Fuquay Varina commissioners interview four finalists for vacant seat; appointment deferred to Jan. 20

Fuquay Varina — Town commissioners on Monday interviewed four finalists to fill a vacant commissioner seat and agreed to defer a final appointment to their Jan. 20 meeting.

The special meeting opened with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, then Mayor (Speaker 1) outlined a public, ranked-selection process governed by state law and administered with guidance from the town attorney. The board received 12 applications and narrowed the field to four finalists who gave opening statements and answered questions from each commissioner.

Cassandra Flowers, who identified herself as an attorney, certified mediator and community advocate, focused her remarks on constituent representation and impartial decision‑making. Flowers told the board she would ‘‘serve the people’’ and urged commissioners ‘‘not to circumvent the voice of the people,’’ referring to the recent election results and asking the board to avoid a predetermined outcome.

A second finalist (Speaker 9) thanked the board but announced a withdrawal from consideration and said she would support former commissioner Larry Smith. That candidate said she did not believe she was the strongest option among the finalists and stepped aside to back Smith.

A third finalist (Speaker 5), who described a long record of local public service including roles as planning board member, police chief and prior commissioner, emphasized experience and readiness to serve on day one. He stressed planning for infrastructure and public safety, cited prior work on water/sewer projects and a new fire station, and urged adherence to land‑use plans to preserve downtown character.

Jeff Stevens, the fourth finalist, said Fuquay Varina is ‘‘at a pivotal moment’’ and pressed for long‑range planning to tie growth to infrastructure. Stevens advocated policies to strengthen commercial development, suggested town land acquisition for a business park, and urged public engagement on downtown projects, saying he wanted more transparency around a proposed downtown park location.

During deliberations, some commissioners urged the board to decide tonight to preserve transparency, while others said they needed time to review the record and fill information gaps. Staff and commissioners confirmed scheduling constraints: the board must appoint someone by Jan. 20 to allow for swearing‑in on Feb. 2 and attendance at a Feb. 5 retreat. The board agreed to place the appointment on the Jan. 20 agenda for a final vote; no motion to appoint was taken at the special meeting.

Before adjourning, a motion to adjourn carried after a voice vote. The town will resume the appointment process at its regular meeting on Jan. 20.

The town’s application packet included 12 applicants; four finalists appeared at the special meeting. The Jan. 20 agenda will contain the appointment item, and the newly appointed commissioner (once selected and sworn) is expected to take their seat at the Feb. 2 meeting and attend the Feb. 5 retreat.