Liz Johnson, candidate for Morrisville Town Council

This year, five people are making a run for three open seats on the Morrisville Town Council.

Patty Wei-Pei Cheng is challenging incumbent Satish Garimella for one of the at-large seats on the council.

Incumbent Anne Robotti is defending her District 1 seat against challenger Subba Madireddy. and Incumbent Liz Johnson is running unopposed for the District 3 seat.

Early voting for the Nov. 7 election began Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 4.

To find polling sites and voting information, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Liz Johnson

Age: 63

Residence: 104 Delafield Court

Occupation/Employer: Retired

Education: BA in Mathematics and Elementary Education, College of Mount Saint Vincent

Political or civic experience: Morrisville Town Council 1999-2023, Mayor Pro Tem 2007-2009, 2011-2013, 2013-2015, 2019-2023; North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Trustees 2020-2023, Vice Chair 2021-2023; Jordan Lake One Water (JLOW), Chair 2023; President North Carolina Women in Municipal Government 2017-2019, Immediate Past President 2019-2021; North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors & Executive Committee 2014-2019; Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board Alternate 2005-2019; Wake County Transit Advisory Committee; Morrisville/Cary Joint Issues Committee; Morrisville Planning & Zoning Board 1998-1999; Chair of the Raleigh-Durham Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Affiliate 2018-2023, Volunteer since 2004; Founding Board Member of the Morrisville Community Fund 2011, President of Board of Directors 2014-2023; St. Michael Catholic Church Parishioner & Volunteer 1997-2023; Morrisville Veterans Memorial Foundation Volunteer 2017-2023

Campaign website: www.LizJohnson.org

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

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Morrisville for six terms. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, establishing Morrisville as the most welcoming, diverse, and inclusive small town in North Carolina. Our success as a great community has brought us numerous accolades and awards.

These accolades do not happen overnight, but rather take vision and fortitude to earn. I am running for re-election to the Morrisville Town Council because I have the knowledge, leadership skills, and experience to help lead our Council as we continue to address the challenges and opportunities facing Morrisville. While we have much to be grateful for, I am keenly aware that there is more work to be done. Working together, we will continue to make Morrisville a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

What is the town of Morrisville doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

The Land Use Plan, unanimously adopted in 2021, along with the other adopted Plans we have in place, are the blueprint to how growth is to occur in Morrisville.

These Plans need to be reviewed more frequently due to the growth in and around Morrisville. During our Comprehensive Transportation Plan update process, I advocated for a required review of our Plans 4-5 years after adoption over the typical ten-year review. This shorter review period is now documented in our plans and will be important as growth around us continues and conditions change. One of the concerning aspects of our growth is that housing is becoming unaffordable. The housing prices in Morrisville are escalating. The shortage of affordable for sale and rental units is significant, both socially and economically. Families are forced to pay more for housing, and owning a home becomes out of reach for many.

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

Adequate housing choice for all income levels is essential for a strong community. Solving the affordable housing issue is complex and requires strong partnerships with the non-profit and private sectors.

The council is currently focused on funding a down payment assistance program. Affordable homeownership is one aspect of a successful solution. I believe we also need to focus on bringing additional long-term affordable housing units to Morrisville. Implementing a solution for all, including those not ready for homeownership, needs to be included in a comprehensive, affordable housing strategy. I am proud to be among the majority on the Council that worked with private developers to bring the first long-term affordable housing units to Morrisville. Offering rental units at below market rate is an important part of the equation in addressing housing choice. I will continue to advocate for a more inclusive housing choice strategy.

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

Ensuring Morrisville is a welcoming and inclusive community has been a focus of mine since first elected. Creating an inclusive community means everyone is valued and accepted for who they are. This environment is the first step toward residents believing their government is here for them.

I also recognize that we need to continue the focus in this area. Offering our print materials in different languages, continually expanding our Town cultural events that now include Diwali, Juneteenth, Pride, and the International Festival. I am a firm believer in meeting people where they are. I attend events across Morrisville to listen and learn from our multicultural community. I supported Morrisville adopting Wake County’s non-discrimination ordinance. Discrimination of any kind cannot be tolerated. I also championed our Morrisville Smart Shuttle (offering free on-demand transit), enhanced accessible parking options at Town events, and playgrounds that are accessible for all abilities.

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

• North Carolina Asian Americans Together

• Wake County Democratic Party

• Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County

• Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors

• Triangle Apartment Association

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

I have experienced two distinct careers. First as an educator, teaching 2nd grade, and then as an IBM Software Developer and Systems Engineer. Both of these experiences helped me perfect important skills I use each day. My ability to share knowledge and empower others, as well as my ability to problem solve and connect people to the resources they need, enable me to be successful in the work I do as Mayor Pro Tem. I believe in collaborative consensus building.

I have consistently demonstrated that I am a dedicated representative of all Morrisville constituents. I use my skills as a collaborator to bring together diverse opinions to create solutions that advance the quality of life for all of our residents. I have a proven record of championing positive changes, resulting in a more inclusive, connected, and innovative Morrisville. I am known as a fair, open-minded, and balanced leader.