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.
Perhaps no race in the area has more questions surrounding it than the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners election. While Mayor Kyle Shipp is poised to serve a second term — and his first four-year term in the role — two seats on the town board will be open as incumbents Pamela Baldwin and James Vose step away from public office. In their stead, eight first-time candidates filed to run and bring their own visions for how the rapidly growing town will balance its character, finances and planning with development, business and an influx of new residents. In a small-town race, how are the contenders separating themselves and how do they plan to contribute to an elected body that faces challenges alongside opportunities?
97.9 The Hill spoke with candidates, 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?
- What do you see as the biggest challenges associated with growth that Pittsboro will face in the next five years? If elected, how do you hope to address that?
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Fiscally, how do you hope to balance Pittsboro’s infrastructure needs and its preparation for growth with residents’ tax rates — which have risen drastically from property value increases?
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What is your philosophy around downtown’s connectivity with the surrounding area? How should it interact with newer neighborhoods and development on the outskirts of town limits?
- When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?
Mayor of Pittsboro
Photo via Kyle for Pittsboro Mayor.
Pittsboro Board of Commissioners (2 seats)
Freda Alston
Photo via the Chatham County Line.
Photo via Elect Alex Brinker for Town Commissioner.
Photo via Committee to Elect Corey Forrest.
Audio airing on Thursday, Oct. 23!
Photo via Ashley Gross.
Ashley Gross did not participate in “Candidate Introductions.”
Photo via Candace for Pittsboro.
Candace Hunziker did not participate in “Candidate Introductions.”
Photo via Tobais Palmer.
Audio airing on Thursday, Oct. 23!
Photo via Shramek for Pittsboro.
Audio airing on Thursday, Oct. 23!
Photo via Tiana Thurber.
Tiana Thurber did not participate in “Candidate Introductions.”
Early voting in Chatham County for the 2025 municipal cycle is underway through Saturday, Nov. 1, and you can click here to learn more about where and when to vote. 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 by Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group.
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