Amanda Benbow Lunn: 0:09

Hello friends, welcome back to the NC Deep Dive podcast. I am your host, Amanda Benbow Lunn, and today I am honored to be speaking with Sarah Larson as part of our 2025 Municipal Election Candidate Conversations. Sarah is running for the four-year seat on the Holly Springs Town Council. For this race, Sarah will be running against Joe Cuccurullo, Kara Foster, Tim Forrest, Annie Drees and Josh Prizer. These races are non-partisan, so there will not be any party affiliation like an R or a D next to their name on your ballot. You will be eligible to vote for up to three of these candidates for this seat. On your ballot.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 0:50

In this election, the top three vote-getters will join Holly Springs Town Council members Chris DeShazor and Danielle Hewetson to make up its five-member body. In these candidate conversations, each candidate will be asked the same questions formulated by our constituent survey, observing community members in person and online, and fine-tuning with AI to keep them as fair, unbiased and open-ended as possible. Without further ado, my friends, let's dive in. Welcome, Sarah Larson. You are running for Holly Springs Town Council. If you want to take a few moments and tell me a little bit about yourself, how long you've lived in the area and what has inspired you to run.

Sarah Larson: 1:31

Yes, well, thank you for having me. Like you said, I'm Sarah Larson and I am running for Holly Springs Town Council. I've been a resident in Holly Springs since 2014. Since then, we have just really poured ourselves into the community and just getting involved between like HOA and volunteering at the food cupboard and sitting on different town appointed boards that we can go into later, but just wanting to be where the people are and knowing what's going on and helping shape the town just really called to us. So, yeah, we have our three kids here. We bought our first house in 2014. We liked it so much we got our second house just a couple blocks over, so we really have enjoyed the area Perfect.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 2:10

Have you been an active voter, including in local elections?

Sarah Larson: 2:13

Yes, I've always been an active voter, since I turned 18,. Whether it was a municipal or general or presidential primary you name it I have voted. I have even used mail-in and early voting, and it's always important to make a plan, because this is how our voices get heard and how we shape our communities. Starts, local and really important to vote Excellent.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 2:34

What do you feel is the role of a town council member?

Sarah Larson: 2:38

The role of a town council member to me is to be both a delegate and a trustee. So someone who knows more of the information, is talking to the professionals and the people who are the experts in the field, gathering that information but also representing to residents, because they're the number one stakeholder in a community, and balancing all that with the ordinances and the needs of the community. And having that voice to represent both sides and hopefully balance and make good decisions. And thankfully on town council it wouldn't just be one person's vote. In Holly Springs there's a council of five people and a mayor who votes when there's need for a tie and then we have our town manager and his staff who go forward and put those policies into place. So having that representation and making sure we're representing the constituents but having the information that we need and finding that balance and being held accountable so lots of things. A good town council person is busy and they're out in the community and they're knowing what the town needs Perfect.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 3:39

What is your involvement within the community and town government and what qualifications make you prepared for this role?

Sarah Larson: 3:46

Yes, I should have written everything down, because every time I talk about all the things I'm involved in sometimes I forget things Just because I love to be involved. Like I said, I'm current HOA board president. I sat on the Parks and Rec advisory committee. Through that I was on the tree advisory committee and I sat on the Downtown Village Plan Committee.

Sarah Larson: 4:05

I also have helped out with Downtown Alive. That's kind of at a hiatus at the moment. I've worked with nonprofits, including the Holly Springs Runners Project that oversees the Holly Springs Half Marathon, North Carolina Spring Classic and Springs Fest and the Race Against the Sun event that gives money back to the town, and through all of those different organizations I'm able to really be like the feet on the ground and gathering all corners of the community together and bridging that and that's kind of why my campaign is, you know, bridging people, policy and progress, because I have all these connectors already from what I'm already doing and I think that really helps, not only being prepared to run for town council but being open and aware of what's going on in the town, because technically anybody in Holly Springs could run for town council because you're qualified, like if you want to serve, you can. However, if you're already on the ground doing the work, it's going to be a lot easier to make those good decisions because you're already listening to what the people need.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 5:09

What's your long-term vision for the future of Holly Springs?

Sarah Larson: 5:13

I would say more connectivity, and that's not just with greenways and roads, but with people.

Sarah Larson: 5:21

I want to see more third gathering places, and so it was like post pandemic I think this when this third gathering place kind of came out, where people have work and then they have home but we're missing like that third gathering place, and that really went away during the pandemic, because it's like where people can come together as a community, whether it's the cultural arts center or if it's, you know, parks and Rec games, or maybe it's your local brewery where you're watching the game on the TV, but it's like the social aspect that people need, and so I want to see more connectivity in that way.

Sarah Larson: 5:52

We are growing, we're not just a small town anymore. I joke that Holly Springs is the size that my hometown, rapid City, south Dakota, was growing up and we were the second largest city in the state of South Dakota at the time, and Holly Springs is that size now. So it's all about perspective. Like we have this small town connectivity but we're a big player in the world with all these big companies coming and searching out Holly Springs and finding that niche. So it's like building that connectivity so we don't lose our humanity in any of this. I want to see more connected things for Holly Springs, if that makes sense.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 6:29

What are your top three priorities for our community if elected?

