This week’s question from The Wake Forest Gazette to the eight candidates for three seats on the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners was what they are learning from voters. The answers are unedited and uncorrected, published as they were received and listed in the order they were received. The editor did add email addresses and telephone numbers for those replies which did not include them.
            “What issues are Wake Forest voters discussing with you? Do they want the town to do more with greenways, for instance, or clamp down on speeders? Are they happy with the town's recreation programs, want more, want less? Is anyone talking about the two paving projects, the vote on Sheetz by the planning board -- and town board next Tuesday night maybe -- or the new town hall? Do they have gripes about the police department, the planning department, inspections, or anything else?”
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            Sherry Ward: I've receive questions about regulations for vending carts/vehicles from the downtown merchants. The concern is the potential impact on local business. One resident is concerned about the ban posed in 2008 on irrigation system installations. In several subdivisions there is a problem with speeding and complaints about the bureacracy around trying to get speed bumps installed or signage to observe "Children at Play". In the Ligon Mill and Burlington Mill area subdivisions, there is great concern over planning board and zoning issues about the businesses that are being proposed for the Ligon Mill and Burlington Mill corner lots. Residents in this area don't want to see a lot of traffic or businesses that may not be family-friendly. Quality of life is at the heart of most of the concerns that have been brought to my attention. sherry_309@hotmail.com, 761-9469.

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            Matthew Reck: I find that many people in Wake Forest are appreciative of the level of public service that the town provides its citizens.
            There is however a great deal of concern among citizens that I speak to about the proposed Sheetz on Rogers Road and Franklin Street. I find that those citizens are quite upset at the way the Planning Board meeting was run. They felt that their voices were not heard during the process. They are quite upset that the time to voice objections was before any of them moved to the area. It is unfortunate because the Planning Board review of the Sheetz application was their first encounter with their government.
            I find that they like myself are disappointed that the Planning Board had voted to approve of the Sheetz and then send it to the Commissioners. Also I find that those folks are even more disappointed to realize that Mr. Ammons owns the land that the proposed Sheetz is to be located.
            I look forward to continuing to speak with residents about the election and what exactly a Wake Forest Town Commissioner does. 4Matt4WF@nc.rr.com, 368-7339

