September 25, 2025 • 43 mins
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 background through VOSH (Volunteer Optometrist Serving Humanity)
• Advocates for a direct primary care pilot program for municipal employees that could save significant money while improving health outcomes
• Proposes implementing Blue Zones principles to make healthy living easier through walkability, greenways, and community connections
• Supports attainable housing to ensure teachers, first responders, and young families can afford to live in Holly Springs
• Emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses and local farmers through streamlined permitting and expanded farmers markets
• Believes in a preventative approach to infrastructure and public safety that reduces long-term costs
• Committed to maintaining Holly Springs' character while accommodating growth through smart development policies
• Endorsed by Wake County Democratic Party, Wiley Nickel, and Sydney Batch
Foster is one of six candidates running for Holly Springs Town Council, where voters may choose up to three. Early voting begins October 16th, and you'll need a valid ID to vote. Your vote on November 4th will help to shape Holly Springs for generations to come. Make sure you have a plan!
KaraFoster@KaraForCouncil.com
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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
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Herbert C. Young Community Center-101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513
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Tuesday, November 4 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
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Now, let's dive in!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (00:09):
Hello friends, welcome back to the NC
Deep Dive podcast.
I am your host, Amanda BenbowLunn, and today I am honored to
be speaking with Kara Foster aspart of our 2025 municipal
election candidate conversations.
Kara is running for the fouryear seat on the Holly Springs
Town Council.
For this race, Kara will berunning against Tim Forrest,
(00:31):
Annie Drees, Josh Prizer, SarahLarson and Joe Cuccurullo.
These races are nonpartisan, sothere will not be any party
affiliation like an R or a Dnext to their name on your
ballot.
You will be eligible to votefor up to three of these
candidates for this seat on yourballot.
In this election, the top threevote getters will join Holly
(00:52):
Springs Town Council membersChris DeShazor and Danielle
Hewetson to make up itsfive-member body.
In these candidateconversations, each candidate
will be asked the same questionsformulated by our constituent
survey, observing communitymembers in person and online,
and fine-tuning with AI to keepthem as fair, unbiased and
(01:13):
open-ended as possible.
Without further ado, my friends, let's dive in.
Welcome, Kara Foster.
You're running for the HollySprings Town Council.
Why don't you take a fewmoments and tell me a little bit
about yourself, how long you'velived in the area and what's
inspired you to run?
Kara Foster (01:32):
Absolutely Well.
Thank you, Amanda.
I appreciate you having me here.
I'm very excited about runningfor town council.
I have lived in this area since2009.
I lived in Holly Springsinitially.
I've been up in Apex and Fuquayfor a couple years, but back in
Holly Springs for about fiveyears, and I grew up in Western
Pennsylvania in a very workingclass family.
(01:52):
I put myself through school,undergrad and then I went to
optometry school in Boston andafter I graduated from optometry
school I moved back down herebecause it just is a great place
to raise a family.
That's why I initially moved toHolly Springs.
I opened my practice in Apexbecause for the first six years
after moving here I was anassociate and I had a 15 mile
(02:13):
non-compete clause, so I didhave to be a little ways away
from there.
I worked in Anger at the time,but I eventually came back to
Holly Springs and I love it here.
I have three girls.
They go to Holly Springsschools.
I Springs and I love it here.
I have three girls.
They go to Holly Springsschools.
I have worked hard to build upmy career and my family here.
I'm a small business owner.
I'm also the president of VOSHNorth Carolina, which is
(02:33):
Volunteer Optometrist ServingHumanity, so community service
really is at my core.
I've done a lot of eye exams athomeless shelters around here,
giving eye exams and glasses topeople who wouldn't otherwise be
able to access care.
I also do a lot with goingoverseas doing eye exams there
as well, so it's just somethingI've always enjoyed serving the
community and helping people bethe best versions of themselves
(02:54):
Awesome.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (02:55):
Have you been an active voter, including
in local elections?
Kara Foster (02:59):
You know I will say that's something that's come up
a little bit.
I have always been a veryactive voter.
I haven't always voted in themunicipal elections, just busy
mom, I thought everybody had itunder good control.
But with the current politicalclimate and everything that's
going on and the direction thatour town is heading I love Holly
Springs, but I feel like now Ihave the opportunity to make a
(03:23):
difference.
So, even though I haven'talways been the most active
municipal voter, I'm veryinspired now to be able to make
a difference in our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (03:31):
All right.
What do you feel is the role asa town council member?
Kara Foster (03:35):
I think it's very important to collaborate, even
though during the politicalseason, everybody makes these
big.
You know, this is what I'mgoing to do.
This is what I want toaccomplish.
It's really not about us.
It's about making a better townfor our people and our families
.
Moving forward, so working withother counselors, the town
employees, to be able to makethe town the best version.
You know, I know there's been alot talking about how it
(03:58):
doesn't include healthcare, butas a healthcare provider,
there's a a whole other side ofthat that I believe we can
incorporate, along withgreenways and more walkability,
reducing traffic, to make ourtown just setting an example for
the state.
But it's just about finding outwhat's best for the people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (04:18):
Okay, what is your involvement within the
community and town governmentand what qualifications make you
prepared for this role?
Kara Foster (04:25):
I have always been involved in volunteering
throughout the community andtown government, and what
qualifications make you preparedfor this role?
I have always been involved involunteering throughout the
community.
I am a doctor.
I've always been active inpolicy reform.
That's why my practice isdifferent.
I have a different kind ofpractice.
I don't take insurance at myoffice.
I want to create a bettersystem in healthcare.
Also, as a nonprofit leader, Ithink I've always been deeply
(04:46):
involved in community and I'm asmall business owner, so I
understand the struggles ofgoing through building something
from the ground up.
I've always considered myself abig picture thinker and a
problem solver.
I like to design solutions andI'm also very resilient.
I don't let things get me down,you know.
When there's a problem, I don'tget bogged down by that.
I look for the solution.
(05:07):
And I've always been deeplyinvested in Holly Springs.
You know I have three girlsthat go to schools here.
We're starting at the new HollySprings, Salton Grove, and I've
just been serving in thiscommunity, going to meetings.
I've really done a lot ofresearch trying to understand
how to get the nitty gritty ofhow we can improve our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (05:25):
What's your long-term vision for the future
of Holly Springs?
Kara Foster (05:29):
My long-term vision of the future of Holly Springs
is to have a more walkable, moreconnected, better greenways,
attainable housing so that ourkids, when they grow up and go
to college, that they can moveback here and we can have our
grandkids be around.
I want to be able to have anoverall healthier society
culture and I think we can startthat right here in Holly
(05:50):
Springs.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (05:51):
Okay, what are your top three priorities
for our community if elected?
Kara Foster (05:55):
I would say greenways and walkability,
traffic, but I think that allties together.
I feel like we'll reducetraffic with better walkability
and microtransit I believe alsokind of falls into that as well.
Attainable housing, I think isvery important.
We want to be able to make sureour teachers, our kids and our
first responders can live hereand supporting small business.
(06:16):
I hear stories all the timeabout small businesses that
can't afford to move, afford topay the rent here, and really
it's hard.
If I wanted to open my businessin Holly Springs I'm an Apex it
would be really challenging todo so.
I think keeping the localeconomy strong and vibrant is
critical.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (06:36):
What is working well in the town today
and where do you see room forimprovement?
Kara Foster (06:40):
Well, I know that the people who are on council
now they love Holly Springs.
They're doing the best they can, but there's a lot of ways that
we can work together better.
I think they're doing afantastic job with the greenways
and microtransit already.
I think that we can improvethat by requiring developers to
connect sidewalks, connectgreenways and just incorporating
(07:00):
a little bit more of centralcommunity centers within
developments places where peoplecan come together, build a
stronger community.
It would be great to be able tohave people or communities
being able to come together alittle bit more, and I think
that we can work with developersto be able to incorporate that
as well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (07:17):
Do you support the current town budget
and where would you advocate forchanges, including any
adjustments to taxes or spendingpriorities, if needed for
fiscal responsibility?
Kara Foster (07:27):
You know, I think that's a really important
question.
The plan that I want to work onfor improving greenways and
improving health care does notinclude raising taxes, so I
think that we could work withinthe existing budget to be able
to do a lot of these initiativeswithout having to raise taxes
for people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (07:45):
Okay, what does
that look like for you?
Kara Foster (07:48):
A big thing for me, which I feel like people don't
really understand, is that wecan have affordable preventative
health care.
I'd like to be able to have adirect primary care pilot
program that we started formunicipal employees and then
eventually expand to the town.
I'll rewind a little bit.
What direct primary care is ishaving access to your primary
(08:08):
care doctor, and I know itdoesn't necessarily sound like
something that the town would do, but actually Union County,
north Carolina, did this acouple years ago.
They implemented it for themunicipal employees and within
the first year of them startingthis program it saved the town
$1.2 million and 79% of peopleusing the program had better
(08:30):
health results.
They were happier, in bettershape, lower blood pressure,
better diabetes scores.
So direct care there's a lot ofstatistics out there, but it
shows that when families have aprimary care doctor who is
looking at the big picture forthem, instead of this kind of
piecemeal like going to a bunchof different specialists without
having someone who's reallyspending time and looking at
(08:52):
what your whole big healthpicture is.
You know our culture is gettingless healthy.
People are on more medications,not living as long.
I mean really, our children arethe first generation that are
predicted to not live as long astheir parents, and I think that
it might not seem like it, butwe have an opportunity here to
be able to start with thisdirect primary care program,
make people healthier within ourtown government and then expand
(09:15):
that to the whole town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (09:16):
Could you help me put this together?
So in a lot of ways at themunicipal level we don't deal
with health care normally.
So when you are suggesting this?
Is this the town that isopening up a clinic and hiring
doctors?
Is this like a private publicpartnership where we're
partnering?
With doctors for that to betheir business and we just have
(09:40):
some sort of contract throughthem for our town employees Like
what does that piece look like?
Kara Foster (09:45):
Well, right now the town offers health insurance.
