I will always own the votes I cast and the strategic decisions we make, refusing to engage in pandering when the financial stability of our community is at stake. My promise to you is unwavering: total transparency and a commitment to telling you the unvarnished truth about what is required to keep Cary excellent today and for generations to come. I am ready to have the difficult but necessary conversations with Cary residents about what they do or do not want to fund and what our priorities are for future budgets. CLICK THE TITLE TO READ MORE
Author Archives: carissajohnson
2025 Election Info
As promised, I spearheaded the effort to save the town money by sharing costs with other municipalities by eliminating our stand-alone October elections. We have now joined the other 11 Wake County municipalities, and the Cary Municipal Elections are now held in November of odd years! I will be on your ballot on November 4th, 2025, or take advantage of early voting October 25-November 1st. CLICK THE TITLE TO READ MORE
My Commitment to an Age-Friendly Cary
I believe one of the most vital functions I serve on council is advocacy for the well-being of older adults in Cary. I support investing in the quality of life for the dedicated senior residents who have helped make Cary the thriving community it is today. CLICK THE TITLE TO READ MORE
Cary Council Election Method Updates for 2025
On August 22, 2024, the Cary Council adopted an ordinance changing Cary’s election date to the first Tuesday in November, along with other local elections in Wake County. We also changed our Council elections to the plurality method. We didnt get any pushback during the comment period, with no citizen petitions requesting a referendum onContinue reading “Cary Council Election Method Updates for 2025”
Why do I hyphenate my name?
Why I still see myself as Carissa Kohn. My father, Merritt C. Kohn, was a phenomenal man. My mother, Joan Kohn, worked harder than any other person I have ever seen. My stepmom, Casey Kohn, loved me to bits even when I was a real pain. My stepfather, Spike, was so dependable that you couldContinue reading “Why do I hyphenate my name?”
Borrowers With Old FFELP Loans Who Do Not Qualify for Loan Forgiveness
Let me start with the bad news, and get to the good news after that. The bad news: FFELP loans are excluded from the President’s proposed forgiveness program – Why? Because those loans are not held by the federal government – the Dept of Education. At this time, loans held by commercial servicers, like NavientContinue reading “Borrowers With Old FFELP Loans Who Do Not Qualify for Loan Forgiveness”
It Ain’t Over til its Over – May 17th final election results and July 26th Runoff details
I am frequently asked what the final vote count for the May 17th Cary municipal election was, so I am sharing it here. Carissa Johnson 10,225 Ken George 9,899 Ed Yerha 5,504 Why don’t those numbers match what you saw elsewhere? First, some results were early results that are still online. Also, in coverage byContinue reading “It Ain’t Over til its Over – May 17th final election results and July 26th Runoff details”
ONE Wake Asked Me To Get Specific About Affordable Housing:
I believe voters will look at the body of knowledge I built during countless meetings with stakeholders, my supportive actions, and my unequivocal statements in support of a comprehensive housing-affordability plan for the Town and know that I am not paying the topic lip service.
My Statement at the 11/11/2021 ONE Wake Affordable Housing Candidate Assembly
I was a nervous wreck speaking to a group of 353 Cary citizens and stakeholders this evening, but the event left me inspired to keep moving forward. If you were not able to attend the event, this is my statement of my support for local affordable housing funding in its entirety
What Does the “End” of HB2 Mean?
I hope to see communities in the Triangle following the lead of Charlotte, Ashville and many other NC towns and cities in passing nondiscrimination ordinances.