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With the 2019 municipal election just weeks away, the Courier once again is providing a Q&A for readers to get answers from each of the candidates on questions regarding important topics in Clemmons — with the mayoral race this week and those running for the council next week.

Candidates for mayor (in alphabetical order: Larry Kirby, John Wait):

Name: Larry Kirby

 Age: 71

 Family: Wife, Diane; 2 grown children, 14 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild

 Occupation: Retired village manager

What made you decide to run for public office — first time or again?

Love of community, service, need for strong leadership. Citizens need someone to listen to them.

What area or areas of Clemmons are most in need of improvement, and what kinds of improvements do you believe are needed?

The east and west parallel roads need to be built. The eastside should have been near completion. These roads are very important to our businesses and the safety of their customers. These roads will also help with traffic on Lewisville-Clemmons Road and provide safety for our citizens to return safely to Lewisville-Clemmons Road.

What do you see as the biggest problem facing Clemmons and what solution(s) would you propose?

Traffic! Need traffic studies for Middlebrook Drive and studies for Hwy. 158 from Lewisville-Clemmons Road to the Yadkin River. These studies can help future traffic issues on these roads as well as possibly find ways to relieve pressure on Lewisville-Clemmons Road.

What primary qualities qualify you to be elected mayor or on the council in Clemmons?

Strong leadership. Ability to lead the council to make a decision and see that it is completed. Attended more council meetings than anyone running. Have seen some great mayors lead and work to complete projects. Have been mentored well and know what a council meeting should and should not be. Patience, understanding, knowledge, listening and ownership of job to complete the task. Understand all the facets of Clemmons’ government.

Name: John Wait

Age: 40

Family: Wife, Claire; 4 children: Eliott, Carter, Isaia, and Avery

Occupation: Mayor of Clemmons and Attorney at Martin & Gifford PLLC

What made you decide to run for public office — first time or again?

For two years, this council has not reflected the dysfunction we’ve all seen in state and national politics. We have worked together, debated respectfully, examined facts, listened to residents and focused on doing the people’s business. As I look at our existing and upcoming issues, such as renewing our contract with the sheriff and finding a final solution to the former Idols Road Industrial Park, it is crucial that our council continues its current momentum. I sincerely enjoy the privilege of working with council and being an advocate for our community, and that is why I am seeking a second term.

What area or areas of Clemmons are most in need of improvement, and what kinds of improvements do you believe are needed?

Lewisville-Clemmons Road continues to be a main area of focus. Traffic and parking near West Forsyth High School/Holder Road must be addressed. I know we can work with the county and neighboring cities to move this forward. The improvements to the southern corridor are continuing without delay at I-40/Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Middlebrook/158, Stadium/Lewisville-Clemmons Road and Stadium/158. We need to continue to improve this project and advocate for parallel access on the west side of the road. Though we have made fantastic progress on sidewalks the last two years, I believe we should create a detailed, long-term plan to increase connectivity.

What do you see as the biggest problem facing Clemmons and what solution(s) would you propose?

Growth outside the village limits is a serious issue affecting our infrastructure and resources. During my first term, we significantly strengthened our relationships with neighboring municipalities, and we are now working with Lewisville and the county to develop a plan for smarter growth in the Blanket Bottom area. We need to continue to expand these kinds of joint efforts to solve our broader traffic and congestion issues so that Clemmons continues to be a place that attracts and keeps local business owners and entrepreneurs.

What primary qualities qualify you to be elected mayor or on the council in Clemmons?

Due to space limitations in Village Hall, I recently donated my office to the council as a flex space so that every council member has a place to work. I am a team player, and I will always dedicate any skills or resources I have to making the team better, whether that is my legal ability, my time or my office. I believe my servant-leader approach has benefitted council and given a strong voice to our community over the last two years. If re-elected, I know I can work with any council member to ensure the people’s business remains the focus.

• Compiled by Jim Buice

Next week: Q&A with council candidates for the Nov. 5 election