So what that would be is itwould be reducing those health
care costs and then paying aprivate, kind of private public
system where the town paidinstead of the full spectrum of
health insurance, like they payright now to a doctor and we
have direct primary care doctorsin Holly Springs and in a
doctor and we have directprimary care doctors in Holly
(10:06):
Springs and in the area and it'smore of like a monthly
membership fee where the personis able to access their doctor.
It would be a part of themunicipal employee's health care
plan.
Then expanding where the townis able to use some of those
savings to subsidize.
It's fairly inexpensive For myhusband, my daughter and I three
(10:27):
of us, it's $150 a month and wehave unlimited access to our
doctor.
Medications are less expensiveand if we partner with hospitals
and employers, we can save upto 30% in healthcare costs for
the town, which will add back tosome of that budget deficit.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (10:44):
So your idea is more like the benefits that
we're offering town employees.
Is this completely in lieu ofthe normal insurance and that's
where you're saying that we'resaving the money from or is this
in addition to their normalhealth insurance?
What does that look like?
Kara Foster (11:01):
That would be an addition but it would change the
normal health insurance to notbe as an expensive plan.
It would be more of acatastrophic plan which is maybe
hard to really understand howthat would benefit.
But I'd be happy to go over,like some of the statistics
about how it improves healthcare overall.
But people are much healthier.
Like the statistics are therebetter mental health, better
(11:22):
physical health and it's just abetter step forward.
Where we it's really directcare is about kind of like old
school care.
Back years ago people used tobe able to go to their doctor
and they would know who theywere and they would be able to
give them advice based off of alot more detail than what our
doctors are presented with nowin our seven minute appointments
.
So it's really just about abetter doctor-patient
(11:44):
relationship which promotesbetter health outcomes.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (11:47):
Okay.
So it's kind of a both-andoffering the insurance but
switching up what the benefitsof that insurance look like, but
keeping the catastrophic.
So if something does happen,you're still covered and might
have a higher deductible, but inlieu of that you can go to
particular physicians and thenhave more of a one-on-one
relationship and thoseappointments would be kind of
(12:08):
covered under the monthly feesthat the government would be
paying in lieu of the betterinsurance coverage.
Kara Foster (12:15):
Yeah, Yep, that's a good way to explain it.
It's just affordablepreventative health care and
when we prevent it it's going tojust make a big difference
overall.
So yeah, in the direct primarycare pilot programs that have
been offered in municipalemployees have over a 90%
satisfaction rate.
People have been very happywith it.
I think we'll be able topartner with employers in local
hospitals to be able to havethat savings as well.
(12:37):
And in my mind it kind of tiestogether with the greenways and
walkability as well, because weare healthier when we get out
there and we're moving andconnecting with neighbors as
well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (12:47):
Okay.
Oftentimes it feels likegovernment waits until a
specific need is critical beforetaking action.
Do you support being moreproactive, and how, and in what
ways specifically?
Kara Foster (12:58):
Yes, I absolutely think that we need to be
proactive.
I have always considered myselfa big picture thinker.
I like to look at the wholeissue and see where we can take
steps to prevent there frombeing problems.
I really think now one of thebig things we need to look at is
attainable housing.
I mean it's terrible that ourchildren can't move back here,
and it's not just the kind ofhousing that people think of
(13:20):
when they think of affordable,attainable housing, but it's
making smaller houses, starterhomes.
You know, it doesn't have to beon these huge pieces of
property, just easier for ourchildren to be able to come back
and our kids' teachers to beable to live here and earn our
first responders.
So that's a big thing, I think.
Looking at the big picture asfar as traffic and development
and I know the town council isdoing a great job, they're
(13:42):
working really hard, the townemployees, they do a wonderful
job but I think somebody who canreally look at what our future
might look like, I think I couldbe a good addition to that.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (13:51):
Okay, you've already spoken to this a bit,
but what new initiatives orattractions would you champion
to boost revenue and communitypride?
Kara Foster (14:02):
I think we have a wonderful community already and
I know that the town council hasbeen working, really looking at
the big picture.
They're doing a fantastic joband I love it here.
But I think that there's waysthat we can work with developers
to be able to make things alittle bit better.
And one of the things I reallywant to work on in addition to
the preventative health care,because with this health care
background I really feel like wecan be a bright spot for the
(14:24):
community.
But I also would like tointroduce the concept of the
Blue Zones, which I think is alittle bit hard to understand
initially.
But this National Geographicresearcher his name is Dan
Buechner.
He studied the people in theBlue Zones and found that they
lived 7 to 14 years longer thanthe average American.
They have the highestconcentration of people living
(14:45):
past 100, up to 10 times morecentenarians than in the US, and
their rates of chronic diseaselike heart disease, diabetes and
cancer are 70 to 80% lower thanthe US average.
So what he did was he puttogether a program where towns
can follow.
The Blue Zones are basicallyabout making healthy living
easier.
So you're not having to thinkabout these things, you're not
(15:07):
having to go out of your way todo these extra exercises or
drive to the gym.
That's not what these people do.
The Blue Zone changes are lowcost, high impact, walkability,
greenway, community gardens andhealthy food access that don't
require raising taxes but canreduce long term health care
costs.
So that's really where it allties in together.
Right now, the US spends nearly$4.5 trillion a year on health
(15:28):
care and 80% of chronic diseasesare preventable through
lifestyle, and that's what theBlue Zones focus is on.
So there was actually severalcommunities throughout the
United States, but in Albert Lee, minnesota, it was the first
Blue Zones pilot city.
The residents collectively lost12,000 pounds in one year.
Healthcare claims for cityworkers dropped 49% in two years
(15:50):
and the life expectancyincreased three years over the
course of five years.
If that makes sense.
It's just impressive with howthe whole idea of it is just
making healthy living easier,and I think that if we did
something like that in HollySprings and we combine that with
a direct primary care program,I think that we could be a
fantastic bright spot for WakeCounty and we can just make a
(16:10):
difference in the future of ourstate.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (16:13):
Okay, what does that look like at the level
of being a town council member?
On like, what does the policychange look like?
Or what does the prioritychange look like?
Because I do know in hollysprings they are being very
active about getting some of thegreenways.
They are working withdevelopers, I know, in certain
(16:33):
zoning instances to change thezoning.
They're offering up like andyou do and Z.
But I do know that we're alsolimited by our state government
in like asking for impact fees.
So the state does not allow usas a town to ask for those types
of fees for developers.
So how does your plan kind ofplay into what you can do as a
(16:56):
town council and how that'sdifferent than maybe what
they're doing now?
Kara Foster (17:00):
It's called Complete Streets, requiring new
development to include sidewalksand bike lanes and crosswalks
to make it easier for familiesto be able to walk and bike
safely.
Having more green spacerequirements to ensure that new
neighborhoods include parks andtrails, community gardens, and
then just working on zoning formixed use where we encourage
developments where people canlive near shops and services and
(17:23):
schools, because all of thatwill reduce traffic and build
community.
So I feel like those are a lotof things that we're able to do
at the town council levelwithout having to raise taxes or
ask for different state orfederal financial support.
I also believe that one of thepolicies we can do at the town
council level is reduce fees andmake it easier to have more
(17:45):
farmers market locations andmake it a little bit easier so
people could walk.
Things like that and justhaving healthy food in public
spaces, like prioritizinghealthy vendors at town events
and recreation centers, willsupport our local farmers but
also make it easier for us toaccess fresh local food.
And just in general, justsourcing locally as much as
possible, supporting that smallbusiness and just having an
(18:05):
active design and town planningwhere we add benches and shade,
trees and safe crossings justthings at the town level that we
can do to encourage healthyliving.
They actually have Blue ZonesProject, community Partnerships,
where state and federal grantsfund wellness initiatives and
it's no extra cost to residents.
So that's something we couldalways look into at that level.
(18:25):
It's really all about long-termpreventative planning.
We can show that every dollarthat we invest in prevention can
reduce future traffic costs,healthcare and social services.
So I really do feel like at thetown council level, these kind
of changes look like saferstreets, walkable neighborhoods,
community gardens, strongerfamily connections and local
business and support for ourfarmers markets.
(18:46):
So I think they're practicalpolicies that don't raise taxes
but can add up to a moreconnected town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (18:52):
All right.
Have you ever disagreedpublicly with a current town
decision or policy and if so,what was it and how would you
handle a similar situation ifyou are elected?
Kara Foster (19:04):
You know, the big one that I can think of recently
was when they were putting thesenior development in off of
Avent Ferry Road.
It was heartbreaking for me towatch the townspeople come and
stand up and beg for safercrosswalks and streets and to
just have the town councilorsapart from Annie vote to let
more development go in there,when they were originally told
that they would have in thatarea more mixed use and I think
(19:25):
that's kind of what my plan goesalong with anyway, having more
community centers and mixed useareas.
But yes, I would have voted theother way for that.
I wish that we could have notgone in the developer's
direction in that scenario.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (19:37):
Okay, how would you handle that if you
were in office?
Kara Foster (19:41):
In general, I always will stand with the
people.
I think that the people whohave been here were the ones who
love our town and I think weneed to show our community that
we're standing up for them.
As town councillors, that's ourrole.
We need to be the voice of thepeople.
We need to put people first inour decision-making process, and
I have a heart in service and Iknow that when you give people
(20:03):
the opportunities and help them,people thrive.
And I'll always be the voice ofthe people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (20:08):
When you hear smart growth, what does
that mean for our town inpractical terms?
Kara Foster (20:13):
For me, smart growth means growing in a way
that preserves the Holly Springsthat we love, Keeping the small
town feel, but expanding sothat we can include people who
want to join our town, but alsonot just with more developments
without including green spacesand walkability Keeping our town
(20:33):
the connected feel that we want.
I know traffic is a big issueand I think that doing all of
those things will make a hugedifference in the traffic as
well, because we'll be walkingmore.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (20:42):
How would you ensure new development
maintains our town's characterwhile remaining affordable for
residents?
Kara Foster (20:49):
So to remain affordable and ensure our town's
character, I would really liketo work with the town councilors
to have more diverse housingoptions.
