Audra Killingsworth, candidate for town council in Apex, NC
Six candidates are competing for three seats on the Apex Town Council
And there is guaranteed to be at least one newcomer who joins the board. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Dozier is not running for re-election.
Incumbents Brett Gantt and Audra Killingsworth are both looking to keep their seats and are joined by newcomers: Ed Gray, Christine Hale, Tim Powell and Gordon Williford.
Early voting in the Nov. 2 election begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30.
To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit wakevotesearly.com or contact the Board of Elections at 919-404-4040 or voter@wakegov.com
Name: Audra Killingsworth
Age: 38
Residence: 938 Tender Drive
Occupation: Occupational therapist
Education: Bachelor of Science
Political or civic experience: Elected to Apex Town Council in 2017 for a 4-year term. Board member of Western Wake Crisis Ministries.
Campaign website: www.friendsofaudra.com
In August, Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert decided against ordering a mask mandate like some other Wake County towns. Do you agree with this decision?
No, I am a health care worker and would support a mask mandate indoors to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Do you plan to vote in favor of Apex’s $42 million bond package for street and sidewalk projects?
Yes, we are playing catch-up to address transportation and infrastructure needs that have been chronically underfunded by previous councils. The bond also addresses the Apex Peakway Bridge that was previously designed to have two lanes of traffic, but now is going to require four lanes to handle our traffic needs and a railroad crossing closure required by CSX, as well as funding gaps in sidewalks that provide Safe Routes to Schools.
What is Apex doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
We began addressing the out-of-control growth in 2017 and have finally managed to slow the growth rate beginning last year. The developments in progress aren’t built right away and it takes sometimes years before seeing the effects of the current council’s work. The fruits of this council’s work will be shown and held to the vision of a healthy community, healthy environment, and healthy economy.
A consultant report found racial bias “is deeply entrenched” in the Apex Police Department. What was your reaction to the report and how would you address some of its claims, if elected.
I was shocked to say the least. Some of the comments made were not indicative of police that serve the entire community. Some of the claims made in the report have been shown by data to be false, as our mayor and Interim police chief at the time have said. However, at this point, we have both a new town manager and new police chief, who are in charge of addressing concerns, moving forward together, and building a police department that is unified and committed to serving the entire community with compassion.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
I would continue to address three priorities: making sure we have a healthy community, within a healthy environment, and with a healthy economy. Everything I have supported and have worked in favor of addresses these three priorities; and I am committed to continuing to work toward these priorities to make sure we are the Peak of Good Living!
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
My job has allowed me to develop excellent listening skills, compassion, understanding of the depth of issues, and the setting of goals and priorities while working together as a team. I have always made sure to be open to the public, allowing multiple avenues for people to contact me with any concerns or comments. I try my best to answer everyone or find the answer if I do not know. The people are important; they matter, and the path moving forward is together.
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 2:03 PM with the headline "Audra Killingsworth, candidate for town council in Apex, NC."