MORRISVILLE - Mayor-elect Jackie Holcombe cruised to an Election Day win this year on the promise of a more balanced approach toward growth.

It's perhaps only fitting, then, that Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht has been chosen to administer the oath to Holcombe Tuesday.

After all, the slow-growth movement helped Weinbrecht win his seat in 2007. Holcombe said she made the selection to honor her longtime friend.

But she also wanted to show her desire for the incoming Town Council to strengthen ties between Morrisville and its neighbors, especially Cary and Durham. "I'd really like to start out with this new council with the understanding that we're going to work hard at regional cooperation," Holcombe said.

Holcombe's decision to cross the town line is a rare approach, but one that seems to be gaining popularity as western Wake's growth issues extend beyond town borders.

As he enters his sixth term on Thursday, Cary councilman Jack Smith will have Apex Mayor Keith Weatherly at his side. "I've always wanted to demonstrate that we're friends with neighbors because the issues we face in the future are mostly regional ones," Smith said.

Weinbrecht said he was honored by Holcombe's invitation, adding: "It's really important that we maintain strong relations between our towns."