Mark Swan, 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: Mark Swan

Age: 44

Residence: 600 Crosstie St.

Occupation: Fiscal and Contracts Manager

Education: B.S in Business Administration

Political or civic experience: Current mayor pro tem, Council member since 2013, president of the East Wake Education Foundation, and six years on the Land Use Review Board prior to being elected to council.

Campaign website: markswan.weebly.com

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

Yes, in addition to the harm to individuals infected, more infections gives the virus more opportunity to mutate and makes the pandemic harder to stop. Masks indoors are a simple way to reduce infections.

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

We have high standards for quality development. The biggest challenge is to concentrate that growth in a way that encourages walkable and bike-able communities while taking some of the pressure off the surrounding farm land.

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

1. Meet residents’ expectations for services by funding basic town operations and communicating expectations for providing those services; including professional policing, responsive fire service, maintaining streets and public spaces, etc.

2. Lead by example in environmental stewardship. From solar panels and charging stations, to planting trees, to stormwater management; Knightdale should be a strong example for residents, businesses, and other governments.

3. Expand opportunities for community connection. Create great spaces in the public and private realms. Encourage more people to get out of their cars and into our public spaces.

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

I started in town government to improve bike and pedestrian transportation options and that remains my passion. Active transportation helps the environment, health, saving money, physical connection and social connections.

This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 4:27 PM with the headline "Mark Swan, candidate for town council in Knightdale, NC."