A look at former Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry's campaign for re-election

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 Perry's campaign:

Full name:  Cynthia (Cindy) Sax Perry

Date/place of birth: 7/29/1947, Pearl River, NY

Current occupation:  Attorney, Retired

Campaign website/social media: Facebook: Cindy Perry for Mayor 2021

Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members): Husband: Dan Perry; Adult Children: Ward, Hally and Cynthia

Party affiliation: Municipal elections are non-partisan. I am an active Democrat.

Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: Mayor of Pittsboro 2015-2019, Candidate for Chatham County School Board in late 1970’s 

Why are you seeking this office?

 I am seeking this office because I care deeply about the Town of Pittsboro and its people.  Pittsboro is grappling with growth issues around infrastructure, water quality, environmental concerns and affordable housing, and these require strong leadership and diplomacy.  I am confident that my legal and political experience will help Pittsboro thrive.

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?

The Mayor assists in setting the agenda and conducts Board of Commissioners Meetings.  The Mayor is the spokesperson for Pittsboro initiatives, news and celebrations with the citizens and the broader community.I am qualified to fill that role because I did so from 2015-2019 with success and the spirit of unity and respect.

You chose not seek reelection during the last cycle and (if we remember correctly) endorsed Nass as your replacement. Why did you decide now to run for mayor against him after previously stepping aside?

 In 2019 I was pleased that Jim Nass was interested in running for Mayor. I wanted to devote time to other community work, such as serving on the Board of Second Bloom, our domestic violence agency.  In recent months, numerous citizens urged me to run again.  I realized that I sincerely missed my work as Mayor. As I am completing my Board service with Second Bloom, I am ready to return to local government.

How would you rate Nass’ performance as mayor in the last two years?

 Pittsboro voters will do that. 

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 fiscal philosophy is conservative taxation and conservative spending.  It is important for Pittsboro’s ad valorem tax rate to remain low enough to fund infrastructure improvements and be competitive with other communities.  Eventually, tax revenues from Chatham Park will allow the Town to have greater resources for staff, facilities and plans that are currently beyond our means. Until that income comes to fruition, we will need to do extensive master planning to be prepared when the income allows those expenditures to be made. I favor funding through State and Federal grants and programs in order to keep our tax rate low.  I am in favor of State action on water quality so that our ratepayers will not shoulder the burden of installing costly drinking water filtration devices to resolve issues created upstream.

Pittsboro’s water contamination is one of the most critical issues facing the town’s elected officials and staff. Regular water pollution affects people’s health and costs 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?

 The health of our children is my first priority. There is no issue of greater importance. First, we must complete comprehensive protections for our children and vulnerable populations. The current $2+ million dollar expenditures for the Town’s water plant do not remove 1,4 Dioxane, a suspected carcinogen. By the end of this year expenditures will reduce PFOS and PFOA, but not 1,4 Dioxane. We cannot wait for State funding for additional improvements to our drinking water system. We must work creatively to fund crucial improvements to our drinking water, and simultaneously get the State and upstream communities to recognize this unconscionable predicament. Once the State has recognized and funded the cost of our improvements, we can shift town resources to other important initiatives.

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?

 Chatham Park was approved in March of 2015 before I became Mayor in December of that year.  Given that approval, I have worked to fine-tune details of the development, overseeing the Board’s review, revision and passage of Additional Elements.  Those Elements involve environmental protections in open space, parks, tree protection and infrastructure.  My philosophy is to advocate for the best protections for Chatham Park’s development, since it will impact “legacy Pittsboro” in many significant ways, especially our environment and our eclectic small downtown businesses.

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?

Town staff turned over after my terms ended.  I have had limited interactions with Chris Kennedy, the new Town Manager, but on each occasion he has impressed me with his well-informed advocacy for our Town.  Other than these observations, it would not be appropriate for me to evaluate the Manager, since he serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners.

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

(1). Increase water quality protections through State assistance and appropriate penalties on upstream dischargers; and

(2). Institute Climate-Saving-Initiatives.

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?

 I disagree that the Mayor is a figurehead for the Town.  The Mayor is a vital and visible representative of the Town. The Mayor conducts Town Board Meetings, assists in agenda development, is the chief spokesperson for the Town in the public and press, and the Town’s representative at state and national meetings. For example, I served as the Town’s representative at the 2018 Chicago Mayors’ Climate Conference that gave our Town an amazing amount of press and recognition.The principles I have brought and will bring to the job are: as an attorney, I bring the principles of speaking in conformity with the law and facts. As the former Mayor, I bring the principle of experience being the best teacher. As a long-time resident, I bring the constituent contacts and relationships that give me the principles of keen leadership.

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

Downtown businesses, Warm and welcoming community, Community Artists and Non-profit Agencies

What are three areas where Pittsboro can improve?

Communication with citizens and Infrastructure improvements, especially water quality, and affordable housing

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

I will remain active with our community and government.