CARY - The mayor's seat often is this town's title fight, but elections down the ballot carry just as much weight. Two district seats and a vacant at-large seat are up for grabs, and each comes with a vote on Cary's most critical questions.

Together, the town's races could reshape the majority of the Cary Town Council.

At-large scrum

Two hopefuls are racing for the council's single open seat, which was vacated by Erv Portman several months before the election.

Zeke Bridges, head of a local law firm, presents himself as a small-business owner with fiscal skills and balanced judgment. Lori Bush, a second-time candidate, campaigns as a public servant who would protect the environment and bring new technological initiatives to Cary.

The two split at a recent forum on a question about new housing in Cary. Bridges said the town should cut regulations and fees on custom home builders and other small businesses. "If growth stops here, you're not going to have a place to call home," he said.

Bush, who previously ran against excessive development in western Cary, urged caution.

"We've been spending the last couple years catching up from the kind of growth that you just mentioned," she replied, saying water systems and road, which are typically funded by impact fees on developers, should precede development.

Bridges held a fundraising edge as of Sept. 26, having raised about $17,000 this year to Bush's $14,000, with about twice as much cash left in his coffers. Bridges' funding includes $1,000 from the N.C. Home Builders Association, the race's largest donation from a political action committee.

Uneven campaigns

Graphic designer Jeff Foxx has mounted a largely passive, unfunded challenge of one-term incumbent Don Frantz. Foxx has relied on door-knocking, social media and two forum appearances, while Frantz has made a full showing of hand-shaking, sign-staking and debating.

Foxx, an independent with liberal leanings, called for careful management of growth and the environment. He argued that Frantz has sometimes sided with developers over residents.

Frantz, a Republican auto shop owner, said he has served his entire district and the environment well. His straight-forward style helped guide the town's success, he argues.

"I have a proven record of working with citizens, elected leaders and my council colleagues," said Frantz, a one-term incumbent who first ran out of frustration with the council's inaction on downtown Cary.

As of Sept. 26, Frantz's $14,000 of funding included $1,000 each from the N.C. Home Builders Association and an arm of the Police Benevolent Association, as well as $2,000 from the N.C. Realtors Association.

Banner of growth

Incumbent Gale Adcock has touted her accomplishments as she has tried to secure her seat. Her challenger, Don Hyatt, argued that the town risks financial troubles unless it attracts more "quality" growth.

"Builders, developers, they've had a very rough time these last few years," Hyatt said in an interview. "I think it's time to recognize the fact that growth is what has allowed Cary to keep its taxes low and have the amenities that it's had."

Adcock said the town is in a good financial position and has benefited even during the downturn from growth.

"We've not turned down any projects that were worthwhile, and we've not intentionally done anything to impede development," Adcock said.

By Sept. 26, Adcock led the fundraising race by a 20-1 ratio, with about $20,000 raised and $7,500 on hand.