In advance of the 2024 primary elections, People’s Alliance PAC asked Board of County Commissioners candidates for their views on local transportation issues. Below, we have reprinted the responses received thus far. (We have heard from several candidates that they intend to submit responses soon.)
We’ve also got a link to a recording of the recent candidate forum hosted by Coalition for Affordable Housing and Transit.
Please note that Bike Durham is organized as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code which prohibits us from endorsing or opposing individual candidates for public office. We can and do provide education about the candidates’ positions on issues of importance to our community.
Important Primary Voting Information
One-stop early voting: Thursday, February 15th to Saturday, March 2nd, For details on locations, click here.
Absentee-By-Mail instructions can be found here.
2024 Statewide Primary and Election: The 2024 Statewide Primary and Election will be held on Tuesday, March 5th. To find your polling place, click here.
This year, ID will be required at your polling place. See Durham County Board of Elections for more information.
Click the Names to Jump to Each Candidate
(Listed Alphabetically by Last Name)
County Commission Candidates
County Commission Candidates
Nida Allam
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
Every survey we take regarding transit comes back with the same overwhelming results: Durham County residents want more buses. We need to listen to our residents. Yes, we want large scale projects, which is why we’re looking at the passenger rail and other inter-county options; but the most effective way we can serve Durham County’s current needs is by expanding the bus program to assure the quality, consistency, and reliability of service. In all of these projects, we should act in close collaboration between county and city to marshal our shared resources wisely. And we should go after federal dollars as aggressively as possible, because we have the vision to think bigger and we need a budget to match. Finally, on bus and rail options alike, we should work in line with our neighboring counties—Wake, Orange, and Chatham—to model connected transit for North Carolina and across the country.
Nimasheena Burns
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
I would want to see from the beginning and throughout the process, a robust public awareness campaign focused on those individuals who most likely will utilize those services. When I started out as a commissioner we were given the results of a survey completed by residents. When we reviewed the crosstab we found the majority of respondents did not ride the bus. After comparing them with riders and noticing different priorities we hired a firm to conduct a survey specifically for riders and the underserved to get a more accurate picture of what individuals needed.
I want to get things right the first time as we move forward with our new transit plan. We need to be consistent with Implement marketing strategies to promote public transit as a convenient and eco-friendly option. This is the only way we can educate the public about the benefits and usage of the transit system.
I want to make sure that we have an integrated system that is multimodal. We have to develop a network that integrates various modes of transportation, including buses, trains, bike-share programs, and pedestrian pathways. This Ensures seamless connections between different modes for efficient transfers. I want to make sure it makes good economic sense for riders. I remember days when my car did not work and budgeting made my life and that of my families a lot easier. The transit system should be financially sustainable with a mix of fare-box revenue, government funding, and potential private partnerships. I would work to Implement fair and affordable pricing structures, with options for subsidies or reduced fares for low-income residents. This brings me to my last point about my hopes for this new system to truly connect the region. I have worked in the surrounding counties for almost 2 decades. It’s my hope to establish connections with neighboring counties and cities to facilitate regional travel.
Michelle Burton
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
I would like to see the public transit plan have the following components: 1. There should be more service routes, particularly in South Eastern Durham Co. 2. All bus stops should have benches and shelters, sidewalks, and other amenities to keep people safe. 3. Buses should come every 15 minutes so patrons are not waiting outside long in unpleasant conditions. 4. More service on the weekend and evenings.
Fredrick Davis
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
An accessible and affordable public transit plan and system are overdue for Durham County and the Triangle Region of North Carolina because of the area’s rapid growth. The principal components of an effective plan need to include a robust system that offers timely connections to major employment areas, Durham’s two university and community college, cultural attractions, retail locations and the central transit station. Other components are affordable fares and a scalable system that allows for future development and expansion. A comprehensive transit system would include expanded bus service and light rail. County government would need to work closely with Congressional leadership to secure additional funding.
Brenda Howerton
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
Durham lacks fundamental components of public transit to support all residents. Insufficient bus service, deteriorating or lack of sidewalks, and a lack of regional transit makes public transit planning and funding a priority for a healthy community. I would support access to affordable public transit in each neighborhood, across Durham, and to major employment or health centers in RTP and the Triangle. I support an extension of service, enhanced frequency of routes, and bus-only lanes. I also support safer sidewalks, bicycling infrastructure, and ADA-compliant bus stops. I support continuous community input to ensure this billion-dollar investment funded by the half-cent sales tax is responsive to residents who need it most.