Sarah Larson: 6:33

So, as I said, I want to be the bridge between people, policy and progress and people with communication. So I was in the Citizens Academy and through that we got to go to different town departments and ask questions and really get a hands-on feel of what. The Citizens Academy and through that we got to go to different town departments and ask questions and really get a hands-on feel of what the town does. And that was everything from the fire to police, to parks and rec, to economic development, to the water treatment plant. And one question that I always asked was how does a resident know that this is available? Or how are they getting involved, or how are we bridging that gap as a town into our residents? And, you know, programs like the Citizens Academy really help with that. We do have an award-winning marketing team and they do a great job. I think that staffing and budget-wise, that's their job. Town Council, as representatives, we need to be out in the community making sure residents know you know what's going on. Yes, we go door-to-door canvassing during campaign season, but why aren't we, you know, going to where the people are once elected as well and sitting on the HOA board? I would like to see more direct communication from the town to HOAs and kind of have a trickle-down effect with information so we can help reach more people because people are going to be connected to where they are. So I've talked to the town manager about that before to see if any other municipalities have held like biannual, like HOA meetings and he said it has been done and I would really like to see that. I think people who sit on their HOAs are already trying to serve their immediate neighborhoods and they're going to know more about what the needs are. Like someone from Wood Creek, their needs are going to be something different than someone down Avon Ferry or someone down in Twelve Oaks or even here in Oak Hall. And because town council is an at-large voter base, council members can live wherever in the town so we're not divvied up by precincts but the HOAs are almost like small precincts so we really should be engaging where the people are already. So those are just a couple initiatives that I've already been working on. I've already been contacting other HOAs and sending information as much as I can, but I want to see that program blossom. I just think a lot of issues come from people just not knowing what's going on. So just because you say it one time doesn't mean they're going to get it right. We know that we're parents or just marketing in general. Somebody has to see it at least like three times for it to stick. So I think just having more conversations which having that third gathering place, those places will help with some of that communication gap.

Sarah Larson: 8:57

Another thing is working with small businesses. I was a program manager right out of college that's what I did my internship for. So I was that liaison and representative for all the small town businesses to the town and its residents and helped oversee a huge streetscape project where they ripped out the sidewalk to sidewalk and did infrastructure all needs a multimillion dollar project and my job was to make sure the businesses' voices were heard and that residents knew that they were open and I was going to town council meetings to make sure their needs were being met during this project. So I've always had a special heart for small businesses and I've worked for small businesses. I've worked for a bombshell beer company here in town and I do social media for Endurance Fence Solutions and I can see where their needs are.

Sarah Larson: 9:41

And having that liaison or staff member with the economic development team for the town, work with the small businesses, not just the downtown businesses, because those are important too, they're kind of a core. But because Holly Springs is building out and having these little mixed use pods everywhere, there's almost like little mini downtowns, right Like little pockets of entertainment, and we need a representative to work with the small businesses to help with the waivers and some of the infrastructure needs. For example, as I'm a volunteer for the food cupboard, they want to expand but if they expand right now, that triggers the infrastructure needs and they would have to pay for the road widening on Holly Springs Road, even though that's planned out already by the town. So it's being connected so much into the town to know, like, what can we do to help the food cupboard with their expansion and not having to pay for road widening? That's already coming down the line and things like that. So, going to small businesses being involved, but having that staff member on the town would really help too, because I know the larger businesses have someone. So we need to balance that with the small businesses. Also.

Sarah Larson: 10:46

Another focus would be the progress, which is affordable and smart growth, and what that looks like is just continuing our partnerships with Wake County and other municipalities when it comes to affordable housing, which there is affordable housing development that is approved to go across from Ting, but that project's on a hold because the side parcel needs to find a better layout. It didn't work with the current UDO so the town council is going to be looking at it shortly but finding more of those spaces and relationships where we can help offset the cost, because land is so expensive and developers are coming in and they're trying to build as many units as they can because they're trying to make money. So how are we offsetting some of those costs? Apex has set aside a budgetary line item to help with affordable housing. So I think as our tax base flips in the next five to eight years, it's going to be a while with the big you know Amgens and Fujifilms and everything but there's going to be more taxes available not coming from the residents that we could put towards smart infrastructure. So we're not waiting on DOT for big projects or offsetting some affordable housing. So when developers come in, they're setting aside certain units that are affordable. And when I say affordable, it's people who are our service industry workers, our teachers, our fire, our first responders. Those are people who are making a living. It's just really expensive to live here.

Sarah Larson: 12:10

What are we doing so people who work and play can live in Holly Springs as well and with the smart growth that goes with, like I said, the connectivity not only greenways or alternative transportation, like the microtransit that's coming in January, or if we can tag in with Go Raleigh, go Cary, go Apex, things like that as we continue to grow?

Sarah Larson: 12:29

Those conversations need to be had now, because growth is fast but it's also slow, if that makes sense. The road widening on Holly Springs Road that was from a 2018 bond and that took a lot of time to get here and we're in 2025. So those conversations are happening. Years ago and we're finally to the place now. So, as far as development goes, 20% of developments get passed. So a lot of the development we're seeing right away happened years ago and we're here now. So what conversations are we having as a town and as a board to making sure we're not only prepped but we're developing the right areas where there are high density areas near the center of town and they're more spread out the further we go out. Another thing that people kind of just need to realize is like, legally, we can't tell someone that they can't sell their property. What we can do is have ordinances and guidelines about, like, how that property could be sold and stick to that the best we can, which that's what the people want.

Sarah Larson: 13:22

You know, if there's the public opinion, we have our UDO and that's what was people want you know, if there's the public opinion, we have our UDO and that's what was agreed upon and voted on. Then that's something we need to stick to. So all those things, they all build together right and it's like there's priorities, but it's all in the same line because you can talk about growth at the same time, you talk about small businesses at the same time you talk about communication, because we need to communicate our growth with the small businesses all at the one time. So being around and, like I said, having the feelers out already with what's going on in the town, really helps town council people. So, as a candidate, I feel like I am qualified and have a pulse on the town's needs and I would continue to operate in that manner.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 14:01

Okay, what is working well in the town today and where do you see room for improvement?

Sarah Larson: 14:06

There's just baby steps. I think in government and in planning, a lot of people moved here pretty quickly and I think we've kind of been playing the catch-up game and overall I think Holly Springs has done a decent job because people still want to move here. Like I've mentioned, I can just see little bits of improvement because why wouldn't we want to just take the steps all the time to just be better? I'm not saying we're bad, but even personally, there should always be steps that you're trying to learn and to grow and to not even be a better person, just be a more inclusive town, more affordable or more walkable, communicate more. So there's different steps and that's why having these conversations are so important.

Sarah Larson: 14:45

So we know what's going on and we know that we're not going to be just stale. We're not just going to be just even keel and just coast. I don't think that's the way that the town should go. I don't think we're ever just going to coast. I think there's always room where we can just have the conversations to just be what people want when they move here. I mean there's a reason people are moving here, there's a reason why these businesses are choosing Holly Springs. So I think collectively, we're in a pretty good spot, okay.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 15:07

Do you support the current town budget? Where would you advocate for changes, including any adjustments to taxes or spending priorities, if needed for fiscal responsibility?

