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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We will use federal, state, and grant funds to finance the in-hand solutions to these critical issues to the maximum extent possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
• Integrity and Honesty
• Service, especially to those most in need.
• Unity- always strive to unite not divide.
Its people, It’s fantastic downtown, Its spirit propelled by love for one another.
• A commitment to unite and not divide.
• More involvement in the political process.
• To love each other as members of a family
Work tirelessly to unite our family. Provide affordable housing. Make our downtown as prosperous and welcoming as possible.