R. Keith Shackleford, candidate for board of commissioner in Wake Forest, NC
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Candidates for Wake Forest mayor and town board of commissioners
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Vivian Jones, candidate for mayor of Wake Forest, NC
Bridget Wall-Lennon, candidate for mayor of Wake Forest, NC
Patrick Griffin, candidate for board of commissioner in Wake Forest, NC
R. Keith Shackleford, candidate for board of commissioner in Wake Forest, NC
Nick Sliwinski, candidate for board of commissioners in Wake Forest, NC
There are five people seeking to join the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners.
At least one new person is guaranteed to join the board with incumbent Bridget Wall-Lennon challenging Vivian Jones for the mayoral seat.
Incumbent Liz Simpers is challenged by newcomers Patrick Griffin, Michael Molinaro, R. Keith Shackleford and Nick Sliwinski for the two seats.
Early voting in the Nov. 2 election 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: R. Keith Shackleford
Age: 51
Residence: 7304 Quercus Court
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Wake Forest University BA 1992, JD 1996
Political or civic experience: Housing Authority of Wake County, Wake Technical Comm. College, Trustee
Campaign website: vote4shack.com
In August, Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones decided against ordering a mask mandate like some other Wake County towns. Do you agree with this decision?
No, I disagreed with this decision primarily because of those who are more vulnerable to COVID. We owe a duty to those in our community who are high risk for serious illness or were not able to get vaccinated. The overloading of our medical facilities and medical resources is a major concern. Be reminded Wake Forest does not have its own hospitals. We should do everything we can to protect ourselves and others from the transmission of the virus. Wearing a mask is not too much to ask.
What is Wake Forest doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
The town is approving residential developments at a rate that is too fast for our planned road improvements. Although we cannot stop development and our growth, we need to find ways to speed up our road and traffic improvements and to make sure we are implementing smart development and smart growth techniques and policies. Additionally, we need to pay particular attention to the density in our new developments and our open spaces.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
One of my priorities would be finding incentives for the development of affordable housing so that homeownership is available for a larger part of our community. We also need to find ways to keep rental properties affordable for all. The second priority is exploring options for addressing our road and traffic needs on a shorter timeline. We are adding thousands of new residents every year, but our roads are not keeping pace with the increased traffic.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I have served on several boards in Wake Forest and Wake County. I bring experience as a commissioner of the Housing Authority of Wake County, a trustee for Wake Technical Community College, and as a volunteer on numerous boards in Wake Forest including the Chamber of Commerce, northeast community association, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and Trentini Scholarship Foundation.
As an attorney, I have appeared before the Town Board on numerous occasions. Most importantly is my professional experiences. I approach client matters with my client’s best interest at heart. A lot of times that means finding a way to compromise and to balance the various interests of the parties. I clearly identify the goal and then determine the best way to achieve that goal for my clients. That is the same approach I would be bring to the Town Board.
This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 1:06 PM with the headline "R. Keith Shackleford, candidate for board of commissioner in Wake Forest, NC."