Wendy Cato-Morganton City Council

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two candidates are running without opposition in the upcoming Morganton municipal election. Molly McKay is running for the District 3 now held by Chris Hawkins, while Wendy Cato is seeking re-election to her District 4 seat.

Full name: Wendy Cato

Age: 75

Education: Associate degree

Current employer and job title: I am a self-employed Real Estate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Blue Ridge

How long have you lived in the town/district/area you want to serve? I have lived in my current home since 2007. I have been in Morganton since 1991.

Do you own your home? Yes

How long have you lived at your current address? Since 2007

Why are you seeking election? I have served for eight years on the premises that I would continue to move Morganton forward in a progressive and responsible manner and I would be the liaison between the citizens, the staff and council. I feel I have as well as the council accomplished this and continue to move Morganton forward. However, we are at a challenging time as we rebuild from Helene; face significant changes in staff in the next few years and the demand for infrastructure to serve the ever-growing needs of housing and industry, all of which require significant funding. Continuity of leadership within the current council in these next critical years is just too important. I must add that I enjoy and remain very humbled that I am allowed to be a part of this.

If elected, what will be the primary focus of your first six months in office? 1. Helene Recovery, which includes recreation, water and sewer infrastructure, is primary. 2. To begin the masterplan regarding the ordinances for zoning that will complement the Imagine Morganton 2040 plan. 3. To work with the county and council of governments to fight the Interbasin Transfer request from Charlotte to remove water from the Catawba River for their expansion needs.

If elected, what is the legacy you hope to achieve during your tenure in office? Wow … a legacy. I want to be remembered as the people’s councilwoman. Someone who respected the history of this community, valued the people of the community and worked to ensure the future for generations to come.

What are the three most pressing issues facing your community and how do you plan to address them? Housing and infrastructure are closely linked, and both play a critical role in supporting sustainable growth. Within the city limits, supply of real estate, houses and land is limited. The Imagine Morganton 2040 has identified areas that are suited for housing, for small business and for large industry. The next step is to look at how current ordinances and infrastructure need addressing to ensure the highest and best use of these identified properties. Another step in the process is scheduled to begin in 2026. That step is the review and rewriting of the Zoning Ordinance. During this time, staff members will continue to recruit, support those interested in investing, and seek funding for infrastructure and incentives. With the advancement of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, the demand on the electrical grid is increasing exponentially. The city has been proactive in upgrades to our electric infrastructure, but will it be enough to keep up with the demand? As a member of ElectriCities of NC and therefore an owner of the nuclear plant, the city is at the table addressing this issue and collectively working on how to address this demand for electricity.

Homelessness, “the unsheltered”, continues to require the city’s attention. This is not just a Morganton issue but a national and world issue. Personally, I address this issue by serving on a board that provides shelter and continuum of care for those wanting to work towards having a home. As a council member, I have a duty to treat the unsheltered with respect and continue to try and understand the “environment” that comes along with this situation. I also have a responsibility to the citizens that are being adversely affected by the actions of those who are unsheltered and choose to not respect public or private spaces. The unsheltered situation is not something that will be solved quickly. Addiction, mental health and the desire for an alternative lifestyle continue to fuel the unsheltered lifestyle. This is a continued but very important issue that we face as a city.