Name: Travis Patterson
Current Home Address: 314 Trinity Street, Siler City, NC 27344
Home telephone and/or work telephone: 919/228.8728
Best daytime number: 919/923.6937
Email: electtravisp@gmail.com
Cell phone: 919/923.6937
Date/place of birth: Born Dec. 1, 1982, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill
Current occupation: Owner/CEO @ Self-Enhancing Education and Development Services, LLC (SEEDS); Program Coordinator, Juvenile Community Service and Restitution Program @ Communities in Schools of Chatham County; Supervisor @ Family Visitation Services of Chatham County
Family (names & ages, as of Election Day, of immediate family members):
Isaiah Patterson, 10 — son
Tamara Patterson — mother
Melvin “Craig” White — father
Derrick McNeil, 44 — brother
Brandy Spinks, 44 — sister
Nikki Hancock, 37 — sister
LaTorri White-Sides — sister
Tierra Snipes, 33 — sister
Thaddeus Patterson, 31 — brother
Mauri Patterson McKoy, 30 — sister
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign manager (if applicable): Tamara Patterson, Sara Martin
Campaign treasurer (if applicable): Jeimmy Herrera
Why are you seeking this office?: I am seeking this office because I am interested in representing the community at the County Commissioner level. My work in the community reflects my commitment to Chatham County, and I feel that it is important that the communities and people I serve have representation. I aspire to be a voice, an advocate, and an inspiration to others.
What is your understanding of the responsibilities of the office you seek, and in 100 words or less, why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?: I understand that the responsibilities of this role include establishing policies and ordinances, appointing various officials, serving as liaisons to other commissions and boards, and fiscal management of the county. I believe that I am qualified for this role because I have worked for and served the people of Chatham County in several capacities, have leadership and executive experience (programmatic and administrative), and have a personality for collaborative work.
Give us three specific, measurable and attainable goals that you would have if elected:
• Goal 1: Support workforce development efforts to create a sustainable working environment, bringing diverse employment opportunities to residents of Chatham County and providing affordable college education and training programs through partnership with Central Carolina Community College.
• Goal 2: Increase the total number of housing units available and affordable to families and individuals in Chatham County.
• Goal 3: Preserve, protect, and enhance our County residents’ quality of life through providing a clean water supply and access to other community health services (substance misuse, mental health, etc.).
What are the biggest challenges in Chatham right now, and how would you address them?: Some of Chatham’s current challenges include growth, water quality/capacity issues, a divided county, and lack of housing. Chatham’s leadership should consider investing wisely in its growth and development, ensuring that our uniqueness is not sacrificed for development. Our water quality and capacity issues should be prioritized, preserving our water supply. I would work to try to bridge the gap between West Chatham and East Chatham, and focus on increasing housing opportunities for our residents.
Chatham County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. What do you see as the major challenges due to growth, and how would you address them?: Some of the major challenges that Chatham will see due to growth are preservation of the quality of life here and a lack of housing opportunities. While growth can be positive and bring diverse opportunities, it can also affect the way of life that Chatham residents are used to. We are a rural community, and many residents are concerned that incoming projects will disrupt our way of life. We need to ensure that this does not happen. We also need to create more (affordable) housing opportunities to accommodate for the incoming increase in employment opportunities.
Parts of Chatham County’s future development plans are closely tied to the comprehensive development plan. What do you see as the next steps working toward Chatham’s future and the role of the comp plan?: I see the Unified Development Ordinance as our guide for Chatham’s future. The recoding will help revise our current land-use codes and update them to best serve Chatham development and residents’ purposes. I would like to see more community involvement/input in the revision of the UDO.
What is your view of the expansion of rural broadband, and how do you see the county’s role?: The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront the issue of broadband (or lack thereof) throughout the county — this would be a huge, but necessary, undertaking for county government. With a likely continuance of hybrid model (in-person and virtual) learning environments, county residents will absolutely need access to broadband. With recent developments and funding opportunities, the county should be able to create some sort of infrastructure to allow access to broadband in rural areas.
What’s your overall view of the role of county government? Is it fulfilling its mission at present? If not, what needs to change?: I support our county government, and I think that it works to the best of its ability to fulfill its mission. I do feel that there is room for improvement, as there is with all things. I think we should have more community member input and represent better the interests of our community residents.
What differentiates you from your opponent(s) and makes you the better candidate to represent your party?: I have worked to serve Chatham County for numerous years, and in several capacities — my experience as a community worker, as a volunteer, and as a leader is what separates me from other candidates. I am well-informed of our community’s issues, I have the trust of the community members to represent them, and I have the leadership skills necessary to be successful in this role. I have a comprehensive understanding of the county’s resources and would use my knowledge to advance the mission of our leadership. My personality would allow for collaboration, and I would work in the best interest of the county.
Favorite book: “The Bone Tree,” Greg Iles
Book most recently read: “NYPD Red Alert,” James Patterson
Hobbies: Reading, volunteering
Personal motto or one-line philosophy: “All things for a reason.”
Strongest childhood ambition: To become a pediatrician
Most significant life goal you’ve accomplished: Had a handsome son ☺
Goal you haven’t accomplished yet: Travel outside of the United States