Sarah Larson: 15:17

Yes, I know this. Last year the budget, there wasn't a lot of raises as far as tax goes property tax wise, because there was water increase and utilities and some other things where people saw and obviously, like Wake County taxes, they went up anyways. So, because of the cost of just living and tariffs and everything like that, I think it's just always important to keep an eye on that. We don't want to raise taxes, but we have to also pay for things and, like I just said, if we're going to continue to grow smartly and take these little baby steps like those, things just cost money. Being an HOA board president yes, we balance our budget and we have a reserve account, but because of, let's say, for example, the cost of the pool and then we had to lose our lifeguards, but then we added a cleaning service but we were able to keep the amenity but just shift it slightly. So how are we saving money with rowing? So, overall, I think they do a good job with public safety.

Sarah Larson: 16:13

I did my ride along with the police department last week and the fire department today and we have really good departments. They work really well together. We're in a relatively safe area. The response time of both units are really good, but there's always little things that we could do better for just quality of life.

Sarah Larson: 16:31

For our first responders, I was talking to somebody and it was like it'd be really nice if we had our own little notepads, you know, just like little things like that. Not that it's a big budgetary line item. I'm just saying because the town is growing, there's going to be things we're going to be needing and the taxes from the bigger corporations they're coming, but it's going to be a while before that impacts our budget, and so I really do think that town council needs to look at that and know that we need to take some responsibility when it comes to infrastructure needs that we're not relying on developers to do all that, because that's how we're in this developer, almost like cat and mouse game, where we need them to pay for things, Otherwise we don't get a road.

Sarah Larson: 17:06

But now we have a new development. So it's not perfect but, like I said, I wouldn't be the only one on there looking at it, but it's something that I'm aware of. It takes money to pay for things.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:14

Oftentimes it feels like government waits until a specific need is critical before taking action. Do you support being more proactive?

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 17:31

and if so, how and in what ways specifically?

Sarah Larson: 17:32

Yes, I think proactive is always the way to go. We can take the roads, for example. A lot of the roads in Holly Springs are DOT owned and operated and so a lot of that comes from their budget. So some things are high priority and some things are lower priority.

Sarah Larson: 17:42

And with everything that's happening in our state, especially in Western North Carolina with the hurricane, like a lot of funds I feel are going to be kind of pushed towards opening the Blue Ridge that a portion just opened today, I got a notification or you know, part of the highway, and so some of our priorities, whether it's a light or a road widening, might be continually pushed down.

Sarah Larson: 18:03

And because people are sensitive, I would say, to just like overdevelopment, which I agree with we have to look at how is the town being proactive?

Sarah Larson: 18:13

We have a capital reserve so we can take some of that money and we can put it towards a road widening or a new light and partner with DOT to get that higher on the priority list, and so we're not waiting till there's five more developments down the road and everybody's still stuck in traffic.

Sarah Larson: 18:30

I think traffic is hard and I do acknowledge that, but that means we're a lively town, right, things are happening. I think if you didn't have traffic issues and you didn't have development worries, your town might be dying and might not be as thriving. So we're getting there. I feel Holly Springs is almost in its like awkward teenage phase where we're trying we're almost there sort of to like our twenties, where we know who we are and we have some things kind of figured out, because it just grew so fast we had like our growth spurt, right. So being proactive now, knowing where the needs are, but making the decision that we have to own up to that and we need to pay and figure out a way to partner with our partners on how to get those done.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 19:10

Perfect. How do those partnerships with DOT work? If we help to contribute funds to raise the priority list, do we get reimbursed that back later, or how does that work?

Sarah Larson: 19:21

I don't know about the reimbursement part, it might just be more of a partnership, and I know that Councilwoman Annie Drees has brought that up for a light that's on sunset. I think that the neighborhood needed it and to have it higher on DOT's list. Like what if we came and said, like we will pay for $200,000 of this if it gets bumped up? So I think that it's not quite a reimbursement, but there could be grants and there could be options. I think that's something that's worth looking into, but thinking outside of the box and being proactive in those situations. We're not waiting last minute, because once we wait and it gets approved, it's still years down the line before it gets installed, right. So now you're looking at just continually pushing out the project that was needed yesterday.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 20:02

What new initiatives or attractions would you champion to boost revenue and community pride?

Sarah Larson: 20:08

So I know that the town has approved the Festival Street in downtown Holly Springs. I think that is exciting and brings up that third gathering space. I would continually to look at the budget to see if, like I said, if we could take some of that money to help boost other infrastructure needs. So we're higher on the list, you know, as far as road widenings and lights and everything like that, but people want to be where the people are. I think the sip and stroll is really nice. I just think there's not enough places to stroll to yet and I know that's coming with Festival Street and hopefully a permanent farmer's market.

Sarah Larson: 20:45

I know that the town is talking about developing part of Mimms Park and I will go on the record saying that makes me sad Because I do love the natural trails and I've said this on Parks and Rec, I've said this on the board and I've brought it up before. I do see where that is an attraction and people would enjoy it if it was not as big as Harry's downtown park. But people like to be where people are generally. So balancing the trees and having that kind of be a focus plus Eagle's Landing Park, I think that's going to be really really big. So between those two parks and then the Ting Entertainment District that the town is currently talking about, I think that's a good space. That corridor being so close to 540 and the new children's hospital that's going in in Apex and all the development out there, I think entertainment on that corner is going to be smart.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 21:34

Have you ever disagreed publicly with a current town decision or policy and if so, what was it and how would you handle a similar situation in office?

