Position/philosophy statement
I pledge to listen to your issues and to fight boldly to secure Wake’s future.
Current Occupation
Educator
Campaign Youtube URL
As owner of a 20-year small business in the Triangle – 2-time winner of Nickelodeon’s ‘Best Tutoring Company’ – I am intimately familiar with Wake County families’ concerns about raising children in our community. Prior, I spent more than a decade working in a County Manager’s Office, Finance, District Attorney’s Office and Court Administration. My master’s thesis focused on public transit and transportation demand management strategies for mitigating traffic congestion. I was a Graduate Assistant to the Department Chair whose research focused on county governance, emergency management and economic development. My doctoral dissertation was in the area of municipal bonds. I taught graduate courses in public administration at UNLV and UNC.
To enhance our prosperity and guard against elderly folks losing their homes to property tax increases, I wish to provide financial protection for our seniors. To Improve Wake County seniors’ peace of mind, I propose to waive property taxes on primary residences for those aged 61+, offer free healthcare at county clinics for citizens aged 70+ and work with NCDOT to increase lighting on highways to facilitate evening travel. To improve Wake County seniors' connections to the community, I wish to provide WCPSS funding to allow seniors with advanced degrees (e.g. physics, Spanish, music, biology, etc.) to teach part-time in public high schools and create hundreds of volunteer opportunities across various Wake County departments.
To enhance our prosperity and provide high school students with access to the classes they need, I wish to invest in our children’s education. Wake County provides a substantial supplement to WCPSS to ensure we have excellent schools, but we have to prepare for the future. Many careers will become obsolete under AI. We need additional resources and flexibility to offer a more challenging, interesting and relevant curriculum that includes pathways to a variety of careers such as exists in our wonderful WakeTech Community College system.
Dependable, safe, low-cost electrical energy is the lifeblood of our economy and the key to our prosperity. To avoid power outages and grow the energy sector, I propose increasing energy production – both clean and safe; enhancing cybersecurity to guard against foreign manipulation; working with utilities to harden transformers to protect against electromagnetic pulse events and the investment in Wake County electric grid upgrades using federal subsidies. Businesses will benefit and consumers will benefit from low cost, reliable energy.
To enhance our prosperity and care for our most vulnerable populations, our homeless centers need additional, targeted resources to holistically help their residents and to especially address the needs of those suffering from mental disabilities. Homeless foreigners need to return to their nations, with the added support of county specialists who can assist with travel plans and financial incentives from the federal government. I will lobby to protect Wake County residents from electricity increases which have been passed along directly and indirectly via businesses, to help curb inflation and the overall cost of monthly housing.
As university faculty for 10+ years, I taught at the UNLV School of Public Affairs and the UNC School of Government in the MPA programs and chaired Peace College Political Affairs. As Government Affairs Coordinator for Nevada Power Company and a former county liaison to multiple town boards, I developed expertise in intergovernmental coordination. I am a devout Christian and lifelong community volunteer, including Junior League, Assistance League and DAR memberships. Of the candidates running for Wake County Commissioner At-Large, I have the most county government experience. Please visit my campaign website at MargueriteNC.com to learn more about my policy priorities in the areas of Energy, Elderly and Education and consider voting for me as one of your two choices for Wake County Commissioner At-Large. I will strive to ensure fair resource allocation and foster democratic participation by listening to those most affected by proposed Wake County Board of Commissioner policies.
Position/philosophy statement
I am running for Commissioner to advocate for high-quality local services for all Wake residents. I am motivated to enhance public education and human services and ensure accountable, transparent local governance.
Current Occupation
Policy analyst/writer
Age (optional)
62
Campaign Phone
919-457-8108
Campaign Youtube URL
I served 11 years on the Wake County Board of Education and have spent the past four years on the Wake County Health and Human Services Board, giving me more than 15 years of knowledge examining the $2+ Billion budgets of the County and School System. This is important experience for the coming years as public dollars become further strained. I have a professional background in policy analysis, with a focus on health care access, public health, and socio-economic disparities. I am proud of being endorsed by many state, local and community leaders. These relationships will be valuable for collaborative work at the local level in both the public and private sectors to create change that benefits our community in fair and equitable ways.