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            Peter Thibodeau: As a current Town Commissioner, I am always available to discuss issues of concern to everyone in Wake Forest. People often contact me to talk about their opinions on various projects, or to learn more about the issues and procedures for projects and events around town. It is always helpful to receive input and feedback from residents: this helps all of us on the Board make informed decisions that are in the best interests of Wake Forest. Beyond specific project comments, the issues I hear about most frequently from voters in town fall into two categories: 1) they love Wake Forest and what we are doing as a Board to protect its vision, and 2) providing budget input and how we manage our finances.
1. Love of Wake Forest and Protecting the Town’s Vision. I am always thrilled to hear stories from voters on what brought them to Wake Forest and what kept them living here in our great town. Since I was elected 4 years ago, the Town has conducted annual surveys of town residents to receive broader feedback on the Town’s overall performance. During these last four years, survey results showed improvements across the board in virtually every category. Clearly, we are providing more services in a more positive manner than ever before. People overwhelmingly love our new Town Hall and are very happy with Town staff. In the past 2 years, we have seen significant improvement in responses to how people feel about our Planning and Inspections staff and our outstanding Police Department. I often receive compliments, too, on how well the current Board of Commissioners works together. Additionally, our town is growing in a responsible and very positive way that is attracting new residents and new businesses and jobs to Wake Forest. We have made sure that Wake Forest is a place where people want to live and work by following the Town’s vision for the future.
2. Financial management. People often provide input on our budgeting process and financial management each year. I have worked hard every year to make sure that the Town continues to provide support in the budget for important organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. I have also worked diligently with staff and fellow Commissioners, to make sure that we are able to pursue and complete as many capital improvement projects as possible without additional impacts to taxpayers. I regularly hear from people, not just in Wake Forest but also elected officials in other Towns, that Wake Forest has done an outstanding job in managing our money during this tough economy. During my first term and as the national economy got tighter, we kept projects moving forward, we did not lay off any staff (in fact we are in the process of hiring some new key positions), and we have not raised taxes. In fact, we have improved our bond rating to the highest level possible and are indeed better rated than our nation, overall! People routinely comment on our financial success, which must be shared with our outstanding Town staff. Working closely with them, I am very aware of how important it is to have a good working relationship with staff: this helps us make the best decisions for Wake Forest. I will continue to work with the Board and staff to follow our conservative fiscal management practices, giving Wake Forest the best opportunity to maintain our financial health in the future.
“I continue to seek input from the voters in Wake Forest and may be reached in a number of ways. My Town email address is pthibodeau@wakeforestnc.gov and my campaign email address is peter4wf@yahoo.com. You can follow my campaign on Facebook at Peter Thibodeau for Wake Forest Commissioner, and I can be reached by phone at 453-1051. I look forward to hearing from you and I ask you for your support in this year’s election.”
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            Ben Clapsaddle: “How many burger joints does Wake Forest need?” “You want to put a Sheetz where? Have you seen the traffic on that road?" "Tell them to put a Waffle House next to their house and see how they like it!" "What can you do to help the DuBois center?" "I didn't move here to become the next Mini-City." "Does the Planning Board ever tell a business no?" "How many Commissioners have their water sprinklers hooked up? And yet I can't get one."
These are a sample of comments I get from folks while walking around Wake Forest. They fall into two major categories: structured growth; and improving the town's historic areas.
I understand these comments: we need to make sure as Wake Forest grows, we do it in a manner that keeps in mind Wake Forest’s history and culture. We need to make sure the infrastructure—water, sewage, roads—is in place and sufficient prior to a building frenzy. I will make sure that Wake Forest doesn't become another "Mini-City!” I will make sure when you drive North on US 1, and come into Wake Forest, a jumble of strip malls, fast food eateries, fly-by night store fronts and used car dealerships doesn’t form the gateway to our Town.
I am pro-business and pro-jobs; however, unstructured growth becomes a burden on the taxpayers ... I will make sure we grow with some forethought and our infrastructure grows without adding or increasing taxes on Wake Forest citizens.
We have two historical education sites in our Town: the Wake Forest College birthplace and the W.E.B DuBois School. People have asked me; What can we do to fix and make the historic DuBois School an active part of our community? I think it is time to rejuvenate the mission of this historic school and make it a center for the advancement of learning and development again. It needs to take its place once again as a centerpiece of our community. The DuBois School should be a place where Recreation Leagues, Adult education, and early childhood development enhance the opportunity for success for everyone in Wake Forest. I believe it is time we look into a Private-Public Partnership with the Dubois School. Let’s make it a place where tourists, visitors, alumni and every citizen will visit to learn of its history, use the facilities regularly, and all of us are proud of what the DuBois School has done for us in the past and in the future.
I proudly believe in the individual property rights of homeowners. It baffles me, along with many of my fellow citizens, that Wake Forest bans the installment of home irrigations systems. We pay Raleigh for our water and we pay for any additional/overage we may use. The restrictions should be based on consumption and choice of the individual. While a noble gesture by the Town Commissioners in 2008 to conserve water, it is an intrusive measure that is hindering the attraction of new citizens, building of new homes, and the development of our Town and should be repealed.
Finally, during the 6 Sept 2011 Planning Board Meeting, the board considered whether the Sheetz request to allow a convenience store with gasoline sales at Rogers Road and South Franklin. A concerned citizen asked where he could present a petition with over 100 signatures against the permit. The Planning Board and its advisors responded flippantly that it was too late and not the right forum. I didn’t hear anyone suggest he present the petition to a Town Commissioner for his/ her consideration.
After 8 November, bring me the petition - I will make sure your voices are heard on the Board of Commissioners! Clapsaddle4commissioner@yahoo.com, 761-1257

