Vicki Scroggins-Johnson, 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 town 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: Vicki Scroggins-Johnson

Age: 55

Residence: 104 Old Savannah Drive

Occupation: Self Employed, Project Management Consultant

Education: MBA, University of Michigan; BA, University of Michigan - Psychology

Political or civic experience: Morrisville Town Counci (2013-present); Morrisville Mayor Pro-Tem 2017-2019

Campaign website: vicki4morrisville.com

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 Morrisville Town Council supported this decision unanimously at their work session on August 17, 2021. The delta variant is highly transmissible and mask wearing will help reduce the spread. Morrisville chose to align their revised mask policy with Wake County for consistency within the region.

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

Yes, Morrisville is growing at a rapid rate and is nearing buildout. Bonds will allow the town to deliver needed capital projects sooner and at a lower borrowing rate. A new fire station, new and improved parks, and improved road network are among the top priorities for the town.

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

Morrisville is unique in the region. The town is land locked and cannot grow beyond its current boundaries (maximum of 10 square miles). To better manage the type of growth across Morrisville, the Town Council recently updated the Land Use Plan and Transportation Plan. The road network is a high priority and the town has secured over $100 million in road projects. AMAZING! This success is a result of collaboration with state, regional, and local government as well as the business community. Morrisville students need more proximate schools. In recent years, elementary and middle schools have opened nearby, but more are needed. Morrisville is the only town in Wake County without a high school in its borders.

What is a specific need within your district? And how would you address this issue, if elected?

Morrisville needs more parks, expanded greenways, and additional park amenities. If re-elected, I would further explore opportunities with RTP and Wake County regarding park land and connecting our region via greenways. Morrisville has unmet needs. Residents would like to see a dog park, additional cricket field, disc golf course, and a place to gather. If the Park Bond passes, some of these unmet needs could be addressed.

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

We need to think in terms of global business competition and regional growth. We need to adopt more policies that promote the best investment of our resources and foster a sustainable environment. I have traveled for business to countries across five continents, and I have seen first-hand the high regard other countries have for higher education, transit, and sustainability.

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

I am an experienced leader in international business through my work in the pharmaceutical industry. I have a master’s degree in Business Administration and certification in Project Management. I have a proven track record of bringing people together to help move projects forward. Morrisville is one of the most diverse towns in the state of North Carolina. On the Morrisville Town Council, I have worked with my fellow council members to establish improved communications with NCDOT, state elected officials, Wake County School Board and Wake County Commissioners. As a result, Morrisville has received additional resources. With a solid understanding of county and state processes, I am a strong advocate for my town.

This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 12:13 PM with the headline "Vicki Scroggins-Johnson, candidate for town council in Morrisville, NC."