Commissioner Liz Simpers will run, Bridget Wall-Lennon still considering
“I am proud to announce that I will seek another term as mayor,” Mayor Vivian Jones wrote in an email Tuesday, March 16. “My decision is based on my tremendous love for Wake Forest and my absolute commitment to our best possible future.”
She went on to say, “Ours is a vibrant and progressive community with limitless possibilities. The next four years will present incredible opportunities in several important areas, namely transportation, economic development and quality of life; and I believe I have the experience and the expertise to guide our great town through the exciting times that lie ahead.
“As mayor, I look forward to continuing to serve Wake Forest by working alongside residents, businesses and community stakeholders with a shared commitment to ensuring we remain the jewel of our county, region and state.”
Of the two commissioners elected in 2017, Liz Simpers said, “Oh, you know I intend to run! Very excited about it and hope to be chosen to serve the town for four more years. It has truly been one of the most rewarding (and humbling) experiences for me.”
Bridget Wall-Lennon said she was “still not ready to commit/announce just yet.” Both commissioners are finishing their first terms.
Mayor Vivian Jones is another story, signing on for a sixth term. Among other things she could mention she was the force behind the first bus service in Wake Forest and continues to press at the local, county and state level for better transportation for residents, including commuter rail which looks more possible all the time. She is an advocate for affordable housing, better traffic control for more safety, walkability, greenways and trails, more women and minority in government and key positions and better services for youth and underserved groups.
There is still a question whether the Wake Forest and other town and municipal elections will be held this year because the U.S. Census will not release population numbers until September or later. Those numbers are needed for cities and towns which use election districts to correctly and legally apportion those districts. Since Wake Forest and hundreds of other North Carolina towns do not use districts, they might be able to proceed with elections this year. But the General Assembly has to make the decision, either let non-district towns proceed as usual with the districted cities having their elections delayed until next year or make every city and town delay their elections.
7 Responses
Can’t we recruit a former commissioner to run for Mayor? Kaberline, Drake, Donahue, Stinnett, Hines?
You mean, the bus service that runs non-stop and empty all day long. What a colossal waste of taxpayer money. If Big Viv wants to play social justice warrior, she should stick her hands into her own pockets instead of forcing this idiocy on the taxpayers.
Announcements come early now. I for one am glad to know if people’s intentions ahead of time. I would like to comment on the census situation although it should be directed at the legislature. It would probably be best for those cities and towns to conduct their elections as is and have the new systems in place for 2023. I do not see that much of an issue with it.
So glad to hear it!! She’s been such a wonderful mayor, and a great face for Wake Forest 🙂
Five terms are more than enough, this town needs new ideas and new leadership. The current Mayor seems to think this town is her personal little fiefdom. No thanks.
I agree. There shoukd be a limit. We need a change. Good or bad, we need a change.
Agreed.