Steve Evans, candidate for town council in Knightdale, NC

Four people want to join the Knightdale Town Council.

There are three seats open on the board, and one new person is guaranteed to join as incumbent Randy Young is not running for re-election.

Incumbents Latatious Morris and Mark Swan are facing off against challengers Steve Evans and Chris Parker.

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: Steve Evans

Age: 51

Residence: 2002 Manderleigh Drive

Occupation: Community Development - director

Education: Studied Business Management at NC A&T State University

Political or civic experience: Knightdale Land Use Review Board - Chair

Campaign website: www.steveevanstok.com

In August, Knightdale Mayor Jessica Day ordered a mask mandate unlike some other Wake County towns. Do you agree with this decision?

Yes, masks are proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and seem to be more readily accepted by most. It’s important for elected officials to step up and help set reasonable guidance to keep our communities safe.

What is Knightdale doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?

Right — Knightdale has a very forward-thinking and carefully crafted development plan which has allowed us to be more responsive to the needs of both our residents and the development community in this hyperactive real estate market. Additionally, this development plan provides a roadmap for developers to rely upon and provides some clear guidance of how development should occur in Knightdale.

Wrong/indifferent — I believe we can do a better job of developing commercial/retail opportunities beyond our Hwy 64 business corridor.

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

I would work to prioritize the support and enhancement of our small business recruitment efforts and thus provide for a greater diversity of business offerings. I would work to develop more culturally inclusive community activities which further unite us as a community. As we’re a richly diverse community on so many levels, I believe we need to do more to celebrate and understand the uniqueness of our community and the residents who make it great. I prioritize connecting ALL of our communities and make Knightdale a more pedestrian friendly community. Walkability is a major component of sensible development.

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

I’m someone who has actively stayed involved in city governance through appointed positions and other leadership development opportunities for over 15 years. I have a good understanding of municipal governance but I’m also someone who is open to new and creative approaches of how best to get the job done. I’m also someone who believes in the skill of active listening and being empathic. It’s my belief that we should be inviting more folks into the discussion rather than being exclusionary.

This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Steve Evans, candidate for town council in Knightdale, NC."