Tim Forrest, candidate for town council in Holly Springs, NC

Six people are seeking to join the Holly Springs Town Council.

And with three seats open and only one incumbent running for re-election, the board is guaranteed to see some new faces.

Incumbent Peter Villadsen is not seeking another term while Council member Christine Kelly is running for mayor. The leaves incumbent Dan Berry and newcomers Carrie Randa, Jahmar Cobb, Kristi Bennett, Tim Forrest and Susan Smith are on the ballot for the three seats.

However, in August, Smith announced on Facebook she was no longer campaigning for the seat.

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: Tim Forrest

Age: 51

Residence: 152 Morgan Ridge Road

Occupation: CEO, PatchMaster Serving Wake, Retired US Army

Education: MBA and Master of Strategic Studies

Political or civic experience: 30 Years - US Army, Retired Colonel; Chairman-Holly Springs Board of Adjustment, Chair-Troop 320 Scouts BSA

Campaign website: timforrest4hs.com

In August, Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears decided against ordering a mask mandate like some other Wake County towns. Do you agree with this decision?

No, Based on data for Holly Springs, the decision could have gone either way. Slowing, eventually eradicating, COVID is a priority for many. After thoroughly reviewing data, conducting research into the current status of the delta variant in our community, effect on our residents/businesses, a mask mandate would be appropriate for our town at this time.

No matter the issue, every council member should make a decision only after a review of the facts presented/conducted their own investigation. Facts can change frequently and must be reevaluated on a consistent basis. Thus, issues such as mask mandates should be reviewed periodically. Since the start of COVID the virus and data have changed over time, experts and research have fluctuated. I have seen the effects of COVID on residents and local businesses, which is a reason my family is vaccinated, wear masks where needed. This should not be political. Masks assist in slowing the spread and protecting each other, our families, our children.

What is Holly Springs doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?

Holly Springs is doing several things right. Kudos to the Holly Springs’ recently published Comprehensive Plan. The plan ensures current town planning principles for land use, transportation, parks and recreation, community facilities and utilities. Holly Springs needs to address the 540/Kildare Farm displacement, new water source for the town, aging utility pipes, and Walmart-Main Street plans (especially a pedestrian crossing). In addition, the transportation and utility plans are not fully funded. There are serious issues that need Town Council leadership to solve.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?

A strategy that focuses on responsible growth, infrastructure, and public services balanced with fiscal responsibility.

What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?

For the last four years, I have served on the Holly Springs Board of Adjustment, currently as the chair. I fully understand the impact our ordinances, variances, and appeals to zoning decisions have on our town and residents. In addition, I served over 30 years in the Armed Forces. While in the Army, I commanded at the task force, battalion and company levels and served in Four-Star commands, at home and overseas, and the Pentagon. Specific relevant experience includes management, development, design and growth of base camps, which are essentially small cities. These experiences have equipped me to work with all stakeholders, residents, community leaders and business leaders to ensure the best focus for Holly Springs.

This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Tim Forrest, candidate for town council in Holly Springs, NC."