We can have a mix of housingtypes and new developments
townhomes, duplexes, cottagesand apartments alongside
single-family homes.
It will keep housing attainablefor teachers and first
responders, young families andseniors without changing the
(21:10):
feel of the community, and Ithink if we set architectural
and landscaping guidelines alongwith the development, we'll be
able to uphold the designstandards that keep the look and
feel of Pauley Springs with ourtree-lined streets, green
spaces and walkability.
It's really important to me toprotect our town character, but
allowing more density whereappropriate.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (21:30):
Okay, Our town is growing rapidly, putting
pressure on infrastructure likewater and roads, public safety,
parks and recreation, andhousing affordability.
Public safety, parks andrecreation, and housing
affordability.
If you had to prioritize onlyone of these areas this year due
to limited funding, which wouldyou choose and how would you
communicate that to residents?
Kara Foster (21:48):
You know.
I think that's really important.
I think it's important tobalance growth and
infrastructure.
I think if we have that smart,balanced growth, we can tie new
developments to roads andschools and utilities so that
our town grows responsiblywithout overwhelming families or
budgets.
I also think that that will tieinto the reducing traffic and
protecting our green space andwalkability.
(22:10):
So I would say, balance withour growth, but also, as we grow
, protecting our green space andincreasing walkability will
reduce our traffic as well.
In my mind it all goes together.
As far as communication, I thinkit's important to have
residents understand the thoughtprocess.
So I would explain, both on mytown council accounts and
(22:31):
through the town's currentmessaging on their Facebook
pages, through emails, throughmailers that we get, I think, to
explain not only what ourthought process is but our
priorities and where get.
I think, to explain not onlywhat our thought process is but
our priorities and where we'relooking forward to that, because
I think the people of our townwant to understand why we're
making the decisions and, as adoctor and a business owner, in
(22:53):
my mind the explanation makes adifference.
People can get behind whatwe're doing if they understand
why.
So I think that's kind ofcritical to be able to
communicate and explaineffectively, and I would work
with the town to make sure thatthey really understood why we
were doing what we were doing.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (23:09):
Okay, Do you feel we already adequately meet
the needs of any of theseinfrastructure public safety,
parks and recreation or housingaffordability?
Kara Foster (23:19):
safety, parks and recreation, or housing
affordability.
I feel like, no matter what,there's always room for
improvement.
I don't feel like they're nottrying.
I feel like everyone's trying.
They're doing the best job thatthey can, but sometimes I feel
like the thought process withdevelopers feels a little
piecemeal and I think that wemight be able to look at the
bigger picture and plan ourvision for Holly Springs down
the road.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (23:37):
Okay, as the population grows, what
strategies would you prioritizeto address roads, utilities and
other infrastructure challenges?
Kara Foster (23:45):
You know, I think, just working together, no matter
what.
We have to balance smart growthwith responsible development
and infrastructure.
Community health ties in withour walkability, green space and
food access and fiscalresponsibility supporting our
small businesses withoutincreasing taxes.
As a small business owner, Ithink that we cannot afford to
be able to raise any more taxeson business owners, and I think
(24:09):
combining some of these reducedtraffic and having more mixed
density housing and also withthe direct care pilot program
will save the town a lot ofmoney overall and would be
something that we couldprioritize as a way to save
taxes and scale growth Okay.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (24:25):
Holly Springs is focused on bringing
in biomedical and science-basedbusinesses.
How would you balancesupporting these businesses and
garnering more of the same withsome of the public sentiment
that may now be skeptical ofscience and vaccines?
Kara Foster (24:40):
Well, as a healthcare provider, I believe
in the long-term research.
We have to look atevidence-based research, and I
do think that these companiesare looking out for jobs.
I think it is great to havethese jobs.
I also believe in preventativehealthcare as well.
In my mind, if you believe intaking diabetes medication, the
research behind that how do younot believe in the same research
(25:02):
behind the vaccines?
I mean, it's all looking outfor people's health, but there's
a lot of diseases that arepreventable.
We don't always have to gostraight to medication, but I
also believe in promoting that.
As far as job growth, I thinkit's great to be able to be a
leader.
I think that the developmentfor some of these facilities
could have been planned a littlebit better, but I do appreciate
(25:24):
that we'll be able to bringhealthcare and technology to our
area and hopefully provide jobsfor our children and job growth
in this area.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (25:34):
Okay, as our town grows, farmland faces
pressure from development andsome residents struggle to
access fresh food.
How would you support localfarmers, protect farmland and
help ensure everyone has accessto healthy, affordable food?
Kara Foster (25:49):
I believe that if we are able to increase our
farmers markets, we have afantastic farmers market in
Holly Springs right now, butit's not walkable and easy for
everyone to get to.
I think that local farmingreally matters for Holly Springs
because not only do we comefrom an area of local farming
being so important for ourcommunity, but local farms also
(26:10):
give families access to fresh,healthy food.
It reduces food insecurity.
It'll lower healthcare costsover time.
Our farms are also smallbusinesses too, and
strengthening them will helpkeep the money in the community
and support local jobs, andpartnering with local farms will
help in protecting our farmland, helps preserve our charm and
prevents overdevelopment.
So really I think that if wecan expand some of the policy
(26:33):
level actions that Town Councilcould do is expand farmers
markets, make it easier forvendors to get permits, increase
more days and locations of thefarmers market.
We can do farm to schoolprograms.
We can work with land useplanning, protecting farmland by
zoning and encouragingdevelopment that coexists with
the green kind of agriculturalspaces, and also just encourage
(26:54):
community gardens and urbanfarming and also at town events.
If we can encourage local foodand farmers at the events that
we're already doing, I believeit will increase awareness about
our local farmers instead ofjust kind of the bigger
corporations.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (27:19):
Our police sometimes receive requests from
outside agencies while alsoaddressing local needs.
How would you set prioritiesfor public safety with limited
resources?
Kara Foster (27:23):
So I believe really that prevention overreaction
will help prioritize the limitedresources that we already have.
If we have even safer roads andsidewalks, it will reduce
accidents and free up firstresponders.
Also, community programs canhelp prevent issues before they
require even police and fireintervention.
Help prevent issues before theyrequire even police and fire
intervention.
But just focusing on data-drivenpolicy and also a smarter use
(27:44):
of resources.
Focusing on data-drivenpolicies where we put officers
where they're needed mostinstead of spreading so thin,
and also investing in technologylike traffic sensors, smart
lighting, crosswalk alerts,which we've done some of already
.
But there's some room forimprovement and if we're going
to be improving walkability inthe town, like I'd love to, we
(28:05):
would really have to focus onsome of that as well.
But if we do that, it will freeup a lot of the resources for
our first responders.
But I think supporting ourpolice and fire and EMS by
prioritizing staffing trainingand just looking for grants and
state and federal funding toexpand resources without having
to add to the tax burden wouldbe fantastic for our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (28:24):
How can the town better support small
businesses and connect withtheir needs?
Kara Foster (28:29):
As a small business owner, I really understand why
small business matters.
I think keeping money localbecause just every dollar that
we spend at local businesseswill circulate around more time
in Holly Springs than money thatgoes to a big chain.
You know, and I think that kindof goes back to with some of
the big development as well.
You know, if we keep putting alot of our tax dollars into
these big developments then itdoesn't stay in the community.
(28:51):
Everybody loves downtown HollySprings.
It's adorable.
We want to protect our towncharacter character.
But being able to expand thatwhere small businesses can not
just be right there but alsoexpand throughout other places
in the city gives us betteraccess, walkability and
community centers and it alsocreates job creation.
As a small business owner Ihave created jobs and it just
(29:13):
keeps our dollars at home in ourcommunity instead of going off
to these big corporations.
So at the town council level, Ithink some of the policy level
actions we can do arestreamlining, permitting to make
it easier for small businessesto open and expand.
Also helping small businesseswith grants and partnerships,
which I know we're already doingsome of.
But we can use state andfederal small business support
(29:33):
programs and connect localbusiness owners with resources
and also just help improve thedowntown development even more
than we already have,strengthening the heart of
Pauley Springs with walkabilityand parking solutions too.
If we are able to increase someof our walkability, parking
won't be quite as an issue as itis right now, along with maybe
even increasing the microtransitwhich I know that they're going
(29:54):
to be releasing here in January, which is exciting and then
just partnering on communityevents like fairs and farmers
markets festivals.
The chamber has been fantasticabout doing that, but I think we
can work even more closely withthe chamber and the town to be
able to support our smallbusinesses and just keep our
money local.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (30:13):
Okay.
What approaches would you taketo foster understanding and
collaboration among residentswith differing perspectives?
Kara Foster (30:24):
No matter what, I believe that I'm here for the
people.
As a doctor, I have listened topatients with all different
types of backgrounds and I'vebeen a lot of time thinking
through how I can make a planthat will work for people of
different backgrounds, and Ithink that that experience has
given me a lot of understandingabout how to help people who
(30:46):
come from different backgrounds.
And you know, I also personallycome from a different
background.
I come from a very workingclass family.
I grew up often on welfare inthe basement of my grandma's
house with my brother and my momand you know, I've put myself
through school and now I am adoctor and a business owner and
just living a different life andI feel like, because I
understand all of that, comingfrom that as a background, I'm
(31:07):
able to figure out a way tosolve problems from people of
all different types ofbackgrounds.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (31:12):
How will you ensure diverse voices and those
most impacted are not onlyincluded, but truly embraced in
decision making?
Kara Foster (31:21):
You know, I think, making sure that we're able to
hear everybody's voices, becauseright now we don't always know
where to look for, I think, tobe able to hear people's voices.
So holding listening sessions inneighborhoods, maybe not just
at Town Hall If we go to theplaces where people are, they
might not have easy access toget to Town Hall to be able to
(31:43):
voice their concern, but if wecan have community events in
different neighborhoods where wespend time listening to people,
we could also use surveys,online tools to be able to make
sure we're hearing residents'opinions and then just making
sure that, within committees,we're representing different
backgrounds, ages andexperiences to the advisory
committees, because we want tomake sure that we're not just
(32:06):
hearing from a certaindemographic.
