Opinion

Editorials, columns, letters to the editor

Opinion, Town Government

Stewardship Over Secrecy

They say all politics is local. I would argue that local politics is the only politics that genuinely matters—and that Wake Forest stewardship of our community should be every citizen’s priority. Washington, D.C., does not decide if a road is paved through your backyard. The President does not determine if your town retains its charm […]

Opinion

Ejecting the Tyranny

My family has been on this continent for 12 generations. We were here before Wake Forest was a town, before North Carolina was a state, and before the United States was a country. My ancestors funded militias. They were statesmen, educators, and business owners. And when a tyrannical King across the ocean tried to dictate

Development & Growth, Opinion, Town Government

Part 4 – Why Local Government Can’t Stop Bad Growth (and What We Still Can Do)

The choices we make about growth profoundly shape our community’s future. This visual illustrates the two distinct paths Wake Forest faces: one of thoughtful, integrated “Smart Growth Planning” that leads to fiscal balance and a thriving town, and another of uncoordinated development that often leaves us with sprawling, inefficient outcomes. Which path will we choose?

Immigration & Federal Policy, Opinion, Town Government

A Federal Problem, A Local Failure

With federal immigration agents reportedly deploying to Raleigh, our town’s network of Flock Safety ALPR cameras takes on a chilling new significance. Tonight, the INDY Week reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are set to deploy to the Triangle tomorrow (November 18). This isn’t just a “Raleigh story.” It has profound, immediate

Opinion

Politics Isn’t a Fan Club

Honor, courage, and commitment matter more than team colors. Politics fan club civic engagement accountability — these words frame a critical question in our local discourse. A recent online exchange reminded me how easily our political culture slips into the intellectual equivalent of fast food: quick, salty, filling, and absolutely devoid of substance. Someone accused

Development & Growth, Environment & Sustainability, Opinion

Part 2- Our Towns Are Building a Demographic Time Bomb

The clock is ticking on our towns’ demographic future. Urgent action and strategic planning, looking decades ahead, are critical to avert a crisis A stunning new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) just confirmed what we all feel in our bones: the housing market is fundamentally broken. According to the just-released 2025 Profile

Elections, Opinion, Town Government

A Vacancy Isn’t A Consolation Prize

The Wake Forest board vacancy appointment process is underway. When Commissioner Ben Clapsaddle won the mayor’s race in November, Wake Forest didn’t just gain a new mayor. It suddenly faced a Wake Forest board vacancy appointment question that goes deeper than any one vote: How do we fill the vacancy he leaves behind in a

Elections, Opinion

Post-Election Reflection

Friends, neighbors, readers— this Wake Forest post-election reflection 2025 is for you. First—thank you. Your trust, your voices, and your engagement are what make our town strong. We’ve just witnessed a significant moment in Wake Forest, North Carolina’s civic life, and this Wake Forest post-election reflection 2025 captures what it means. After six terms, Mayor

Immigration & Federal Policy, Opinion

The Empire Comes Home

Iraq and Afghanistan didn’t happen in a vacuum. The problem was the entire post-9/11 project—the wars, the Patriot Act, rendition, GITMO, the Obama-era drone program, even the killing of U.S. citizens abroad without due process. I’m a veteran of Iraq and a contractor in Afghanistan. I took part in operations across the globe. Looking back,

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