Andria Archer, candidate for Clayton Town Council
Six people are competing in the November election for three seats on the Clayton Town Council.
Andria Archer, a hydrogeologist at the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, is running against incumbent Council member Michael Grannis, Porter Casey Jr., Alsey J. Gilbert, Bob Satterfield, and Mike Sims.
The council is guaranteed to get at least two new council members, as incumbent members Art Holder and Bobby Bunn are not running for re-election.
Early voting in the nonpartisan election begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30.
To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit johnstonnc.com/joconcelections or contact the Board of Elections at 919-989-5095 or elections@johnstonnc.com.
Name: Andria Archer
Age: 42
Residence: 406 S. Fayetteville St., Clayton
Occupation: Hydrogeologist
Education: B.S. Geological Sciences, Michigan State University
Political or civic experience: Town of Clayton Planning Board
Campaign website: archertowncouncil.com
A town manager and police chief both left their positions this year. What will you do to bring stability to Clayton?
I hope to be on the council when the next town manager position is filled and ensure we have a careful and professional interview process. We need good leadership to adapt and implement policies that address the strains of rapid growth in our community.
What is Clayton doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
Clayton has done a great job attracting high-quality businesses. The local economy is thriving and that is great. Housing here is in high demand because people like the town’s small-town charm and amenities like greenways, a historic downtown, arts, parks and recreation.
But many residents are frustrated with aspects of this growth. For example, Clayton needs to do more to improve its roadways and traffic. In addition, the situation that led up to the construction of the new water reclamation facility has caused residents to wonder how well our infrastructure can handle more growth. Last but not least, Clayton needs to make updates its Unified Development Code.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
Clayton is currently constructing the Neuse River Water Reclamation Facility, a huge project for this town. My top priority is ensuring it is on track for successful completion.
As a resident watching that process unfold, it has led me to wonder about the status of all our town’s utilities. Are we in good shape for the future? Getting the current answer to that question — and doing whatever is needed to make the answer “yes!” — is my second priority.
The town is nearing completion of a Comprehensive Growth plan, so prioritizing and implementing those recommendations is my third priority.
What unique skills or life experience would you bring to city governance?
I truly love the Town of Clayton! I have combined that love with my passion for community service, so I have a real desire to help my fellow residents whenever I can. I am a single mother of two children with lots of experience with struggle, problem-solving, and hard work so I can relate to people from many walks of life.