Mayor Woody Washam
Dec. 6. By Dave Yochum. Mayor Woody Washam will seek an unprecedented fourth term at the helm of Cornelius government.
The long-time community leader, former two-term town commissioner, banker and church organist has also chaired the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.
There’s no word on another candidate, but one may declare by July of next year. Washam ran unopposed in 2021, 2019 and 2017.
Five years ago Washam replaced former Mayor Chuck Travis, who did not seek re-election after a 5-0 no-confidence vote in 2016, after he traveled to the state capital to lobby for the Cintra-NCDOT toll plan on I-77.
Washam said it has been an honor to serve his hometown as mayor. “There is much left to do as I work with our board to maintain our great quality of life and continue to make Cornelius the very best it can be. Sharon and I love working hard every day as we serve our great citizens.
As mayor, the 72 year-old Washam has been an advocate of transportation projects—now at 13 town-wide in excess of $500 million— as well as the Cain Center for the Arts which officially opens next month. The development of the Cornelius History Museum is well under way with a board appointed by the mayor.
Programs such as the popular Coffee Chats and Connecting Cornelius have allowed citizens the opportunity to communicate with the mayor over the past years.
Ross
Antiquity resident Scott Higgins, a member of the Planning Board, had planned to run for mayor but said he will run for town commissioner instead. Former long-time commissioner Thurman Ross, who lost in 2021, said he plans to run again in 2023. Commissioner Denis Bilodeau is not expected to run again but he did not confirm either way. Former commissioner Dr. Mike Miltich said he has no plans either way at this time.
Elected office in Cornelius has been a path to higher office: NC Rep. John Bradford got his start in elected office on the Town Board as well as US Sen. Thom Tillis, who now makes his home in Huntersville. Former Mayor Jeff Tarte went on the the NC Senate.
