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VOTE411 Voter Guide

TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The Town operates under the council-manager form of government, in which an elected Town Council (consisting of a mayor and five council members) establishes policy, ordains law, decides how land is developed, and hires a professional, politically neutral Town manager to run day-to-day operations. The Town manager also provides the council with objective, rational advice and recommendations and carries out the decisions made by the council in a manner based on sound business practices.The five member Council is elected at-large in non-partisan elections by all the qualified voters of the Town, for staggered four years terms and until their successors are elected and qualified. Council members are responsible for legislative functions such as establishing policy, passing local ordinances, voting appropriations, and developing an overall vision.

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    Joe Cuccurullo
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Annie Drees
    (NON)

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    Tim Forrest
    (NON)

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    Kara Foster
    (NON)

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    Sarah Larson
    (NON)

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    Josh Prizer
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority. (Max. 750 characters)

How will you address the top issue once you are in office? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

Position/philosophy statement Protecting what makes Holly Springs such a special place, while planning wisely for its future.
Current Occupation Educator, Small Business Owner
Age (optional) 44
Campaign Mailing Address 225 FLATROCK LN
HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Campaign Youtube URL
I bring over 20 years of experience in education, public service, and small business leadership. As co-founder of a successful local learning center, I know firsthand the challenges small businesses face. On the Holly Springs Planning Board, I’ve reviewed complex developments and voted both for and against proposed projects to promote balanced growth with the aim of protecting community character. I’ve worked at every level: federal, city, and now local, giving me the skills to ask hard questions, manage budgets, and build consensus. I’m ready to serve with steady leadership and a focus on families, public safety, stables taxes, and responsible growth.
My top priority is public safety; it’s the foundation of everything. Safe communities, strong emergency response, and well-equipped police and fire make Holly Springs a place families and businesses want to be. Second is smart, balanced growth. On the Planning Board I’ve seen how growth pressures our infrastructure. We must guide development so it strengthens - not strains -our town. Third is fiscal responsibility. With a $117M budget, we need to protect taxpayer dollars, expand our commercial tax base, and invest wisely in infrastructure and services to keep Holly Springs thriving. A mid tier priority would be a Performing Arts Center and a Teen entertainment complex. I believe both of those are important to many families and young people.
I will protect funding for public safety to ensure our police, fire, and emergency services stay fully staffed and equipped. I will carefully evaluate development projects, prioritizing those that provide lasting benefits—especially filling service gaps in medical infrastructure like diagnostic testing, expanding family and teen entertainment, and adding senior services. At the same time, I’ll make sure we don’t overextend ourselves financially by practicing smart budgeting and managing the town’s fiscal responsibilities with care.
I see Holly Springs through many lenses: as an educator, small business owner, father, husband, neighbor, community volunteer, Planning Board and Land Use Advisory Committee member, and youth sports coach. Because I engage with so many people in so many capacities, I am well-positioned to represent the interests of our town. My campaign has consistently focused on unity, consensus, and protecting the spirit of Holly Springs. We live in a thriving, wonderful town, and we must safeguard that. Our economy is strong, our families love living here - 93% said so in the 2023 survey - and we should protect that. We also need leadership that understands small businesses, because when taxes or red tape make it harder to operate, costs get passed to every resident. My commitment is to keep Holly Springs safe, affordable, and stable while carefully addressing the challenges ahead.
Current Occupation Electrical Engineer
Campaign Mailing Address 501 STREAMWOOD DR
HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Campaign Phone 9846001289
For the past two years I have been honored to serve on Town Council. From this experience, I have a comprehensive understanding of the role and the amount of time necessary to do a thorough job. As a career-long electrical engineer, I dive into the details on Town Council to make sure our ordinances and development plans are thoughtful and consistent. I listen, research and evaluate solutions from multiple points of view as I navigate the important decisions that shape the future of Holly Springs. My experience, dedication and critical thinking all make me uniquely qualified for this role. I see the big picture and focus on the details because real change happens when vision meets execution.
Affordable Housing: Holly Springs must develop a long-term housing strategy. We need to re-evaluate incentives and make them more effective so working families, teachers, and first responders can live where they work.

