Vivian Jones, candidate for mayor of Wake Forest, NC
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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
Two familiar faces are seeking to become Wake Forest’s next mayor.
Incumbent and long-time mayor Vivian Jones is looking to keep her seat against challenger and fellow board member Wake Forest Commissioner Bridget Wall-Lennon.
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: Vivian Jones
Age: 78
Residence: 224 Sugar Maple Ave.
Occupation: Retired
Education: Attended Woman’s College of UNC (now UNCG)
Political or civic experience: WF Board of Commissioners 1999-2001; WF Mayor 2001-present; NCLM Board; ElectriCities Board & Chair; NC Mayors Assoc. Chair; GoTriangle BOT (currently); I have been a community volunteer in many organizations over the years.
Campaign website: www.votejessicaday.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?
Yes, I am aware of the seriousness of this pandemic and strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated as this is the best way to stop the spread of COVID. I also encourage everyone to wear a mask when you are inside just as we require masks in our town facilities. I chose not to issue a mask mandate for Wake Forest because such a mandate is not enforceable, and I am uncomfortable issuing an unenforceable order. Instead, I appeal to each person to not only consider themselves, but the health and safety of our entire community. Unfortunately, this continues to be a divisive issue with reasonable people on both sides. Yet only by adopting an “all for one and one for all mentality” can we defeat COVID. Throughout this pandemic I have followed the Governor’s lead because he has the best and most up-to-date information, and I will continue to do so.
What is Wake Forest doing right, and wrong, on managing growth?
We are fortunate to be located in an area that continues to grow and prosper. Following our Strategic Plan, we have concentrated on keeping a safe and connected community; worked on economic development; and maintained our great fiscal strength. We have worked to keep our downtown strong and vibrant and the center of our community. People love to come downtown for events, to shop, to eat or just to have coffee. When development occurs, we do everything possible to require roadway improvements, landscaping and amenities. We are developing a great greenway, trails, and park system. One thing I believe we need to work on is to make sure our zoning allows more affordable housing in all areas.We are fortunate to be located in an area that continues to grow and prosper. Following our Strategic Plan, we have concentrated on keeping a safe and connected community; worked on economic development; and maintained our great fiscal strength. We have worked to keep our downtown strong and vibrant and the center of our community. People love to come downtown for events, to shop, to eat or just to have coffee. When development occurs, we do everything possible to require roadway improvements, landscaping and amenities. We are developing a great greenway, trails, and park system. One thing I believe we need to work on is to make sure our zoning allows more affordable housing in all areas.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year in office?
The pandemic has made all of us realize that technology will be an even more important part of our lives in the future. I want us to concentrate on smart city solutions. In order to be sustainable, we must expand and enhance our tech position both in-house and in how we interact with our citizens.
I will continue to work on multimodal transportation options. We are at a great place now with the Wake Transit Plan and the NCDOT plans for the S-Line. There are other opportunities in this area such as micro-transit. I want us to work on impactful traffic changes like intersection improvements and connections to make traffic flow better. Transportation is changing and we need to be prepared for electric and autonomous vehicles, charging stations, etc.
We have begun the development of an affordable housing plan to give us best ways to address this pressing issue. We have started some initiatives but a plan will make our work more efficient and successful.
What unique skills or life perspective would you bring to city governance?
I have a proven record for city governance. I love Wake Forest; I believe this is the best place to live and I hear other people say that every day. I study what other communities are doing and I bring ideas to Wake Forest—bus service, the Renaissance Centre, Public Art Commission, Technology Advisory Board and many other things were my ideas that have enhanced our community. I will continue to work hard, listen to people, support businesses, support organizations. Wake Forest is full of wonderful people who are working every day to help others. I want to continue to be a positive leader who works to bring the Town into partnership with all of our residents.
This story was originally published October 18, 2021 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Vivian Jones, candidate for mayor of Wake Forest, NC."