Sarah Larson: 21:43

Sitting on the Parks and Rec Advisory Board we get to see a lot of the parks and the greenways and things that are coming in, and the park off of Cass Holt Road, which is covered by the $100 million bond, ended up being named Eagles Landing, and I know that naming a park is not top priority of the issues of the town. But how it was handled I did disagree with and I did bring that up at the board, because I felt that our town council representative misrepresented us at the retreat, saying that the board approved the naming of Eagle's Landing, which we had not. I just felt that staff really spent a long time researching and doing a lot of work trying to name it, and so did the board, and then when we couldn't come into agreement, then town council light I suggested that we open it up to a survey for the town, as this is a hundred million dollar bond that the taxpayers will have to pay for. So why not get the residents more involved? And that comes back to that communication piece of my platform. It's just, the residents are the number one stakeholder, so I don't understand why we didn't get them more involved with something as big as this and it just didn't work. So there was one town council member and he had spoken about it and he saw an eagle landing there and he wanted to call it eagles landing. It is what it is now and we'll support the town.

Sarah Larson: 23:00

I think that it just was mishandled and I brought that up in committee. And I think that it just was mishandled and I brought that up in committee and I think that was the right spot to do it. Obviously, we're now on the podcast and people can hear about it. But I never put anybody on blast. I think it's always the best case to be professional in those situations, to have the tough conversations and you can disagree without being mean, right, so I handled it the best I thought I could. But, yeah, I wish the town would have involved the community more and the staff and the board and their volunteers who spent a lot of time on that project. So that was a fun big one.

Sarah Larson: 23:35

Another thing right now and we'll see what town council does, I think next month with affordable housing parcel that's going on across from Ting and they're partnering with a development. At first, I think part of the UDO or part of the wants for that area was entertainment, like a performance art center or like a restaurant or anything like that. And you know, the developers came back and said, like the land is how it fit, wasn't working price-wise and so they wanted to put a medical building there. And that was turned down by council and I was very thankful that one council member was like, well, let's not scrap the whole project, so then we lose the affordable housing piece. Let's see if they can go back and try to meet us in the middle to what we told residents that we would do and what is feasible.

Sarah Larson: 24:23

It'll be interesting knowing what town staff looks at too when they're giving their approval or not, because sometimes I see the drawing and I agree if there's a water source or if there's a power line and the cost to develop that is a lot, and then the parcel of land is somehow shrunk. You know you have all this space, but really usable space is this big, and so those are really hard decisions that I would definitely just continue to look at all pieces before, just like making a quick knee-jerk decision on that. But I am hopeful that that project will be approved soon because that's something that we said we're going to build and I would like to see that to continue Okay.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 25:01

When you hear smart growth, what does that mean for our town in practical terms?

Sarah Larson: 25:06

I think it's like what I just said. I think there's so many different aspects to making these decisions. Yes, we have our UDO, but our UDO gets updated every so often because something that was approved 10 years ago, the town looks a lot different. And making sure we're having public opinion and doing our research and talking to the experts, because unless you're a developer which might be a little weird on town council it could be a conflict. You might not know all the information that they have because we're not experts in those fields. It's our jobs to take all these pieces of information and make the best decision for the town as a whole. So that's part of the smart growth. It's just doing your homework and asking the questions and being proactive and an active council member, which goes back to having feelers around town and being out where the community is, so you're knowing what's going on.

Sarah Larson: 25:56

And it also means alternative transportation too, because I think a lot of people yes, we all have issues with traffic and we need that connectivity with connecting sidewalks. So we're in this situation where this developer paid for his sidewalk and this developer paid for his sidewalk, but now there's a gap with no sidewalk right, because their contract only went so far, or maybe the town owns that part of land or maybe that part hasn't been developed yet and so we're piecemealed a little bit here and there. So how do we partner with those developers at that time if they're going to have their equipment out there and it would cost us less if the town could pay to connect the sidewalk at the same time, or having e-bike regulations so they can utilize the greenway safely, so they can get from holly springs a tobacco trail to carry and to work and things like that. So it's also continuing to have positive partners and relationships with other municipalities and working with them, because holly springs is not a silo. We're in wake county and we're very connected.

Sarah Larson: 26:55

But I think we do need to work with our neighboring towns and our legislative representatives and just have a good pulse of the county as a whole and how that impacts us, but how our decisions also impact our neighbors. And I just think having those conversations and I know there's some committees that they do meet, but that comes back to communication and just seeing like okay, well, if you met with Apex, let us know. If you met with Apex, maybe there's a blog or maybe the town council could have more town halls so people could just know what's going on a little bit more, because by the time you get to town council, a lot of decisions have already been made. Public opinion is at the end of a meeting, and so someone has to wait two and a half three hours before they're heard. And I just think that smart growth is also listening to the people and being out where they're at, which seems to be a good thing for me.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 27:42

How would you ensure new development maintains our town's character while remaining affordable for residents?

Sarah Larson: 27:49

I think that's yeah. That's just continually having those conversations and staying on top of the UDO on what it currently states for that area and if the developer has something that might contradict that, have the conversation right away so they're not getting to the point where they had all these drawings and all this time and effort and money because that costs a lot of money coming just to get it denied. I think that's the frustrating part too. It's like I get that every step for the developers is also very expensive and I want to save their time and money just as I want to save the town's time and money and constantly having a pulse on that.

Sarah Larson: 28:25

I think we just had another UDO type of update and they had a public opinion at the farmer's market and just encouraging people to get out and to participate in those things. But I also that goes back to contacting the HOAs and making sure there's a survey that can go out to the neighbors because maybe someone might feel more confident filling it out when it's neighborly based and not hometown based to get their voices heard. So, circling back, it's keeping up with the UDO and making sure that's updated to where we need it to be and partnering with the smart growth with the developers. Because, yes, they do pay for a lot of things. I mean, I know they pay for road widenings and water connectors and sewer connectors and sidewalks and that in a sense saves the taxpayers money, but then we have more development. So just knowing where high density development should be these mixed use parcels and where single homes would make more sense and entertainment districts would make more sense, that would help ease some burden from the taxpayers but also just ease stress from traffic and development.

Sarah Larson: 29:27

And all the things we've talked about. Everything's connected, see.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 29:36

Everything is. Our town is growing rapidly, putting pressure on infrastructure like water and roads, public safety, parks and recreation and housing affordability. If you had to prioritize only one of these areas this year, due to limited funding, which would you choose and how would you communicate that decision to residents?

