The Person County Democrats

Why did you decide to run for Mayor, and what would be your top priority in that role?

I decided to run for mayor because I deeply love and care for this community, I believe I have the ability to lead with integrity, and I want to ensure that as we grow, we do so in a way that strengthens our town and preserves what makes it special.

 

What has been your proudest accomplishment as a member of the city council?

When I think about my proudest moments as a council member, there are honestly too many to count. But what they all have in common is this: I have stayed informed, asked the tough questions, and given honest answers no matter who was involved. And when it came time to vote, I never hesitated to stand alone if that is what was best for our community. For me, that is what leadership is all about — doing what is right, even when it is not easy.

 

Where do you see the City of Roxboro four years from now?

In the next four years, I see Roxboro continuing to grow in population, which will require us to make careful infrastructure decisions and take a fresh look at our ordinances to be sure we are meeting the needs of that growth. I also see us encouraging and supporting our local businesses so that Roxboro’s identity isn’t defined only by big box stores, but by the strength and character of our hometown economy.

 

Where can people find out more about your campaign?

People can find more information about my campaign on my website electpeterbaker.us and through my ongoing posts on social media, include my Facebook page, Peter Baker for Mayor. 

Why did you decide to run for Mayor, and what would be your top priority in that role?

I decided to run for Mayor because of my deep commitment to our community and my proven experience in city leadership. I have had the privilege of serving as a Council Member (2019-2021) and as Mayor Pro Tem (2021-2025), where I have stepped into the Mayor’s role when needed. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our city. My top priority as Mayor will be to strengthen collaboration between the City Council and County Commissioners. By building a stronger, more unified working relations, we can ensure decisions are made in the best interest of our citizens, address issues more effectively, and create a foundation for long-term growth and success in our community.

 

What has been your proudest accomplishment as a member of the city council?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping foster a sense of togetherness among Council members and city staff. I am especially proud of supporting initiatives that recognize and celebrate our city employees, including holiday events that bring our workforce and community closer together. I am proud of the ordinances we’ve made to improve the lives of our citizens. Each decision I supported was made with the goal of giving residents the best opportunities and solutions when they came before the Council. Lastly, I strongly believe in fairly compensating our employees for their dedicated service to the citizens of Roxboro, and I am proud to have stood behind efforts that recognize their hard work and commitment.

 

Where do you see the City of Roxboro four years from now?

Four years from now, I see the City of Roxboro as a thriving, welcoming community that attracts new residents and businesses while preserving the close-knit values that make our city special. I envision a city that is better promoted, with more opportunities to showcase Roxboro as a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families. I also see our youth playing a large role in shaping our community’s future. By creating programs and opportunities that encourage them to make positive choices and share their ideas, we can empower them to become leaders and active contributors to our city’s growth. Our young people are the foundation of Roxboro’s future, and investing in them ensures that our community continues to prosper for generation to come.

 

Where can people find out about your campaign?

I welcome anyone who wants to learn more about my campaign to reach me directly. You can contact me by phone at 336-503-2197 or by emailed at tarheelu16@yahoo.com. I also invite you to follow my campaign Facebook page, Cynthia C. Petty for Mayor of Roxboro, where I will be sharing updates and information. For those who prefer traditional mail, I can be reached at 300 Newell Street, Roxboro, NC 27573. I look forward to connecting with citizens and hearing your thoughts, ideas, and concerns for the future of our city.

Why did you decide to run for re-election to the city council?

I decided to run for re-election because I feel there is so much work that still needs to be done in our community. I feel like I represent the majority of those in the city limits and will continue to be a voice for the people not the politics. 

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What has been your proudest accomplishment as a member of the city council?

My proudest moment was actually being elected as the first black woman to be voted onto city council. My second accomplishment would be having a seat and being part of the sidewalk plan for our southern side of the city. While the mission isn't complete it is still a very heavy conversation with council.

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What do you see as the top issue facing the City of Roxboro today? How have you worked to address this issue during your time on the council?

