Elizabeth Parent, candidate for Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners

Eight candidates are on the ballot for four open seats on the Fuquay-Varina Town Board this year, including that of Mayor Blake Massengill, who is running unopposed.

Jason Ora Wunsch, who served as a town commissioner from 2013-22, is one of two former members running. Former Commissioner Charlie Adcock, who served from 2007-18, is the other.

Early voting runs through Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 7.

To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Elizabeth Parent

Age: 29

Residence: 904 Oldwyck Drive

Occupation/Employer: Eggs Up Grill, server

Education: Bellevue College & Olympic College

Political or civic experience: 2017-18 Membership VP of MOMs Club of North Spokane, 2019-20 Membership VP of MOMs Club of Fuquay-Varina/Holly Springs, 2020-21 President of MOMs Club of Fuquay-Varina/Holly Springs, 2021-23 Secretary of Artists Alliance of the Triangle. ‘21, ‘22 & ‘23 volunteer for Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Run the Quay. Volunteer for the 2021 Afghanistan Refugee donation site in FV. 2021 Volunteer Coordinator for William ‘Bill’ Harris campaign for Mayor of Fuquay-Varina. Former candidates for NC House District 37 in the 2022 Democratic primary. 2022-present Field Director for Senator Batch campaign for re-election. Intern at N.C. Senate Democratic Caucus. 2023 FVPD Citizens Police Academy Alumni, Fuquay-Varina’s 2023 MANiFest Juneteenth Celebration planning committee member, 2022 and 2023 Fuquay-Varina Pride Celebration planning committee member

Campaign website: www.ElizabethParent.com

Tell us why you’re running to serve Fuquay-Varina. Why should voters trust you in this position?

I believe I will bring a fresh perspective to the board. I see the direction our town is growing, and I want to ensure we are looking forward and being proactive. I was raised on a small family farm in a rural town in the Pacific Northwest, very similar to Fuquay-Varina for its agricultural history, in addition to proximity to tech jobs and military bases. I’ve experienced being priced out of our hometown, and we are fortunate to have found Fuquay-Varina. My top three goals over the next two years are to advocate for a housing affordability study, add pizza boxes to the list of recyclable items, and create a legislative committee. I hope to earn your vote, and I am excited to lead Fuquay-Varina forward!

What is the town of Fuquay-Varina doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

Our town staff is aware of needed improvements and have many projects in the pipeline. However I feel the town board struggles to look ahead and be proactive. For example, The completion of Judd Pakway was a massive transportation improvement, however many intersections were not configured to handle the rise in our population. There were a number of intersection-widening projects that broke ground after we moved here in 2018 and less than five years later they are already slated for expansion. When making a decision I will always take into account the data associated with increase in population in order to be proactive with our planning and spending. Fuquay-Varina’s projects are primarily funded through grants, bonds, state or federal funding. I believe we could utilize the implementation of a legislative committee that would meet regularly with our state and federal elected officials with the purpose of advocating for necessary funding for improvements within our town.

If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?

I will continue to consult the community. We often see statements around election season from candidates for commissioner who say things like “if elected I will have open office hours at a local coffee shop” and often they follow through, but then stop when they find that nobody comes. I understand the importance and meaning of accessibility. I will continue to attend local events and make an effort to consistently meet with various communities whether religious organizations, civic organizations, home owners associations, local PTAs, youth organizations or knocking on doors. I’m willing to put in the effort to ensure responsible representation.

How do you plan to make local government in Fuquay-Varina more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?

I will listen to them with compassion, respect and empathy, utilize their perspective while collaborating with staff, and remember their words and needs before I vote on any proposal.

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

• AFL-CIO

• LPAC

• LGBTQ Victory Fund

• Moms Demand Action

• Wake County Democratic Party

• NC State Senator Sydney Batch

If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.

Please visit my website for additional information. I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with you and answer any questions you may have, feel free to call me at 919-307-7593.

I hope you have the opportunity to attend a Board of Commissioners meeting and meet our wonderful town staff! Each department works incredibly hard to keep our town running and delivering services to citizens, keeping our communities safe and offering fun events and activities! Thank you for voting!