Sarah Larson: 29:50

So, like we talked about, everything is so connected and I think prioritizing one thing means that somehow it's more important than another, and I do believe that the tide rises all boats right.

Sarah Larson: 30:03

So I think there's things that we're doing really well in the town, and Parks and Rec is great and that's part of smart growth, with quality of life and growing that connectivity portion for people to get out and find those third spaces. And I think our public safety is really good. Like I said, I've talked to our police department and our fire and we're on par for the town, our size and everything. I do think that the infrastructure and the development portion, like we've talked about, really go hand in hand, and if we could be more responsible with some of our own infrastructure needs, I don't think we would have to rely on developers all the time and then kind of trickles down to traffic and other issues that people have, because when the land gets used, we have less land and land gets expensive and so developers are coming in and they don't have any offerings for affordable housing and so the town needs to take responsibility to add that as a line item in the budget and what does that look like it could be.

Sarah Larson: 31:03

I think we did like a half cent increase recently and that would have helped cover other infrastructure needs as far as a light if we partnered with DOT, and so I sound like I'm talking in a circle, but that's because I feel like it's not a line, it's a circle and I feel like everything is so connected that that is the priority. It's just knowing how one impacts the other, and I think that's important. Like I said, I think development impacts infrastructure, which impacts people coming here. It impacts parks and rec, but then impacts public safety, but then impacts the infrastructure again. So I can't say it's all important, but it is, and I guess I would start with infrastructure, because you want to have a solid base and from there you can grow. So that's the roundabout. Get what I said there way of doing things. I can't get off the roundabout.

Sarah Larson: 31:56

It's fine.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 32:11

Do you feel we already adequately meet the needs of any of these? The infrastructure, public safety, parks and recreation, or housing affordability

Sarah Larson: 32:13

always needs work. We don't have a lot of options here, so that would be something and, like I said earlier, I think we're doing a good job with what we have. But more people are coming and the needs are always going to be growing. So taking baby steps in each of those areas is important. Like we can't choose one year to not fund public safety and parks and rec and only focus on infrastructure, because then everything gets left behind and then we're behind on everything the next year because none of these things are going to stop, because we're just growing and so everything needs little steps, like Tetris, and we're all going to grow. It all kind of stacks on top of each other.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 32:43

Holly Springs has focused on bringing in biomedical and science-based businesses. How would you balance supporting these businesses and garnering more with some public sentiment that may be skeptical of science and vaccines?

Sarah Larson: 32:57

I would say that research has shown that this is currently safe for the people who want to partake in that and that having that industry here is really big for not only Holly Springs but for Wake County and we do have a good partnership as a county as a whole as we have our universities, we have a good airport, we have the entertainment aspect and connectivity wise throughout the county that is attractive to these larger businesses for coming out. I do understand that having one industry in one area could be problematic if, for whatever reason, that would crash right.

Sarah Larson: 33:37

I've seen that online something happened, scientific wise, and all of those shut down. Where would Holly Springs be? That's something I would talk to the economic development team about, from not only the city but the state, to see how are we protecting our own assets? Because, yes, we give these grants, the bigs, to these big corporations to come in, and so we need to make sure that we get our investment back and that they're successful.

Sarah Larson: 34:02

So, from a worldview, I don't know all of that because I'm not in the science industry. I would want to talk to the professionals and have those conversations and maybe we have a town hall with those players and so the community can ask those questions, you know, directly. I think that's really important. I feel like town council people, like I said, are the delegate and the trustee, like we have the information and we're representing the residents but at the same time we're the bridge and we can get you in front of the experts.

Sarah Larson: 34:33

If there was an issue in my neighborhood with Urban Creek behind flooding and he said he called the town, he was getting the runaround and I was like well, I'm going to call the guy in charge and have him come to our neighborhood park and everybody can just ask him questions because you could just ask him directly. And that really helped a lot of people because they were getting it right from the source. So for people who have questions or concerns, I would help bridge that gap. I hate when people say like well, that's not my job, I'm not going to help you with you know, wake County schools or anything like that. It's like no, but I can get you in touch with that person or I can help facilitate the conversation, and if a lot of people have the same questions, then maybe we should have a space where people can get face to face and solve those issues. It all circles back to communication.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 35:18

As our town grows, farmland faces pressure from development and some residents struggle to access fresh food. How would you support local farmers, protect farmland and help ensure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food?

Sarah Larson: 35:31

Again, it's all about those partnerships and getting in front of the experts that know those areas. I know we're really lucky to have a town-supported farmer's market and that's been really, really successful. So going to where the people are and finding what their needs are and balancing that farmland it is hard. This is a really hard area with the growth and maintaining space and farm and trees and I think that's where our UDO comes from and having that balance and protecting those areas, but like following through and having that accountability. So I think when some of these things get voted on or passed, there should be almost like resolution packet that goes out.

Sarah Larson: 36:09

Yes, the minutes are online, but you have to like go and sort it, or maybe not everybody watches the YouTube video and they just need like a condensed version and I think there needs to be a statement from the desks of you know, the town council people that this is why they voted and this is what this means and this is what the next step is and just continually having those conversations and knowing who our partners are for grants and SNAP benefits and those things.

Sarah Larson: 36:38

That we can get that in front of the farmers, that we can partner with them between the food cupboard and the schools and the farmers. There's people doing the things and we need a central hub so we can know where to help make those decisions, which, again, is helpful for a town council person to be in the community already hearing it firsthand. What's needed and where we can help and who to talk to I think that's the most important thing is like trying to figure out who you're supposed to talk to. So, as a town council person, that would be my job. If I don't know something is to go figure it out and get you in front of the right person so you can talk to them.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 37:12

Our police sometimes receive requests from outside agencies while also addressing local needs? How would you set priorities for public safety with limited resources?