The most important issue facing the County is our dependence on the State to fund its fair share of County services. The core services of the County--health services, education, public safety, justice, open space, transportation, social services--have been shortchanged as the NC General Assembly has cut taxes for corporations and the wealthy and created more burdens for working and low-income families. It is unsustainable for our community. The County has stood in the gaps and increased funding for schools and basic services so that we can take care of each other. I will work to close those gaps, while also working with State leaders who support our shared values as we work to change the priorities of our legislature.
Wake County needs Commissioners who are committed to improving the Wake County Public School System, which can only be done with well-paid staff and educators and providing academic and supportive services to students. This must be done through working with WCPSS on its budget priorities and improving educator salaries and working conditions. I also want to focus on the mental health needs of our students. I will work to fund additional positions to provide embedded mental health staff for our public school students. Schools need additional adults in the building to support the socio-emotional needs of our students so that teachers can focus on academic priorities. I also wish to focus on improving special education services.
Economic vitality relies on a vibrant economy and economic mobility for residents. Affordable housing and transit are needed so that people can find and keep jobs that support their households, improving our overall economy. Housing stability promotes public safety and workforce development. As a strong advocate for public schools, I believe that educational opportunities are needed for young people to reach their full potential in the workforce. Strong public schools, our excellent universities, and continuing learning opportunities attract industry to our community. Our County's educational systems, from Pre-K to K-12 to Community College, attract industry and companies allowing our residents to thrive.
As a member of the Wake County Health and Human Services Board, I have experience and knowledge to improve social services in our community. I especially want to address the critical needs of children in the foster care system and expand services in maternal and child health. I also recognize the stresses on the Medicaid and Medicare system, and I want to ensure that the County has the staff and resources to secure health care services for the most vulnerable among us, including seniors. In addition to providing more mental health staff for youth through the school system, I also will propose expanding substance use programs and working in tangent with nonprofits to address the unhoused. The needs in our large county are significant.
I have been a fierce and effective advocate for public education, health care, and strong communities for more than three decades. In addition to serving 11 years on the School Board, including two terms as Chair and Vice-Chair, I currently serve on the Wake County Health and Human Services Board. In 2023, I was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the Southern Regional Education Board. I have worked as a health care policy analyst, nonprofit administrator, and freelance writer; and I have chaired nonprofit Boards, including boards of the Poe Center for Health Education and Lillian's List Foundation.
Education background: BA in journalism/political science from UNC Chapel Hill as Morehead Scholar; Master's degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University.
My top priorities are: public education; public health and social services; economic mobility (housing, transit and jobs); and recognizing disparities and serving vulnerable populations
Position/philosophy statement
Jonathan Lambert-Melton will bring proven leadership and a track record of problem-solving to the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
Current Occupation
Raleigh City Council Member/Lawyer & mediator
Age (optional)
40
Campaign Phone
9197497105
Campaign Youtube URL
As a Raleigh City Councilor since 2019, I’ve delivered results for Wake County’s largest city by working across communities to solve problems and move our city forward. I’ve helped improve public safety responses, strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, and plan for smart growth. Now I’m running for Wake County Commission to build on that experience — strengthening public schools, expanding housing options, and ensuring every resident has access to opportunity, no matter where they live. I bring proven leadership and a track record of problem-solving to this role.
The most important issue facing Wake County over the next two years is managing growth responsibly. Our population continues to increase, putting pressure on schools, housing supply, infrastructure, and public services. The County Commission must plan proactively by continuing to invest in public education, expanding housing options, and implementing the Wake County Transit Plan.
