2019 Candidate Questionnaire – COMMISSIONER, TOWN OF PITTSBORO

Bridget Perry

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Bridget Perry

Date/place of birth: 1967, Brockton, Massachusetts

Current occupation: Cashier/buyer at Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro

Campaign website/social media: None

Family: Daughter, 28, and sons, 26, 24 and 22.

Party affiliation: Not stated

Current and previous elected offices held or sought & terms of service: None

Campaign manager (if applicable): David Zum Brunnen

Campaign treasurer: David Misenheimer

Why are you seeking this office?: I am seeking office because I love my town! I moved here with my family in 2002, and we looked at every town in the area. We fell in love with the town and its people almost immediately. I know that a great deal of change is coming to Pittsboro in the near future, and I hope to help guide these changes to see Pittsboro grow without losing the character of the town that is such a wonderful place to call home.

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?: My understanding is that the responsibilities of this office include guiding the town in the direction that best benefits the citizens of the town, and that also follows the wishes of the majority of these citizens. I believe I am qualified to fill that role because of my over 20 years of experience managing a household of six; balancing the needs, wants, and wellbeing of a family mirrors balancing those same things in a town.

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 don’t have a budgeting philosophy per se, but I do believe that in order for a town to have programs that attract new businesses and citizens, some money must be allocated to those programs. I also believe the money that we spend on programs should be wisely spent, to benefit as many in our community as possible.

Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected: If elected, I would like to help ensure that Pittsboro is a place everyone can afford to live in, so affordable housing for citizens who seek it is very important. I would also like to see our parks continue to flourish, continuing to make them accessible and connected to each other, neighborhoods and downtown.

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?: I would not vote on an item I do not fully understand, but I will be diligent in making every effort to understand all items that come up for a vote. If I had a strong conflict of interest on the outcome of a vote, I would not vote for that item.

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?: Pittsboro is a great place to live as it is today. It was a great place to live when I moved here in 2002. The town has changed quite a bit in the seventeen years I have lived here, and as a board member, I hope to help guide the new changes the town experiences in such a way that our citizens — newcomers and those who have been here for generations — will still feel it is a great place to live 17 years in the future. I will do my best to please most of the people most of the time.

What do you think are Pittsboro’s three best features?: Three of the best features of Pittsboro are its friendly citizens, our beautiful parks and our farmers markets and downtown festivals.

What are three areas where Pittsboro can improve?: Pittsboro can improve on pedestrian and cycling education and safety, the availability and quality of affordable housing and the quality of our water.

If you are not elected, what steps will you take to serve Pittsboro?: I will continue to serve on PARAB [Pittsboro Parks & Recreation Advisory Board], and look to take on another volunteer position or two that will contribute to the well being of our community.

Biographical Facts

Political/government hero: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony

Favorite book: Can’t say I could choose a favorite.

Book most recently read: “The Clockmaker’s Daughter,” for book club.

Favorite film: I don’t watch many movies, but “Paper Moon” was my first favorite.

Hobbies: I run, play softball and baseball, mountain bike and go to the gym. I like to work out in the yard, and spend time with my family and friends.

Church/civic involvement: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the Town of Pittsboro, volunteer coordinator for Philosopher’s Way Trail Runs and various other small volunteer jobs.

Personal motto or one-line philosophy: The more, the merrier!

Strongest childhood ambition: To raise a large family.

Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: Qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon — a lifelong dream.

Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: To make a significant contribution to my community.