Sarah Larson: 37:23

I think continually having the conversations and having a pulse on the community's needs is a huge thing. When I did the ride along with the police last week and I think this has been brought up to council before but the police department's going to start going into like a zone, kind of like a beat district, and so there'll be officers assigned to a certain area of town and they would always be assigned to that area of town and so really working on that community involvement and support and so residents and the businesses in that area know who the officers are and they help those relationships, which I really think helps with public safety and the persona of you know that the officers are there to help us out and things like that. So community outreach is big and I know that both chiefs have done a really, really good job, since they've been in their respected positions, with being active in the community and going to events and, you know, going to the schools and having those relationships built early and kind of going from there. So a lot of it it's really communication and being where the people are in those areas and that helps with a lot of that public safety. I know that comes with a budget line item and, like I said, we do really do a good job with that and everything kind of builds on top of it.

Sarah Larson: 38:37

But the fire ride along today, firefighters, they're starting to look at station four and five. They just finally opened station three earlier this year and they're looking at growing. And how do we balance that and budget for it? Because you know response times are important. I went on a ride along today and you know they want to be in an area where it's six minutes and most of the time fire is first on scene so they can do an assessment and EMS might be later.

Sarah Larson: 39:03

We have two ambulances in Holly Springs and if they're on a call then another one from a different town might have to come in, but they might be on a call, so they do a really good job making sure they're in the radius that they need to be in. But I know that as we continue to grow and our residential areas and our commercial base gets further and further out, we're going to need other stations. So those are being talked about right now and that is important. But I think a lot of that hopefully will come budget-wise from the tax slip from the big economic powerhouses and so that'll help fund some things, but we will have to look at that as a budget item.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 39:41

Okay. How can the town better support small businesses and connect with their needs?

Sarah Larson: 39:47

So, yeah, we kind of talked about this and having a town liaison or a town staff member for small businesses I think is really important Not everybody well, and offer them their resources and if that's something they need to look at, if that's something that helps their business, then we would give them those resources. But incentives would be something that we could look at. That's been talked about. There's downtown incentives because they wanted the downtown area to grow. But because Holly Springs has all these different pockets of mixed-use development, what are we doing to help the businesses that can't afford downtown or that feel they get to go out Avent Ferry Road or cross from 12 Oaks and those other development areas? Just because they can't be downtown doesn't mean there's not a need for the residents over on that side of town to have a business or a grocery store or a gas station.

Sarah Larson: 40:48

And looking at how can we incentivize that as well, because that's something I would want to look at, if there's any grants or programs that we can offer our small businesses, because they are the backbone and that's what people are moving here for too, because they want to eat here and play here and live here. And I would also help out on traffic because you're not driving out of town, you're in town, you're in your neighborhood enjoying your life. I think at the baseline, everybody wants happy, healthy lives and for their neighbors and their friends. And how can we conveniently grow and do all that? It takes planning and it takes having these conversations. Again, that's my roundabout.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 41:24

What approaches would you take to foster understanding and collaboration amongst residents with differing perspectives?

Sarah Larson: 41:37

Having maybe more roundtables. And I think the Citizens Academy was very successful. I was in the inaugural class. They just had another class this last year and residents apply and they take residents from all ages, all backgrounds, different parts of town and so they do have a balance and we were all able to ask questions together but to talk to each other like what's impacting you? Oh, I didn't think about that and it's maybe trying to have a little bit more of those.

Sarah Larson: 41:56

I know that takes a lot from the town. It's a lot of work for the staff. The communications department does a great job putting that on. But how can we fill in the gap where more people can get involved from that? And are those people now kind of town ambassadors and are they able to, you know, go to their HOAs and maybe present or have more of that trickle down, like I said, information of connectivity? So they know they're like oh, I remember you went through Census Academy. You learned about the police department. I have a question about this. You'd be like yes, I know exactly who you call because I met him. You know it really, really helps and it empowers people to want to help because knowledge is power. So they have access to learning these things and being a part of the town, and then they want to share that with other people.

Sarah Larson: 42:39

So that's what I want to do. That's why I'm running for town council, because I've been so involved with the town that I want to share more information and I want to bring more people together. I think everybody should want to do that. I just I love it when everybody's on the same page or I get to learn from other people, or a different perspective is something I didn't know, or I can connect you to something that you needed. Like that's what I'm getting from this. I don't own a business. I work for small businesses. I don't own property. I'm an active community member who wants to generally help everybody. You know, if I can help one person, then everybody helps each other and we all lift each other up. I just think it all comes down to communication and wanting to listen and to help out.

Sarah Larson: 43:20

But that's just me.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 43:20

How will you ensure diverse voices and those most impacted are not only included, but truly embraced in decision making?

Sarah Larson: 43:28

Yes, I think going where the people are Holly Springs has a historically African-American background and how are we connecting with different socionopic groups? And you know, we have just people from all walks of life. I think someone asked me one of my favorite things about Holly Springs and it's like I love asking people where they're from, because you're going to get a different answer every single time. You're like, oh, when did you move here? Oh, you've lived here forever. That's amazing. Like, how are we going to get involved? Like I just think asking the questions is number one important. What do you need? Do you need more researchers? Do you want to be a part of this? Like we can't assume things and then going where the people are, because, yes, I believe that residents need to take accountability and being active, but sometimes you don't know what you don't know, and so going to these spaces and building those, and not even for the history, which is important I was the stage manager for Finding Patients, which was the history written about Holly Springs, and so we really, really learned a lot. But Angie went through and interviewed people who lived here and I think they have a really good perspective of how things were and respecting the history and the culture of the area, while welcoming everybody who wants to live here. So I think encouraging people to join boards is really big. So going to where they're at and not just saying like, yes, you just moved here, you can join a board, but you've lived here for 50 years, you should join a tree advisory board, or how does that look like for you, you know, and helping encourage people to have a voice in certain spaces, I think is really important.

Sarah Larson: 45:11

I love it when people apply for the boards and want to be involved, and I think that your vote goes further than you think. You're not only voting for town council members, you're voting for who is on these boards the planning board, the parks and rec board, the tree advisory committee, any subcommittee. That happens because town council ultimately decides who gets to be on these boards. And do we want boards who are diverse? I do. Yes, I want boards that have people, like I said, who've lived here for 20 plus years to people who lived here for five or less, and different ages and political backgrounds. I do think we really come together when that is a focus, and I think sometimes there's been instances where you know town council might vote down a party line when it comes to filling some of these board positions and if we are really trying to listen to the people and what they're bringing to the table and not just who they vote for, but like how they work together, I think we would be a little bit further than where we're at.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 46:16

Do you support a non-discrimination ordinance or policy? Why or why not?

