*Ernie McAlister, Cary Mayor

OFFICE FOR WHICH YOU ARE RUNNING: Cary mayor

NAME: Ernie McAlister

AGE: 50

OCCUPATION: Retired banker

EDUCATION: B.S., business administration, Pfeiffer University

POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Republican, current mayor of Cary.

CIVIC ACTIVITIES: Cary MacGregor Rotary Club member, past president; Cary Family YMCA member, past Cary board member; Life Experience Inc. past board member; Cary Chamber of Commerce, past chairman and treasurer; MS Society of Eastern North Carolina board of trustees; numerous nonprofit activities including: Triangle United Way, Cary Family YMCA “We Build People” Campaign, Occonneechee Council Boy Scouts of America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED: It has been my highest honor to serve as Cary’s mayor. I want Cary to continue to be rated as one of the best and safest places in America to live, work, and raise a family. We will achieve this by managing our growth and addressing the key issues facing our community and region: water, roads and schools. Our financial picture is sound, our economy is strong, and our quality of life is secure. There is no better place in America to live. I pledge to continue to manage Cary’s growth and provide the highest quality of life for our citizens and families.

CONTRACT INFORMATION: 481-4123; www.McalisterforMayor.org; 211 Kelso Court, Cary, NC 27511

1. How do you propose the town manage infill development so that the approval process generates results acceptable for both residents and developers?

The Council has agreed to hold a work session on the mixed-use overlay section of the Town’s land development ordinance. Changes to the ordinance made by the prior administration have resulted in more proposals for higher-density projects. In response to the concerns of the public, we are in the process of formally reviewing those provisions and will be working on methods to tighten and clarify the ordinance. Infill development must be scaled appropriately and compatible with existing neighborhoods.

2. What are the three most critical projects in the town’s capital-improvement plan and why?

1. The most critical project for the citizens of Cary is completion of the Wake Wastewater Treatment Facility. Securing an ample supply of clean water for the future and having the capacity to treat and return water to the Cape Fear basin are issues of regional importance. 2. Continuing to improve and expand our roads and transportation network is vital. I have a plan to invest at least $100 million over the next four years to address critical road needs in Cary. 3. Downtown redevelopment involves a series of projects designed to enhance downtown Cary as a destination and to expand our cultural, educational and business offerings. Major projects like the Downtown Performing Arts Center will be funded via a combination of town participation, public-private partnerships, nonprofit support and Cary’s share of the hotel and meals tax.

3. Which of these should the council address first: complete the joint land-use plan with the Chatham County Board of Commissioners or revive the request for extraterritorial jurisdiction for land to the south and east of the town? What is the basis of for your choice?

Completion of the joint land-use plan with the Chatham Board of Commissioners. When I first took office, I went to work repairing the strained relations between the Chatham Commissioners and the town of Cary. Now, by working together, we will complete a joint land-use plan for the southwest area of Carythat will serve the citizens on both sides of the county line and protect Lake Jordan’s sensitive watershed.