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TOWN OF WAKE FOREST BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The governing body of the Town of Wake Forest consists of a Mayor and Board of Commissioners of 5 members. This body is responsible for the general government and administration of the affairs of the town. The Mayor and Commission members are elected at-large in non-partisan elections for staggered four-year terms. The Mayor presides over meetings of the Board of Commissioners, makes committee appointments and recommendations to the Board, and represents the Town at ceremonies and official occasions.Commissioners are responsible for legislative functions such as establishing policy, passing local ordinances, voting appropriations, and developing an overall vision.

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    Thomas Dement
    (NON)

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    Haseeb Fatmi
    (NON)

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    Pam James
    (NON)

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    R. Keith Shackleford
    (NON)

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    Nick Sliwinski
    (NON)

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    Jasmine Zavala
    (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)

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Position/philosophy statement Let's create a Walkable Wake Forest accessible to all of its residents.
Current Occupation Attorney
Age (optional) 37
Campaign Mailing Address 8704 GREEN APPLE CT
WAKE FOREST, NC 27587
In addition to being born and raised in the area, I have exceptional experience with the law and in government that make me the best candidate for this office. I have seen this area grow over the past 37 years, and so I have a unique understanding of the needs of our community as it continues to grow. As an attorney and law professor, I am extremely knowledgeable with North Carolina law and understand how to navigate federal and state legislation and balance those laws against local policies and ordinances. As a trained negotiator, I also know how to work with key stakeholders and decision makers to ensure that the needs of everyone affected are met.
1) Stop the rampant overdevelopment and urban sprawl, and do not let our town be a rubber stamp for developers. Prioritize infrastructural upgrades over unchecked expansion. Focus on development that serves current residents, not just developers. Ensure new projects benefit the community. Rein in the rampant growth.

2) Accessibility: Ensure disability access to public and commercial spaces. Repair our sidewalks and streets. Extend the Greenway. Encourage mixed use to make our neighborhoods feel like communities.

3) Conservation: Protect our natural resources like our parks and the Smith Creek Reservoir, protect our tree canopy and discourage clearcutting. Create an office for Natural Resources.
Utilizing both hard power and soft power ensure that any new development benefits the Town and current residents. That means working with the Planning Board to scrutinize any new proposed development and attending neighborhood to meetings to evaluate the effects of new proposed developments. Denying rezoning requests and other petitions (like easements, special use, exceptions) if developments do not meet the Town's needs. Working directly with developers throughout the planning process. Encouraging commercial development in strategic locations in the Town to encourage job growth. Allocating time and resources to infrastructural projects.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement I am running to stop overdevelopment that continues to strain our infrastructure and stop raising taxes that are causing gentrification that is forcing many of our senior residents from the homes.
Current Occupation Independent contractor - Wake Forest GO (Via Transportation)
Age (optional) 59
Campaign Phone 919-398-7479
Campaign Email pam4wf@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://www.pam4wf.com
Campaign Twitter Handle @@pamforwf
Campaign Facebook URL http://facebook.com/pamforwf
I have lived and actively served in the community for 16 years. I have a genuine concern for our residents with a special emphasis on children/teens and our seniors. I have no aspirations to higher office, so my focus will be solely on serving our citizens instead of going along with things to get reelected.
1) Slow growth of high density housing to allow infrastructure to catch up. 2) Improve amenities for seniors and children/teens 3) Prevent any additional tax increases
I intend to address the growth by listening to affected residents and including a consideration of traffic and school concerns as part of any rezoning request. This means being willing to say no or negotiating more than a simple turn lane from developers. I would also like to try and setup more meetings with NCDOT and the transportation committee as well as some local meetings with the Wake County school board so that residents can have a chance to get answers from the board.
As a community volunteer, driver for the town's micro-transit service, and a mother and grandmother I have dedicated my life to serving others. I am truly interested in all people, regardless of socioeconomic status or any label that people use to refer to themselves or that others use. I will ensure transparency and apply my skills to overcoming the current challenges from rapid growth while trying to retain our small town atmosphere.
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Position/philosophy statement I am passionate about continuing to serve the Town of Wake Forest with passion, commitment and integrity. I firmly believe Wake Forest is best served by consistent collaborative leaders who prioritize the needs of our town and all of its citizens..
Current Occupation Sales Consultant
Age (optional) 41
Campaign Mailing Address 8034 HOGAN DR
WAKE FOREST, NC 27587
I have spent my time in office fostering great relationships that will allow me to be even more effective in the next four years. I have proven that I am willing to put in the hard work and dedication to serve the people of Wake Forest above any other interest. My experience in helping craft our comprehensive plans will allow me to effectively implement these plans that are the result of listening to what my constituents have been asking for. I have always approached decision making with an open mind and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue. I am committed to working with all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation.
Implementing our UDO so that our growth can happen in a way that our citizens have been asking for. Continuing to collaborate with our state level elected officials and advocate for completion of the Capital Boulevard project and easing the strain on our transportation infrastructure. Moving forward with the Town's Affordable Housing Plan, to ensure that we are leading the effort to make living in Wake Forest more attainable.

We have learned that we may have a way forward for the adoption of our UDO update. I have advocated for further public input so that we can refine issues that may have come up during the delay in adoption of this plan. Once adopted, I will hold developers accountable to these plans and ensure the issues brought forward by my constituents, like resource conservation, will be made a priority.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement Let's take care of Wake Forest with Data, Equity & Heart.
Current Occupation Small Business Owner
Age (optional) 30
Campaign Mailing Address 983 KINTAIL CT
WAKE FOREST, NC 27587
I bring experience as a teacher, nonprofit leader, policy analyst, and small-business manager at my family’s restaurant. These roles have given me skills in listening, problem-solving, and building relationships across diverse communities. I understand both the challenges of growth and the importance of protecting what makes Wake Forest special. Guided by equity, data, and heart, I will ensure decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and focused on making our town a place where all neighbors—old and new—can thrive.
Growth that Makes Sense – As our town expands, I want to ensure that decisions are made carefully, with attention to roads, parks, and the character of our community.

Opportunities to Stay and Thrive – Wake Forest should remain a place where young families, longtime residents, and seniors can all afford to live and grow.

A Connected Community – I believe in open conversations, trust, and bringing people together so every neighbor feels part of Wake Forest’s future.
I will bring people together and rely on data, research, and community input to guide decisions that serve the greatest number of neighbors. I know the best solutions come from collaboration, and I’m not afraid to listen to those with more expertise. By using my skills in communication and building relationships, I’ll work alongside smart, dedicated people to make thoughtful choices that keep Wake Forest moving forward while staying true to the community we love.
I feel truly honored for the opportunity to serve Wake Forest. My passion for public service comes from gratitude for what this town has given me and my family, and from a genuine love for the people who make it special. I believe leadership should be proactive, not reactive, and I want to help guide our future with thoughtfulness and care. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am eager to listen, to learn, and to work hard alongside neighbors, leaders, and experts who share this commitment. Guided by equity, data, and heart, I will bring humility, compassion, and determination to this role. Wake Forest is growing, and I want to be part of shaping that growth in a way that keeps our community connected, welcoming, and strong.