Terry Mahaffey, candidate for Apex Town Council

Residents will vote for the mayor and two Town Council members in Apex this year.

Mayor Jacques Gilbert, elected in 2019, is running unopposed, while incumbents Terry Mahaffey and Arno Zegerman face opponents Tayon Williams Dancy, Dylan Hale and Gregory Lyon.

Early voting for the Nov. 7 election begins on Oct. 19 and runs until Nov. 4.

For information about voting, Election Day, and precincts, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Terry Mahaffey

Age: 43

Residence: Apex

Occupation/Employer: Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft, C++ Compiler (code generation team)

Education: BS in Computer Science from RIT, MBA from WGU

Political or civic experience: Apex Town Council Member, 2019 to present. I currently serve as the chair of the Finance Committee, on our Planning Committee, and as a liaison to the Apex Chamber of Commerce. HOA Board Member, 2018-20. Co-chair of the Wake County “Complete Count Committee,” 2019-20. I am a graduate of Apex’s “Peak Academy” (our municipal-run citizen’s academy) and Apex’s Community Police Academy, and I am an active volunteer with CAPA (Citizens Assisting Police in Apex).

Campaign website: visionofthepeak.com

Tell us why you’re running to serve Apex. Why should voters trust you in this position?

I believe in our town. As an incumbent, I’ve witnessed the progress we’ve achieved during my previous term, and I’m committed to sustaining this positive momentum. My record speaks to my ability to deliver on my initial campaign themes of ““trust, transparency, and trees.”“

Apex has recently implemented some of the most robust environmental controls in North Carolina, preserving our tree canopy and safeguarding our watershed. But we won’t rest there. Going forward, we’ll take further steps to restore our tree canopy and enforce even stricter rules to ensure clean, safe and abundant water for our community.

Voters can trust me because my track record over the past four years demonstrates my ability to get things done. Whether at a high level, like reforming development rules for transparency, or at a grassroots level tirelessly addressing the concerns of my constituents, I’ve consistently shown my dedication to our community’s well-being.

What is the town of Apex doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

Apex has undertaken extensive proactive planning, outlining detailed strategies for future transportation infrastructure, land use, greenways, and more. As part of these efforts, I spearheaded the elevation of our tree preservation standards, positioning Apex among the state’s leaders in environmental stewardship.

Incorporating school capacity planning into our rezoning process has been another significant step forward. Our collaboration with WCPSS results in ‘Letters of Impact,’ offering critical insights into school capacity effects. Construction begins next year on a new elementary school on developer-provided land.

We currently extract the maximum infrastructure from development (such as road improvements) we’re legally able. Equally important, we place a strong emphasis on Historic Preservation.

However, we face persistent challenges, notably the continual erosion of municipal authority by the state legislature. To further enhance our environmental efforts, I advocate for expanding tree preservation requirements beyond the gross area to ensure a net gain in the tree canopy.

If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?

I am data-driven and analytical, and I leverage these skills to systematically examine issues. My belief in using data to guide decisions ensures that we make evidence-based choices that positively impact Apex.

Drawing from my professional experience as a programmer, I approach problem-solving by breaking down complex issues into manageable sub-problems. This method allows for a systematic analysis that simplifies challenges to their core, addressing root causes effectively.

I work to simplify and summarize complex topics, making them easily understandable and approachable. My goal is to work collaboratively with fellow council members, offering complementary skills and viewpoints. Together, we can collectively address challenges in a way that benefits all residents of Apex by combining analytical rigor, a problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to clear communication.

How do you plan to make local government in Apex more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?

During my tenure, we’ve made significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable local government. We appointed a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) director and established a Community Engagement department to address these concerns both internally and externally.

Cultural events bring people together. I’m collaborating with Hum Sub, the organizers of Diwali in Cary, to bring a ‘Holifest’ to Apex in 2024, promoting cultural diversity and fostering community connections. We’ll continue to fund other cultural events such as Indigenous People’s Day, Juneteenth, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Additionally, we recognize the need for better representation on citizens advisory boards, especially for our growing Asian American community, which is currently the largest minority group in Apex. I am committed to rectifying this issue, by adding more advisory board seats if necessary.

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

Organizations such as the Wake County Democratic Party, North Carolina Asian Americans Together, Equality NC, NC State AFL-CIO, and the Sierra Club have all endorsed me for re-election.

Additionally I’ve been endorsed by Congressman Wiley Nickel and Congresswoman Deborah Ross; by NC House Representatives Maria Cervania, Ya Liu, and Julie von Haefen; NC Senators Gale Adcock and Sydney Batch; Wake County Commissioners Don Mial, Matt Calabria, my former colleague Cheryl Stallings, and Vickie Adamson; my current colleague Audra Killingsworth and 15 other local elected officials from around Wake County and the state.

These endorsements reflect the broad support and trust I have earned from leaders and organizations dedicated to our community’s well-being.

If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.

Throughout my time serving on the Town Council, I’ve earned a reputation as someone who genuinely ‘puts in the work.’ I’m committed to being responsive to your questions and concerns, ensuring that your voices are heard and valued.

Moreover, I bring a data-driven approach to every conversation, underpinned by a deep understanding of the issues. I’m known for my level-headedness and calm demeanor, qualities that enable me to make well-informed decisions that benefit our community.

As you consider your choices for Town Council, please remember that you can select two candidates. I hope to earn your trust and be your first choice. However, if you have another candidate in mind as your first choice, I humbly ask to be your second. I am committed to working collaboratively and effectively, no matter the outcome, to serve the best interests of our residents. Your trust and support are greatly appreciated.