Wendy Jacobs
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
As a county commissioner and member of our regional metropolitan planning organization, I was deeply engaged with the creation and adoption of our new Durham County Transit Plan. This plan is the framework for how $1 billion in county transit tax revenues will be invested over the next 20 years. I strongly support the components of this plan that are based on the recommendations emerging from an equitable community engagement process, similar to the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The principal components of this plan reflect the priorities expressed by transit users and residents who rely on transit to get to school and work. These include: 1) expanded, more frequent, more reliable and quicker bus service, 2) regional transit connections that are quicker and more reliable, 3) better bus stops, 4) improvements in high frequency corridors like Fayetteville and Holloway Streets, 5) an improved Durham Station and new stations at the Village, North Duke Crossing and RTP, 6) investments in bus rapid transit and regional passenger rail service. The allocation of funding in this plan aligns with the principal components identified by Durham residents with about 70% of investment in improved bus service and about 30% of investment in regional transit by 2050. I am very excited about this plan and the positive impact these investments will have on the daily lives of people in our community. I am also excited about the outcome of the governance study integrated into this plan that will improve accountability and transparency of how public transit dollars are being spent. Residents will experience this with a new public facing dashboard and website that will track the investment of transit funds and completion of projects.
Mike Lee
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
The public transit plan for Durham County should be dynamic, addressing the needs of our growing population with foresight and inclusivity. The plan ratified in June 2023 provides a solid foundation, but we must ensure that it evolves with our community’s changing demographics and development through 2045. The plan should prioritize connectivity and accessibility, specifically targeting the expansion of services to burgeoning areas of the county—namely, the southeast, southwest, and northern regions around the Duke and Roxboro merge. As these areas are forecast to experience considerable growth, our public transit infrastructure must grow concurrently to provide reliable transportation. An expanded public transit system in these key growth centers will serve multiple purposes. It will support residents moving further from the city center due to the rising housing costs, ensuring that all Durham residents, regardless of where they live, can access the city’s amenities and employment opportunities. Moreover, such expansion is not just about facilitating movement; it's about nurturing the possibility for all residents to live and prosper in Durham, aligning with my principle that those who work in Durham can also thrive here. The transit plan should also be environmentally sustainable, utilizing clean energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint, such as expanding electric buses. Additionally, incorporating technology for real-time updates and improved rider experiences can make public transit a more attractive option for all. As a county commissioner, I will advocate for a transit system that is not only far-reaching but is also efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible. Doing so can ensure a future where public transit is a viable option for every Durham resident, contributing to the county's economic vitality and quality of life. This comprehensive approach to public transit is a cornerstone of sustainable urban development and social equity.
Jovonia Lewis
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
I believe that our county must have transportation equity at the foundation of its transit plan, meaning that everyone can navigate the county, regardless of income. We must expand transportation options to be available to all residents! My vision for a new public transit plan for Durham County would help shift us away from being so automobile-dependent. The average Durham resident drives at least 20,000 miles per year,forcing us to spend thousands per year on transportation, and increasing our carbon footprint. Unfortunately, many of us have no choice but to use a car to get where we need to go. A new plan should reduce Durham’s dependence on cars, by emphasizing public transportation. Ultimately, we need a high quality regional bus rapid transit system that connects to jobs, housing, and services. Additionally, I would like to improve bus stop accessibility as well as paratransit. Further, while Bike Durham’s Vision Zero has mostly advocated at the city level, I believe it offers the county commission a critically different approach to thinking about our transportation system: improving our roadway environment to reduce speeding and fatalities; meaningful cross-disciplinary collaboration; addressing safety mobility. Currently, Durham County does not have a sidewalk maintenance or construction program (the City of Durham maintains sidewalks within city limits), which may be a possible area of growth. I believe we can have safe and accessible transit options in a more pedestrian-friendly, bikeable Durham. I support a Green New Deal for Durham, and although it would touch so many of the arenas shared in this questionnaire, it feels especially important to mention while talking about transportation. Transit, housing, and land use are inextricably interconnected. We must continue the effort to address them together!
Daryl Payton
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
Intelligent trains to Raleigh, RDU Airport, Charlotte, Atlanta, etc. Use KPI's. Customer Satification Surveys and Customer Service Report Cards Improve on-board security with high-definition cameras Enhanced reliable passenger Wi-Fi services Evaluate banned customers and continiously improving Automation passenger counting systems for public transport capacity management Quality communications, digital signage and geo-location servicesAvailable Emergency and crisis response teams
Stephen Valentine
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
The new Durham County Transit Plan was approved in 2023 with the goals of accessibility, connectivity, convenience, and sustainability.
Renee Vaughn
What should be the principal components of a new public transit plan for Durham County?
Principal components of the new public transit plan for Durham County includes a transportation system that spans its length, breadth is equitable and accessible in its distribution. It should also ensure safety for driver and passengers alike. The current plan focuses on expanding bus transportation. But I feel we should continue to look for ways to add a light rail system in the next ten years.