During this election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for local races representing Orange County. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio. The order of candidates below is in the alphabetical order of their last names.

Since the Orange County Commissioners primary election in March, two out of three races have been all but decided before the first ballot could be cast this fall — but District 2 is contested between Phyllis Portie-Ascott and H. Nathan Robinson.

Prior to the primary, no candidate filed to run against the trio who launched campaigns in the race. Incumbent Jean Hamilton and newcomer Marilyn Carter — taking the place of the departing Commissioner Anna Richards — will remain representing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district, while incumbent Amy Fowler will retain her at-large seat. All three candidates will be on the ballot in the general election, though the races are uncontested.

97.9 The Hill reached out to each candidate in the race to ask the following questions, and share the candidate’s responses:

• Why were you inspired to join this race?
• What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
• How do you believe the town should approach addressing broad issues like the challenging housing market, environmental resiliency, and economic sustainability? What are some policies you support or strategies you would advocate for if elected?
• What is something you believe the Board of Orange County Commissioners has done well in the last four years, and what is something you would have done differently?
• When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?

(Uncontested race interviews were recorded prior to the primary election, and are republished here)

Orange County Board of Commissioners District 2

(1 seat)

Phyllis Portie-Ascott (D)

Photo via The Committee to Elect Phyllis Portie-Ascott.

H. Nathan Robinson (R)

Photo via Nathan For Office.

Robinson did not responded to 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro’s requests to participate in the questionnaire.

Orange County District 1

(2 seats)

Marilyn Carter

Photo via Marilyn Carter for OC.

Jean Hamilton

Photo via Hamilton for Orange County.

Orange County At-Large Seat

(1 seat)

Amy Fowler

Photo via Amy Fowler for Orange.

Early voting in the local and statewide elections for the 2024 general cycle begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 in North Carolina. Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

More of the 2024 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page.

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