The State government is disregarding their Constitutional duty to fund public schools, and the County has to fill the gap. That means fully funding school construction and maintenance, supporting teacher and staff pay through the county budget, and planning ahead for enrollment growth. I will advocate for long-term capital planning, strategic use of bonds, and close coordination with WCPSS so our schools keep pace with growth and every student has a safe, well-resourced place to learn.
Wake County’s economy is already strong and growing. I will work intentionally to make sure all residents can benefit from that growth. I’ll prioritize workforce development opportunities and strong partnerships with Wake Tech and local employers. The County has a solid and responsive economic development team. I remain committed to ensuring that economic development incentives are tied to clear expectations and accountability, with a focus on training and hiring existing residents for new jobs.
As a Raleigh City Council Member, I helped create Raleigh CARES to better connect residents experiencing crisis with services and support. If elected, I want to build on that work by coordinating with the other municipalities in Wake County to create a similar program countywide. Together we can strengthen mental health responses and improve access to food, housing, and shelter.
I’m running for Wake County Commission because I believe local government should work for everyone. After serving on Raleigh City Council, I’ve seen how county decisions shape housing, transportation, education, and public services. I want to bring proven leadership and collaboration to help Wake County grow responsibly and remain inclusive for all. My experience includes:
Three-term At-Large Raleigh City Council Member, where I’ve led efforts on housing affordability, transit expansion, economic development, and sustainability.
Chair of the Economic Development & Innovation Committee and former Mayor Pro Tem, guiding strategic policy and cross-community collaboration.
Board-Certified Family Law Specialist & Certified Mediator, bringing consensus-building and problem-solving skills to public decision-making.
First openly LGBTQ+ person elected citywide in Raleigh, committed to equity, inclusion, and representing diverse voices in government.
Position/philosophy statement
I am running for office because I believe government works best when it is close to the people, grounded in lived experience, and accountable to every community it serves. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to thrive, no matter their zip
Current Occupation
Management - Business Owner
Age (optional)
56
Campaign Phone
919-999-3773
I bring a combination of real-world business leadership, community-based problem solving, and hands-on public service experience that prepares me to govern effectively from day one. For more than two decades, as a business owner, I have managed budgets, operations, and teams across nonprofit and private-sector work, delivering results with accountability and fiscal discipline. My work has been deeply rooted in the community, focusing on workforce development, access to education, housing stability, senior care, and mental health. I bring a boots-on-the-ground perspective and a collaborative leadership style. I am prepared to lead with integrity and compassion. I believe that everyone in Wake County should thrive regardless of the zipcode.
The most important issue the County Commission must address over the next two years is how we responsibly manage growth while ensuring every resident can thrive. That means making smart, transparent budget decisions that expand attainable housing, strengthen public safety through prevention and accountability, and address food insecurity, transportation, and workforce access. As costs rise, too many working families, seniors, and fixed-income residents are being pushed to the margins. The County must align investments with real outcomes, partner effectively with nonprofits and municipalities, and use data and community input to guide decisions. Growth without equity is not success, and fiscal stewardship must be paired with compassion.
The most effective role the County Commission can play in improving local schools is as a disciplined fiscal steward and regional convener. The County is responsible for school capital funding, facilities, and key operational support, and those investments must be aligned with measurable outcomes. I will work collaboratively with commissioners across all 12 municipalities to identify inefficiencies, reduce duplicative spending, and improve cost controls. Savings should be strategically reinvested to increase teacher and staff salaries, strengthen retention, and support safe, modern learning environments. By partnering with corporations and engaging in intergovernmental coordination, we can better support educators, students, and staff.
To improve the county’s economy, I will focus on policies that strengthen the workforce, support small businesses, and ensure growth benefits every community. This includes investing in workforce development tied to local employers, expanding access to skills training and credentialing, and aligning economic incentives with job quality and wage growth. I support using data-driven budgeting to prioritize infrastructure, transportation, and broadband that connect people to jobs. The County should also partner strategically with nonprofits, community colleges, and municipalities to reduce barriers to employment and support entrepreneurship. A strong local economy requires smart public investment, accountability, and opportunity.
