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.
The 2025 local election cycle in Hillsborough is defined by continuity — as no challenger candidates filed to run against incumbent Mayor Mark Bell or Commissioners Kathleen Ferguson and Robb English. It comes at a time when the town itself, though, faces several challenges: growth and demand for new living opportunities, aging infrastructure to support that growth, and rebounding from storm damage caused this past summer by Tropical Depression Chantal. The trio is poised to tackle those together again in elected office, with English and Ferguson set to be elected to four-year terms and Bell to another two-year stint.
97.9 The Hill spoke with the trio, 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?
We’re seeing changes to funding models at both the state and federal governments that affect the local levels. With Hillsborough facing several big projects (storm recovery, infrastructure expansion, climate resiliency, etc.), how do you plan on promoting fiscal responsibility while seeking funding beyond local taxes?
What do you see as the biggest challenges associated with growth that Hillsborough will face in the next five years? How do you hope to address that?
Our country is experiencing changes to how government systems engage with diversity, inclusivity and core principles of democracy. 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?
Featured photo by Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group.
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