Holly Springs City Councilwoman Dee Phillips of Post 2 faces a challenge from Kevin Epperson in her bid for another four-year term in the Nov. 2 municipal election.
Kyle Whitaker and Michael Zenchuk have both qualified to run for the Post 1 seat being vacated by Councilman Tommy Sanders, who is not seeking re-election.
The council in November amended its charter to establish non-geographical posts. Candidates run citywide in the nonpartisan race, but must designate a specific post when they qualify for election.
Ms. Phillips, 50, a registered nurse, first was elected in 2001 and served a two-year term. She took a break in 2003, was elected again in 2004 and has served on the council ever since.
She said she's running to keep the city on its "financially conservative" track, continue to improve its roads and encourage development to make downtown a "true city center."
Ms. Phillips has an associate's degree in nursing from the State University of New York at Albany. She is a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Team, the Case Management Association of America and the Georgia Nursing Association.
She has two sons, Michael Adams and Justin Phillips, and a granddaughter, Allison. She attends First Baptist Canton.
Ms. Phillip said she's appreciative of the support Holly Springs' residents have given her, and hopes they will "give me the opportunity for another term."
Epperson, 33, said he qualified because he "just wanted to get involved."
Owner of Mom's Helping Hand Maid Service, Epperson said he wants to help the council watch its spending and encourage more businesses to come into the city.
"We need to make sure no more money is taken in than needed and make sure money is given back to the taxpayers," he said.
Epperson attended Kennesaw State University. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Kalee, 9, and Kendall, 7 and attend First Baptist Woodstock.
Whitaker, 35, a professional services specialist, said he wants to be more involved in the city to "shape its future growth and prosperity."
Zenchuk, 38, an employee benefits consultant, said he's running for the council to expand on the work he does as a volunteer on city government committees.
"This is another way to serve the citizens of Holly Springs," he said.
Zenchuk, who has lived in the city for six years, serves on the city's planning and zoning commission and has served as chairman of its historic commission and on its centennial committee.
He said he wants to bring the "right type" of growth into the city, support its "quality public safety department" and be a good steward of the taxpayers' dollars.
Zenchuk said his background of service to the city makes him the best candidate for the job.
"There won't be a lot of on-the-job training," he said.
Zenchuk earned a bachelor's degree in history from Augusta State University. While there, he was chairman of the college Republicans club.
He serves as the finance director for Cherokee FOCUS (Families of Children United in Service), as a member of the Knights of Columbus and a coach with East Cherokee Baseball and has served as a tee-ball and soccer coach for Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA.
He and his wife, Renee, have three children, Tres, 11, Matthew, 9, and Lillian Grace, 3. The family attends St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church.
Whitaker said he's focused on enhancing the city's parks and recreation amenities, giving downtown structures "a face lift" and making the downtown area into a gathering place for the community.
Whitaker has a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Auburn University. He and his wife, Christine, have two children, Emily, 7, and Tyler, 4.
Whitaker, a 10-year resident of the city, said he feels "energized to get involved and to see what I can do."
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