All-Hands Staff Meeting
I joined Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton on Monday afternoon for an all-hands meeting with Town of Cary staff. We announced that the town manager had been put on administrative leave. And while I would have liked to have provided more information, statutes prohibited me from discussing it.
Cary is blessed to have one of the best staff in the nation including strong leadership on all levels.
We will share more news when we are able.
Cary Tennis Classic Board
I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board on Monday night. Our topics included a recap of this year and planning for next year, a Chamber After Hours event, potential facility upgrades, and future event dates. BTW, the 2026 Cary Tennis Classic will be from June 28th through July 5th.
Downtown Park Economic Impact
Tuesday I was presented with a recently completed draft study on the impact of Downtown Cary Park. Incentis Group was contracted to do the study and completed projections through 2028. The analysis focuses on the area within a half-mile radius of the park, which has seen significant economic benefit from the park. The study finds that the park and surrounding areas will generate over $18 million in annual economic activity, and $3.6 million per year in new revenue by 2028.
Thanksgiving
I am grateful that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my wife, both daughters, son-in-law and my grandchildren. I thoroughly enjoyed being with them and I hope everyone was able to spend time with someone they love.
Council Out and About
Pack 216 Visit with Mayor Weinbrecht
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht spoke and participated in a meeting with Pack 216, a Cary-based Cub Scout Pack. Den 12 consists of fourth grade students working on their Webelo requirements.
Veterans Day Event
Councilmember Jack Smith emceed the event at Cary’s Veterans Freedom Park, where Mayor Harold Weinbrecht read the proclamation. Additional Councilmembers in attendance included Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig.
Councilmember Smith also attended and spoke at the American Legion Post 67 Veterans Event.
Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided welcoming remarks at Beyond the Storm: Supporting Community Disaster Resilience and Long-Term Recovery, a statewide convention hosted by Verizon’s Responsible Business Team in Cary, N.C. The event gathered public officials, emergency management leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to discuss strengthening North Carolina’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery systems. More than 60 volunteers assembled 300 disaster-relief kits in one hour, demonstrating the strength of coordinated community action.
Chinese Lantern Festival Event
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht also offered welcoming remarks at the Chinese Lantern Festival media event, kicking off this year’s festival. He was joined by Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith as they flipped the switch to illuminate the lantern displays.
Parkside Town Commons Holiday Event
Councilmember Sarika Bansal provided welcome remarks and flipped the light switch to kick off the holiday season at Parkside Town Commons.
Cub Scout Pack 201 Visit with Councilmember Bush
Councilmember Lori Bush engaged and answered questions with Cub Scout Pack 201, a group of 25 Scouts (boys and girls in K-5) with their parents in attendance, to learn about the importance of the democratic process, why voting matters, and what it means to serve in an elected role.
Receptions in Honor of Outgoing Councilmembers
Mayor Weinbrecht recognized Councilmember Jack Smith at a reception held in his honor and presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He also recognized Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson at a reception celebrating her service and announced the creation of the Bryson Nature Preserve. Various Councilmembers attended both events.
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.
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
- In my 22 years of being an elected official the holidays unfortunately have brought out the worst in people. Here are some of the things that were said to me this holiday week: “you are playing pretend like children”, “you are a fool”, “you are fear mongering”, “you are caught in this immature idealistic woke brainwashing”, “you are narcissistic”, you are “delusional”, and you are a “weak foolish man”.
- A complaint about light pollution from a neighbor.
- A question about home appreciation.
- A request to help with health literacy.
- Thanks for helping with a long-term RV parking problem.
- Invitations to many holiday events.
- A complaint about E-Bikes on greenways.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a WakeMed event, the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) dinner, the First Responders breakfast, the Council’s Organizational meeting, the Cary Rotary Peace Pole Dedication, the Victorian Christmas event at Page Walker, the Cary Tree Lighting, and a Neurodiversity in a Religious Setting talk.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 7th, 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.
Harold's Blog 