NAME: Anne Hines AGE: 60
OCCUPATION: Retired association executive (nonprofit professional/trade associations)
EDUCATION: Attended Furman University and College of Charleston; Duke University Certificate of Non-Profit Management Program
POLITICAL PARTY AND EXPERIENCE: Republican. CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce; St. John’s Episcopal Church
WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED? I have lived in Wake Forest for 20 years. During that time I have witnessed the changes from a small town to a thriving “city” — new homes, new businesses, new roads — new everything. However our problem, as I see it, is that we are not managing our growth as well as we could. I believe in balanced growth, where you have housing, commercial and industrial growth. With multiple areas of resources for tax revenue, the town can balance the needed amenities. I would like to be able to offer critical thinking on the board of commissioners — an alternate point of view.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 556-6304, HinesforCommissioner@yahoo.com
ISSUES QUESTIONS:
1. Wake Forest has touted their initiatives to bring homes and businesses to the downtown district, but White Street has several vacant storefronts and the old Winn-Dixie is still vacant. Is there anything else the town can do to bring growth closer to the center of town?
There are currently several plans in the works. I’ve seen a design for the old Winn-Dixie shopping center that would turn it into a modern urban area, with shops and townhouses. Hopefully this plan will go through and update the area to reflect the other changes in downtown. We have a revitalization program, known as the Renaissance Plan. The plan is multi-faceted and will bring new esthetics to downtown. This plan is a vital tool to the future of downtown. A new town hall is in the works, as well as road enhancements.
2. Other parts of town thrive more than the northeast. Beyond the plan Wake Forest recently adopted in July, is there more the town can do to improve the northeast?
The recently approved plan will breathe new life into the area. With this long-range plan in place, residents can anticipate a lot of changes. The plan will be the catalyst for the residents to begin revitalization projects; new businesses will find opportunity to locate there; new residents will want to live there. With the changes, improved amenities will be enjoyed by everyone. To the north, new subdivisions are already bringing more people to the geographic area, thereby making it more attractive for residents and businesses. I believe that if we follow this plan, the northeast area will again thrive.
3. Wake Forest buys water from Raleigh and it’s running out of water allocations due mainly to heavy lawn irrigation. Does Wake Forest need to impose development or water restrictions over and above what is now has in place?
We already have some limits. However, at the same time, Wake Forest should seek alternative resources for water. While we have a large financial commitment to Raleigh, the future needs for water will only become more acute as we grow. We can not depend on Raleigh to be our “forever” source of water. At some point in time, Raleigh will need their water resources for their residents. With the type of water restrictions already imposed on Wake Forest, because of the merger, our growth is limited, both residential and commercial/industrial. Water restrictions should be permanent.