Nags Head candidate forum spotlights housing, storm resilience and zoning autonomy

A League of Women Voters–sponsored candidate forum on the Town of Nags Head ballot featured seven candidates who emphasized housing, stormwater management, shoreline resilience and loss of local zoning authority.

Ben Cahoon, the incumbent mayor running unopposed, said his eight years in office have focused on consensus-building and representing the town to state and federal officials. "It has been my great honor to be the mayor of Nags Head for the last 8 years," Cahoon said, and he urged voters to consider continuity as the board faces coastal resiliency challenges.

Several commissioner candidates stressed stormwater and septic-health initiatives as top priorities. Mike Sears, an incumbent and mayor pro tem, urged continuing the town's existing land-use and stormwater programs: "stay the course," he said, pointing to a multi-year repaving and repiping plan and ongoing infrastructure projects. Molly Harrison and Megan Vaughn—both with planning-board experience—prioritized water quality and shoreline management, with Vaughn naming the "Todd Decraft Septic Health Initiative" as a program she would continue to support.

Affordable and workforce housing was a clear point of debate. Candidates differed on whether the town should immediately share startup costs for the newly formed Dare Housing Foundation: Keith Sawyer and Bob Sanders signaled openness to contributing, while Vaughn said the town should wait until it understands the nonprofit's work; C.P. Nunemaker said he would support funding only if the foundation produces concrete results.

Several candidates raised concerns about state-level restrictions on local zoning. Candidates described recent legislation that limits downzoning and cited a parking-standard change as an example of a one-size-fits-all policy from Raleigh; several said the town has hired lobbyists and coordinated with neighboring mayors to push back.

On fiscal preparedness for possible reductions in FEMA support for sand replacement, candidates proposed options that included maintaining or increasing town reserve funds, setting aside annual capital funds for renourishment, and lobbying the state for assistance. "We have a line item that keeps money around in case a major storm takes place," Sears said, noting the town's capital planning.

Candidates also offered ideas for better community engagement—reactivating advisory committees, holding more informal town meetings and using events like farmers markets and music nights to reach residents who do not attend formal meetings.

The forum concluded with closing statements and reminders about voter resources and deadlines; the candidates asked for votes on Nov. 4. The League said the event was being videotaped and the recording will be posted on the League and Dare County current-TV sites.

For voters: early-voting and absentee deadlines were described at the close of the event.