Webster elects new faces amid record turnout
A quiet street in downtown Webster reflects the small-town charm that drew record voter turnout in this year’s municipal election.
Richard Kenni photo
Webster voters ended one of the most competitive elections in the town’s history by choosing a mix of new and familiar names to lead them through coming years of growth, traffic and tax debates. Five candidates sought three seats, reflecting renewed interest in local government after years of uncontested races.
Brad Reisinger, a Western Carolina University English professor prioritizing community engagement and resident input, led all candidates with 63 votes. Health communication specialist Sara Stahlman, highlighting walkability, parks and family-friendly planning, finished with 55. Incumbent Dale Collins, co-owner of Tuckasegee Fly Shop, focused on pedestrian safety and river stewardship and ended up with 51, enough to claim the third and final seat.
The unusually high turnout capped months of steady engagement over issues that have defined the small Jackson County community — pedestrian safety, land use, river stewardship and transparency in town operations. Growth across Western North Carolina continues to press against Webster’s quiet residential boundaries, prompting questions about how to preserve the town’s walkability while absorbing regional change.
Challengers Daniel Riggs and Susan Raaf finished with 44 and 12 votes, respectively.
Throughout the campaign, candidates emphasized different aspects of the same challenge. Some called for more sidewalks, slower traffic and stronger environmental oversight. Others focused on fiscal discipline and public accountability after property revaluations left homeowners paying more.
Debate over Jackson County’s decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system also shaped the race. Several candidates supported Webster’s resolution urging commissioners to remain in the system, while others questioned whether the town should have weighed in at all.
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The May closure of the town’s post office remained a symbol of small-town vulnerability, raising concerns about how much influence local leaders actually have over services provided by outside agencies. Despite divergent priorities, most agreed that Webster’s strength lies in its scale — a place small enough for residents to know one another and expect accountability from those who serve.
Results are considered unofficial until county boards of elections certify them on Nov. 14, 2025.
