WASHAM
June 16. Cornelius Mayor Pro-Tem Woody Washam said he will file with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections to seek re-election to the Cornelius Town Board.
Washam has never voted for the I-77 toll plan. “I’ve worked hard to try to stop the NCDOT I-77 toll road project supporting resolutions calling for a 90-day moratorium on the toll road and then the de-funding and termination of the contract as well as assisting Rep. Bradford and Senator Tarte in their efforts at the state level to stop the tolls and widen I-77 with general purpose lanes. That will remain a top priority for me and I will do everything I can to make sure the voices of the people and businesses of Cornelius are heard on this critical issue.”
Andy Yates of Red Dome Group will manage Washam’s campaign. Separately, Washam has signed on for Mayor Chuck Travis’ campaign launch June 26 in downtown Cornelius. It’s uncertain whether Travis will be running unopposed for a third term.
Washam was elected to the Town Commission in 2013 coming in first in a field of 10 candidates. Fellow commissioners unanimously selected Washam to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. As Mayor Pro-Tem, Washam represents the Town of Cornelius on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Lake Norman Transportation Commission, and the Arts and Sciences Council.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished on the Town Commission over the last two years. We’ve maintained a fiscally sound and efficient town government, achieved an AAA Bond rating, passed a new Land Use Plan and began implementing the $20 million bond package approved by voters in 2013 without raising our tax rate,” Washam said. “Our tax rate remains by far the lowest in the region and one of the lowest in the state.”
Washam, a native and life-long resident of Cornelius, Washam is senior vice president at Carolina Trust Bank. He is a board member of Little Smiles of NC, a charity benefiting North Carolina children who are in hospitals, hospices and shelters across the state and also serves on the local United Way Board.
“During my next two years on the town commission, I will ensure that we maintain an efficient and effective town government while preserving our low tax rate,” Washam concluded. “I will work to improve our town’s relationship with our state government agencies like NCDOT so they understand the challenges we face and develop real solutions to these issues instead of creating more problems. Most importantly, I will continue my popular listening circles and citizen meetings as well as our monthly Coffee Chats. By listening to our citizens and businesses and responding to their needs and concerns, we can ensure that our future remains bright and Cornelius remains one of the best places in our nation to live, work and raise a family.
Washam is married to Sharon Hobson Washam, and lives on Chapel Point Drive.
He is a former chairman of the Lake Norman Chamber, Visit Lake Norman, and the Town of Cornelius Transportation Advisory Board. Washam is an active member of the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg, and a past president. He has served on the boards of numerous civic and community service organizations. Washam is a lifetime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where he has served as church organist since 1966.