There's a lot of differentvoices out there and we want to
make sure that we're makingthese meetings easy to attend,
making sure that we haveeverybody's voices.
Also, we can offer translationor interpretation services when
needed, so all voices areincluded, and I feel like every
decision should start withasking how does this impact our
families, seniors and ourvulnerable neighbors?
(32:28):
Like, what can we do to makesure that we're hearing
everybody's voices?
Amanda Benbow Lunn (32:33):
Do you support a non-discrimination
ordinance or policy?
Why or why not?
Kara Foster (32:39):
As a business owner in Apex, a non-discrimination
ordinance went into town as abusiness owner and I can assure
the small business owners ofHolly Springs that it did not
cause one single bit ofdifference in my business at all
.
I had no effect from it at all.
So there's absolutely no reason, as business owners, that we
should be allowed todiscriminate against people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (32:56):
Have you gained any endorsements thus far
and if you gain more, wheremight voters find that
information?
Kara Foster (33:02):
I have recently been endorsed by the Wake County
Democratic Party, which I'mvery fortunate to have gotten
that.
I've also had personalendorsements from Wiley Nickel
and Sydney Batch.
I'm very fortunate to be ableto learn from a lot of what
they've done already and justhave some counsel through them
as well, and I'm still workingon getting that up on my website
(33:23):
.
But anybody who wants to learnmore about my policies and my
thought process and I'm alwaysopen for suggestion I wanna hear
the talented voices.
I think I have some good ideas,but I don't think I have the
only ideas, and you can learnmore on my website at
karaforcouncil.
com.
I do have a detailed plan therethat I really feel like would
make a huge difference in thefuture of Holly Springs, but I'd
(33:45):
also love to hear residents'voices as well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (33:47):
All right, perfect.
Where can listeners connectwith you and learn more about
your platform, upcoming eventsand ways to get involved, and
any final thoughts you'd like toshare with those voting in the
upcoming election?
Kara Foster (33:58):
Yes, checking out my website at KaraForCouncil.
com, and that's just to be clear, it's K-A-R-A.
Yes, it's K-A-R-A-F-O-R-H-S ismy Facebook, and also
KaraWithAKForCouncilcom for mywebsite.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (34:14):
And KaraForCouncil.
Is that spelled out for or isthat the number four in your
website?
Kara Foster (34:23):
It is spelled out for.
For both of them it's spelledout for but I love Holly Springs
.
It's where I'm raising myfamily.
You know I run a small businessso close by and I love serving
my neighbors and I believe thatour town can grow without losing
character that makes it special.
So I would love for people toput comments.
Yeah, I would love to growHolly Springs without losing the
character that makes it special, and I don't think that I'm the
(34:47):
only person doing this.
I would love to hear people'sfeedback.
You can submit comments on mywebsite, on my Facebook page,
message me on Facebook.
My email address is there too.
But I just would really love tobe able to hear people's
comments, but also I would loveto get people's feedback on the
thoughts that I feel like wouldmake a better Holly Springs for
us.
I have a lot of events postedwherever I'm going to be out on
(35:09):
Facebook and, yeah, just keepingup with the stuff that I have
on mycareforcouncilcom, I wouldlove to hear people's feedback.
My plan is simple smart growth,support for small businesses and
protecting green space, allwhile keeping our budget strong
without raising taxes.
Holly Springs is such awonderful place to live.
I believe we can make itstronger by building a town that
works for families, and I'd behonored to earn your vote.
(35:30):
In local elections, not a lotof people vote, so it's really
important to get out there andwe can truly make a difference
moving forward in this election.
Thank you for listening to metoday and for talking to me
today, amanda.
I appreciate it.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (35:42):
Yeah, absolutely.
Now, before I let you go, I gointo a little lightning round.
Lighter questions, not politicsrelated, not related to the
town, I don't think.
So you can feel free to answerwhatever comes to mind but, it's
a nice little way to buildhumanity.
Gotcha, what's something you dothat helps you recharge?
Kara Foster (36:03):
I run it doesn't sound like a recharge, but when
I'm running I can clear my mindand I think I have some of my
greatest ideas when I'm outrunning.
So a lot of times I don't evenlisten to music, I just think,
and that's where my best ideascome from.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (36:17):
Awesome.
What's a hobby, talent or funfact about you that most people
don't know.
Kara Foster (36:22):
Fun fact is I like to crochet little vegetables
with cute faces on them.
So that's another thing I liketo do, to kind of take away from
looking at the phone, lookingat devices.
I think having that time awayfrom social media is really good
for just in general people'shealth and mental health.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (36:42):
What's something that is difficult for
you.
Kara Foster (36:45):
I do things a little bit differently.
I have had a little bit ofchallenges with people coming
after my ideas.
You know, normally when peoplecome to my office they already
know me, they've done a lot ofresearch on me and they
appreciate the way I do thingsdifferently in my office.
They already know me, they'vedone a lot of research on me and
they appreciate the way I dothings differently in my office.
So it has been a little bit ofa unique experience with people
not knowing me and not takingthe time to learn about me but
(37:09):
expressing their opinions anyway.
So that's something that I'mjust trying to make sure that I
stay positive and not let itaffect my decision making.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (37:18):
What book, podcast or TV show are you
enjoying right now?
Kara Foster (37:22):
I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
I like reading.
I have been reading fictionbooks.
The newer Hunger Games bookshave been fun that I've been
reading.
But I also like to listen to alot of informational audiobooks
as well.
I've been listening to a bookcalled Switch how to Change when
Change is Hard.
It's pretty great.
It's about creating habits andunderstanding how we can make a
(37:43):
difference in both our actionsbut also societal actions, to be
able to create lasting change.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (37:50):
Cool, I'll have to look into that one.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Kara Foster (37:54):
My guess has got to be Wonder Woman.
I am very girl power.
I've got three girls in myhouse, I'm a female business
owner and I was raised by asingle mom, so we got to do this
, ladies.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:04):
What's the best piece of advice you've ever
received?
Kara Foster (38:07):
Oh piece of advice I've ever received.
You know what you pause andthink about, really ponder on my
answers.
I tend to be a little bit of arambler and the thoughts are in
my head but putting together ina way that I think people can
understand.
I need to do that without justtalking, before thinking it
through.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:25):
What's one guilty pleasure you secretly
enjoy?
Kara Foster (38:29):
Eating too much sugar.
I need to not do that.
I know it's bad for me.
I feel like I can't stop, but Ilike baking and I like eating
the cookie dough before it'seven baked.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:39):
So fair.
No lies detected there.
What's a simple thing thatalways makes you laugh or smile.
Kara Foster (38:46):
Oh, just hanging out with my girls.
They are so funny and you know,I've got two in middle school
and one in high school and you'dthink this would be a
challenging age for girls and itcan be, but they're just
awesome.
They're good sports, sports.
They always think of some funnyideas and you just never know
what's going to come out of kidsmouths.
So, coffee or tea?
I drink coffee out of necessity, but really I love tea morning
(39:10):
person or night owl night owl.
I want to be a morning person sobadly, but I, I'm just not.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:17):
Mountains or beach?
Kara Foster (39:19):
Mountains
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:19):
Book or podcast?
Kara Foster (39:21):
Book, but audio book.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:23):
Dogs or cats ?
Kara Foster (39:25):
Oh, that's a tough one.
I've always been a dog personmy whole life and I have gotten
a cat now and I love him.
He's a super cute little totallunatic, but he's like a dog.
He runs to the door when peoplecome in.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:40):
All right.
Well, that brings thiscandidate conversation to a
close.
Thank you so much, Kara, fortrusting me and for being here
and taking the time out of yourbusy schedule.
I truly appreciate it.
I wish you the best of luck onyour upcoming election.
Kara Foster (39:53):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having me, Amanda.
This has been wonderful and I,you know I just want to leave
people with.
If you have any feedback for me, I would love it, so just
please feel free to reach out tome.
So thank you so much for doingthis, yeah absolutely.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (40:05):
Local elections are where democracy
lives closest to home.
The decisions and actions ofour mayors, the Holly Springs
Town Council and theFuquay-Varina Board of
Commissioners influence theservices we rely on each day,
the safety of our streets, thecharacter of our neighborhoods
and even the future direction ofour communities.
Democracy is at the heart ofall we hold dear.
(40:27):
Our local governments setpriorities that touch everyday
life.
They pass ordinances, fund ourfire and police departments, set
property tax structures andshape the look and feel of our
towns.
Because turnout is often lowerin municipal elections, every
ballot cast carries even greaterweight.
Here's what you need to knowfor 2025.
(40:48):
The voter registration deadlineis October 10th, unless you
register at an early voting site.
Early voting begins October16th at the Wake County Board of
Elections office in Raleigh.
Additional sites open onOctober 25th, including the John
M Brown Community Center inApex and the Avery Street
Recreation Center in Garner.
Those two will be the closestto us in Holly Springs and
(41:11):
Fuquay Varina.
Early voting concludes onSaturday, November 1st.
Please note that this year onlyincludes two Saturdays, October
25th and November 1st, and oneSunday, October 1st.
Please note that this year onlyincludes two Saturdays, October
25th and November 1st, and oneSunday, October 26th.
The last day to request amail-in absentee ballot is
October 21st and election dayitself is Tuesday, November 4th,
where you'll need to cast yourvote at your assigned precinct.
(41:33):
Please remember you will need avalid ID to vote.
That wraps up another NC DeepDive candidate conversation.
You can find all of our 2025municipal election interviews at
www.
ncdeepdive.
com, as well as on Spotify,apple Podcasts, audible or
wherever you currently listen topodcasts.
(41:54):
Show notes will include linksto candidates, voter resources
and election information.
If you find these conversationshelpful, please subscribe,
share them with friends orfamily and consider leaving a
rating or review.
Spreading the word in yourlocal spaces helps strengthen
informed participation acrossour communities.
If you have thoughts or topicsyou'd like us to explore, reach
(42:16):
out on social media or email usanytime at ncdeepdive@ gmail.
com.
