This year, five people are making a run for three open seats on the Morrisville Town Council.
Patty Wei-Pei Cheng is challenging incumbent Satish Garimella for one of the at-large seats on the council.
incumbent Anne Robotti is defending her District 1 seat against challenger Subba Madireddy, and incumbent Liz Johnson is running unopposed for the District 3 seat.
Early voting for the Nov. 7 election begins Oct. 19 and runs through Nov. 4.
To find polling sites and voting information, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.
Name: Satish Garimella
Age: 47
Residence: Morrisville
Occupation/Employer: Senior manager at Big 5 Pharmaceutical Company
Education: Masters in Computer Science
Political or civic experience: Serving a second term on Town Council, Council Appointed Committees Triangle J Council of Governments (COG), Board of Delegates Other Committees, Board of Directors for WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Board of Directors for North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM), North Carolina League of Municipalities Legislative Policy Committee, Cary/Morrisville Joint Issue Subcommittee, Wake County Fire Commission, Board of Directors for Triangle Trails North Carolina, Education, and Workforce Innovation Commission, PLANWake Advisory Committee, Ethics, Grievances, and Disciplinary Committee for USA Cricket, Community Health Needs Assessment, Board of Directors for The Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Campaign website: satishformorrisville.com
Tell us why you’re running to serve Morrisville. Why should voters trust you in this position?
I have demonstrated a commitment to public service since I arrived in Morrisville in 2003. I got involved in local government to help address a neighborhood issue. My desire to serve the entire community grew from that experience, and I have a strong passion to help others, especially those in need and unfamiliar with how to get a problem solved. I have continued to learn how to govern fairly through my participation on the N.C. League of Municipalities Board of Directors and currently as the Legislative Advocacy Committee chair.
I have been nominated by my peers to these positions due to my reputation as a “doer” for Morrisville.My two terms on the Morrisville Town Council provide strong support for my ability to listen, learn and advocate for the interests expressed by the community. I make sure I understand the issues and concerns and make sure their voices are heard.
What is the town of Morrisville doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?
Morrisville has a strong mix and healthy balance between residential and commercial development. The Town Council has invested substantial time and effort in planning for the future through the adoption of comprehensive transportation plans, an updated land use plan, and a parks and recreation master plan to help us evaluate community priorities. The Unified Development Ordinance is updated to reflect those things about our community we value, such as sustainability-related issues and density, a topic very important to our residents.
We are currently well into evaluation of our transit-oriented development plan that will define our last significant area of development along the NC 54 corridor. Our current challenge is housing density and location of multi-family units that complement the town’s desire for parks, open space and trees, and housing affordability. The Town Council continues to work diligently to balance the regional need for housing with our goal of thriving and livable neighborhoods.
If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?
The voice and input of each Council member are vital to the deliberation on any issue. Each of us has a perspective, and hopefully, each of us has listened to our constituents to gain their insight, which we share and discuss to reach a consensus for the betterment of the town. This is the democratic process at its finest. My approach to all issues is to try to see the bigger picture and how our various decisions interact and impact other decisions. An example is trying to balance the desire for affordable housing with housing needs, while also considering public transportation and educational needs for our residents’ children. My goal is to make cohesive and connected decisions rather than consider them one at a time. I do not make up my mind or advocate for my personal position without the benefit of discussion with my fellow council members and staff.
How do you plan to make local government in Morrisville more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?
I am honored to represent all residents of Morrisville and regularly take calls from constituents, including residents in many of our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our social/religious community. I have strong relationships at the national and state level and with our Wake County Board of Commissioners and Wake County Public School System Board of Education. Serving Morrisville is about serving its people.
As an immigrant from India, I can effectively transcend racial barriers to help our residents understand the workings of local government and help bridge gaps in cultural awareness and understanding that help Morrisville be inclusive and equitable. I have advocated for cultural programs in our parks and recreation department that demonstrate our commitment to being welcoming and diverse. I have also supported programs for our youth and teens and supported opening a senior center in Morrisville.
Please list any endorsements you’ve received.
If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.
First, it is a privilege to serve the people of Morrisville on the Town Council.
Community is important to me. Addressing the problems and needs of individual residents and their families inspires me, and I recognize the value and positives I contribute. As well, there is nothing better than the feeling of making a difference in people’s lives when we cut the opening-day ribbon on a complex project that required months and years of focused and committed work. It is in that moment that you realize the importance of public service in cultivating and strengthening the bonds of community that are vital to Morrisville’s residents. My upbringing and professional background drive my satisfaction in serving Morrisville, aligning with my parents’ dedication as university professors in India. Utilizing my degrees and career experience, I address residents’ issues, promote industry relations, and aid newcomers’ integration into the community.