As the Town of Pittsboro prepares for turnover at its town board and mayor position this November, one elected official is looking to make a jump in roles.

Kyle Shipp announced Tuesday morning he will be running for Pittsboro mayor after serving one term as a town commissioner. Shipp aims to succeed current mayor Cindy Perry, who has said she will not run for re-election this fall.

“With a shared vision and collective action, there is a sustainable future ahead for the town,” said Shipp in a release. “[I feel] ready to take the lead as Mayor, build on past achievements, and shape a future that reflects the aspirations of every resident.”

As a mayoral candidate, Shipp said his mantra is, “Plan for Pittsboro. Plan for our future. Plan together.” He said he wants to help chart the town’s course by using strategic planning to ensure it “remains both economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable,” and modernizing key areas while maintaining its “unique cultural heritage.” The commissioner also emphasized his focus on including community members’ perspectives as part of the town’s future, saying he views community engagement as an “essential” part of Pittsboro’s ongoing changes.

Voters elected Shipp in 2019, with him earning the most votes of commissioner candidates in the election cycle. Prior to his time on the town board, Shipp served on Pittsboro’s planning board for a year. In his professional life, he is a management systems engineer and previously served as an instructor for the U.S. Army. After moving to the community in 2014, Shipp also helped found the Pittsboro Boys & Girls Club and now holds a leadership position for the Corporate Board for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Carolina.

Perry was re-elected as mayor in 2021 with 65 percent of the vote, defeating incumbent Jim Nass. It is her second stint leading the town after serving for four years starting in 2015, but she made it known early in 2023 that she did not plan to seek another term.

In Shipp’s announcement on Tuesday, the outgoing mayor endorsed his campaign.

“Having served as Mayor for three terms,” said Perry, “I wholeheartedly endorse Kyle as the ideal candidate to lead our Town to a prosperous and inclusive future.”

Perry and Shipp’s departure from their current roles create two open seats in Pittsboro’s election cycle this year. Additionally, sitting commissioners J.A. Farrell and John Bonitz will see their terms expire.

The official filing period for 2023 municipal elections in North Carolina begins on Friday, July 7 and ends on Friday, July 21.

 

Photo via Kyle For Pittsboro Mayor.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
2023 Municipal Election Results for Local Races
Tuesday marks Election Day for municipal races across North Carolina. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. in the state and will close at 7:30 p.m.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp speaks over the phone with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, November 12 ahead of the town's commissioners meeting set for the evening. Shipp details some of the agenda items, including updates on a major NCDOT project in north Pittsboro and significant funding help for streetscape work around the historic downtown. He also shares a recap of a special event honoring veterans, and specifically a local World War II veteran, last week. Finally, Shipp previews a bevy of ribbon-cutting events coming in the next week or two: a new hotel, a formal dedication for a pop-up park, and a local business celebrating its new ownership.
Pittsboro Earns 'Main Street Community' Designation; SoCo Project, Architects Pick Up Awards
The Town of Pittsboro restored its designation as a NC Main Street Community for 2024 after scaling up from a "small town" status in 2023.
Reeves Farm Project Near Downtown Pittsboro Aims to Expand Connectivity and Town Character
Pittsboro's Board of Commissioners approved the Reeves Farm development project in November, which will build housing on a 500-acre property.
Bonitz, Farrell Re-Elected as Pittsboro Commissioners; Foley 1st Time Winner
Pittsboro has made its decision in the race for the Board of Commissioners, in which three seats were up for grabs. Incumbents John Bonitz and J.A. Farrell were both re-elected to their positions Tuesday night, each earning close to a quarter of the vote in the town of Pittsboro’s lone precinct. Bonitz led the field […]
Here's How to Listen to All of WCHL / Chapelboro's 2023 Candidate Introductions
The Hill and Chapelboro's news team spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro.
Pittsboro Resident Allen Wilson Running for Town Board of Commissioners
Pittsboro resident Allen Wilson has announced his candidacy for the town’s Board of Commissioners. According to his campaign announcement, Wilson believes “Pittsboro’s success depends on the basics – safety, quality of life and stewardship. That is where the Board of Commissioners and town staff can make a positive impact.” Wilson listed out several proposals in […]
Chatham County Roundup: Randy Voller and James Vose
On this week's Chatham County Roundup, Randy Voller of the Chatham County Line brings Pittsboro Commissioner James Vose and his son, Waylen, on 97.9 The Hill. They discuss the learning curve of becoming an elected official in local government, some of the trials of an election campaign and the top issues around the town.
Pittsboro Commissioners Hear Pitch for 600,000 Square-Foot Youth Sportsplex
The youth sports company SUPA aims to bring a massive new youth sports campus to Pittsboro and presented to town commissioners on Monday.
County Lines: Pittsboro’s Newest Artwork Provokes Public Debate
In the shadow of the historic Chatham County Courthouse, beside the roundabout which earned the “Circle City” its nickname, a newly installed piece of artwork stands tall.
›