I'm grateful you spent this timewith me today.
Staying informed is how weshape communities worth calling
home.
Your choices matter, yourperspective matters and you
matter.
Your ballot is your voice, andboth carry more power than you
might imagine.
(42:36):
Democracy isn't passive.
It only works when we each showup.
Thank you for helping me tomake it thrive.
May we continue to worktogether to build stronger, more
vibrant communities to live,work and play in, ones we can
all be proud to call home.
Until next time, my friendsnamaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
(42:59):
you.
Hello friends, welcome back to the NC
Deep Dive podcast.
I am your host, Amanda BenbowLunn, and today I am honored to
be speaking with Kara Foster aspart of our 2025 municipal
election candidate conversations.
Kara is running for the fouryear seat on the Holly Springs
Town Council.
For this race, Kara will berunning against Tim Forrest,
(00:31):
Annie Drees, Josh Prizer, SarahLarson and Joe Cuccurullo.
These races are nonpartisan, sothere will not be any party
affiliation like an R or a Dnext to their name on your
ballot.
You will be eligible to votefor up to three of these
candidates for this seat on yourballot.
In this election, the top threevote getters will join Holly
(00:52):
Springs Town Council membersChris DeShazor and Danielle
Hewetson to make up itsfive-member body.
In these candidateconversations, each candidate
will be asked the same questionsformulated by our constituent
survey, observing communitymembers in person and online,
and fine-tuning with AI to keepthem as fair, unbiased and
(01:13):
open-ended as possible.
Without further ado, my friends, let's dive in.
Welcome, Kara Foster.
You're running for the HollySprings Town Council.
Why don't you take a fewmoments and tell me a little bit
about yourself, how long you'velived in the area and what's
inspired you to run?
Kara Foster (01:32):
Absolutely Well.
Thank you, Amanda.
I appreciate you having me here.
I'm very excited about runningfor town council.
I have lived in this area since2009.
I lived in Holly Springsinitially.
I've been up in Apex and Fuquayfor a couple years, but back in
Holly Springs for about fiveyears, and I grew up in Western
Pennsylvania in a very workingclass family.
(01:52):
I put myself through school,undergrad and then I went to
optometry school in Boston andafter I graduated from optometry
school I moved back down herebecause it just is a great place
to raise a family.
That's why I initially moved toHolly Springs.
I opened my practice in Apexbecause for the first six years
after moving here I was anassociate and I had a 15 mile
(02:13):
non-compete clause, so I didhave to be a little ways away
from there.
I worked in Anger at the time,but I eventually came back to
Holly Springs and I love it here.
I have three girls.
They go to Holly Springsschools.
I Springs and I love it here.
I have three girls.
They go to Holly Springsschools.
I have worked hard to build upmy career and my family here.
I'm a small business owner.
I'm also the president of VOSHNorth Carolina, which is
(02:33):
Volunteer Optometrist ServingHumanity, so community service
really is at my core.
I've done a lot of eye exams athomeless shelters around here,
giving eye exams and glasses topeople who wouldn't otherwise be
able to access care.
I also do a lot with goingoverseas doing eye exams there
as well, so it's just somethingI've always enjoyed serving the
community and helping people bethe best versions of themselves
(02:54):
Awesome.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (02:55):
Have you been an active voter, including
in local elections?
Kara Foster (02:59):
You know I will say that's something that's come up
a little bit.
I have always been a veryactive voter.
I haven't always voted in themunicipal elections, just busy
mom, I thought everybody had itunder good control.
But with the current politicalclimate and everything that's
going on and the direction thatour town is heading I love Holly
Springs, but I feel like now Ihave the opportunity to make a
(03:23):
difference.
So, even though I haven'talways been the most active
municipal voter, I'm veryinspired now to be able to make
a difference in our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (03:31):
All right.
What do you feel is the role asa town council member?
Kara Foster (03:35):
I think it's very important to collaborate, even
though during the politicalseason, everybody makes these
big.
You know, this is what I'mgoing to do.
This is what I want toaccomplish.
It's really not about us.
It's about making a better townfor our people and our families
.
Moving forward, so working withother counselors, the town
employees, to be able to makethe town the best version.
You know, I know there's been alot talking about how it
(03:58):
doesn't include healthcare, butas a healthcare provider,
there's a a whole other side ofthat that I believe we can
incorporate, along withgreenways and more walkability,
reducing traffic, to make ourtown just setting an example for
the state.
But it's just about finding outwhat's best for the people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (04:18):
Okay, what is your involvement within the
community and town governmentand what qualifications make you
prepared for this role?
Kara Foster (04:25):
I have always been involved in volunteering
throughout the community andtown government, and what
qualifications make you preparedfor this role?
I have always been involved involunteering throughout the
community.
I am a doctor.
I've always been active inpolicy reform.
That's why my practice isdifferent.
I have a different kind ofpractice.
I don't take insurance at myoffice.
I want to create a bettersystem in healthcare.
Also, as a nonprofit leader, Ithink I've always been deeply
(04:46):
involved in community and I'm asmall business owner, so I
understand the struggles ofgoing through building something
from the ground up.
I've always considered myself abig picture thinker and a
problem solver.
I like to design solutions andI'm also very resilient.
I don't let things get me down,you know.
When there's a problem, I don'tget bogged down by that.
I look for the solution.
(05:07):
And I've always been deeplyinvested in Holly Springs.
You know I have three girlsthat go to schools here.
We're starting at the new HollySprings, Salton Grove, and I've
just been serving in thiscommunity, going to meetings.
I've really done a lot ofresearch trying to understand
how to get the nitty gritty ofhow we can improve our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (05:25):
What's your long-term vision for the future
of Holly Springs?
Kara Foster (05:29):
My long-term vision of the future of Holly Springs
is to have a more walkable, moreconnected, better greenways,
attainable housing so that ourkids, when they grow up and go
to college, that they can moveback here and we can have our
grandkids be around.
I want to be able to have anoverall healthier society
culture and I think we can startthat right here in Holly
(05:50):
Springs.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (05:51):
Okay, what are your top three priorities
for our community if elected?
Kara Foster (05:55):
I would say greenways and walkability,
traffic, but I think that allties together.
I feel like we'll reducetraffic with better walkability
and microtransit I believe alsokind of falls into that as well.
Attainable housing, I think isvery important.
We want to be able to make sureour teachers, our kids and our
first responders can live hereand supporting small business.
(06:16):
I hear stories all the timeabout small businesses that
can't afford to move, afford topay the rent here, and really
it's hard.
If I wanted to open my businessin Holly Springs I'm an Apex it
would be really challenging todo so.
I think keeping the localeconomy strong and vibrant is
critical.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (06:36):
What is working well in the town today
and where do you see room forimprovement?
Kara Foster (06:40):
Well, I know that the people who are on council
now they love Holly Springs.
They're doing the best they can, but there's a lot of ways that
we can work together better.
I think they're doing afantastic job with the greenways
and microtransit already.
I think that we can improvethat by requiring developers to
connect sidewalks, connectgreenways and just incorporating
(07:00):
a little bit more of centralcommunity centers within
developments places where peoplecan come together, build a
stronger community.
It would be great to be able tohave people or communities
being able to come together alittle bit more, and I think
that we can work with developersto be able to incorporate that
as well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (07:17):
Do you support the current town budget
and where would you advocate forchanges, including any
adjustments to taxes or spendingpriorities, if needed for
fiscal responsibility?
Kara Foster (07:27):
You know, I think that's a really important
question.
The plan that I want to work onfor improving greenways and
improving health care does notinclude raising taxes, so I
think that we could work withinthe existing budget to be able
to do a lot of these initiativeswithout having to raise taxes
for people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (07:45):
Okay, what does
that look like for you?
Kara Foster (07:48):
A big thing for me, which I feel like people don't
really understand, is that wecan have affordable preventative
health care.
I'd like to be able to have adirect primary care pilot
program that we started formunicipal employees and then
eventually expand to the town.
I'll rewind a little bit.
What direct primary care is ishaving access to your primary
(08:08):
care doctor, and I know itdoesn't necessarily sound like
something that the town would do, but actually Union County,
north Carolina, did this acouple years ago.
They implemented it for themunicipal employees and within
the first year of them startingthis program it saved the town
$1.2 million and 79% of peopleusing the program had better
(08:30):
health results.
They were happier, in bettershape, lower blood pressure,
better diabetes scores.
So direct care there's a lot ofstatistics out there, but it
shows that when families have aprimary care doctor who is
looking at the big picture forthem, instead of this kind of
piecemeal like going to a bunchof different specialists without
having someone who's reallyspending time and looking at
(08:52):
what your whole big healthpicture is.
You know our culture is gettingless healthy.
People are on more medications,not living as long.
I mean really, our children arethe first generation that are
predicted to not live as long astheir parents, and I think that
it might not seem like it, butwe have an opportunity here to
be able to start with thisdirect primary care program,
make people healthier within ourtown government and then expand
(09:15):
that to the whole town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (09:16):
Could you help me put this together?
So in a lot of ways at themunicipal level we don't deal
with health care normally.
So when you are suggesting this?
Is this the town that isopening up a clinic and hiring
doctors?
Is this like a private publicpartnership where we're
partnering?
With doctors for that to betheir business and we just have
(09:40):
some sort of contract throughthem for our town employees Like
what does that piece look like?
Kara Foster (09:45):
Well, right now the town offers health insurance.
So what that would be is itwould be reducing those health
care costs and then paying aprivate, kind of private public
system where the town paidinstead of the full spectrum of
health insurance, like they payright now to a doctor and we
have direct primary care doctorsin Holly Springs and in a
doctor and we have directprimary care doctors in Holly
(10:06):
Springs and in the area and it'smore of like a monthly
membership fee where the personis able to access their doctor.
It would be a part of themunicipal employee's health care
plan.
Then expanding where the townis able to use some of those
savings to subsidize.
It's fairly inexpensive For myhusband, my daughter and I three
(10:27):
of us, it's $150 a month and wehave unlimited access to our
doctor.
