Liz Johnson, candidate for mayor of Morrisville, NC

Two familiar faces are seeking to become Morrisville’s next mayor.

Mayor TJ Cawley is looking to keep his seat against challenger and fellow Council member Liz Johnson.

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: Liz Johnson

Age: 64

Residence:104 Delafield Court

Occupation: Retired

Education: BA in Mathematics and Elementary Education

Political or civic experience: Morrisville Town Council 1999-21; Mayor Pro Tem 2007-09, 2011-13, 2013-15, 2019-21 North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Trustees 2020-21 President North Carolina Women in Municipal Government 2017-19; Immediate Past President 2019-2021 North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors & Executive Committee 2014-19 Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board Alternate 2005-19 Wake County Transit Advisory Committee Morrisville/Cary Joint Issues Committee Morrisville Planning & Zoning Board 1998-99 Chair of the Raleigh-Durham Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Affiliate 2018-21; Volunteer since 2004 Founding Board Member of the Morrisville Community Fund 2011; President of Board of Directors 2014-21 Wake County Health Needs Assessment Steering Committee 2018-20 St. Michael Catholic Church Parishioner and Volunteer 1997-2021

Campaign website: www.lizjohnson.org

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

Yes, the Town of Morrisville does not have an independent mask mandate. We joined the Wake County declaration requiring face coverings in public places. The safety and well-being of Morrisville residents is always my top concern, and I support the use of face coverings in public spaces as a way to reduce transmission and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. Based on guidance from the U.S. CDC and the Wake County Health Department, face coverings have been required in Town facilities since August 2. At the August 17 Town Council work session, the Council discussed and unanimously agreed that the Town of Morrisville would join the Wake County declaration requiring face coverings in public places. This pandemic disproportionally affects the most vulnerable among us, the young, the elderly, and those with health issues. These actions are to ensure we take the proactive steps to address the increased rate in transmission of COVID-19 delta variant.

Do you plan to vote in favor of Morrisville’s $37 million bond package for parks, public safety, streets and sidewalks?

Yes, Morrisville’s AAA bond rating gives us the ability to secure the lowest interest rates through voter approved general obligation bonds. We save taxpayers significantly when we use this form of debt financing compared to other financing options. The bond questions, and the capital projects they include, represent the issues voiced by our residents. The passage of the bonds will allow these projects to come to fruition sooner. I have led the efforts for a Town bond strategy that will result in the funding of more capital projects that improve our resident’s quality of life. This 2021 bond package moves us in that direction and will help fund the amenities our residents need. The goal to expand our existing parks and greenway system, acquire new park land, preserve open space and tree canopy, and make improvements to pedestrian and transportation infrastructure are included in the bond based on our residents’ input.

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

In February 2021 the Council unanimously adopted the updated Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan, along with the other adopted Plans, are the blue print for growth in Morrisville. These Plans need to be reviewed more frequently. During our Comprehensive Transportation Plan update process, I advocated for a required review of our Plans 4-5 years after adoption over the typical ten-year review. This shorter review period is now documented in our plans and will be important as growth continues and conditions change. One of the concerning aspects of our growth is the escalating cost of housing and its unaffordability. The shortage of affordable for sale and rental units is significant, both socially and economically. The Council adopted an Affordable Housing Plan in 2019 and has discussed implementing a shared equity or rental assistance program. I believe more focus needs to be placed on our affordable housing issue and how to implement sustainable solutions.

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

My first priority, should the voters approve the bond package, will be the timely execution of the associated capital projects. In my first year as Mayor, I will prioritize the construction of the new fire station to improve service to our residents and business community, add parkland through land acquisition, fund sidewalk and greenway enhancements, and fund traffic intersection improvements that will alleviate congestion.

I will also prioritize the Town Center project that has languished the past four years. As mayor I will work with my fellow Council members to finalize a Public Private Partnership with a developer partner and begin construction. Adequate school seats for our Morrisville children are always a priority. I would like to see progress made on a future High School initiative in Morrisville and accelerated planning for the proposed middle school site. To accomplish this, during my first year as mayor I will continue to collaborate with the Wake County School Board.

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

I am fortunate to have experienced two distinct careers. First as an educator, teaching secnd grade, and then as an IBM Software Developer and Systems Engineer. Both of these experiences helped me perfect important skills I use each day. My ability to share knowledge and empower others, as well as my ability to problem solve and connect people to the resources they need, enable me to be successful in the work I do as Mayor Pro Tem. I excel at active listening and have demonstrated that I can work with any team to incorporate ideas into effective solutions. I believe in collaborative consensus building. As mayor, I will use my skills as a collaborator to bring together diverse opinions to create comprehensive solutions that advance the quality of life for all of our residents. I have a proven record of championing positive changes resulting in a more inclusive, connected, and innovative Morrisville.

This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Liz Johnson, candidate for mayor of Morrisville, NC."