Transportation: Holly Springs needs both long-term investments and immediate fixes. I will continue to prioritize road funding and planning. I’ve supported regional trail connectivity and supported our new micro-transit program, giving residents more options to move around town affordably.

Sustainability: Rapid growth requires careful stewardship of our natural resources. I support setting measurable energy-reduction goals. Preserving green space and protecting natural habitats must remain central to how Holly Springs grows.
Holly Springs needs to develop a long-term plan to address affordable housing. I believe we should be completing a regular housing inventory and occupancy rate study to evaluate the housing supply and gaps in supply every two years. This information can be used to prioritize developments based on the need they address and could lead to rezoning. We should create a policy to incentivize affordable housing incorporation into developments, whether that is through zoning-based, financial or non-financial options. The town offers a utility allocation plan that prioritizes development projects that include workforce housing. This housing incentive is not being used by developers. I suggest we re-evaluate the plan and make it more attractive.
In my two years on Council, I’ve been a strong advocate for infrastructure. With construction costs rising, setting aside funds early for key projects helps protect residents from even higher costs in the future. At the same time, Partnerships are one of our most powerful tools for closing funding gaps. By collaborating with our neighbors, we can share costs, access the latest technologies, and achieve solutions that no single town could afford alone. For example, Holly Springs is already partnering with Sanford, Pittsboro, and Fuquay-Varina on water treatment expansion, and we’re exploring future wastewater treatment collaboration with Cary and Apex. These joint ventures allow us to build sustainable systems while keeping the financial burden on residents as low as possible. I will continue to champion this approach prioritizing smart, cost-saving investments and regional partnerships to ensure our budget decisions balance growth, sustainability, and fairness for our community.
Position/philosophy statement Forward Looking but grounded
Current Occupation Retired, US Army, Colonel, Corps of Engineers
Campaign Phone 9192372237
Campaign Email timothy.forrest@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://timforrest4hs.com/
I bring over 30 years of leadership as a U.S. Army Colonel and four years of proven service on the Holly Springs Town Council. My experience includes managing complex infrastructure projects, building regional partnerships for water and transportation, and ensuring responsible growth while protecting community character. I have a record of delivering results—modernizing traffic systems, upgrading utilities, and expanding parks and greenways. My skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility make me prepared to continue serving Holly Springs with steady, nonpartisan leadership.
Infrastructure & Mobility: Expand and modernize roads, intersections, and traffic systems to keep pace with growth and improve safety.

Water & Utilities: Secure long-term water and sewer capacity through regional partnerships, ensuring reliable service for residents and businesses.

Responsible Growth: Balance new development with preserving community character, protecting neighborhoods, and expanding parks, greenways, and public safety resources.
I will continue driving investment in transportation by advancing state- and locally funded projects already secured for Holly Springs, including widening NC-55 and Avent Ferry Road and completing Intelligent Transportation System upgrades. I will work with NCDOT, regional partners, and developers to align growth with infrastructure, close sidewalk and crosswalk gaps, and expand transit options like micro-transit. My focus is on practical, results-driven solutions that improve safety, reduce congestion, and keep our town moving forward.
Holly Springs is a community my wife Laura and I are proud to call home. I believe in servant leadership that puts residents first, not politics. Over the past four years, I’ve worked to secure the largest state infrastructure investment in our town’s history, strengthen regional water partnerships, and expand parks and greenways that enhance our quality of life. My approach is transparent, collaborative, and fiscally responsible. I listen to residents, work with businesses and civic groups, and build partnerships that deliver results. With your support, I will continue ensuring Holly Springs grows responsibly, remains safe, and preserves the character that makes our town unique.
Position/philosophy statement As a mom of girls, I believe in inclusive leadership that protects basic human rights, empowers women, and ensures every family in Holly Springs can thrive.
Current Occupation Optometrist / Practice Owner / Nonprofit president
Age (optional) 42
Campaign Mailing Address P.O.BOX 33
HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Campaign Phone 9194284390
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/karaforHS
I bring the perspective of a small business owner, healthcare professional, and longtime Holly Springs resident. As an optometrist and community volunteer, I’ve built my career on listening carefully, solving problems, and making decisions that put people first. Leading a local practice has given me experience in budgeting, transparency, and long-term planning, skills directly relevant to managing town priorities. I’ve also served through volunteer medical missions and nonprofit leadership, which strengthened my commitment to fairness, inclusion, and service. These experiences have prepared me to approach town council with both practical know-how and a focus on strengthening the quality of life for every family in our community.
Responsible Growth – Ensure development supports infrastructure, schools, and green space so Holly Springs grows in a way that protects our small-town character.

