Monique Holsey-Hyman, candidate for Durham City Council, takes your questions

A pivotal election is underway in Durham, with voters set to choose a new mayor and fill three City Council seats this fall.

There are 12 people competing for the City Council seats, including two incumbents.

A primary is being held to narrow the field. Early voting in the primary runs through Oct. 7 and Primary Day is Oct. 10.

The top six candidates will proceed to the general election in November.

Terms last four years. The seats are at-large, which means candidates can live anywhere in the city.

We collected questions from residents across Durham to help readers get to know the candidates.

Monique Holsey-Hyman

Name: Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman

Age: 57

Occupation: Assistant professor, City Council member

Website: candidatedrmoniqueholseyhyman.com

Are we paying people competitively and keeping our promises to our workers?

- East Durham resident Aidil Ortiz

The current wages are putting significant strains on these workers as they struggle to make ends meet, often juggling multiple jobs just to provide for their families. This is not the Durham we want to be. The City Council has not fully lived up to the promise of paying our public service employees competitively. Fair compensation is not just about fulfilling a commitment but also about ensuring that our city remains an attractive and equitable place to work for all.

Do you have any experience that helps you understand development in Durham? How do you plan to get more affordable units in the city?

- Planning commissioner Zuri Williams

My top priority is to make Durham a more affordable place for all its residents. By working closely with development experts and engaging with the community, we can develop practical solutions for affordable housing that will not hinder Durham’s growth. Our goal is to find creative ways to provide safe and affordable housing to everyone, regardless of their background. With the help of everyone, we can make Durham a better place for all to live and prosper.

As Durham grows more dense, how do we get away from the classic American model of car-oriented development? Are there any policies that you support that can keep us from becoming another Atlanta or Dallas?

- Downtown resident Nirav Patel

I am dedicated to preserving Durham’s unique character as we grow. Instead of following the car-oriented model in cities like Atlanta and Dallas, I support policies encouraging sustainable, people-centered development. By investing in public transportation, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, we can maintain Durham’s charm while accommodating growth responsibly. I advocate for policies that balance urban development with the preservation of our local environment and quality of life, ensuring that we retain the essence of what makes Durham unique. Let’s create a sustainable, balanced urban environment that benefits all residents and preserves the essence of our community.

What policies do you support for implementing safer streets and reducing car dependency locally and regionally?

- Stadium Heights resident Nick Roberts

As someone who values the safety and well-being of our community, I wholeheartedly support efforts to make Durham a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city. By prioritizing sustainable transportation options and investing in infrastructure that promotes safe commuting, we can help reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life for all residents. My vision is for Durham to become a more accessible and sustainable urban environment, where alternative transportation modes are readily available and easy to use. Let’s work together to build a healthier, greener, and more connected community that benefits us all.

What will you do to support the mental health needs of everyday Durham residents, especially thousands of young people in our public school systems?

- Hillside High School senior Isaiah Palmer

As someone with a strong background in social work, a professor of social work, and the vice president of the Durham Social Services Board, I understand the urgent mental health issues that our community, particularly our youth, is facing. We must establish effective school support systems to equip students with the necessary emotional and academic tools. I endorse programs that make mental health resources, counseling, and aid accessible to all Durham residents. I am committed to partnering with local organizations and schools to ensure that mental health remains a primary concern, allowing every resident to reach their full potential and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

In your vision for the city, what role does public education play and how does that connect to economic development, public safety and community health?

- Fayetteville Street corridor resident Erika Wilkins

The foundation of our community’s well-being and future prosperity lies in public education. It plays a crucial role in preparing our workforce, attracting businesses, and boosting our local economy. By providing opportunities and fostering community, it also helps reduce crime rates and promote public safety. Additionally, it empowers individuals with knowledge and opportunities for a brighter future, thereby promoting community health. I am committed to strengthening our public education system, recognizing its profound impact on our city’s prosperity, safety, and overall well-being.

On the subject of alleged Clean Water Act violations in Falls Lake and its tributaries: How did we get here and who should be held responsible? Who is going to pay for the creek restoration and environmental damage?

- Southeast Durham resident Pam Andrews

The accusation of violating the Clean Water Act is a matter of concern and complexity. It is crucial to prioritize environmental protection and accountability in such cases. The developer who caused the violation should bear the costs of restoring the creek. At the same time, the city needs to ensure that such incidents do not happen again by enforcing environmental regulations more strictly. We must strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, ensuring that all future projects comply with rigorous environmental standards to safeguard the health of Falls Lake and its tributaries.

How have you seen Durham evolve in your time here and what’s one thing you’ll have the power to change if elected?

- The News & Observer

Over the years, I have personally witnessed Durham’s transformation. If elected to the City Council, my top priority will be sustainable, affordable housing and gun violence. As Durham continues to expand, numerous residents are having difficulty finding homes that they can afford. I have observed how soaring housing costs have strained families and caused many long-time residents to leave our community. By promoting inclusive policies and making strategic investments, I aim to make housing accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status. This way, Durham’s growth can benefit all members of our community.

To find polling places and full details on voting, visit the Board of Elections at dcovotes.com or 919-560-0700.

Mary Helen Moore

The News & Observer

Mary Helen Moore covers Durham for The News & Observer. She grew up in Eastern North Carolina and attended UNC-Chapel Hill before spending several years working in newspapers in Florida. Outside of work, you might find her reading, fishing, baking, or going on walks (mainly to look at plants).