Annie Drees, candidate for Holly Springs Town Council
Nine people are on the ballot for three open seats on the Holly Springs Town Council.
Five candidates are running for two four-year seats: incumbent Danielle Hewetson, who was appointed in January; Jack Turnwald; Brian Dennis; Staci Almquist; and Chris Deshazor.
Candidates Annie Drees, Scoop Green, Travis Groo and Brian Norman are running for a two-year seat.
Early voting in the Nov. 7 election runs through Nov. 4. For information about polling sites, voter and Election Day information, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.
Name: Annie Drees
Age: 45
Residence: Holly Springs
Occupation/Employer: Electrical Engineer at Dell
Education: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Spanish
Political or civic experience: Currency Secretary of Sunset Oaks HOA, support partner at the Carying Place for 2 years and regular volunteer at Holly Springs Food Cupboard
Campaign website: anniedrees4hollysprings.com
Tell us why you’re running to serve Holly Springs. Why should voters trust you in this position?
When my family moved to Holly Springs six years ago, we were drawn in by the outstanding schools, picturesque neighborhoods, and the warm, welcoming community. I’ve explored the parks, trekked the trails, frequented the library and enjoyed the farmer’s market. This town has held a special place in my family’s heart, and I consider us fortunate to have discovered it.
As Holly Springs has grown, I’ve felt a strong desire to give back to the place that has enriched our lives. While the town’s rapid growth has brought numerous benefits, such as the bustling downtown scene, it has also presented challenges, notably traffic congestion. Some of these challenges are complex and require a considerate, well-balanced approach to address. I’m eager to collaborate with other leaders to develop pragmatic solutions that support the town’s continued growth while preserving the harmony and sense of community that make Holly Springs an exceptional place to call home.
What is the town of Holly Springs doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?
The tremendous growth I’ve witnessed over the past six years has been remarkable. I’m grateful for the downtown development that has introduced new local businesses to our town. Additionally, the recent changes in the UDO, particularly the increased tree preservation requirement, are vital efforts to safeguard our environment. These aspects are critical steps for promoting responsible growth in Holly Springs.
I would like to build out the town’s Comprehensive Plan and the sub-plans included in that. Creating a comprehensive strategy and timeline for Holly Springs’ future plans for growth is essential to unite the community under a shared vision. By prioritizing different elements of this plan, we can pinpoint the key priorities that matter most to our residents. Additionally, establishing clear benchmarks for these development plans will ensure accountability from the Town Council to the community. It’s a proactive approach to ensure that the town’s growth aligns with the needs and expectations of its residents.
If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?
The recent zoning decisions that established no-parking zones in the Garrison neighborhood and part of the neighborhood north of Honeycutt Road, restricting street parking during school hours, have resulted in homeowner complaints about receiving parking tickets in front of their own homes. While I appreciate the Council’s intent to address high schoolers’ parking issues and the congestion in neighborhood streets, I view this as a missed opportunity for community engagement.
My approach would have been different. I would have organized a community meeting involving the affected neighborhoods through their HOAs and invited representatives from Holly Springs High School. By bringing together these key stakeholders, we could have created a platform to explore various solutions and their consequences. Providing these individuals with a voice in the decision-making process would lead to a fairer and more comprehensive solution to this problem. I firmly believe that we are stronger together, and by combining town halls with community meetings and enhancing the transparency and accessibility of town leadership, we can make Holly Springs a more inclusive and engaged community.
How do you plan to make local government in Holly Springs more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?
I believe my previous response clearly underscores my commitment to fostering a higher degree of community involvement and ensuring that Holly Springs remains an inclusive and welcoming place for all its residents.
I would also like Town Council to move the public comment section back to the beginning of town council meetings. Placing it in the middle of the meeting turns this into a much bigger time commitment and can hinder residents from participating. To promote accessibility and transparency, we should be making it easier for diverse voices to be heard, not harder.
Lastly, I strongly recommend that the Town Council discusses the Wake County Non-Discrimination Ordinance at a Council meeting. Rather than relying solely on individual anecdotes, I suggest the town consult with the Chamber of Commerce to assess the impact this ordinance might have on local businesses, both large and small. While the low number of complaints reaching mediation in all of Wake County last year suggests the ordinance’s potential for business impact, a comprehensive assessment is a responsible approach. It’s essential to consider the full impact on our community in the decision-making process, as we should for all local ordinances.
Please list any endorsements you’ve received.
Wake County Democratic Party
Equality NC
Home Builders Association of Wake County
If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.
I strongly believe in prioritizing multimodal transportation in Holly Springs. Developing options for walking, catching a bus, or biking can help reduce our road congestion problems particularly if aligned with roadwork projects.
In 2022, Holly Springs conducted an affordable housing study, and I’m committed to following up on its recommendations to create diverse housing opportunities in the future.
Lastly, I’m dedicated to enhancing water quality in Holly Springs. As we expand water treatment facilities, I want to ensure that we include measures to improve water quality. Proactive planning can safeguard our community’s long-term health. This presents a valuable opportunity to invest in the well-being of our residents.
