Contests in Haywood are few, but important
The races for this fall’s municipal elections are set, and depending on where you live, things could get interesting.
Across Haywood County’s four municipalities, 15 seats are up this year, and six of them are uncontested. That leaves nine competitive races featuring 15 candidates, five of whom are incumbents.
Canton Alderman Dr. Ralph Hamlett and Mayor Pro Temp/Alderwoman Gail Mull will return to their seats, as no one filed to run against them.
The unexpected resignation of Alderman James Markey, though, means there is a two-year aldermanic seat on the ballot this year, and that opportunity drew two challengers: Pisgah High School science teacher Tim Shepard, 44, and 29-year-old Arron Jones, a clerk and customer sales rep at Tammy’s Jewelry in Waynesville.
In Clyde, all incumbents will return to their respective offices, as no one filed to challenge Jim Trantham for mayor, or John Hemmingway, Dann Jesse or Diane Fore for alderman.
Maggie Valley’s mayoral race is set — aldermen Dr. Janet Banks and Mike Eveland will campaign to replace Mayor Saralyn Price, who announced last winter she wouldn’t seek re-election. Banks’ candidacy means her aldermanic seat is now open as was that of Alderman Phillip Wight. Wight filed, and so did his wife, Tammy. They’re joined by Allen Alsbrooks.
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As with Maggie Valley, Waynesville will see a high-profile mayoral race featuring two local government veterans — current Mayor Gavin Brown, and Alderman Gary Caldwell.
All Waynesville aldermanic seats are up for election this fall, and Caldwell isn’t seeking his, but the other three incumbents are – Julia Boyd Freeman, Jon Feichter, and Dr. LeRoy Roberson all filed for re-election. They’ll be challenged by local attorney Chuck Dickson, tech professional and Planning Board Vice Chairman Anthony Sutton and former DEA agent Joel Reece. The top four vote-getters will win seats.
As of Wednesday, July 24, Election Day is 104 days away, and will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. For more information, visit the Haywood Board of Elections at www.haywoodcountync.gov/173/elections.