To improve the quantity and quality of social services, I would prioritize targeted investments in mental health, food security, and access to direct healthcare services. The County should expand community-based mental health care, strengthen food access through partnerships, and support preventative and primary care that reduces long-term costs. I also support public education efforts to help residents understand how these services allow communities to thrive. Funding can be strengthened through strategic budget prioritization, leveraging state and federal funds, and aligning economic development and tourism-related revenues with community needs. Through disciplined budgeting, intergovernmental coordination, and transparency.
I am new to the political landscape, but I am not new to leadership, accountability, or service. I am entering this race ready to listen, learn, and lead with humility and intention. I am a learner, not a know-it-all politician, and I believe effective governance starts with understanding the people and the systems we serve.
For more than two decades, I have been a business owner, advocate, and community activist. I have managed budgets, controlled spending, allocated resources strategically, and made difficult decisions to keep organizations sustainable. I understand how to protect the rights of staff while maintaining high standards of customer service and public trust.
I bring real-world experience, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to fairness and transparency. I am ready to put my skills to work in public service and partner with colleagues and communities to deliver thoughtful, responsible leadership that meets this moment.
Current Occupation
Capitol Police - Wake County
Campaign Phone
9197958609
With 30 years in law enforcement, I bring extensive experience in leadership, public safety, and community service. Throughout my career, I’ve worked at every level—on the ground and in leadership—making decisions under pressure, managing personnel, and ensuring accountability while upholding the law with integrity.
The biggest problem the Commissioner will have to address is Affordable housing and Mental Health resources
Applying the funding for teachers and wake county staff worker better pay and better staffing for buses.
Better programs for work place development. Better programs for small business owners and more second chance programs for formerly incarcerated individuals
Extending hours and making sure residents can get all the resources that they need in one visit more mobile areas
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe in Results, Action and Opportunities. We need bold leadership who will fight Donald Trumps budget cuts impacting Wake County families, who will stand up for our schools, affordable housing and transit
Current Occupation
Consultant for IT industry
Age (optional)
55
Campaign Phone
919-434-5996
I was the first Indian-American elected to public office in NC, served 14 years on the Morrisville Town Council, bring to the table experience in local government, understanding the issues our county is facing.
I believe that we need bold leadership in our county today to fight the Donald Trump budget cuts impacting our schools and transit plans. These budget cuts hurt Wake County families and we have to make sure we are investing in our classrooms, affordable housing, transit and our EMS system.
Finally, my background in I-T has developed my skills to focus on results, action and opportunities. We need leadership who will not only drive a public policy agenda -- but also make sure we execute it.
Smart growth will be a critical issue. Dealing with the President's budget cuts to our schools, Medicaid and transit will be another issue the Commissioner face. Our Wake County families pay the price for Donald Trump's budget cuts and we will have to address that.
Supporting our classroom teachers, our public schools and our community college are also very important. I am a product of our public schools, so are my children. As the son of Indian-American immigrants, I know the importance of public education. Education is the ladder to economic success. We have to support our schools and teachers.
Finally, we need to invest in our local communities on issues like affordable housing and transit.
Supporting the school boards budget is an important role a County Commissioner can play in improving our schools.
Supporting competitive pay salaries and county supplements for our classroom teachers and support staff
Supporting upcoming bond referendums to help the school system keep pace with a growing county
Economic Development, job growth and job creation are vital to sustaining our quality of life. I have extensive experience from my work on the Morrisville Town Council recruiting new business, industry and commerce to our town. I will bring those skills and experience to Wake County.
I think we have to be strategic about our growth and ensure that our business community can thrive but also contribute to our county's success and prosperity.
Finally, workforce training is a constant consideration - We have a great community college in Wake County with strong leadership -- we need to invest in its continued success.
One area of concern is homelessness. I think our local governments and our county can work collaboratively to unify our shelters and programs to help our residents without housing find solutions that get them on a path to full-time housing and shelter.
