“I enjoy it,” she said. “I think it’s very important to have some experience and consistency in making decisions during this incredibly difficult economic time.”

The 51-year-old has lived in Morrisville since 1993, and has seen the small town go through a giant growth spurt. In the last 15 years, Morrisville’s population, currently at about 15,000, has more than tripled.

“I thought I could assist in helping make recommendations at the town council,” she said of her 1997 decision to get involved with town government.

Faulkner advanced to mayor pro tem under then-Mayor Gordon Cromwell, and spent six years at that post. When he decided not to seek re-election in 2005, she went for the top office.

“He had a very calm, mature demeanor,” she said of Cromwell, who’s since passed away. “Many times now I have to stop and think, how would Gordon react in this kind of circumstance? He was a mentor to me.”

When Faulkner isn’t at town hall, she and husband of 32 years, Lewis, run Faulkner Appraisal Services, a real estate appraisal firm. She juggles her job with her approximate 15-hour-a-week commitment as mayor, which in the past few years has been mired in controversy — mostly centering on transportation and land issues for the ballooning, six-square-mile town.

“Things get a little heated when you talk about people’s children or people’s wallets,” she said. “I want all the council members to also be heard. We make the decisions together.”

Faulkner said she sees the economy and transportation as key issues for the future. “I’m kind of into looking for win-win situations,” she said of her strategy. “Being able to prioritize in order not to adversely affect people’s lives.”

As for the upcoming campaign against Jackie Holcombe — whom Faulkner worked alongside on the council briefly in 2005 — she wants to keep it positive.

“There will be fireworks,” she said. “[But] I’m going to stick to the facts.”

Faulkner, an avid tennis player and scrapbooker, has two adult daughters, one of whom she pointed out was single, “hint, hint Cary readers,” she joked.

When times get stressful, she draws on Cromwell’s style. “Staying positive and calm are two important factors,” she said.

E-mail Faulkner at jfaulkner@townofmorrisville.org.