An issue that I see us facing would have to be housing. We as council have worked hard to obtain new housing in this area, now my goal is to have a seat at the table to now talk about making sure that we aren't forgetting the income bracket here in our community. I want to help create an ordinance where developers would have to dedicate 10 to 15% of new homes being built to low income residents. 

What do you see as the future of Roxboro?

I would love to see our diverse community have more inclusive activities. For example, we have Alive After 5, but the demographics of the attendees often doesn't reflect the diverse makeup of our community. I would like to see additional events aimed at attracting our Black and Hispanic communities as well.  Let's bring all of our citizens out!

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Where can people find out more about your campaign?

If you are interested in my campaign, you can find more information on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shainaoutlaw

Why did you decide to run for city Council?

I decided to run for city council to give a voice to the ideas and people that are not being heard. The working class, poor, the homeless and the disabled and elderly in our community are being drowned out. I want to connect the ideas and conversations that are happening in rooms across this county for the betterment of the city.

 

What do you see as the top issue facing the city of Roxboro today?

I see infrastructure, affordable housing and recreation as some of the top issues. But my job is to listen to every Roxboro resident and prioritize the issues together. I have been surveying local residents to make sure Roxboro voices are heard. I’ve heard from our residents that food insecurity is an emerging issue. Food stamps are being cut for some and the cost of food is increasing. There are many organizations that distribute food boxes but sometimes they aren’t making it to the most vulnerable. People are hungry. I’ve had several young people request “something to do”. There were a wide range of suggestions. Some ideas included a basketball court, a skate park and a swimming pool. People lack recreation. Several residents expressed frustration with the transportation situation in the city. People want to work around Roxboro and out of the city. No sidewalks or bike trails in the city along with limited shuttle service makes navigating the city impossible on foot. Uber and Lyft are difficult to use if not non existent in the city and PATS service is limited. People need to be mobile. Another issue that has emerged in speaking with residents is traffic safety for our children. Some residents of our city have requested better traffic controls around RCS for students being dropped off and picked up from school. “Children At Play" signs or speed bumps were requested on Ivey St and one resident requested centerlines be painted on Main Street. The new property tax increases are top of mind for MANY residents. They want to know how the new taxes will be spent on services that benefit us.

 

How have you engaged with local government or local residence to address this issue?

I’ve spoken at the city Council meetings more than once. I've inquired about the sinkholes in the city. I’ve asked the council to engage on the possibility of reviving our farmers market. I’ve also addressed the County Commissioners about the possibility of water recreation and investing in the people of Person County. I’m also calling and knocking on the door of Roxboro City residents and businesses to make sure as many voices as possible are heard.

 

What do you see as the future of Roxboro?

A bustling Uptown, transportation in and around the City on the weekends and after 5p. I see Roxboro as a science, technology engineering and math center. With the industry that is coming and the businesses already here, we can create programs to prepare our children for the future. I see recreation centers that stay open after 6 PM and on weekends with new programs to engage our young people.

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Where can people find out more about your campaign?

Website: cogginsforcouncil.com

Facebook: Kendra Coggins for City Council

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Why did you decide to run for city council?

I decided to run for office because I wanted to see a change in my community. I feel that I have a lot to offer being a community supporter/activist. I am from here and I see some of the challenges firsthand.

 

What do you see as the top issue facing the City of Roxboro today? How have you engaged with local government or local residents to address this issue?

Lack of adequate infrastructure to support the city’s growth. The city needs to have an open-mind and embrace change and growth. More support for mental health and substance abuse. I have had some conversations with law enforcement regarding the mentally ill population.

 

What do you see as the future of Roxboro?  

Everyone having the opportunity to enjoy what the city has to offer. Supporting one another. The city being more useful to its citizens. The youth having more community engagement with various activities to participate in that’s inclusive for all.

 

Where can people find out more about your campaign?  

In the newspaper, social media and talking with me directly.