GOP At-Large Commissioner Candidates Focus on Infrastructure at Forsyth County Forum

Two Republicans competing in the Forsyth County at-large commission primary, Mike Barresi and Terri Mrazek, used a recent forum hosted by Housing Justice Now to press competing visions for infrastructure investment, housing policy and stricter code compliance tied to nonconforming businesses. The exchanges signaled how development and neighborhood enforcement could shape county policy if either candidate wins the at-large seat.

WFDD published a story on February 27, 2026 reporting that the forum was focused on housing and that both candidates were asked about the local housing crisis. An Instagram post about the event said, "That was the final question to County Commission candidates during a recent forum. Click the link in bio to find out how they answered. more." The post did not include a date or transcript in the material supplied to this reporter.

Mike Barresi, described by WFDD as a first-time candidate and political newcomer, told the forum audience about his own experience with homelessness and cast himself as an outsider ready to represent everyday residents. Barresi said, "I'm not a scholar. I'm just one of you people," and added, "The people with scholarships, what have they done for the community right now — do you know? I’m one of you. I know what you're going through, and I can help." WFDD further reported Barresi "has had numerous encounters with law enforcement over the past 16 years. Most of the charges were dropped. A Florida judge granted a restraining order for domestic violence in 2010. In 2011, he was found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing." WFDD reported it reached out to Barresi and that he did not address those charges.

Terri Mrazek, a businesswoman and landlord running for a Forsyth County commission seat for the fourth time after unsuccessful bids in 2020, 2022 and 2024, framed her campaign around low taxes and a strong economy. When asked about the housing crisis at the forum, Mrazek recounted a personal episode: "I brought in a lady who was being badly treated and her two daughters into my home so she didn't have to live in a shelter, and her daughters continued their education," she said. "And they were of the brown race, right? I opened my doors for them." WFDD reported that Housing Justice Now released a statement on social media about Mrazek's comment; the text of that statement was not provided in the material reviewed.

An overview supplied alongside the coverage noted candidates at a recent forum also outlined priorities including infrastructure and investment and discussed nonconforming businesses and code compliance, reflecting ongoing debates over county development. The available reporting does not specify whether that description and the WFDD housing-focused account describe the same meeting; neither source provided a forum date or full transcript. As the Republican primary approaches, the contrasts between Barresi's outsider narrative and Mrazek's repeat candidacy and landlord background underscore how housing, infrastructure and code enforcement are emerging as central issues in Forsyth County's at-large contest.