Overview
Ben Clapsaddle was elected to a four-year-term on the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners in November 2023. Two years later, he ran for and was elected mayor.
Mr. Clapsaddle was sworn in as mayor during the December 16, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting leaving his seat on the board vacant with two years remaining on his unexpired term.
Application
In accordance with NC General Statute 160A-63, the Town of Wake Forest will accept applications from residents interested in fulfilling the unexpired term of former commissioner and current Mayor Ben Clapsaddle beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, and continuing through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14.
Individuals who are at least 21 years old and live inside the Town limits are eligible to apply. Only applications submitted and signed by applicants themselves will be considered (no “referrals” or “recommended” applicants).
The application includes an essay section (not to exceed 500 words) that invites the candidate to describe why she/he wishes to serve on the BOC and a field that allows the candidate to upload up to five documents in support of their candidacy.
The link to the online application will be activated on this page at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Anyone without computer access is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies will be available upon request by contacting Town Clerk Evelyn Wright at 919-435-9432.
PLEASE NOTE: The application will be activated from 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 19, through 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14. Once an application is submitted, no edits or additional documents will be accepted. No additional communications or information from applicants will be considered by the Board. Additional emails or other communications from applicants to Board members may be grounds for disqualification from consideration.
Application Review
The BOC will begin the process of reviewing the submitted applications at the close of the application period, then select a slate of candidates to interview.
Selected candidates will be invited to appear before the board and explain why they wish to serve. Following the interviews, the board will vote to appoint one person to fill the term that will commence immediately and expire in December 2027.
Please Note
The Board will not interview or communicate with applicants outside regular or special meetings of the Board.
Regarding written communications, emails, voice mails, and other communications from supporters: Commissioners may review information sent specifically to that particular commissioner. Board members will not share or disseminate such information to other Board members.
The Board will not discuss such information sent to them regarding candidates, with the exception of credible information that would indicate a candidate should be disqualified from consideration (for legal or ethical reasons, not for opinions regarding general qualifications). Should such information arise, the Board may discuss the information and the disqualification by motion and majority vote.
How to Determine Wake Forest residents & non-residents
If you're unsure whether you live inside the Wake Forest town limits, please use our Address Look Up Map (by clicking on the button below) to determine your status.