During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their thoughts on pressing community issues 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.
In the 2023 cycle for Chapel Hill Town Council, the race was relatively contentious. With three open seats, a slate of 10 candidates ran against each other, featuring two different blocs with differing visions on how to tackle some of the area’s biggest issues like growth, sustainability and economic development. This year, though, it’s a different story.
Since Council Member Karen Stegman stepped down in the summer ahead of a family move and with Council Member Adam Searing not seeking another term, two new members will join the town council — and five candidates filed to run for the four available seats. The race has largely been defined by the slate’s agreement on issues and willingness to advance ongoing, long-term town initiatives. The Chapel Hill mayor’s race is unopposed.
97.9 The Hill spoke with each candidate, asking these questions that are reflected in the recorded responses:
Why were you inspired to join this race?
What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
The town is facing a financial crunch from both federal funding cuts and its annual spending, which led to a rise in town property taxes this year. Moving forward, how do you plan on balancing the town’s variety of services with fiscal responsibility?
As the town continues its work to overhaul its land-use approaches, what is your priority in those efforts? What is your message to residents about the importance of updating the town’s approach to zoning and planning?
Chapel Hill has prided itself on its values, including democracy and inclusivity. What will you do to help enable the town to continue advancing those values in the next four years?
When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?
Early voting in the Orange County elections for the 2025 municipal cycle begins on Thursday, Oct. 16. Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4. More of the 2025 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page as they are published.
Featured photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.
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