Ahead of a busy local election cycle, the Carrboro Town Council continues to prepare for change.

Town Council member Susan Romaine announced on Monday she will not seek re-election to her seat this fall and will become the second departing member of the current council. Romaine, who is also currently the mayor pro tem, earned election to a seat in 2019 with the most votes of any council candidates.

In the message sent to her campaign’s mailing list, Romaine said she is proud of the work she and her colleagues have accomplished during her tenure to impact community members’ lives.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime working on behalf of the people of Carrboro these past 3 [and-a-half] years,” wrote Romaine, “addressing the disparate and lasting effects of the COVID pandemic, partnering with Orange County to build a new downtown library/civic building, hiring our exceptional Town Manager Richard White, reimagining community policing, earmarking $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for a transformational affordable housing project, and forging ahead with a new Comprehensive Plan guiding the town’s growth and development through a race and equity and climate lens.”

Romaine holds one of three council seats set to be up for election in the 2023 cycle. Eliazar Posada, who was appointed to his seat in 2022, has announced plans to run for a full term, while Sammy Slade’s seat will also be on the ballot. Romaine will depart with current Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils, who announced he will not run for re-election in April. Meanwhile, Barbara Foushee is running for the mayor position — meaning a fourth town council seat could become open if she is elected.

As part of her Monday announcement, Romaine said she believes this kind of change is “healthy for any governing body.”

“The future is bright for Carrboro,” she wrote. “New candidates on the ballot will bring fresh ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences to the table.

“The constant – for me – is to remain rooted right here in a community that I love with all my heart,” Romaine added. “I’ll continue to serve PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County Living Wage while pursuing new opportunities to strengthen safety nets and level playing fields.”

The filing period for the 2023 local election cycle in North Carolina begins on Friday, July 7.

 

Photo via the Town of Carrboro.

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