Sarah Larson: 46:21

I do and I think, like I said, just encouraging people to want to have asking, like I said, if they want to have a voice and if they want to participate, comes from showing that the town has a non-discrimination ordinance, that we support all walks of life, all voices.

Sarah Larson: 46:37

But there is something about having it tangible and referenced and joining the majority of Wake County as we continue to grow and bring in worldwide economic powerhouses and these small businesses and this diversity. That's a common sense policy for me and the people who might have some hesitations if it would harm their business. Like I said, I don't know everything and I would set up a meeting or hopefully ask to set up a meeting with other Wake County municipalities who have established the NDO and see how it's worked for them, if they've had any issues, and we can get tangible answers for those people who might have some questions or concerns about it. It's not a knee-jerk reaction. It's part of those things where you're getting all the information all at once before you would vote yes. So I would want to make sure we had those conversations and had the data to show why this would be beneficial for the town.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 47:34

Okay, have you gained any endorsements thus far and if you gain more, where might voters find that information?

Sarah Larson: 47:42

I have not seeked out any endorsements I could. I think you know there's other legislative representatives who've reached out and they said they would be more than happy to endorse me. As far as receiving special super PAC money or development money or anything like that, I am not going to accept any of those funds because I don't believe that elections should be bought and I'm really running a grassroots campaign for the people, by the people and you know, if people had a question, if that's something that's important to them, maybe that's big and I can add those to my website. If I get personal endorsements. I've had great friends and people who have spoken out and I believe my actions speak louder than words and I really just want to represent everybody and not push anybody aside because you know someone said something. Town council it's a local, nonpartisan seat.

Sarah Larson: 48:34

Yes, we live in an age where there's a two party system and those parties do have their candidates. So, currently correct, there are three Republican endorsed candidates and there's three Democrat endorsed candidates. I am endorsed by the Wake County Democratic Party. That is something that they're going to push out. That's currently not on my website, not that I just haven't added it, honestly, because I didn't know if people were looking for it or if it mattered on the local election, because I would represent and serve everybody, no matter if you have an R D U I wait, that sounded weird, but, like any voter acronym behind how you're registered, I have my own convictions and I get that, and everybody does too, but when you're serving the public, you need to balance all of that and represent everybody for the better of the community.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 49:24

Where can listeners connect with you and learn more about your platform, upcoming events and ways to get involved?

Sarah Larson: 49:30

They can go to LarsonForGovernmentcom. That is my website. I am also on Facebook for Sarah Larson, for Holly Springs Town Council. I am also on Instagram LarsonForGovernment, and I have a TikTok LarsonForGovernment. They can find me on social media. Like I said, on my website there is a pledge button. If you wanted to pledge your support and sign up for a yard sign, you can do that and with your pledge I would remove you from a canvassing and you wouldn't get a door knocked, which is very exciting for some people. And then on there is my email and phone number. I just listed a million things that I'm a part of and I know you can't see me listeners, because you're listening, but if you know what I look like, you can come up and talk to me when you see me out and about. So if I haven't knocked on your door yet, I'm sure I'll get you.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 50:21

And just for clarity Larson for government, is it F-O-R or is it the number four?

Sarah Larson: 50:27

It's F-O-R, so Larson, f-o-r government, so like L-F-G Larson for government. That's the only acronym that that stands for.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 50:39

Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share with those voting in the upcoming election?

Sarah Larson: 50:44

Voting is important, Elections are important and no matter if you don't live in the area, local government has an impact on you. If you drive anywhere, if you they always say to eat, work, play, If you do that anywhere in any municipality, local government has an impact and I do believe that we can have a trickle up effect where we impact our local government and then we work together with the state representatives and the county and then the national level. So voting is important and this is again a big grassroots effort. The only thing on the ballot is the three council seats which you can vote for any top three and, like I said, there's not going to have an R or a D in anybody's name it is nonpartisan and in the mayor's seat. So that's it. That's all you have to do. It's super easy. Make a plan.

Sarah Larson: 51:32

Early voting starts technically October 16th, but the Wake County Board of Elections is the only thing open that time. The closest early voting site for Holly Springs residents will be in Apex and that will start October 25th. So make your plans to vote. If you have any questions, like I said, visit my website or social media or see me out in public and I'll have a booth at Holly Fest, which I'm really excited about. We go to the Farmer's Market weekly. We'll have some other events coming up, but thank you again, Amanda, for hosting and for interviewing all the candidates. It's been a pleasure and I'm excited. It's been fun, Excellent.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 52:05

Well, now you get to do our fun lightning round I thought that was my sign off, come on. These are non-political questions, just kind of bringing some of the humanity and the fun and to get to know you a little bit better. Okay, what's something you do that helps you to recharge?

Sarah Larson: 52:26

I like to read. I like to read fantasy books, and I drink hot water with lemon and I eat popcorn and I like it.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 52:37

What's a hobby, talent or fun fact about you that most people don't know?

Sarah Larson: 52:41

Most people probably just know that I officially went to all 50 states, so I just turned 40 and I crossed off the 50th state by going to Alaska, which has been very exciting. I make my own popcorn. It's my favorite food. I add a little bit of hot sauce in the grapeseed oil as I pop it on the stove and I make it every day and I love it. And my dad was in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest clapping in a minute back in the early 2000s. So my favorite thing to say was that my dad can clap faster than your dad.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 53:15

What's something that is difficult for you?

Sarah Larson: 53:18

Saying no to things. I know that sounds cliche, but I never want to miss out on anything and I love being asked to do things and I love helping and that's just who I am. And sometimes I know I need to balance that a little bit and I don't have to say yes to everything. But generally I enjoy that, even though I need to do it more. Does that make sense?

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 53:42

What book, podcast or TV show are you enjoying right now?

