Last week, April 14, Wake Forest Commissioner Adam Wright announced he will seek a second term on the Wake Forest Town Board, making him the second candidate for the three seats on the board.
The announcement on Facebook read: “Dear Citizens of Wake Forest,
“It is with great pleasure that I announce my reelection campaign for Town Commissioner of Wake Forest. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue serving the community and working towards making Wake Forest an even better place to live, work, and play.
“As many of you may already know, I have worked hard to fight for our community. Some major “wins” include obtaining federal funding to synchronize our stop lights, advocating for and passing a new land use map, launching our Digital Bridge center as well as the Loading Dock, and obtaining a feasibility study for a performance arts theater.
“Over the past few years, I have had the honor of working closely with members of the community, town staff, and other elected officials to address the needs and concerns of our town. But our work is far from over. We still have many challenges to tackle, such as increasing affordable housing options, improving our transportation infrastructure, and bringing more job opportunities to our town.
“As your Town Commissioner, I am committed to working tirelessly to address these challenges and ensure that Wake Forest remains a great place to call home. I believe that our town is only as strong as its people, and I am dedicated to listening to your voices and working with you to make Wake Forest a better place for all.
“I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election in November. Together, we can continue to move Wake Forest forward and build a better future for generations to come.”
Joe Kimray, who just finished his second term as chairman of the Wake Forest Planning Board, announced in February. He is a part-owner of B&W Hardware on South White Street in downtown Wake Forest.
Wake Forest voters will elect three town commissioners this fall. The three commissioners whose terms are expiring are Commissioners Jim Dyer, Chad Sary and Wright. Dyer and Sary have not announced their plans.
Any candidate will have to file during a two-week period in early July, from noon on July 7 to noon on July 21. The filing fee for commissioners is $15, and like the $50 fee for the mayoral election it is set by the Town of Wake Forest and has not changed in more than 20 years. Candidates must be town residents, 21 years or older and qualified voters.
Wake Forest elections are nonpartisan and the terms of board members are staggered. Mayor Vivian Jones was elected to a sixth term in 2021, and Commissioners Keith Shackleford and Nick Sliwinski were elected to their first terms.
A few years ago the annual salary for the mayor and commissioners was adjusted upward to $10,000 for the mayor and $8,000 for commissioners. Since then, the amounts have been increased by the same percentage as other town employees.
The mayor is now paid $10,500.24 annually and each commissioner is paid $8,399.88.
The commissioners have a number of duties, mostly meetings. They have a work session on the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. and hold a regular voting session on the third Tuesday at 6 p.m. They also hold a planning retreat early each year.
Each commissioner is assigned to one or more of the advisory boards as an ex officio member to serve as a liaison to the town board and should attend all those meeting.
In addition, they are expected to attend town events throughout the year and to respond to town residents who call, email or visit them about town problems or issues.
###
November 1, 2024
Menu
5 Responses
Just get rid of these 1950s values people. We need representation from people who will shut this never-ending construction hellhole to an end. You all have RUINED Wake Forest in the name of what?
He ran in 2019 saying that he would vote against growth when he could. Then, in his first vote, he helped approve the massive 1100 unit development on Averette Road. He could have voted against that and he chose not to.
Commissioner Wright’s initial reason for running for office was because he felt like the citizens at large did not have a voice. He wanted to be that voice we all desired. It’s why I voted for him the first time & why I will vote for him a second time.
He & I have butted heads quiet a few times over the past several years bc I thought he had failed the citizens. As I have learned more about statutes, policies, & how little control he actually has at the local level I have come to appreciate commissioner wright’s service as well as others to our town a great deal. I may not always agree with his decisions, but he listens when citizens voice their opinions. He cares a great deal for this town & every citizen. Even those that bash him online.
He keeps the small town charm in WF despite the growth by watching out for folks. I have lost track of the number of times he has spent 45 minutes talking me out of trimming the bushes over the underpass. Apparently trespassing is a real thing now & Chief Leonard will not look the other way while I sneak up there & fix it ?.
Commissioner Wright is the one up there who who does question things. Sometime ago I had a plethora of questions regarding the now approved parking deck and purchase of the Sun Trust bank. He made sure that the questions were answered. The other Commissioners did not. He casts plenty of votes that I disagree with; but allows me to voice my displeasure. Not all of the Commissioners do that. I was told by one “to get on with my life” because I was furious with a vote that he cast.
At the very minimum Mr. Wright should be at least considered when casting your ballots in November.
I have watched Mr Wright over the last several years and I feel he is doing his dead level best to serve town and residents. Though my endorsement may do him no good, I wish him the best to retain his seat.