James Semmens, candidate for town council in Morrisville, NC

There are three different Morrisville Town Council races in this year’s elections.

Incumbent Steve Rao will face challenger James “Jim” Semmens for the one at-large district seat on the council.

Patty Wei-Pei Cheng is challenging incumbent Vicki Scroggins-Johnson for the district 4 down council seat while Donna Fender is running unopposed for the district 2 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: James “Jim” Semmens

Age: 53

Residence: 1136 Survada Lane

Occupation: State employee

Education: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from UNC Wilmington

Political or civic experience: 22-years of honorable, faithful service in the USMC; 5 years as a board member on my HOA; 5 years as the chair of the pool committee; 4 years on the board of directors for the Kitts Creek Killer Whales Swim Team and the Tarheel Swim Association; and 28 years as a coach and mentor in numerous youth sports programs

Campaign website: JamesForMorrisville.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, to be clear, it is not a mask mandate. The verbiage is that masks are highly recommended indoors and all public buildings are required to have masks for employees and visitors. As a society, we must do everything we can to protect the members of the community in which we live.

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

Yes, the bond referendum is just the beginning to improving the infrastructure and foundation of Morrisville. In order to ensure that Morrisville has a successful future, we must invest now in the non-glamorous aspects of the town.

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

Morrisville is over-building without planning on a robust infrastructure to sustain its growth. There are too many high-density zones without any thought in the basic necessities needed for that growth.

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

Advocating for more proximity schools; creating a more robust infrastructure; implementing a youth sports program in tune with a parks and recreation plan.

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

22-years as a logistician in the U.S. Marine Corps. Planning and executing infrastructure and logistical support worldwide.

This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 11:53 AM with the headline "James Semmens, candidate for town council in Morrisville, NC."