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Kristopher Vorren: 2025 Fuquay Varina Board of Commissioners Candidate
Manage episode 510644974 series 2701919
We sit down with Kris Vorren, a data-driven candidate for the Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners, to dive into equitable growth, housing affordability, traffic solutions, and heat-resilient public spaces. He offers practical strategies for blending density, supporting small businesses, and fostering community through local events and shaded gathering spots. Key topics from our conversation include:
• Role of a commissioner as both vision-setter and evaluator
• Equitable growth as the guiding principle
• Top priorities: attainable housing, traffic relief, heat-safe parks and a vibrant downtown
• Rethinking affordability beyond the 30% income benchmark
• Supporting missing-middle housing, ADUs, and modest mid-rise development
• Forward-thinking infrastructure planning for wastewater and transportation
• Drawing transit lessons from Chapel Hill and aligning on intersection timelines
• Boosting small businesses with mixed-use spaces and frequent community events
• Promoting inclusion by meeting residents where they are
• Advocating for a clear, actionable non-discrimination policy
• Endorsed by Wake County Democratic Party
Vorren is one of four candidates vying for a spot on the Fuquay Varina Board of Commissioners, where voters can select up to two. Early voting starts on October 16th, and a valid ID is required to cast your vote. Your decision on November 4th will play a pivotal role in shaping Fuquay Varina’s future for years to come. Be sure to make a plan to vote!
Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees
Voter Information (Register, Am I Registered?, Election Information)
Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
Election Information (Absentee by Mail Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting)
Early Voting Locations
October 16-November 1
Wake County Board of Elections Office-1200 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh 27610
October 25-November 1
John M. Brown Community Center-53 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502
Avery Street Recreation Center-125 Avery Street, Garner, NC 27529
Herbert C. Young Community Center-101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 4 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email [email protected]. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Now, let's dive in!
Chapters
1. Candidate Conversation Intro (00:00:00)
2. Meet Kris Vorren: Candidate Introduction (00:01:29)
3. Have you been an active voter, including local elections? (00:02:39)
4. What do you feel is the role of board commissioner? (00:03:11)
5. What is your involvement within the community and town government, and what qualifications make you prepared for this role? (00:04:34)
6. What’s your long-term vision for the future of Fuquay-Varina? (00:06:34)
7. What are your top three priorities for our community if elected? (00:07:31)
8. What is working well in the town today, and where do you see room for improvement? (00:11:06)
9. Do you support the current town budget? Where would you advocate changes, including any adjustments to taxes or spending priorities, if needed for fiscal responsibility? (00:13:02)
10. Oftentimes, it feels like government waits until a specific need is critical before taking action. Do you support being more proactive? How and in what ways specifically? (00:16:11)
11. What new initiatives or attractions would you champion to boost revenue and community pride? (00:17:52)
12. Have you ever disagreed publicly with a current town decision or policy? What was it, and how would you handle a similar situation in office? (00:19:38)
13. When you hear “smart growth”, what does that mean for our town in practical terms? (00:21:17)
14. Our town is growing rapidly, putting pressure on infrastructure like water and roads, public safety, parks and recreation, and housing affordability. If you had to prioritize only one of these areas this year due to limited funding, which would you cho (00:22:20)
15. Do you feel we already adequately meet the needs of any of these: infrastructure, public safety, parks and recreation, or housing affordability? (00:24:29)
16. As the population grows, what strategies would you prioritize to address roads, utilities, and other infrastructure challenges? (00:26:11)
17. As our town grows, farmland faces pressure from development, and some residents struggle to access fresh food. How would you support local farmers, protect farmland, and help ensure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food? (00:27:10)
18. Our police sometimes receive requests from outside agencies while also addressing local needs. How would you set priorities for public safety with limited resources? (00:29:56)
19. How can the town better support small businesses and connect with their needs? (00:31:20)
20. What approaches would you take to foster understanding and collaboration amongst residents with differing perspectives? (00:32:38)
21. How will you ensure diverse voices and those most impacted are not only included but truly embraced in decision-making? (00:33:43)
22. Do you support a non-discrimination ordinance or policy? Why or why not? (00:34:35)
23. Where can listeners connect with you and learn more about your platform, upcoming events, and ways to get involved? (00:37:21)
24. Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with those voting in the upcoming election? (00:39:09)
25. Lightning Round: Getting to Know Kris Vorren (00:40:01)
26. Closing Reflections & Voting Info (00:43:55)
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