Attainable Housing & Community Hubs – Create walkable, connected neighborhoods with local shops, farmers markets, and housing options that keep families rooted here.

Transparency & Trust – Lead with openness by sharing clear plans, listening to residents, and keeping taxpayer dollars focused on priorities like safety, parks, and community health.

Together, these priorities support a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future for Holly Springs.
I will approach responsible growth by ensuring that development decisions are tied directly to infrastructure, schools, and community needs. That means prioritizing road and greenway connections, protecting parks and green space, and supporting mixed-use hubs that bring small businesses and services closer to neighborhoods. I will advocate for careful planning that balances progress with preservation, so Holly Springs can continue to thrive without losing the small-town character that makes it special. Most importantly, I’ll keep the process transparent and involve residents every step of the way.
Holly Springs is a wonderful place to live, and I believe our best future comes from working together across differences to strengthen what we love about our town. As a small business owner, healthcare provider, and volunteer, I’ve seen how transparency, collaboration, and compassion can solve real problems. I’m committed to responsible growth, supporting local businesses, and creating a community where every family feels included and empowered. As the mother of girls, I care deeply about building a town where young people see opportunity and where women and marginalized voices are represented. My goal is to serve with openness and integrity, making decisions that protect our small-town character while preparing us for the future.
Position/philosophy statement I am running for Holly Springs Town Council to bridge people, policy, and progress. I believe local government works best when residents are actively engaged, informed, and heard.
Current Occupation Communications Management
Campaign Mailing Address 112 Volta Pl
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Campaign Phone 9192498684
I bring years of experience serving Holly Springs through town advisory boards, nonprofit leadership, and community volunteering. I have worked directly with residents, businesses, and local government on parks, downtown planning, tree preservation, and events. Professionally, I’ve supported small businesses, managed programs that connect communities, and led initiatives that bridge residents with policy decisions. I combine community knowledge, collaboration, and strategic planning skills to make informed, transparent decisions that prioritize residents’ needs and the long-term health of our town.
Responsible Growth & Infrastructure – Ensuring development aligns with our Unified Development Ordinance, supports infrastructure, and maintains quality of life.

Affordable & Workforce Housing – Expanding diverse housing options for all residents, partnering regionally to address cost and availability.

Community Engagement & Transparency – Strengthening two-way communication with residents, keeping them informed and involved in decisions that impact their daily lives.
I will ensure growth in Holly Springs is responsible and aligned with our Unified Development Ordinance, balancing property rights with the public interest. This includes holding developers accountable to deliver promised infrastructure, collaborating with town staff and regional partners on roads, water, and utilities, and maintaining open communication with residents at every stage. By proactively planning and engaging the community, we can support development that meets current needs while preserving the quality of life for all Holly Springs residents.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak directly with voters. This is a critical moment for our community, and I encourage everyone to engage, stay informed, and get out the vote.

I am proud to run a campaign for the people and by the people. I have not accepted donations from Super PACs, developer political action committees, or any special interest groups. My focus is on serving residents first, ensuring that decisions on growth, infrastructure, and community priorities are guided by the needs of Holly Springs families—not outside interests.

I believe that bridging people, policy, and progress is how we create a town that works for everyone. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration, we can continue to grow responsibly, support our residents, and strengthen the quality of life that makes Holly Springs special.
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