This was a light week of events due to the 4th of July holiday.
TowneBank CEO
Monday I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson and about two dozen local business leaders in a dinner meeting with TowneBank CEO Billy Foster. TowneBank officials emphasized the focus on building relationships and being involved in their community. Much of what they do is not like other banks and focuses on that local involvement rather than profit. In Cary that are involved in sponsorship of many events. All those in attendance spoke of their relationship with TowneBank. This was followed by a Q&A period.
July 4th Celebration
On Friday I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson in celebrating the fourth of July at the Koka Booth amphitheater. In addition to celebrating the 249th anniversary of our beloved country, we were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the amphitheater. Part of the 25th anniversary festivities included an interview by the emcee with Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson and I. The questions focused on how the amphitheater and its performances have evolved over the years.
After a few comments from Congresswoman Ross, I had the pleasure of giving a welcome to those in attendance and introducing the NC Symphony. There were 7,000 in attendance inside the amphitheater and an estimated 10,000 outside the amphitheater in the entertainment setup called the triangle.
After another excellent performance by the symphony, we were treated to almost 30 minutes of fireworks. The grand finale was probably the most intense that I have seen since I began attending 25 years ago.
Cary Tennis Classic
The Cary Tennis Park hosted the Cary Tennis Classic for the eleventh time this week. This professional tournament hosted players from all over the world. Even with rain and storms on Wednesday and Sunday, the tournament was a great success. The champions were as follows:
Men’s Doubles: Watt and Reynolds from New Zealand
Women’s Doubles: Akli and Rencheli from United States
Men’s Singles: Sakamoto from Japan
Women’s Singles: Vidmanova from Czechoslovakia
A big thank you to the staff who pivoted and changed the setup to allow the singles championship matches to be held indoors due to Tropical Storm Chantal. We are so proud to have been able to host a combined men’s and women’s tournament again this year. We look forward to making next year’s tournament even better.
Town Manager’s Report
No manager’s report due to the July 4th holiday.
Cary Candidate Filing
Filing for Cary Town Council begins this week. There are three seats open. An at-large seat held by Kohn-Johnson, the District A seat held by Bryson-Robinson, and the District C seat which is held by Smith. Council member Smith has publicly stated that he will not run for another term.
Filing begins at 8:30 on July 7th and ends at noon on July 18th. The filing fee is $114. Election day is November 4th.
Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027
Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.
As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.
In the coming months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.
Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Complaints that we need more police officers to catch speeders (hiring additional police officers have an impact on the tax rate).
- Complaints that we need to re-install traffic cameras (With the past traffic cameras 95% of revenue went to provider, we fought any lawsuits, and traffic accidents increased due to speeding through intersections).
- A complaint that pedestrians are not using crosswalk buttons creating issues for drivers.
- Complaints about the budget including the comments “Please consider stepping aside to allow a new group of problem solvers to take over.”, “You have been well programmed.”, “you need to manage developers rather than continuing to let developers manage the Town.”
- A complaint that we are not trying to get one of the WNBA teams in this area.
- A complaint about the advisory board application process.
- A complaint about GoCary buses polluting the air.
- A complaint about milling and repaving in Weatherstone Creek.
- A complaint about the proposed Franklin Condos (not a council decision).
- A complaint about construction debris on Gathering Park Circle in Carpenter Village.
- A thank you from residents in the Wynfall and Cambridge subdivisions for less traffic after July 4th festivities.
- A complaint about pest contaminated debris at Waterford Forest Circle near Maynard and High House.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a HRID board meeting, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, July 13th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
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