NC Deep Dive

We sat down with Holly Springs mayoral candidate Mike Kondratick to talk traffic, development, affordability, and how a more responsive town hall could better serve residents. He outlines ideas like a transportation lockbox, daily outreach to the community, and a "worth the cost" standard for evaluating future projects.

• Redefining The Mayor’s Role As Active Chair And Resident Advocate
• Why Traffic And Development Must Be...

We sit down with Commissioner Bryan Haynes to discuss how Fuquay-Varina can grow while preserving its unique character. Our conversation covers infrastructure-first planning, public safety, diverse housing options, and boosting small business vitality. Bryan reflects on key accomplishments, lessons learned, and a regional strategy for managing water, roads, and revenue. Here are some of the critical topics we covered:

• How at-large...

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...

Josh Prizer shares his vision for Holly Springs Town Council, focusing on managed growth, public safety, and fiscal responsibility while maintaining the town's unique character. He draws on his extensive community service background and planning board experience to outline strategies for proactive development planning and infrastructure improvements.

• Six-year Holly Springs resident with a background as volunteer fir...

Kara Foster shares her unique vision for Holly Springs Town Council, blending her healthcare background with municipal policy to create a more walkable, connected, and health-focused community. She proposes innovative solutions like direct primary care and Blue Zones initiatives that could transform both the town's budget and residents' wellbeing.

• Small business owner and optometrist with deep community service...

Tim Forrest shares his vision for Holly Springs' future while highlighting accomplishments like securing $236 million in state infrastructure funding and protecting the town's community character through strategic growth management.

• Currently serving on the Holly Springs Town Council since December 2021
• Retired Army Colonel Engineer with extensive experience in infrastructure planning
• Priorities inc...

Annie Drees, running for re-election to Holly Springs Town Council, brings her engineering background and problem-solving mindset to local government. She believes in preserving Holly Springs' community spirit while managing growth, improving transportation options, and creating more affordable housing opportunities.

• Serving on council for two years with experience on the Legislative Action Committee, Tree Advisory ...

Joe Cuccurullo, running for Holly Springs Town Council, shares his journey from New York to North Carolina and his vision for balancing growth while preserving the community charm that attracted him to the area.

• Moved from New York City during the pandemic and opened Resource Room Learning Center in Holly Springs
• Joined the Planning Board to understand development decisions after seeing projects like Main Street Vi...

Sarah Larson shares her vision for Holly Springs Town Council, focusing on bridging people, policy, and progress through better communication and creating "third gathering places" where community connections flourish.

• Long-time community volunteer serving on various boards including Parks and Rec Advisory Committee and the Downtown Village Plan Committee
• Emphasizes the need for better communication betwee...

Get ready to be the most informed voter on the block! Our latest podcast kicks off with a bang as we tackle the sizzling Republican primary runoff for North Carolina State Auditor. The competition is fierce, and we're here to spotlight the contenders, starting with Dave Boliek—his impressive resume boasts roles such as former prosecutor and UNC Board of Trustees chairman. But it doesn't end there; we're digging into ...

Discover what's at stake in NC's heated Republican runoff for Lieutenant Governor as we dissect the profiles of two major contenders: Jim O'Neill, with his prosecutor's eye for justice and economic savvy, and Hal Weatherman, the nonprofit founder with political savvy to match. I'm your host, Amanda Benbow Lunn, inviting you into the pulse of this critical election. We're not just talking policies and p...

Discover the intense rivalry shaping North Carolina's political landscape as we dissect the Republican runoff for the 13th Congressional District of the US House of Representatives between ardent conservatives Kelly Daughtry and Brad Knott. Both candidates are vying to be the staunchest conservatives, anchoring themselves to a Trumpian vision with bold political pledges to address border security, government spending, and the ...

Every community has its heroes, and today, I'm honored to sit with one of Wake County's very own, Justin Crawford. An entrepreneur who's taken his expertise from the finance world to foster healthier living environments through Green Home Solutions, Justin's story is one of determination, family values, and unmistakable community spirit. Our conversation traverses his transition from investment banking to priori...

Explore the narratives and strategies propelling three dynamic candidates forward in the gripping race for the Democratic nomination for the NC Superintendent of Public Instruction. Join us as we illuminate the campaigns of CR Katie Eddings, Maurice "Mo" Green, and Kenon Crumble. Peel back the layers of their educational philosophies and career milestones, and discover how they plan to revitalize our state's educatio...

Discover the critical distinctions in educational policy and leadership philosophies as we examine the Republican primary for NC's Superintendent of Public Instruction. Feel the pulse of NC's future as we spotlight the compelling race between Michele Morrow and Catherine Truitt, offering an insightful analysis of their platforms. Morrow, with her commitment to academic focus, school safety, and fiscal responsibility, shar...

Get ready to uncover the strategies and stakes in the 2024 Democratic primary for NC Commissioner of Insurance. We're peeling back the political curtain to reveal the inner workings of Natasha Marcus's bid, a state senator with a sharp focus on consumer protection and fair insurance rates. Her charge against the current commissioner's industry-friendly policies sets the stage for an electoral showdown. We dissect Sen...

Prepare to be captivated as we scrutinize the high-stakes skirmish for NC's Insurance Commissioner position, where the Republican primary is setting the stage for a transformative battle. We've got the scoop on three distinct contenders: the reform-minded Andrew Marcus, public service veteran C. Robert Brawley, and the incumbent aiming for continuity, Mike Causey. Uncover the intricacies of their platforms, from Marcus&ap...

Have you ever wondered what drives a person to serve their community at the highest level of state government? Step inside the compelling journeys of Gabe Esparza and Wesley Harris, Democratic candidates in the North Carolina Treasurer race, whose stories are as rich as the policies they advocate for. Gabe's narrative is a testament to the American Dream, with immigrant roots leading to seismic shifts in public safety through ...

Get ready to unlock the intricacies of the North Carolina Treasurer Seat's Republican primary race between candidates AJ Daoud, Rachel Johnson, and Brad Briner. Step into the fray where the financial future of North Carolina hangs in the balance, with a keen focus on what each candidate's unique history and strategy mean for your wallet and our state's economic health.

This episode isn't just about the ...