Programs like Oak City Cares, the Salvation Army and the Women's Center are vitally important. Let's work on coordinating those services to improve outcomes for our unhoused residents.
Mental health is another major issue facing our county. It will take working with the state to address the shortcomings here but it needs to begin. Too many patients and families can't access mental healthcare services and we need to tackle that problem.
Fixing our EMS system is another issue, as well.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
I bring people-focused systems thinking that will break down silos and find efficiencies across County services.
Current Occupation
Consultant
Profession: I specialize in human-centered technology. I am a problem understander (“solve the right problem”) and a problem solver (“solve a problem right”). I apply systems thinking in innovation (134 US patents) and management (annual revenues of over $1 billion, raised 33%). I will apply these skills to improve resident experience, finding efficiencies for our annual budget of $2.1 billion, while ensuring that the most vulnerable are protected.
Community organizing: Since 2013, I lead a group of 80-90 volunteers for food and other drives for poor people and refugees.
Political activism: I have won Wake Dems awards for Top Canvasser and Top Mentor. I am an NCDP Interfaith caucus vicechair.
Personal: I am the only foreign-born candidate
Housing: Wake is projected to have a deficit of over 110,000 units by 2029. I will increase the supply of affordable multi-unit homes. First, I will improve the County’s planning processes, data gathering, and improving transparency while protecting the environment and building safety. Second, I will evaluate land-use requirements such as parking minimums, which raise cost and reduce tree cover. Third, we should reduce administrative fees for affordable homes.
We can improve the quality of life at reduced cost via high-density residences with shared spaces such as parks and pedestrian-friendly layouts. Such improvements enhance casual interactions between neighbors and build community and public transportation more viable.
The Commission should invest to the full extent needed in both school facilities (e.g., HVAC and roof repairs, and avoidance of mold) and staff salaries and benefits, including special education and counseling programs.
In addition, we can combat inequity in education by engaging Wake’s phenomenal pool of educated people, especially retirees, who want to give back. I will measurably advance community participation in education by promoting programs such as Communities in Schools for mentoring students from families without college-educated adults to enhance our STEAM offerings. Besides a direct payoff in helping kids, these efforts will improve the social fabric in Wake by bridging communities.
Transit: I will ensure any affordable housing is well-connected to employment centers through public transit; inadequate connectivity limits opportunities for low-income residents, more so for women. I will support efforts to create a light rail system in the Triangle. Such a system doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful.
Business: I will encourage innovation through incubators for tech startups. I will evaluate the regulatory burden placed on small businesses and remove unnecessary and obsolete policies.
Arts: Boosting the arts will lead to employment in the arts and in Wake’s burgeoning travel and tourism industry.
I will advocate for adequate funding for Health and Human Services for prevention (free immunizations, needle exchanges, public education about hygiene and available programs), early intervention to reduce costs, and expanded regional clinics and telehealth options, especially for maternal and child health.
I will advocate setting up a network of social workers (and volunteers) in each part of Wake, who will educate the public about health and other services (e.g., for domestic violence) and assist residents in using them.
I will institute data gathering and analysis to continually track demand for (and any shortfalls in) health services. A dynamic reallocation of resources to when and where they are needed will improve effectiveness.
Consider nondiscrimination as an example of how I will help improve practices, not just policies. Wake and several municipalities have adopted a nondiscrimination ordinance. I will improve tracing of complaints as well as analysis to uncover underlying causes. A data-driven, streamlined process will build trust by clarifying expectations, leading to a reduction in discrimination, while encouraging reporting the incidents that do occur.
We should not think of this position in isolation. The question voters should ask themselves is which set of nine people will form the best Commission we can get. The current Commission has a lot of talent and experience from our school board and town councils. Adding two people with similar backgrounds won’t move the needle. In contrast, I am the only candidate whose expertise and experience will complement the other eight. As one of nine members, I will bring new thinking to the Commission and take our collective decision making to the next level.