Sarah Larson: 53:46

well, I'm currently reading sparks of the everflame and which is, like I said, a fantasy you know, I don't know game of thrones type of book. We're not watching a lot of tv right now. When I come home I just kind of like to veg and maybe scroll tiktok and read my book. So but for the kids, if it's late at night we need to watch something quick. Bluey is a big win in our family. That's only like five to eight minute episodes and I love Bluey as an adult. I have cried. I think it's very creative. So those are fun.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 54:17

Perfect. Who is your favorite superhero?

Sarah Larson: 54:20

Thor!

Sarah Larson: 54:25

Especially dad bod Thor, just no, just Thor.

Sarah Larson: 54:27

I like Thor

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 54:30

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Sarah Larson: 54:34

I don't know if it's advice as much as a saying where it's. If not me, then who? And I think that's why I have a tough time saying no to things, because if I see a need, I wouldn't ever ask somebody else to do something I wasn't willing to do myself. And that's how I live my life and, yes, I can balance that. But what do I want to be when I grow up? I just want to continue living that motto and continue growing and continue learning and continue doing.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 54:59

Awesome, what's one guilty pleasure you secretly enjoy?

Sarah Larson: 55:04

I don't know if it's a secret. I mean, like I like my hot lemon water. I wake up and I drink hot lemon water. I'll probably drink like two mugs and I'll come home, no matter how hot it is, I'll have hot water, lemon. And then when we're traveling, I buy lemon juice. I can drink it in my hot water and I don't drink a lot of coffee Like I'll drink espresso, maybe like, and I don't drink a lot of coffee Like I'll drink espresso, maybe like, because I just maybe need that in the afternoon. But hot water lemon is like my go-to. In fact, I'm empty on this call because I drink it all during this interview.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 55:36

What's a simple thing that always makes you laugh or smile?

Sarah Larson: 55:39

I mean my kids. I know that sounds cliche, but I love them and just where they're at and growing, and especially when they find something new or, you know, just exploring and loving nature and being outside, I love it.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 55:53

Coffee or tea?

Sarah Larson: 55:54

Hot water with lemon juice. I'm just kidding. After I have my hot water and lemon juice, I will have tea in the morning and then I really only do coffee if it's like after lunch and I need like a quick pick me up. Otherwise coffee in the morning, just I get tired and I'll fall back asleep. It's annoying.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 56:14

Morning person or night owl?

Sarah Larson: 56:16

I am a night owl. That's probably why the coffee doesn't work for me in the morning. No girl. Yes, no matter how tired I am, it's when the kids go to bed I just, like you know, snuggle in my little couch and I get to read, and I just stay up too late and then I start the cycle all over again. But I am a night owl.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 56:36

Mountains or beach?

Sarah Larson: 56:37

Mountains. We ask this to the kids all the time too, and we've all decided we're definitely mountain people, we like to visit the beach, but we like to be in the mountains and outdoors and active, because we're not beach sitters, we're definitely hikers and nature people and out and about and stuff like that. So, yeah, mountains.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 56:55

Book or podcast?

Sarah Larson: 56:57

Books. So I think I probably could get in podcast if I had a commute. But if I'm doing something around the house and I'm trying to listen to anything, I would just stop and listen. So unfortunately I haven't been able to get into podcasts at home. But when I'm driving then I'm actively doing something and my brain can focus on the podcast.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 57:20

Dogs or cats?

Sarah Larson: 57:22

We have dogs. So I will say dogs, I love them, I do. I don't like being licked and I think when I go to my friends' house that have cats, they know like that and they'll go to me and like get a ball on my leg and everything and I'll pet cats, it's great. But I like dogs because we're like I said, we're active.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 57:48

I like to take my dogs for walks and hikes and stuff like that so well. Thank you so much, sarah, for participating in the NC Deep Dive podcast and for being part of the candidate conversations. I really appreciate you being on and trusting me to do this and just taking the time out of your very busy schedule, so I wish you the best of luck in your election.

Sarah Larson: 57:58

Thank you. I really appreciate this. This has been fun and, like I said, thank you again for making this available to all the candidates and putting this together. I know it's a lot of hard work, but I appreciate it.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 58:07

You're very welcome, thank you. Local elections are where democracy lives closest to home. The decisions and actions of our mayors, the Holly Springs Town Council and the Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners influence the services we rely on each day, the safety of our streets, the character of our neighborhoods and even the future direction of our communities. Democracy is at the heart of all we hold dear. Our local governments set priorities that touch everyday life. They pass ordinances, fund our fire and police departments, set property tax structures and shape the look and feel of our towns. Because turnout is often lower in municipal elections, every ballot cast carries even greater weight. Here's what you need to know for 2025. The voter registration deadline is October 10th, unless you register at an early voting site. Early voting begins October 16th at the Wake County Board of Elections office in Raleigh. Additional sites open on October 25th, including the John M Brown Community Center in Apex and the Avery Street Recreation Center in Garner. Those two will be the closest to us in Holly Springs and Fuquay Varina. Early voting concludes on Saturday, november 1st. Please note that this year only includes two Saturdays, October 25th and November 1st, and one, Sunday, October 26th. The last day to request a mail-in absentee ballot is October 21st, and election day itself is Tuesday, November 4th, where you'll need to cast your vote at your assigned precinct. Please remember you will need a valid ID to vote. That wraps up another NC Deep Dive candidate conversation.

Amanda Benbow Lunn: 59:45

You can find all of our 2025 municipal election interviews at www. ncdeepdive. com, as well as on Spotify, apple Podcasts, audible or election information. If you find these conversations helpful, please subscribe, share them with friends or family and consider leaving a rating or review. Spreading the word in your local spaces helps strengthen informed participation across our communities. If you have thoughts or topics you'd like us to explore, reach out on social media or email us anytime at ncdeepdive@ gmail. com. I'm grateful you spent this time with me today. Staying informed is how we shape communities worth calling home. Your choices matter, your perspective matters and you matter. Your ballot is your voice, and both carry more power than you might imagine. Democracy isn't passive. It only works when we each show up. Thank you for helping me to make it thrive. May we continue to work together to build stronger, more vibrant communities to live, work and play in, ones we can all be proud to call home. Until next time, my friends namaste the love and light in me sees and honors the love and light in you.