Politics

VOTER GUIDE: Laurel Park candidates weigh in on roundabout project

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 14, 2026

In Laurel Park, Mary Margaret Licisyn is challenging incumbents Deb Bridges and Mark Morse for a seat on the town council. Voters will elect two town council members.

Meet the candidates

My name is Debra (Deb) Hinson Bridges. I am 68 years old and have 2 grown daughters and 2 grandchildren. By profession, I am a musician with over 50 years of experience, and I have been a business owner for more than 20 years. I have degrees and professional certificates from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Cal State and Duke. I enjoy spending time on the farm, writing about life, researching and solving mysteries, and traveling to places in my genealogy with my little dog, Buddy.

I am Mary Margaret Licisyn (rhymes with “decision”). I live with my husband and two young sons. I've been a resident of Laurel Park for over 6 years. My professional expertise stems from an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Colorado. I work full-time managing mixed-use, housing, and community revitalization projects. When I am not working or serving our town, you can find me enjoying the Ecusta Trail, drinking iced coffee, discussing urban design or thrifting art. I am ready to bring this blend of professional experience and future-focused perspective to our Town Council.

My name is Mark Morse, 72. I’m married to Sherry Painter, and have a son, Stephen Morse, and daughters Amy Morse and Michelle Whittingham. I have a B.S. degree in ceramic engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from University of Michigan-Flint. I serve as board chair of Carolina Village. I’m retired from SELEE Corp., where I served as president for 20 years. I enjoy fly fishing, reading, travel, Illinois sports and Michigan sports.

Why are you running for the Laurel Park Town Council?

Morse: I was appointed to the late Paul Hansen’s position in 2025. I think living in Laurel Park is a privilege; it is beautiful, the people are open, friendly and engaging. I am running to continue to work for the Laurel Park community. There are many challenges ahead of Laurel Park, and I would like to use my skills and experience to help guide the town through these challenges.

Licisyn: I am running to add a fresh perspective and bring practical planning expertise to the Town Council. As chair of the Planning Board and a member of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, I have a deep understanding of our local needs. My professional background blends real estate project management, city planning and finance. I do not claim to have every answer. Instead, I believe the best local solutions come from listening to residents, testing practical ideas and learning from the results. Laurel Park deserves a forward-thinking leader who will work creatively to keep our community thriving.

Bridges: I am seeking re-election because I believe my experience, knowledge and continuity are valuable to Laurel Park at this important time. I want to continue the work already underway, provide responsible oversight, and see these major initiatives through to completion, including Helene recovery and the U.S. 64 expansion project.

The town council has endorsed the current roundabout project that is so disruptive in the heart of the town. While it’s true that the roadwork is a state project, what if anything can the town council do to expedite the job or reduce the inconvenience for residents and businesses?

Licisyn: The roundabout construction plans were finalized years ago, so the Town Council’s best move now is to stay the course. We must partner closely with NCDOT and make swift decisions to help them finish as quickly as possible. To reduce the disruption for local businesses and residents, we cannot tolerate scope creep. Distractions like decorative walls, signage or custom landscaping should be completely paused until the core roadwork is complete. To put it simply: we need to bake the cake before we worry about the icing. Getting the core infrastructure done is our top priority.

Bridges: Laurel Park Town Council and administration have consistently worked as a partner with NCDOT in the aesthetics and layout of the roundabouts. We have revised our plans for landscaping, sidewalks, pedestrian safety features and lighting as they relate to the DOT’s overall construction plan. Changes in DOT’s plans have caused unexpected and troublesome delays. Understandably, Helene may have contributed to the disruption, but ultimately, the inconvenience and complications lie with the DOT itself. We will continue the dialogue with DOT, voicing our concerns regarding the inconveniences our residents are experiencing and the disruption of normal business activities.

Morse: The main thing the council can do is communicate with residents on construction status, keep talking with NCDOT on a regular basis and make sure things are moving forward and on time.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for the town moving ahead in the next 2-4 years and beyond?

Morse: Helene recovery and hardening of town infrastructure. Not only do we have to get Laurel Park fixed after Helene, but we must also find a way to make sure the next weather event is not as damaging as Helene.  Financial stability. With the state legislature’s effort to curb property tax increases, it will become difficult to continue with current services unless there are ways to find other revenue sources. Infrastructure. Roads and septic systems need maintenance and at some point, will need to be replaced or reworked extensively. All are expensive. How to pay for the work are difficult conversations and decisions which must be made in full transparency.

Bridges: Laurel Park is 99% residential and is practically built out. The potential for any growth pretty much lies in commercial development along the U.S. 64 corridor. Without an increase in commercial development, the cost of town services will continue to be paid solely by residents. As the cost of services increases, so does the tax rate. That is, unless there is a substantial increase in business growth or else diminished town services. We must keep a steady eye on Hwy. 64 and the Ecusta Trail, encouraging and supporting business growth along that area for the betterment of the Town’s revenue stream and to lessen any increased tax burden on Laurel Park property owners.

Licisyn: Our defining challenge is protecting Laurel Park’s home values by securing our infrastructure. Property values are directly tied to the health of the entire community. To keep our town desirable, we must navigate post-Helene recovery with strict fiscal discipline. This means making smart, proactive investments in our stormwater systems, sewer capacity and mountain roadways to protect residents' largest investments — their homes. I will balance our immediate needs with long-term resiliency, ensuring Laurel Park remains safe, stable and built to last.