My Chatham Story
I grew up in Bonlee during the 60s and 70s. My education began at the kitchen table, listening to my father discuss the pulse of southwest Chatham County. He didn’t just talk about politics; he talked about community. He showed me that leadership is about the strength of the relationships you build, the trust you earn, and the integrity you maintain with your neighbors.
A Lifetime of Service
I am a 1975 graduate of Chatham Central and spent my entire career serving this community until retiring in 2022. Today, as a driving school instructor, I travel every corner of our county. I see the transformation of our landscape firsthand—a pace of change that serves as a daily reminder of why we need steady, experienced hands at the wheel of our local government, especially when it comes to electing a Chatham County Commissioner.
My 'Why'
Sue and I have shared 48 ½ years of marriage. Our granddaughters are the third generation of Gaineses to walk the halls of Bonlee Elementary. My commitment to Chatham is driven by one question: What kind of Chatham are we leaving for the next generation?
Proven Leadership
During my 16 years on the Goldston Town Board, I learned that good governance requires listening. I navigated the 'tumultuous' days of the Goldston sewer project by sitting down with my community, hearing the concerns of residents, and planning for our collective future as part of Chatham County District 5.
My Four Pillars for Chatham:
Thoughtful Growth: Managing growth responsibly. We should always value quality over quantity. Saying 'no' to projects that are wrong for Chatham allows me to say 'yes' to the ones that are good.
Affordable Housing: Affordable housing is a complex problem, and one that deserves thoughtful input from seasoned policymakers. We must be more strategic in our investment in affordability so that our children and grandchildren, the future of Chatham County, can enjoy the same quality of life that we secured for my generation.
Environmental Stewardship: Protecting our farmlands, rivers, and the rich natural resources with which we have been so abundantly blessed.
Excellence in Education: Fully funding public education so that Chatham County Schools can continue to provide a safe, quality learning environment for every student. For more information or to contact us, please feel free to reach out. Also, if you’d like to stay informed, sign up for updates on our initiatives and progress.
As a proud graduate of Chatham County Schools, I, Lynn Gaines, am committed to supporting our continued investment in a strong public school system in Chatham County District 5 that is well equipped to meet the needs of our children.
Chatham County Schools is one of only three districts in North Carolina that exceeded growth expectations in every school. This notable achievement requires substantial investment from the Federal, State, and local governments. As your Chatham County Commissioner, I will ensure that Chatham continues to prioritize our students.
I take great pride in the investment Chatham County makes in teachers and will continue to support the local supplement that enhances State salaries. Thanks to this investment, Chatham ranks 6th in teacher pay in the region this academic year.
I fully support the Board of Education and the dedicated professionals in our school system as experts in education policy, student well-being, and academic budgeting. They possess the experience necessary to determine how best to direct education funding. As a commissioner, it will be my responsibility to advocate for their budgetary needs. If you would like to learn more about my vision for education or wish to get involved, please feel free to contact us and sign up for updates.
I have wonderful childhood memories of Chatham County's agricultural history, from working on my uncle's tobacco farms to driving the bucolic countryside around Silk Hope and Bonlee with my father. As a Chatham County Commissioner representing Chatham County District 5, I was a leading advocate for the town, creating its first Planning Department because I know that preserving rural character and quality of life in and around our small towns will not happen accidentally.
Smart growth and environmental stewardship are priorities of mine, and Chatham deserves leadership that understands that not every development or new project is right for us. When implemented, the newly adopted Recode Chatham, our revised Unified Development Ordinances, will go a long way toward ensuring that the County grows in a way that respects local values of protecting our farmlands, preserving native species, keeping our rivers and lakes clean, and maintaining our dark skies while allowing for thoughtful growth in and around the towns. If you want to stay updated on our initiatives, please contact us or sign up for updates. Together, we can ensure a bright future for Chatham County. - Lynn Gaines
It should be a given that every resident of Chatham County deserves safe, affordable housing. As a candidate for Chatham County Commissioner, Lynn Gaines is committed to working collaboratively with partners at the county, regional, and state levels to promote the development of housing that is affordable for teachers, first responders, and service industry workers. I recognize that affordable housing is a multifaceted problem with many underlying causes, but I also believe there are solutions within our grasp.
My 16 years on the Goldston Town Board make me uniquely qualified to contribute to these discussions. With limited resources, we have approved multiple housing projects, and as a direct result, we are witnessing the creation of more housing at an affordable level. For residents in Chatham County District 5 and beyond, I invite you to contact us to learn more about our initiatives and to sign up for updates on our efforts. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity for safe and affordable housing in our community.
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