June 27. By Dave Yochum. Michael “Dr. Mike” Miltich plans to run for the Town Board, after losing his bid for a fourth term in the  2021 elections when four out of five seated commissioners were defeated.

Miltich, who was also chair of the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), has lived in Cornelius for 28 years.

Michael Miltich

“For my whole life, I have always served others,” the retired ENT physician/surgeon said.

He is also on the board of Cornelius Early Scholars, a new scholarship Christian preschool based out of First Baptist Church on Catawba Avenue.

Roads a priority

“When I was first elected in 2015, it was ‘traffic, traffic, traffic,’ and it still is,” Miltich said. “Things were moving forward when I left office. Now projects aren’t just standing still, but some are going in reverse.”

He said transportation issues remains a major concern.

“I’ve been encouraged by numerous supporters to resume my leadership role in transportation. It was this continuous urging that persuaded me to run,” Miltich said.

Another shakeup?

The Town Board may be in for another shakeup, although smaller than the one in 2021. Commissioner Denis Bilodeau has announced plans to run for mayor, not commissioner.

Thurman Ross

Incumbent Dave Gilroy said while he has not yet made a final decision he is unlikely to run for re-election—possibly leaving two out of five seats open. All five seats on the town board will be up for grabs in the Nov. 7 elections.

Former Commissioner Thurman Ross, who was also defeated in 2021, has announced plans to run for his old seat again in the fall.

Long-time volunteer and committee member Scott Higgins has also announced plans to run.

Planning Board Chair Susan Johnson said she is still considering whether or not she will run.

Scott Higgins

Filing to run takes place July 7 to July 21 at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections