Nov. 5 – 9 AM to 1 PM

If you are not already registered to vote, you can also register when you go to early voting. You will need to show a form of identification to register. Those are:

• NC driver’s license
• Other government photo ID with name and current address
• Utility bill, bank statement, or payroll stub with name and current address
• Student photo ID with a school document showing the student’s address
• Any document from any government agency with the voter’s name and current address

Candidates Forum

In the local area, there will also be several candidates forums coming up for districts that may pertain to Cary residents.

Western Wake Board of Education Forum (Districts 8 and 9)

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, 7 PM

Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church

200 High Meadow Dr.

Cary, NC

Eastern Wake Board of Education Forum (Districts 1, 2 and 4)

Thurday, October 6, 2016, 7 PM

St. James United Methodist Church

3808 St. James Church Rd.

Raleigh, NC

Wake County Board of Commissioners (Districts 4 and 6)

October 13, 2016, 7 PM

Shaw University, Estey Hall Auditorium

118 E. South St.

Raleigh, NC

At the forums, candidates will be asked questions by both the sponsoring organizations and the audience. Registration is encouraged but not required.

CaryCitizen does not take a stance on elections or endorse candidates but we encourage everyone who is able to go out to vote and make their voice heard.

Story by staff reports. Photo by Keith Ivey and Steven Depolo.

Cary, NC – There are only 35 days until the 2016 general election and even fewer if you’re planning on early voting. So to give them a chance to make their cases to business owners and community members, the Cary Chamber of Commerce hosted North Carolina Representatives and Senators and their opponents to talk with citizens directly.

The Wednesday, September 28, 2016 event at Prestonwood Country Club took a different approach to candidate forums. Attendees were spread out among a dozen or so tables and space was set aside for a candidate to sit at the table and talk with the people there for 8-10 minutes before rotating to a different table, referred to by some of the candidates as a “speed dating” format.

Before this section started, all of the present candidates gave a short speech about themselves and their policies. Education and the roles of businesses big and small in the Cary area were common subjects among all the candidates. Republican candidates also brought up the low tax levels in the area and the growth created in the “Carolina Comeback” and Democratic candidates talked about changing the rules for redistricting in Wake County and North Carolina, with a few also voicing their opposition to House Bill 2.

Of the five candidates who came to the table where CaryCitizen was, here’s what they had to say in order of when they spoke:

Jay Chaudhuri – Senate District 16 (Incumbent, Democrat)

The questions for Chaudhuri at the table centered entirely around education and Chaudhuri said he wanted to push for a “five-by-five” plan in increasing teacher pay. That would mean for the next five years, teacher pay would increase five percent each year.

“That would cost $250 million and in a $22 billion budget, I think we can find room for that,” Chaudhuri said.

Chaudhuri also criticized the way education spending in North Carolina is obfuscated, bringing up the education lottery’s revenue as an example. His solution is to make the education budget a separate vote from the larger North Carolina budget.

“That would avoid the shell game,” he said. “It would heighten debate and discussion.”

He also said the state should push for more coding education, which he said would fill many vacant jobs.

Jennifer Ferrell – House District 36 (Challenger, Democrat)

Ferrell talked about education funding in North Carolina as it related to getting resources to schools in rural or underserved areas. Where Ferrell said funding can be freed up is by undoing the state’s voucher program for private schools.

“Some of these schools are parochial and can discriminate in who they take in,” Ferrell said.

Ferrell also said funding is going to virtual charter schools, which she would want to undo as well.

In the larger context of infrastructure in rural areas, Ferrell said the General Assembly and rural towns will need to find a working relationship.

“Funding comes from town councils but it also comes from the state legislature,” she said. “We can make sure towns can spend infrastructure smartly.”

Ferrell pointed to Cary as a good guide for towns such as Apex and Fuquay-Varina on how to direct spending.

Chris Shoffner – House District 41 (Challenger, Republican)

Shoffner, who has a background in health care, talked about health care reform and the issues he said arose from the Affordable Care Act.

“If you ask health insurers to cover someone from first dollar, premiums won’t go down,” Shoffner said.

Shoffner said changes can be made to the way North Carolina structures its health care spending so reform can happen without needing to repeal the ACA altogether.

Another part of Shoffner’s plan is to make it so health insurance is only used in situations where it is necessary.

“What I want to see is a separation,” he said.

He said insurance plans can give doctors pricing scales and allows them to raise the price of certain procedures. Shoffner did say procedures such as surgeries and certain necessary medications would be included under insurance.

Susan Evans – Senate District 17 (Challenger, Democrat)

Evans was asked about a variety of different issues, one of which was the tax rate in North Carolina. While some Republicans, such as her opponent Nelson Dollar who also spoke at the Wednesday forum, said taxes have gone down, Evans said this was misleading.

“At the same time as they were lowering the income tax rate, they were getting rid of deductions and implemented a plethora of new sales taxes,” Evans said. “The average North Carolinian is paying more in total taxes now.”

Evans also said the last few years have been some of the most difficult for education in North Carolina and brought up past education initiatives.

“We were one of the first states to fund pre-K and have universal kindergarten,” she said.

Evans added her position on pushing for equal women’s rights and used her own experience as a professional woman in the 1970s as an example of how she has fought for that cause.

Ray Martin – House District 11 (Challenger, Republican)

Martin’s key issue was voter engagement and more people going to the polls. In the beginning of the event, when he went up to give his talk, he overturned the chair of Libertarian candidate Brian Lewis, who was not present, as an example of lack of interest in the political process.

“If everyone who didn’t show up to vote voted, our government would look a lot different,” Martin said.

He said he wants to push more young people into voting by giving 18-year-olds time out of school on Election Day and also putting more civics lessons in schools.

As a pitch to people who stay home, Martin said in tight local elections, everyone matters.

“If 20 people are registered to vote and 10 stay home, the value of your vote goes up,” he said.

Story by Michael Papich. Photos by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC – With the recent federal Circuit Court ruling undoing North Carolina’s 2013 changes to the laws surrounding voting rules, CaryCitizen will lay out the current rules over the next few months to make it easy for you to understand what to do come election day. 

Where To Vote

Where you vote will depend on a variety of factors. However, one of the changes to the voting laws in North Carolina as a result of the court decision is out-of-precinct voting is now allowed. So you do not have to worry about voting in the wrong place and not having your vote counted.

Still, it is better to vote in your home precinct than not. There are many tools to help you find your polling place, from the Board of Elections or your local political parties. These will give you the location you would vote at on Election Day – Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

However, if you are planning on early voting, you will not go to your polling place. You will instead go to, if you are in the Cary area, the Herbert C. Young Community Center on 101 Wilkinson Ave. Although depending on where you live in Cary, it may be easier for you to go to, for example, the Apex Community Center on 53 Hunter St. in Apex or the First Baptist Church on 209 Church St. in Morrisville.

Also, if you have not registered to vote and the 25-day registration deadline has passed, you must go to an early voting location. These will let you register on the same day you vote. On Election Day, you will not be able to register and vote. And while you no longer need photo I.D. to vote, you will need some form of identification to register and vote. Those documents can be:

• NC driver’s license
• Other government photo ID with name and current address
• Utility bill, bank statement, or payroll stub with name and current address
• Student photo ID with a school document showing the student’s address
• Any document from any government agency with the voter’s name and current address

Another thing to keep in mind with early voting is, while Early Voting now starts on Thursday, October 20, 2016, not all Early Voting sites will be open in that time. The Herbert C. Young Community Center and the Wake County Board of Elections office in Raleigh on 337 S Salisbury St. will be open in that time but many other Early Voting sites will open on Thursday, October 27 instead.

And if you cannot leave your home or you will be out of town come election time, you can use an Absentee Ballot.

CaryCitizen does not take a stance on elections or endorse candidates but we encourage everyone who is able to go out to vote and make their voice heard.

Story by staff reports. Photos by Keith Ivey, Mira Montes and Steven Depolo.