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            Anne Hines: Thus far the only issues I've heard about are irrigation systems and Sheetz on Rogers Road. Some people think that because there is no more drought that irrigation systems should be re-instated. My belief is “if there is a rule there is a reason.” When we were in a very serious drought it was common to see sprinklers running during a rain shower. Droughts come in cycles, and we need to deal with the prospect of the next drought. The last big drought had all the users of Raleigh water within about 50-55 days of running out of water. (In fact, it was a serious problem across North Carolina.) Citizens who did not live here at that time, do not understand or appreciate how serious a problem overuse of our water resources can be for the community. Had it not been for Hurricane Irene and other recent rain falls, we were headed into another drought. However, I do think that at some point we can re-visit the issue.
The Sheetz issue: I can not discuss until the Board of Commissioners has it on the agenda.
The reason I think there are not too many issues in Wake Forest is that we are in a very unique situation with regards to the economy. We are continuing to have new businesses come into our town. We have a AAA rating – better than the US government. As Commissioner I will continue to support and encourage new businesses to locate here and provide jobs to our citizens. Also, we have wonderful parks, programs and greenways for our families to enjoy.
Please vote on November 8 – re-elect Anne Hines as Town Commissioner. hinesforwakeforest@yahoo.com, 556-6304
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            Jim Thompson: One issue I hear in talking with voters is the incredible amount of attention and money that is spent on downtown. From money to fund the DRC (Downtown Revitalization Committee) to the renovated streetscapes, there is a feeling that Wake Forest is two communities – downtown and the rest of Wake Forest. I think people have a valid point. Why not combine forces with the DRC and the Chamber and promote Wake Forest as a town with a heart. We have a very viable downtown and we should be proud of it, but let’s not forget that downtown only makes up a small part of the town.
            Another issue I hear from several businesses in the community and outside our community is that we as a town are not friendly to new business and are not doing all we can to help them get established and help the flourish. Between having too many regulations or having a complicated planning process, there is a feeling that new business isn’t welcome. For example, the town just recently passed a regulation preventing business from marketing using the trendy sign flippers or the Liberty Tax mascot. Why are we as a town getting in the way of business to market themselves? I think people want to see the Town of Wake Forest be a place where you can not only live, but work, shop and play.
            And speaking of play, I think residents of the town seem very pleased with our parks and greenways, but I think there is feeling of continued vigilance in making parks and greenspace a priority. There are also areas where parks and recreation can be improved, such as developing track-out options for area students (would be a good revenue generator) and also increasing the variety of programs offered to adults and young adults.
            The great thing about Wake Forest is we are in a good position to move this town forward and advance Wake Forest, but we have got to be willing to accept growth and drop the jargon about smart growth or “we don’t want to be like Cary” to growing with a vision in mind! We are going to grow – lets have a plan! thompi8255@gmail.com, 417-4217

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            Greg Harrington: Although I have not had many in depth discussions as of yet regarding any issues facing the town, I have talked with a few who have expressed their opinions in the following areas: 
1.            Food vendors in the downtown area too close to restaurants.  Some people want to see them banned and a few want them to stay a certain number of feet from the downtown restaurants.
2.            Irrigation systems in residential yards.
3.            A few people I have talked to want to make the permitting system and inspections easier for developers.  Some believe the system is difficult and drives away businesses that want to move to Wake Forest but find the process too long and complicated.
4.            Less government in the lives of town people has come up a couple of times.
5.            The new Town Hall and Franklin Street have been topics of discussion.  I don’t feel people were against either, just concerned with the amount of money spent doing them.
         I do hope to be able to talk to more of our residents in the very near future to find out what is on their minds.  I encourage anyone to call me if they have a question or just want to express their opinions.  Thank you. mgregh@embarqmail.com, 554-0646.

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            Zachary Donahue: I am hearing that people are looking for someone with significant knowledge of the history and practices of Wake Forest combined with proven leadership experience. We are a unique Town and we want to be the best municipality around.
            As the only candidate running for the Town Board who worked on the Community Plan, the Transportation Plan and the Unified Development Ordinances, combined with several years of service on the Wake Forest Planning Board and significant leadership experience in my professional career, I feel I am uniquely qualified to be elected to the Town Board.
            People also want someone who understands the complexities of the financial impact of the rough economic climate we are in - someone who will comprehend the impact that a variety of factors will have on our Town budget. As a licensed Certified Public Accountant who has audited and prepared countless budgets and financial reports, I feel I can fill a much-needed role by serving as a liaison between our award-winning Finance Department and the Board of Commissioners. Having mastery of our financial situation puts us in a better position to bring jobs to Wake Forest, which will provide significant strength to our local economy for years to come.
            We can build on the foundation we have created and ensure that Wake Forest thrives - now and in the future. If you feel your voice isn't being heard and you want to share your vision for Wake Forest, please contact me at zadonahue@gmail.com or 761-9043. You can also visit www.Facebook.com/VoteDonahue. Thank you.
(Editor’s reminder: The Government Affairs Committee of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce will pose questions to all these candidates at a forum on Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the Wake Forest Town Hall. The hours are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The forum will be televised live on Channel and at various times thereafter, though no schedule is available now.)