Medications are less expensiveand if we partner with hospitals
and employers, we can save upto 30% in healthcare costs for
the town, which will add back tosome of that budget deficit.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (10:44):
So your idea is more like the benefits that
we're offering town employees.
Is this completely in lieu ofthe normal insurance and that's
where you're saying that we'resaving the money from or is this
in addition to their normalhealth insurance?
What does that look like?
Kara Foster (11:01):
That would be an addition but it would change the
normal health insurance to notbe as an expensive plan.
It would be more of acatastrophic plan which is maybe
hard to really understand howthat would benefit.
But I'd be happy to go over,like some of the statistics
about how it improves healthcare overall.
But people are much healthier.
Like the statistics are therebetter mental health, better
(11:22):
physical health and it's just abetter step forward.
Where we it's really directcare is about kind of like old
school care.
Back years ago people used tobe able to go to their doctor
and they would know who theywere and they would be able to
give them advice based off of alot more detail than what our
doctors are presented with nowin our seven minute appointments
.
So it's really just about abetter doctor-patient
(11:44):
relationship which promotesbetter health outcomes.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (11:47):
Okay.
So it's kind of a both-andoffering the insurance but
switching up what the benefitsof that insurance look like, but
keeping the catastrophic.
So if something does happen,you're still covered and might
have a higher deductible, but inlieu of that you can go to
particular physicians and thenhave more of a one-on-one
relationship and thoseappointments would be kind of
(12:08):
covered under the monthly feesthat the government would be
paying in lieu of the betterinsurance coverage.
Kara Foster (12:15):
Yeah, Yep, that's a good way to explain it.
It's just affordablepreventative health care and
when we prevent it it's going tojust make a big difference
overall.
So yeah, in the direct primarycare pilot programs that have
been offered in municipalemployees have over a 90%
satisfaction rate.
People have been very happywith it.
I think we'll be able topartner with employers in local
hospitals to be able to havethat savings as well.
(12:37):
And in my mind it kind of tiestogether with the greenways and
walkability as well, because weare healthier when we get out
there and we're moving andconnecting with neighbors as
well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (12:47):
Okay.
Oftentimes it feels likegovernment waits until a
specific need is critical beforetaking action.
Do you support being moreproactive, and how, and in what
ways specifically?
Kara Foster (12:58):
Yes, I absolutely think that we need to be
proactive.
I have always considered myselfa big picture thinker.
I like to look at the wholeissue and see where we can take
steps to prevent there frombeing problems.
I really think now one of thebig things we need to look at is
attainable housing.
I mean it's terrible that ourchildren can't move back here,
and it's not just the kind ofhousing that people think of
(13:20):
when they think of affordable,attainable housing, but it's
making smaller houses, starterhomes.
You know, it doesn't have to beon these huge pieces of
property, just easier for ourchildren to be able to come back
and our kids' teachers to beable to live here and earn our
first responders.
So that's a big thing, I think.
Looking at the big picture asfar as traffic and development
and I know the town council isdoing a great job, they're
(13:42):
working really hard, the townemployees, they do a wonderful
job but I think somebody who canreally look at what our future
might look like, I think I couldbe a good addition to that.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (13:51):
Okay, you've already spoken to this a bit,
but what new initiatives orattractions would you champion
to boost revenue and communitypride?
Kara Foster (14:02):
I think we have a wonderful community already and
I know that the town council hasbeen working, really looking at
the big picture.
They're doing a fantastic joband I love it here.
But I think that there's waysthat we can work with developers
to be able to make things alittle bit better.
And one of the things I reallywant to work on in addition to
the preventative health care,because with this health care
background I really feel like wecan be a bright spot for the
(14:24):
community.
But I also would like tointroduce the concept of the
Blue Zones, which I think is alittle bit hard to understand
initially.
But this National Geographicresearcher his name is Dan
Buechner.
He studied the people in theBlue Zones and found that they
lived 7 to 14 years longer thanthe average American.
They have the highestconcentration of people living
(14:45):
past 100, up to 10 times morecentenarians than in the US, and
their rates of chronic diseaselike heart disease, diabetes and
cancer are 70 to 80% lower thanthe US average.
So what he did was he puttogether a program where towns
can follow.
The Blue Zones are basicallyabout making healthy living
easier.
So you're not having to thinkabout these things, you're not
(15:07):
having to go out of your way todo these extra exercises or
drive to the gym.
That's not what these people do.
The Blue Zone changes are lowcost, high impact, walkability,
greenway, community gardens andhealthy food access that don't
require raising taxes but canreduce long term health care
costs.
So that's really where it allties in together.
Right now, the US spends nearly$4.5 trillion a year on health
(15:28):
care and 80% of chronic diseasesare preventable through
lifestyle, and that's what theBlue Zones focus is on.
So there was actually severalcommunities throughout the
United States, but in Albert Lee, minnesota, it was the first
Blue Zones pilot city.
The residents collectively lost12,000 pounds in one year.
Healthcare claims for cityworkers dropped 49% in two years
(15:50):
and the life expectancyincreased three years over the
course of five years.
If that makes sense.
It's just impressive with howthe whole idea of it is just
making healthy living easier,and I think that if we did
something like that in HollySprings and we combine that with
a direct primary care program,I think that we could be a
fantastic bright spot for WakeCounty and we can just make a
(16:10):
difference in the future of ourstate.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (16:13):
Okay, what does that look like at the level
of being a town council member?
On like, what does the policychange look like?
Or what does the prioritychange look like?
Because I do know in hollysprings they are being very
active about getting some of thegreenways.
They are working withdevelopers, I know, in certain
(16:33):
zoning instances to change thezoning.
They're offering up like andyou do and Z.
But I do know that we're alsolimited by our state government
in like asking for impact fees.
So the state does not allow usas a town to ask for those types
of fees for developers.
So how does your plan kind ofplay into what you can do as a
(16:56):
town council and how that'sdifferent than maybe what
they're doing now?
Kara Foster (17:00):
It's called Complete Streets, requiring new
development to include sidewalksand bike lanes and crosswalks
to make it easier for familiesto be able to walk and bike
safely.
Having more green spacerequirements to ensure that new
neighborhoods include parks andtrails, community gardens, and
then just working on zoning formixed use where we encourage
developments where people canlive near shops and services and
(17:23):
schools, because all of thatwill reduce traffic and build
community.
So I feel like those are a lotof things that we're able to do
at the town council levelwithout having to raise taxes or
ask for different state orfederal financial support.
I also believe that one of thepolicies we can do at the town
council level is reduce fees andmake it easier to have more
(17:45):
farmers market locations andmake it a little bit easier so
people could walk.
Things like that and justhaving healthy food in public
spaces, like prioritizinghealthy vendors at town events
and recreation centers, willsupport our local farmers but
also make it easier for us toaccess fresh local food.
And just in general, justsourcing locally as much as
possible, supporting that smallbusiness and just having an
(18:05):
active design and town planningwhere we add benches and shade,
trees and safe crossings justthings at the town level that we
can do to encourage healthyliving.
They actually have Blue ZonesProject, community Partnerships,
where state and federal grantsfund wellness initiatives and
it's no extra cost to residents.
So that's something we couldalways look into at that level.
(18:25):
It's really all about long-termpreventative planning.
We can show that every dollarthat we invest in prevention can
reduce future traffic costs,healthcare and social services.
So I really do feel like at thetown council level, these kind
of changes look like saferstreets, walkable neighborhoods,
community gardens, strongerfamily connections and local
business and support for ourfarmers markets.
(18:46):
So I think they're practicalpolicies that don't raise taxes
but can add up to a moreconnected town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (18:52):
All right.
Have you ever disagreedpublicly with a current town
decision or policy and if so,what was it and how would you
handle a similar situation ifyou are elected?
Kara Foster (19:04):
You know, the big one that I can think of recently
was when they were putting thesenior development in off of
Avent Ferry Road.
It was heartbreaking for me towatch the townspeople come and
stand up and beg for safercrosswalks and streets and to
just have the town councilorsapart from Annie vote to let
more development go in there,when they were originally told
that they would have in thatarea more mixed use and I think
(19:25):
that's kind of what my plan goesalong with anyway, having more
community centers and mixed useareas.
But yes, I would have voted theother way for that.
I wish that we could have notgone in the developer's
direction in that scenario.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (19:37):
Okay, how would you handle that if you
were in office?
Kara Foster (19:41):
In general, I always will stand with the
people.
I think that the people whohave been here were the ones who
love our town and I think weneed to show our community that
we're standing up for them.
As town councillors, that's ourrole.
We need to be the voice of thepeople.
We need to put people first inour decision-making process, and
I have a heart in service and Iknow that when you give people
(20:03):
the opportunities and help them,people thrive.
And I'll always be the voice ofthe people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (20:08):
When you hear smart growth, what does
that mean for our town inpractical terms?
Kara Foster (20:13):
For me, smart growth means growing in a way
that preserves the Holly Springsthat we love, Keeping the small
town feel, but expanding sothat we can include people who
want to join our town, but alsonot just with more developments
without including green spacesand walkability Keeping our town
(20:33):
the connected feel that we want.
I know traffic is a big issueand I think that doing all of
those things will make a hugedifference in the traffic as
well, because we'll be walkingmore.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (20:42):
How would you ensure new development
maintains our town's characterwhile remaining affordable for
residents?
Kara Foster (20:49):
So to remain affordable and ensure our town's
character, I would really liketo work with the town councilors
to have more diverse housingoptions.
We can have a mix of housingtypes and new developments
townhomes, duplexes, cottagesand apartments alongside
single-family homes.
It will keep housing attainablefor teachers and first
responders, young families andseniors without changing the
(21:10):
feel of the community, and Ithink if we set architectural
and landscaping guidelines alongwith the development, we'll be
able to uphold the designstandards that keep the look and
feel of Pauley Springs with ourtree-lined streets, green
spaces and walkability.
It's really important to me toprotect our town character, but
allowing more density whereappropriate.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (21:30):
Okay, Our town is growing rapidly, putting
pressure on infrastructure likewater and roads, public safety,
parks and recreation, andhousing affordability.
