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CITY OF GRAHAM COUNCIL MEMBER {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The City Council is the Governing Body of the City. On behalf of the City, and in conformity with applicable laws, the Council provides for the exercise of all municipal powers, and is charged with the general government of the City by setting and directing policy. The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and is responsible for the execution of Council policy and for the management of all City departments and services. The Council is composed of the Mayor and eight (8) Council members. The Mayor and Council are elected by the non-partisan primary and election method in odd-numbered years. The Mayor is elected for a two-year term. All Council members are elected for a term of four (4) years. and serve concurrent four-year terms. The Mayor and two Council Members are elected at-large (by all registered voters in the City); The remaining six (6) Council members are elected at-large by the registered voters to represent a specific ward. Ward-specific council members must reside in the district they represent.

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    Daniel Alvis
    (NON)

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    Bobby Chin
    (NON)

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    Randy Phillips
    (NON)

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    Jim Young
    (NON)

Biographical Information

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Position/philosophy statement I believe local government should be driven by common sense, not party politics. As an independent, I answer to the people — not to political parties or outside agendas. My mission is simple: protect what makes Graham special, stand up for residents,
Current Occupation President, Salvation Coffee Company
Age (optional) 58
Campaign Mailing Address 1615 BROADWAY DR
GRAHAM, NC 27253
Campaign Phone 3362637251
Campaign Email j.k.young@att.net
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580341540674
I’m a U.S. Army Infantry veteran, small business owner, and longtime community advocate. I’ve served on the Graham Planning & Zoning Board and the Historical Resources Board, where I’ve consistently stood with residents over outside developers. As President of the Durham Pistol & Rifle Club and a former mayoral candidate, I bring leadership, accountability, and real-world experience to the table. I’m running as an independent because I believe local government should focus on people — not party politics.
1. Protecting Our Neighborhoods – I will continue to oppose high-density developments pushed by out-of-town investors that threaten the character of our community. 2. Preserving Graham’s Identity – Through service on the Historical Resources Board, I’ve worked to protect our city’s heritage and will ensure smart, respectful growth. 3. Public Safety & Accountability – I support law enforcement and will advocate for policies that hold criminals accountable while keeping our neighborhoods safe.
To protect our neighborhoods, I will push for tighter development standards that prioritize community input and preserve the character of Graham. I’ll advocate for updated zoning regulations that prevent high-density complexes in areas not suited for them. I’ll also work to strengthen citizen involvement in planning decisions, ensuring residents are heard before deals are made. Out-of-town investors looking to make a quick buck won’t get a free pass while I’m in office — our city’s future belongs to its people, not outside interests.
I’m not a politician — I’m a husband, a father, a veteran, and a small business owner who cares deeply about the future of Graham. My wife Karry and I have called this area home for decades, raised our two daughters here, and built our lives around this community. I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made in city government affect real people, real neighborhoods, and the character of our town. That’s why I’ve served on boards, run for mayor, and continue to speak out — because I believe in standing up when it matters. I’m running for City Council to be a voice for the people — not the parties, not the developers, not the outsiders. I love this city, and I’ll fight every day to keep it a place we’re all proud to call home.
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