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.

This election for the Carrboro Town Council is nearly one year in the making. The town government’s elected body has been operating with an open seat after Barbara Foushee earned election to the mayorship in 2023 and the council decided to hold a special election alongside the 2024 county, state and federal government races.

Unlike the other races on the ballot, it is non-partisan and is reserved for only Carrboro voters. The open seat ultimately drew two candidates looking to become first-time elected officials for the remainder of Foushee’s seat’s term: Cristóbal Palmer and Isaac Woolsey.

Both spoke with 97.9 The Hill and shared their answers to these questions:

  • 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 Carrboro Town Council 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?

Carrboro Town Council (1 seat)

Cristóbal Palmer

Photo via Cristóbal Palmer for Carrboro.

 

Isaac Woolsey

Photo via Isaac Woolsey for Carrboro Town Council.

 

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.

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.

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