Public safety, parks andrecreation, and housing
affordability.
If you had to prioritize onlyone of these areas this year due
to limited funding, which wouldyou choose and how would you
communicate that to residents?
Kara Foster (21:48):
You know.
I think that's really important.
I think it's important tobalance growth and
infrastructure.
I think if we have that smart,balanced growth, we can tie new
developments to roads andschools and utilities so that
our town grows responsiblywithout overwhelming families or
budgets.
I also think that that will tieinto the reducing traffic and
protecting our green space andwalkability.
(22:10):
So I would say, balance withour growth, but also, as we grow
, protecting our green space andincreasing walkability will
reduce our traffic as well.
In my mind it all goes together.
As far as communication, I thinkit's important to have
residents understand the thoughtprocess.
So I would explain, both on mytown council accounts and
(22:31):
through the town's currentmessaging on their Facebook
pages, through emails, throughmailers that we get, I think, to
explain not only what ourthought process is but our
priorities and where get.
I think, to explain not onlywhat our thought process is but
our priorities and where we'relooking forward to that, because
I think the people of our townwant to understand why we're
making the decisions and, as adoctor and a business owner, in
(22:53):
my mind the explanation makes adifference.
People can get behind whatwe're doing if they understand
why.
So I think that's kind ofcritical to be able to
communicate and explaineffectively, and I would work
with the town to make sure thatthey really understood why we
were doing what we were doing.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (23:09):
Okay, Do you feel we already adequately meet
the needs of any of theseinfrastructure public safety,
parks and recreation or housingaffordability?
Kara Foster (23:19):
safety, parks and recreation, or housing
affordability.
I feel like, no matter what,there's always room for
improvement.
I don't feel like they're nottrying.
I feel like everyone's trying.
They're doing the best job thatthey can, but sometimes I feel
like the thought process withdevelopers feels a little
piecemeal and I think that wemight be able to look at the
bigger picture and plan ourvision for Holly Springs down
the road.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (23:37):
Okay, as the population grows, what
strategies would you prioritizeto address roads, utilities and
other infrastructure challenges?
Kara Foster (23:45):
You know, I think, just working together, no matter
what.
We have to balance smart growthwith responsible development
and infrastructure.
Community health ties in withour walkability, green space and
food access and fiscalresponsibility supporting our
small businesses withoutincreasing taxes.
As a small business owner, Ithink that we cannot afford to
be able to raise any more taxeson business owners, and I think
(24:09):
combining some of these reducedtraffic and having more mixed
density housing and also withthe direct care pilot program
will save the town a lot ofmoney overall and would be
something that we couldprioritize as a way to save
taxes and scale growth Okay.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (24:25):
Holly Springs is focused on bringing
in biomedical and science-basedbusinesses.
How would you balancesupporting these businesses and
garnering more of the same withsome of the public sentiment
that may now be skeptical ofscience and vaccines?
Kara Foster (24:40):
Well, as a healthcare provider, I believe
in the long-term research.
We have to look atevidence-based research, and I
do think that these companiesare looking out for jobs.
I think it is great to havethese jobs.
I also believe in preventativehealthcare as well.
In my mind, if you believe intaking diabetes medication, the
research behind that how do younot believe in the same research
(25:02):
behind the vaccines?
I mean, it's all looking outfor people's health, but there's
a lot of diseases that arepreventable.
We don't always have to gostraight to medication, but I
also believe in promoting that.
As far as job growth, I thinkit's great to be able to be a
leader.
I think that the developmentfor some of these facilities
could have been planned a littlebit better, but I do appreciate
(25:24):
that we'll be able to bringhealthcare and technology to our
area and hopefully provide jobsfor our children and job growth
in this area.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (25:34):
Okay, as our town grows, farmland faces
pressure from development andsome residents struggle to
access fresh food.
How would you support localfarmers, protect farmland and
help ensure everyone has accessto healthy, affordable food?
Kara Foster (25:49):
I believe that if we are able to increase our
farmers markets, we have afantastic farmers market in
Holly Springs right now, butit's not walkable and easy for
everyone to get to.
I think that local farmingreally matters for Holly Springs
because not only do we comefrom an area of local farming
being so important for ourcommunity, but local farms also
(26:10):
give families access to fresh,healthy food.
It reduces food insecurity.
It'll lower healthcare costsover time.
Our farms are also smallbusinesses too, and
strengthening them will helpkeep the money in the community
and support local jobs, andpartnering with local farms will
help in protecting our farmland, helps preserve our charm and
prevents overdevelopment.
So really I think that if wecan expand some of the policy
(26:33):
level actions that Town Councilcould do is expand farmers
markets, make it easier forvendors to get permits, increase
more days and locations of thefarmers market.
We can do farm to schoolprograms.
We can work with land useplanning, protecting farmland by
zoning and encouragingdevelopment that coexists with
the green kind of agriculturalspaces, and also just encourage
(26:54):
community gardens and urbanfarming and also at town events.
If we can encourage local foodand farmers at the events that
we're already doing, I believeit will increase awareness about
our local farmers instead ofjust kind of the bigger
corporations.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (27:19):
Our police sometimes receive requests from
outside agencies while alsoaddressing local needs.
How would you set prioritiesfor public safety with limited
resources?
Kara Foster (27:23):
So I believe really that prevention overreaction
will help prioritize the limitedresources that we already have.
If we have even safer roads andsidewalks, it will reduce
accidents and free up firstresponders.
Also, community programs canhelp prevent issues before they
require even police and fireintervention.
Help prevent issues before theyrequire even police and fire
intervention.
But just focusing on data-drivenpolicy and also a smarter use
(27:44):
of resources.
Focusing on data-drivenpolicies where we put officers
where they're needed mostinstead of spreading so thin,
and also investing in technologylike traffic sensors, smart
lighting, crosswalk alerts,which we've done some of already
.
But there's some room forimprovement and if we're going
to be improving walkability inthe town, like I'd love to, we
(28:05):
would really have to focus onsome of that as well.
But if we do that, it will freeup a lot of the resources for
our first responders.
But I think supporting ourpolice and fire and EMS by
prioritizing staffing trainingand just looking for grants and
state and federal funding toexpand resources without having
to add to the tax burden wouldbe fantastic for our town.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (28:24):
How can the town better support small
businesses and connect withtheir needs?
Kara Foster (28:29):
As a small business owner, I really understand why
small business matters.
I think keeping money localbecause just every dollar that
we spend at local businesseswill circulate around more time
in Holly Springs than money thatgoes to a big chain.
You know, and I think that kindof goes back to with some of
the big development as well.
You know, if we keep putting alot of our tax dollars into
these big developments then itdoesn't stay in the community.
(28:51):
Everybody loves downtown HollySprings.
It's adorable.
We want to protect our towncharacter character.
But being able to expand thatwhere small businesses can not
just be right there but alsoexpand throughout other places
in the city gives us betteraccess, walkability and
community centers and it alsocreates job creation.
As a small business owner Ihave created jobs and it just
(29:13):
keeps our dollars at home in ourcommunity instead of going off
to these big corporations.
So at the town council level, Ithink some of the policy level
actions we can do arestreamlining, permitting to make
it easier for small businessesto open and expand.
Also helping small businesseswith grants and partnerships,
which I know we're already doingsome of.
But we can use state andfederal small business support
(29:33):
programs and connect localbusiness owners with resources
and also just help improve thedowntown development even more
than we already have,strengthening the heart of
Pauley Springs with walkabilityand parking solutions too.
If we are able to increase someof our walkability, parking
won't be quite as an issue as itis right now, along with maybe
even increasing the microtransitwhich I know that they're going
(29:54):
to be releasing here in January, which is exciting and then
just partnering on communityevents like fairs and farmers
markets festivals.
The chamber has been fantasticabout doing that, but I think we
can work even more closely withthe chamber and the town to be
able to support our smallbusinesses and just keep our
money local.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (30:13):
Okay.
What approaches would you taketo foster understanding and
collaboration among residentswith differing perspectives?
Kara Foster (30:24):
No matter what, I believe that I'm here for the
people.
As a doctor, I have listened topatients with all different
types of backgrounds and I'vebeen a lot of time thinking
through how I can make a planthat will work for people of
different backgrounds, and Ithink that that experience has
given me a lot of understandingabout how to help people who
(30:46):
come from different backgrounds.
And you know, I also personallycome from a different
background.
I come from a very workingclass family.
I grew up often on welfare inthe basement of my grandma's
house with my brother and my momand you know, I've put myself
through school and now I am adoctor and a business owner and
just living a different life andI feel like, because I
understand all of that, comingfrom that as a background, I'm
(31:07):
able to figure out a way tosolve problems from people of
all different types ofbackgrounds.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (31:12):
How will you ensure diverse voices and those
most impacted are not onlyincluded, but truly embraced in
decision making?
Kara Foster (31:21):
You know, I think, making sure that we're able to
hear everybody's voices, becauseright now we don't always know
where to look for, I think, tobe able to hear people's voices.
So holding listening sessions inneighborhoods, maybe not just
at Town Hall If we go to theplaces where people are, they
might not have easy access toget to Town Hall to be able to
(31:43):
voice their concern, but if wecan have community events in
different neighborhoods where wespend time listening to people,
we could also use surveys,online tools to be able to make
sure we're hearing residents'opinions and then just making
sure that, within committees,we're representing different
backgrounds, ages andexperiences to the advisory
committees, because we want tomake sure that we're not just
(32:06):
hearing from a certaindemographic.
There's a lot of differentvoices out there and we want to
make sure that we're makingthese meetings easy to attend,
making sure that we haveeverybody's voices.
Also, we can offer translationor interpretation services when
needed, so all voices areincluded, and I feel like every
decision should start withasking how does this impact our
families, seniors and ourvulnerable neighbors?
(32:28):
Like, what can we do to makesure that we're hearing
everybody's voices?
Amanda Benbow Lunn (32:33):
Do you support a non-discrimination
ordinance or policy?
