Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Fuquay hopeful late on taxes

Wrenn says he's out of race

Christopher B. Wrenn, one of four candidates vying for a seat on the Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners, owes Wake County more than $10,000 in back taxes -- the aftermath of a failed business venture.

According to Wake County revenue records, Wrenn owes 2008 taxes totaling:

• $8,471 in 2008 taxes for a sprawling, $1.26 million house at 8104 Nichols Court.

• $2,065 for another home at 130 N. Ennis St., the residence he lists on campaign paperwork.

• $67 for a boat.

• $8 for a trailer.

When reached Monday for comment, Wrenn, 39, said he would withdraw from the race.

"Me and my wife and children --we lost our homes and our vehicles and our companies and our source of incomes," he said. "It's been hard."

Wrenn's company, Continental Service Solutions, went bankrupt in February. He said Monday that his decision to drop out of the race had nothing to do with money problems. Instead, he said, he was withdrawing because he couldn't pass up an opportunity to be part of a local restaurant business. He declined to name the restaurant or the nature of his involvement.

Candidates must notify Wake County Board of Elections director Cheri Poucher in writing, which Wrenn said he would do this week. As of late Monday, less than 24 hours before the deadline, Wrenn's name remained on the November ballot.

Wrenn said he chose to run because he cared about the direction of Fuquay-Varina, the town he grew up in. He said his experience in business would improve the town's government.

"It's given me extensive knowledge into what poor diversification planning and lack of plan Bs and Cs can do to any corporation or town," he said.

Wrenn said that he would now endorse challenger Jim Abernethy, whom Wrenn described as a friend and neighbor with similar beliefs centering around fiscal responsibility, Christianity and family values.

"Jim's got a lot more time than I do," Wrenn said. "I'll still consider running in the future."

Abernethy said he respected Wrenn's decision to pull out. "It certainly shows there are more important things for him to deal with," Abernethy said. "... I certainly don't know the circumstances behind this, but I guess people are leery when they hear people have financial problems, with their decision-making abilities.

"But unless you walk in their shoes, you never know."

Staff writer Jordan Cooke contributed to this report.