2019 Candidate Questionnaire – COMMISSIONER, TOWN OF PITTSBORO

Jay Farrell

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Jay Farrell

Date/place of birth: December 16, 1956; Pittsboro, North Carolina

Current occupation: Retired and co-owner, Virlie’s Grill

Campaign website/social media: None

Family: Charlene, wife; Christy, 38, and Blake, 34

Party affiliation: Democrat

Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: Commissioner, Town of Pittsboro, two terms

Campaign manager (if applicable): Christy F. Blackburn

Campaign treasurer: Christy F. Blackburn

Why are you seeking this office?: Re-election.

What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in one sentence, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?: Two-term incumbent and familiar with the issues and policies.

One of the most important decisions that elected officials make is on the annual budget, which includes spending and tax rates. Do you have a budgeting philosophy? What’s more important to you — spending more to allocate resources to needed programs or cutting spending and keeping the tax rate low?: I dislike wasteful spending and work hard to keep taxes down.

Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected: Finish the UDO [Unified Development Ordinance] and complete Chatham Park elements and development agreement.

The Commissioner’s main responsibility is to place votes on issues crucial to the town. What would be your philosophy on choosing whether or not to vote for an item? Do you have an example of a similar decision in the past?: Keep the interest of the citizens first if possible.

Pittsboro is on the edge of a growing area and will soon be growing itself, if projections hold true. How do you think that reality would affect your decision-making as a board member?: I would take into account planning board recommendations, staff input and working together as a unified board.

What do you think are Pittsboro’s three best features?: Small town atmosphere, location in the state and historic downtown.

What are three areas where Pittsboro can improve?: Infrastructure, traffic patterns and wastewater improvements.

If you are not elected, what steps will you take to serve Pittsboro?: Continue to volunteer my time with the Pittsboro Fire Department as I have for almost 40 years.

Biographical Facts

Political/government hero: My grandfather, previous mayor and magistrate of Chatham County.

Favorite book: The Bible

Book most recently read: No answer

Favorite film: “The Shawshank Redemption”

Hobbies: Boating, fishing, hunting and occasionally golf

Church/civic involvement: Member of Hanks Chapel Church, visitor of Gum Springs Baptist Church, Volunteer Fireman and board of directors member, member of Masonic Lodge

Personal motto or one-line philosophy: Learn to Listen and Listen to Learn

Strongest childhood ambition: To become a police officer

Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: Seeing my children graduate from college

Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: Win the Lottery.