Amaka Flynn believes there are many wonderful attributes for the town of Garner, but there are still some hurdles to jump over in the near future.

“I think the biggest challenge facing the Town Council is reduction in revenue,” Flynn said.

She said she hopes to remedy the issue by carefully reviewing the budget and determining where to cut back without impacting services to Garner citizens.

“We may have to postpone some projects to assure that citizens are served,” she said.

A resident of Garner for more than eight years, Flynn has become very active in the community.

She currently serves on the Garner Parks and Recreation Committee and has had a part in the Parks and Recreation Director assessment as well as the forum to help search for Garner’s new police chief.

Flynn is also a member of the Garner Women’s Club, the N.C. Black Women Empowerment District 2 Advisory, the State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board and an active member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina.

Along with working a full-time job, Flynn volunteers with the children’s ministry at her church, serves on the Aversboro Elementary School PTA and reads with two students weekly at Aversboro Elementary.

Making a difference

Still, Flynn said she really hopes to make a difference in Garner.

“For the past few years, I have had a burning desire to run for public office,” Flynn said. “I love Garner and I would be humbled to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Garner.”

Flynn said she would bring a new voice to the table.

“Garner needs a strong leader,” she said. “Garner needs a strong voice and I am that person.”

Flynn’s husband, Darrell, said his wife’s Koolaid smile and sweet spirit are great assets to have, but it is her mindfulness that will help her be a great leader for the Town.

“She’ll have every member of Garner in mind when she makes a decision,” he said.

Darrell said his wife is passionate about her work in Garner and he knows she will keep pushing issues until Garner residents are best served.

“I’m proud of her being true to herself and to Garner,” Darrell said of his wife.

According to Flynn’s campaign manager Nilesh Surti, Flynn was encouraged to run for Town Council by Mayor Ronnie Williams.

Flynn kicks off campaign

Flynn officially kicked off her campaign Aug. 12 at the Garner Women’s Club on Hwy 70. Several political officials, including N.C. Rep. Deborah Ross, spoke about Flynn’s amazing efforts with the community thus far and where she is headed.

“I’m very proud that she has stepped up to the plate to become an elected official,” Wake County Commissioner Lindy Brown said.

Supporters also attended the campaign kickoff. Moses and Dorothy Moore said they recently met Flynn, but already could tell she is energetic and, if elected, she would be a voice to help improve the area.

“The young always have good ideas,” Moses said.

Flynn was excited to have nearly 30 supporters at the event to be a part of the campaign process

“It makes me feel that I am enormously blessed,” she said. “I don’t take it lightly and I don’t take it for granted.”

She said relationships are so important to the campaign. Flynn went to a local barbershop earlier in the day and spoke with Garner residents.

“People are really excited about new people and new energy,” she said.

Flynn believes that Garner is moving in the right direction, but the Town Council needs to make an effort to do more.

If elected, Flynn said she would like to see a community center and aquatic center established in Garner.

However, she understands that the decisions made now will affect Garner down the road. She wants to make sure she is constantly voicing the opinion of the people. Flynn said the days of the status quo are gone.

“I’m going to be that squeaky wheel,” she said.

Flynn knows the race will be challenging, but she is ready.

“We’re in it to win it,” Surti said. “We’re going to use grassroots to win this thing.”