Affordability
Concern:
I’ve lived in Wake Forest my entire life. Wake County’s property taxes have gone up over 100% in the last ten years. Local taxes and fees have gone up, as well. I spoke in Public Comment against expanding the Municipal Service District because residents inside the new boundary wouldn’t be able to pay the increased taxes.If the majority of our savings go into cost of living, what is left over to sow into good things now or into future generations?
Let’s talk about it.
President Roosevelt took America off the domestic gold standard in 1933. Inflation had risen over 30% when President Nixon took us off the international standard in 1971. Now, the value of the dollar is over 300% less than it was in 1933, and, between wages and economic factors, Americans across the nation are currently being crushed by debt at an average of $14,924.41 per person, as of February 2026. (Debt by the Federal Reserve, US population by the US Census.)
Therefore, Wake Forest should avoid increasing the fiscal nickel-and-dime stressors upon its residents.
A comprehensive list of fees and taxes Wake Forest residents pay can be found on the Town of Wake Forest website here.
My Solutions:
1. While Bond referendums offer amenities to residents, they also increase the tax burden on residents over the course of years — Free amenities are never free. I will fairly assess new referendums for actual and legitimate needs.
For more information on bond referendums, go to the Town of Wake Forest’s website here.
2. In 2025, the Town of Wake Forest held Open Houses regarding proposed improvements to Capital Boulevard. I attended that open house, I talked with residents, I took pictures and transcribed the feedback for others to read here. I talked with the CAMPO consultants (who gave no options besides a toll if we wanted improvements). I saw that Wake Forest residents made it overwhelmingly clear that we do not want a tollway. I will never approve a toll on Capital Boulevard/US-1.
3. I will not approve parking meters in Downtown Wake Forest.
4. I believe that elected officials voting themselves pay raises is unethical. Taxpayers foot their elected officials’ salaries. Should this decision come before the Board, I will push for a ballot measure: “Constituents, do your Commissioners deserve an increased salary?”