Chet VanFossen is no stranger to the Holly Springs political arena. VanFossen has served on the Holly Springs Town Council for nine years.

“I was appointed to finish out Ham Womble’s position when he was appointed to mayor when Gerald (Holleman) retired,” VanFossen said.

Since that time VanFossen ran for reelection twice and won. However, VanFossen is not finished with the work on the council. He recently threw his hat back into the Holly Springs political ring and is seeking to be reelected for a third term to the Holly Springs town council.

According to VanFossen he has accomplished a lot during his time on the council. He said the completion of the Town Hall, Bass Lake Park, the library cultural center and the overall growth of the community are just a few of his accomplishments.

However, one of his largest accomplishments was a vision that VanFossen shared with former Town Council member Peter Atwell, current Town Council members Hank Dickson and Parish Womble and current Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears.

“We set in motion the events that would lead to the major economic development coup in North Carolina, Novartis,” VanFossen said. “Infrastructure, water buying capacity in the water plant on the Cape Fear are things that were criticized for by others towns and yes some of our citizens. Well look at us now!”

When asked by the Holly Springs Sun what has been the most challenging part of his job, VanFossen said the relationship he shares with another council member.

“The last four years have been in defending myself and the mayor from the in fighting and back biting of one of our councilmen,” VanFossen said.

Although the last four years have been challenging, he is not willing to give up working hard for the community he calls home.

“I think there is still some work to do,” VanFossen said. “Our new gym at Womble Park and just take a look at our circulation and traffic. I think there are ways we can fix some of our roads to accept great traffic flow. However, we can only control Holly Springs. Once you get to our boundaries we are at the mercy of the other surrounding municipalities.”

VanFossen hopes voters see that he is the best person for the job when they go to the polls in November.

“I am one of many talented forward thinking people in Holly Springs who takes an interest in the way we are headed. I have the ability because of my profession to see both sides of the development process. I have been instrumental in laying out our development ordinances and aiding our development community in the Holly Springs process.”

If he is reelected, VanFossen said traffic would be one thing he would like to focus on.

“If there is one thing that would help our community, the easing of congestion would,” VanFossen said.”

VanFossen has lived in the Holly Springs community since 1998 and is an active participant in several organizations.

“I have been active in the Chamber of Commerce since we used to meet in Barb Koblick’s kitchen, VanFossen said. “I am active in the Holly Springs Rotary.”

VanFossen will face off in November against Linda Hunt Williams, Kenneth Henke, Tracey Lynn Goodwin James Cobb, Vinnie DeBenedetto and Vincent D’Agostina for one of three empty seats on the Holly Springs Town Council.