Why or why not?
Kara Foster (32:39):
As a business owner in Apex, a non-discrimination
ordinance went into town as abusiness owner and I can assure
the small business owners ofHolly Springs that it did not
cause one single bit ofdifference in my business at all
.
I had no effect from it at all.
So there's absolutely no reason, as business owners, that we
should be allowed todiscriminate against people.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (32:56):
Have you gained any endorsements thus far
and if you gain more, wheremight voters find that
information?
Kara Foster (33:02):
I have recently been endorsed by the Wake County
Democratic Party, which I'mvery fortunate to have gotten
that.
I've also had personalendorsements from Wiley Nickel
and Sydney Batch.
I'm very fortunate to be ableto learn from a lot of what
they've done already and justhave some counsel through them
as well, and I'm still workingon getting that up on my website
(33:23):
.
But anybody who wants to learnmore about my policies and my
thought process and I'm alwaysopen for suggestion I wanna hear
the talented voices.
I think I have some good ideas,but I don't think I have the
only ideas, and you can learnmore on my website at
karaforcouncil.
com.
I do have a detailed plan therethat I really feel like would
make a huge difference in thefuture of Holly Springs, but I'd
(33:45):
also love to hear residents'voices as well.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (33:47):
All right, perfect.
Where can listeners connectwith you and learn more about
your platform, upcoming eventsand ways to get involved, and
any final thoughts you'd like toshare with those voting in the
upcoming election?
Kara Foster (33:58):
Yes, checking out my website at KaraForCouncil.
com, and that's just to be clear, it's K-A-R-A.
Yes, it's K-A-R-A-F-O-R-H-S ismy Facebook, and also
KaraWithAKForCouncilcom for mywebsite.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (34:14):
And KaraForCouncil.
Is that spelled out for or isthat the number four in your
website?
Kara Foster (34:23):
It is spelled out for.
For both of them it's spelledout for but I love Holly Springs
.
It's where I'm raising myfamily.
You know I run a small businessso close by and I love serving
my neighbors and I believe thatour town can grow without losing
character that makes it special.
So I would love for people toput comments.
Yeah, I would love to growHolly Springs without losing the
character that makes it special, and I don't think that I'm the
(34:47):
only person doing this.
I would love to hear people'sfeedback.
You can submit comments on mywebsite, on my Facebook page,
message me on Facebook.
My email address is there too.
But I just would really love tobe able to hear people's
comments, but also I would loveto get people's feedback on the
thoughts that I feel like wouldmake a better Holly Springs for
us.
I have a lot of events postedwherever I'm going to be out on
(35:09):
Facebook and, yeah, just keepingup with the stuff that I have
on mycareforcouncilcom, I wouldlove to hear people's feedback.
My plan is simple smart growth,support for small businesses and
protecting green space, allwhile keeping our budget strong
without raising taxes.
Holly Springs is such awonderful place to live.
I believe we can make itstronger by building a town that
works for families, and I'd behonored to earn your vote.
(35:30):
In local elections, not a lotof people vote, so it's really
important to get out there andwe can truly make a difference
moving forward in this election.
Thank you for listening to metoday and for talking to me
today, amanda.
I appreciate it.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (35:42):
Yeah, absolutely.
Now, before I let you go, I gointo a little lightning round.
Lighter questions, not politicsrelated, not related to the
town, I don't think.
So you can feel free to answerwhatever comes to mind but, it's
a nice little way to buildhumanity.
Gotcha, what's something you dothat helps you recharge?
Kara Foster (36:03):
I run it doesn't sound like a recharge, but when
I'm running I can clear my mindand I think I have some of my
greatest ideas when I'm outrunning.
So a lot of times I don't evenlisten to music, I just think,
and that's where my best ideascome from.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (36:17):
Awesome.
What's a hobby, talent or funfact about you that most people
don't know.
Kara Foster (36:22):
Fun fact is I like to crochet little vegetables
with cute faces on them.
So that's another thing I liketo do, to kind of take away from
looking at the phone, lookingat devices.
I think having that time awayfrom social media is really good
for just in general people'shealth and mental health.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (36:42):
What's something that is difficult for
you.
Kara Foster (36:45):
I do things a little bit differently.
I have had a little bit ofchallenges with people coming
after my ideas.
You know, normally when peoplecome to my office they already
know me, they've done a lot ofresearch on me and they
appreciate the way I do thingsdifferently in my office.
They already know me, they'vedone a lot of research on me and
they appreciate the way I dothings differently in my office.
So it has been a little bit ofa unique experience with people
not knowing me and not takingthe time to learn about me but
(37:09):
expressing their opinions anyway.
So that's something that I'mjust trying to make sure that I
stay positive and not let itaffect my decision making.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (37:18):
What book, podcast or TV show are you
enjoying right now?
Kara Foster (37:22):
I listen to a lot of audiobooks.
I like reading.
I have been reading fictionbooks.
The newer Hunger Games bookshave been fun that I've been
reading.
But I also like to listen to alot of informational audiobooks
as well.
I've been listening to a bookcalled Switch how to Change when
Change is Hard.
It's pretty great.
It's about creating habits andunderstanding how we can make a
(37:43):
difference in both our actionsbut also societal actions, to be
able to create lasting change.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (37:50):
Cool, I'll have to look into that one.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Kara Foster (37:54):
My guess has got to be Wonder Woman.
I am very girl power.
I've got three girls in myhouse, I'm a female business
owner and I was raised by asingle mom, so we got to do this
, ladies.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:04):
What's the best piece of advice you've ever
received?
Kara Foster (38:07):
Oh piece of advice I've ever received.
You know what you pause andthink about, really ponder on my
answers.
I tend to be a little bit of arambler and the thoughts are in
my head but putting together ina way that I think people can
understand.
I need to do that without justtalking, before thinking it
through.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:25):
What's one guilty pleasure you secretly
enjoy?
Kara Foster (38:29):
Eating too much sugar.
I need to not do that.
I know it's bad for me.
I feel like I can't stop, but Ilike baking and I like eating
the cookie dough before it'seven baked.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (38:39):
So fair.
No lies detected there.
What's a simple thing thatalways makes you laugh or smile.
Kara Foster (38:46):
Oh, just hanging out with my girls.
They are so funny and you know,I've got two in middle school
and one in high school and you'dthink this would be a
challenging age for girls and itcan be, but they're just
awesome.
They're good sports, sports.
They always think of some funnyideas and you just never know
what's going to come out of kidsmouths.
So, coffee or tea?
I drink coffee out of necessity, but really I love tea morning
(39:10):
person or night owl night owl.
I want to be a morning person sobadly, but I, I'm just not.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:17):
Mountains or beach?
Kara Foster (39:19):
Mountains
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:19):
Book or podcast?
Kara Foster (39:21):
Book, but audio book.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:23):
Dogs or cats ?
Kara Foster (39:25):
Oh, that's a tough one.
I've always been a dog personmy whole life and I have gotten
a cat now and I love him.
He's a super cute little totallunatic, but he's like a dog.
He runs to the door when peoplecome in.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (39:40):
All right.
Well, that brings thiscandidate conversation to a
close.
Thank you so much, Kara, fortrusting me and for being here
and taking the time out of yourbusy schedule.
I truly appreciate it.
I wish you the best of luck onyour upcoming election.
Kara Foster (39:53):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having me, Amanda.
This has been wonderful and I,you know I just want to leave
people with.
If you have any feedback for me, I would love it, so just
please feel free to reach out tome.
So thank you so much for doingthis, yeah absolutely.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (40:05):
Local elections are where democracy
lives closest to home.
The decisions and actions ofour mayors, the Holly Springs
Town Council and theFuquay-Varina Board of
Commissioners influence theservices we rely on each day,
the safety of our streets, thecharacter of our neighborhoods
and even the future direction ofour communities.
Democracy is at the heart ofall we hold dear.
(40:27):
Our local governments setpriorities that touch everyday
life.
They pass ordinances, fund ourfire and police departments, set
property tax structures andshape the look and feel of our
towns.
Because turnout is often lowerin municipal elections, every
ballot cast carries even greaterweight.
Here's what you need to knowfor 2025.
(40:48):
The voter registration deadlineis October 10th, unless you
register at an early voting site.
Early voting begins October16th at the Wake County Board of
Elections office in Raleigh.
Additional sites open onOctober 25th, including the John
M Brown Community Center inApex and the Avery Street
Recreation Center in Garner.
Those two will be the closestto us in Holly Springs and
(41:11):
Fuquay Varina.
Early voting concludes onSaturday, November 1st.
Please note that this year onlyincludes two Saturdays, October
25th and November 1st, and oneSunday, October 1st.
Please note that this year onlyincludes two Saturdays, October
25th and November 1st, and oneSunday, October 26th.
The last day to request amail-in absentee ballot is
October 21st and election dayitself is Tuesday, November 4th,
where you'll need to cast yourvote at your assigned precinct.
(41:33):
Please remember you will need avalid ID to vote.
That wraps up another NC DeepDive candidate conversation.
You can find all of our 2025municipal election interviews at
www.
ncdeepdive.
com, as well as on Spotify,apple Podcasts, audible or
wherever you currently listen topodcasts.
(41:54):
Show notes will include linksto candidates, voter resources
and election information.
If you find these conversationshelpful, please subscribe,
share them with friends orfamily and consider leaving a
rating or review.
Spreading the word in yourlocal spaces helps strengthen
informed participation acrossour communities.
If you have thoughts or topicsyou'd like us to explore, reach
(42:16):
out on social media or email usanytime at ncdeepdive@ gmail.
com.
I'm grateful you spent this timewith me today.
Staying informed is how weshape communities worth calling
home.
Your choices matter, yourperspective matters and you
matter.
Your ballot is your voice, andboth carry more power than you
might imagine.
(42:36):
Democracy isn't passive.
It only works when we each showup.
Thank you for helping me tomake it thrive.
May we continue to worktogether to build stronger, more
vibrant communities to live,work and play in, ones we can
all be proud to call home.
Until next time, my friendsnamaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
(42:59):
you.
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