Raleigh’s next mayor: Meet NC State teacher candidate Terrance Ruth, who is making his second bid for Raleigh mayor

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — Terrance Ruth, who finished second in Raleigh’s 2022 mayoral race, is running again with what he describes as a fresh vision for running the capital.

The 42-year-old NC State public policy professor said his decision to run came after extensive conversations with the community.

“No one owns the chair,” Ruth declared. “It’s time for a new beginning. It’s time for a Raleigh revival.”

We need a council that can actually follow policy and communicate clearly to the city so people don’t think decisions are being made in their absence.

While acknowledging Raleigh’s explosive growth, Ruth argued that growth itself is not the problem. “Cities want to see growth,” he explained. “But it’s worthless when you don’t see growth leadership. That’s when you start to have concerns about growth.”

Ruth’s campaign platform focuses on six key areas: home security, transportation security, economic security, safety, digital security and community health. As a policy instructor, he brings an academic perspective to these challenges.

As for current housing policies, Ruth said she believes the “missing middle” housing initiative championed by incumbent Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin has admirable goals for increasing affordability. However, he argues that the policy needs better execution and communication.

“We need a council that can really follow policy and communicate clearly to the city so people don’t think decisions are being made in their absence,” Ruth said.

In terms of public safety, Ruth points to concerns about police staffing, noting that many officers can no longer afford to live in the city they serve. He advocates raising police pay, citing studies that show a direct correlation between commute distance and resignation rates.

Leading under the slogan “Truth for Raleigh,” Ruth promises to implement data-driven decisions in his leadership approach.

The upcoming election will determine whether voters are ready to embrace his vision for the city’s future.

ABC11 Raleigh’s Next Mayor continues next week with the youngest candidate in the race, 25-year-old James Shaughnessy, detailing his priorities for Raleigh mayoralty.

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