Charlie Adcock, candidate for Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners

Kristen Johnson
·4 min read

Fuquay-Varina, the fast-growing town in southern Wake County, is headed for another municipal election.

Eight candidates are on the ballot for four open seats this year, including Mayor Blake Massengill, who is running unopposed.

Charlie Adcock is one of the two former commissioners making another run for the board. He served from 2007 to 2018. Jason Ora Wunsch also served on the town board and is running for an unexpired term.

Early voting runs through Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 7.

To find polling places and full details on early voting, visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Charlie Adcock

Age: 51

Residence: 114 E. Spring St.

Occupation/Employer: Bank Manager/Small Business Lender, FNB Bank

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, certificate in Development and Environmental Planning, earned from East Carolina University

Political or civic experience: Former Fuquay-Varina Planning Board Member/Chairman (2001-07), Former Fuquay-Varina Town Commissioner/Mayor Pro-Tem (2007-18)

Campaign website: charlieadcock.com

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

I believe our roads, water system and sewer system should be expanded and improved at a faster pace. I strongly support the Fuquay-Varina Police Department as I do all town employees and will encourage them to be their best in serving our community. Also, as a native, I have a very strong appreciation of our town’s history. I believe our history adds character to our town, and I will work to promote our two downtown districts and the unique history that has allowed them to thrive. I have a track record of success in helping our town, and I want to continue to help move our town forward.

What is the town of Fuquay-Varina doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

It was difficult for prior generations to envision the growth we have realized over the past several decades. This caused many poor decisions to be made in long-term planning for transportation needs. The town has been playing catch-up to meet our transportation needs. Many good things are happening with road projects being planned but we must be more aggressive in pursuing funding and the implementation of road construction. I have a track record of success by being part of a team that was able to finally get Judd Parkway completed. We must all demand faster solutions to our transportation needs. This is my No. 1 priority.

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

I recognize that property taxes in Wake County continue to rise and that we must be very careful not to overburden our citizens with undue tax increases. I will keep a careful eye on both property tax increases and fee increases in our water and sewer departments. We can provide first-class services without excessive increases in taxes and fees.

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

Simply put, I will not tolerate discrimination. I believe all people should be judged on the content of their character, and that is what I will expect of town staff. The town should partner with job-specific associations and trade organizations to be proactive in targeting diverse talent. We should continue to work toward a stronger, more equitable community in a robust and practical way that helps to create sustainable and better outcomes for our citizens and staff. We have a great, diverse town, and I will listen to all voices as we continue to improve.

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

  • Former Fuquay-Varina Mayor John W. Byrne

  • Fuquay-Varina Mayor Pro Tem and Former Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Larry Smith

  • Former Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Laura Fahnestock

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

I am very proud of Fuquay Mineral Spring Park and the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center. Both of these community assets were bought by the town in contentious votes. Both were purchased, with only three of the five town board members voting in favor. As they say, “Elections have consequences.” I will make hard decisions for the betterment of our town. I’ve done it in the past, and I look forward to doing it again. I love this town, and I ask for our citizens to entrust me with the great responsibility of representing them. Thank you.