Race for Zebulon mayor heats up in booming Wake County community

ZEBULON, N.C. (WTVD) -- The race for Zebulon Mayor is heating up, with incumbent Mayor Glenn York facing a tough fight for re-election with four challengers, including two current commissioners: Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Harrison and Commissioner Shannon Baxter, former commissioner Larry Loucks and former town manager Gilbert Todd, Jr.

Gilbert Todd Jr. made headlines, stepping down earlier this year after just 4 months on the job, after he says he was told to take unethical disciplinary actions against the Assistant Town Manager.

It's the kind of culture he now hopes to change, deciding to run for Mayor.

"I figured, why not me? I figured Zebulon could use the type of leadership I provide, so I figured, despite everything I've got going on, I decided to put my name in the hat," he says.

He says the town hall turmoil is spilling over into potential development, at a time when Zebulon is seeing rapid growth.

"What I want to do is restore the stability at the very top of the town and let developers and restaurants know hey Zebulon is a safe place to come, you are welcome here and you will be met with stability," he says.

Former board member Larry Loucks is also hoping to make a return to Town Hall to change things.

"We need to get the teamwork back in place and everyone works on what's good for Zebulon, not what's good for themselves," Loucks says.

Loucks says he wants to promote safety, as well as tackle high taxes.

"One of the biggest complaints I get is our highest tax rate, that coupled with property insurance, we're seeing people's house payments go up 200-300 dollars a month, that's a big issue for their pocketbooks right now," he says.

Meanwhile, current Commissioner Shannon Baxter is hoping to use her experience to move up to the top spot.

"I love Zebulon! I'm running for Mayor because Zebulon is a fantastic community," she says.

She says infrastructure, affordable housing, and promoting green spaces are among her top priorities. But it was something soon after she decided to run that changed everything.

"Flash forward to August 8th, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On Oct 1. I had a double mastectomy," she says.

Baxter is sharing her story now, in hopes voters will understand why she hasn't knocked doors or put up signs and will give her a chance.

Now cancer-free, something more important than any election.

"I don't know how tomorrow's going to play out. I hope that the best person, the most qualified person, wins. And I realize that I haven't been out there much, but I have made sure that I pay attention to everything that needs to go on with town matters, but please, please get your annual mammogram," she says.

Neither Mayor Glenn York nor Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Harrison did not return our calls for an interview.

Zebulon's election is winner-take-all, and typically low turnout, so whoever gets the most votes out of those 5 people will win, so this could come down to just a few dozen votes potentially.

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