Cary, NC – With the recent federal Circuit Court ruling undoing North Carolina’s 2013 changes to the laws surrounding voting rules, CaryCitizen will lay out the current rules over the next few months to make it easy for you to understand what to do come election day. 

New Early Voting Sites

While many early voting sites saw their dates put back to Thursday, October 20, 2016 as a result of the federal court ruling, some are still only opening starting today on Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Those sites are:

• Morrisville
  • First Baptist Church, 209 Church St.
• Raleigh
  • Abbott’s Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Rd, Raleigh
  • Green Road Community Center, 4201 Green Road, Raleigh
  • NCSU Creative Services Building, 1220 Varsity Dr, Raleigh
  • Optimist Community Center, 5900 Whittier Dr, Raleigh
  • Triangle Christian Center, 11100 Fellowship Dr, Raleigh
  • Wake Technical Community College Main Campus, 9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh
• Knightdale
  • Knightdale Recreation Center, 101 Lawson Ridge Rd.
• Fuquay-Varina
  • Falcon Park Hut, 105 Falcon Dr.
• Rolesville
  • New Bethel Baptist Church, 605 E Young St.
• Wendell
  • Wendell Community Center, 601 W Third St.

In Cary, Herbert C. Young Community Center is still open for early voting until Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Check the Wake County Board of Elections for a full list of Wake County early voting sites, all of which are now open.

CaryCitizen does not take a stance on elections or endorse candidates but we encourage everyone who is able to go out to vote and make their voice heard.

Story by staff reports. Photos by Keith Ivey and Steven Depolo.

Cary, NC – Most of the attention this election season has been on the Senate, the Governor’s mansion and the White House but there is one issue on the ballot that is closer to home. At the polls, voters will get to make a decision on Wake County’s funding source for an expansion of mass transit.

What’s On the Ballot

In June 2016, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a recommended transit plan that saw the collaboration of CAMPO, various Chambers of Commerce, GoTriangle and more, including work by the Town of Cary and Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.

The plan would, among other things, expand the number of bus routes and hours of operation and build a commuter rail to stretch from Garner to Durham.

Half of the plan would be paid for through a half-cent raise in Wake County’s sales tax and a $10 increase in vehicle registration fees. The federal government would pay for another 25 percent and the rest paid through debt financing, fares and more. At the polls, it is these raises people are voting on.

According to Joe Milazzo, executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance, a business coalition representing various area Chambers of Commerce including the Cary Chamber, the transportation plan is necessary because the county is growing at a rate of more than 60 people per day.

“This is a rapid, flexible response to growth,” Milazzo said.

And Milazzo said by making the routes locally controlled, it can “turn the page” on congestion in the county.

Positives and Negatives

CaryCitizen also reached out to the Wake County Taxpayers Association, a group campaigning against the transportation plan, but they did not respond to requests for an interview.

One of the criticisms of the funding plan is it raises money through a sales tax. Some consider sales tax to be a more regressive form of taxation because, as a flat tax, people with a lower income would pay a greater proportion of their earnings than someone with a median or higher income.

Milazzo said a sales tax is a reasonable way to fund transit because it can get people who use the transportation system but do not live in Wake County.

“Whether you live here or visit, you will buy goods so everyone gets the opportunity to fund the system,” Milazzo said. “Typically, transportation is funded through property tax and that’s okay but there are people who take advantage of our transit who do not live here and would not pay into it.”

Milazzo also said median income county residents pay 10 cents per day in sales tax, as opposed to those near the poverty line who pay five cents per day, according to Wake County data. And the sales tax increase would not affect medicine.

As far as positives of the plan, Milazzo said it will triple the amount of resources going to the bus systems in the county and increase the amount of residents served.

“While building rail can be completed in 10 years, much of the plan can be completed sooner, including expanding routes,” he said.

The ballot referendum reads: “One-half percent (1/2%) local sales and use taxes, in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only for public transportation systems.”

Story by Michael Papich. Photos courtesy of GoCary and GoTriangle.