A look at incumbent Jim Nass' campaign for Pittsboro Mayor

Pittsboro has only two contested races on the Nov. 2 ballot, but it’s the one for mayor which may give voters a double-take: it pits former Mayor Cindy Perry, who gave up the seat in 2019 to endorse the man she’s facing — incumbent Mayor Jim Nass. Here's more on Nass' campaign:

Date/place of birth: Denver, Colorado

Current occupation: Mayor, Pittsboro, NC

Campaign website/social media: Jim Nass Facebook

Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members): Jennifer Smith and Colleen Lewis daughters. Sean Nass and Brandan Nass, sons. Olivia Smith, Porter Lewis, Rylee Nass, Dylan Nass Grandchildren.

Party affiliation: Unaffiliated

Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: Mayor, Pittsboro, NC

Why are you seeking this office?

I ran for Mayor two years ago because I was very concerned about the deplorable state of town management and some serious staff issues. I wanted to provide the leadership to unclog our water and sewer issues that were caught up in a never-ending cycle of bureaucracy. These problems have existed for years and were not dealt with. I am running for reelection because the solutions are in hand and ready for implementation and we still have work to do on affordable housing and ensuring that our most at need citizens are being served by the town. Plans without proper implementation are not worth much and I have the experience and will to ensure these plans are implemented properly.

What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in one sentence, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?

 I see the role of Mayor as one of not only working closely with the Commissioners and twon staff, but also representing the values and ethos of this amazing place we call home. We are all family and we are welcoming new members to our family every week. In one sentence I have the ability, experience and will to provide the leadership necessary to implement the solutions.

You’re completing your first term as mayor. How would assess your performance over the past two years? What are you most proud of, and what would have liked to have accomplished that you couldn’t?

 I am most proud of fixing our town management and helping to forge a motivated, strong town staff. And finding solutions that will stand the test of time for our water and sewer issues.

How would you rate your competitor’s performance when she previously served as mayor?

The former Mayor is a friend and had very good intentions. However, the issues of town management and staff were not dealt with and our water and sewer issues remained caught in what seemed like never ending bureaucracy.

One of the most important decisions that elected officials make is on the annual budget, which includes spending and tax rates. Do you have a budgeting philosophy? What’s more important to you, spending more to allocate resources to needed programs or cutting spending and keeping the tax rate low?

My budget philosophy is to take advantage of every source of funding for our town that is available so as to keep the burden on our citizens as low as possible.

Pittsboro’s water contamination is one of the most critical issues facing the town’s elected officials and staff. Regular water pollution affecting people’s health and costing the town more money than it would spend under different circumstances. How will you find the balance between prioritizing residents’ health, using town resources responsibly and giving appropriate attention to other important initiatives?

We will use federal, state, and grant funds to finance the in-hand solutions to these critical issues to the maximum extent possible.

Chatham Park plans to introduce 50,000+ residents to Pittsboro (which is now about 4,500) over coming decades. Overseeing such development is one of the board’s most frequent tasks. The topic comes with some conflict, especially between the pro-development community and environmentalists. What is your philosophy with respect to development and growth and the rapid change that is coming to Pittsboro?

 This growth was inevitable. The good news is that the town has a significant role in how this growth occurs. Every aspect of this growth has town involvement and careful attention. For example, the small area plan for North village sets forth a plan where 61% of the land will be public parks and open space. Another is that we are very close to an agreement on affordable housing that will produce a very significant number of affordable units for our town.

Cindy Perry elected not to run for mayor again last cycle, and (if we remember correctly) she endorsed you as her replacement. What is your reaction to her decision to run against you now after previously stepping aside?

I welcome her decision to run and wish more citizens would join races for elected officials. It gives our citizens an opportunity to decide and in the mayor race to compare accomplishments.

Town staff has largely turned over within your term, most notably the town manager. How would you evaluate Chris Kennedy and his staff’s performance?

The state of town management was deplorable when I took over and staff was not motivated, and morale was low. Chris is doing a great job and our staff is doing great and their morale is high.

Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected: 

Goal one is to provide a significant number of new affordable housing units in Pittsboro. Goal two is to eliminate all harmful contaminants from our water supply.

The Mayor does not vote on any items that come before the town board but serves as a “chairman of the Board” and figurehead for the town. What are three principles you would carry into that role to deserve it?:

• Integrity and Honesty

• Service, especially to those most in need.

• Unity- always strive to unite not divide.

What do you think are Pittsboro’s three best features?

 Its people, It’s fantastic downtown, Its spirit propelled by love for one another.

What are three areas where Pittsboro can improve?

• A commitment to unite and not divide.

• More involvement in the political process.

• To love each other as members of a family

If you are not elected, what steps will you take to serve Pittsboro?

Work tirelessly to unite our family. Provide affordable housing. Make our downtown as prosperous and welcoming as possible.