local politics
Former Huntersville mayor files to run for NC House District 98, which includes Cornelius
Dec. 7. Former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales officially filed to run for NC House District 98, which is currently held by Cornelius resident John Bradford. District 98 includes Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. Bradford has announced plans to run for NC Treasurer. Background Bales has served as both Commissioner and Mayor of Huntersville for 12 years, […]
Susan Johnson brings real estate experience to Town Board
Dec. 6. By Dave Vieser. When Susan Johnson was named Cornelius Planning Board chair in December, 2021, she had little reason to believe she would be leaving the post after only two years. But on Monday she rolled off the planning board upon her swearing in on the Town Board. Johnson will also bring a […]
Mayor, commissioners will be sworn in tonight
Dec. 4. By Dave Yochum. The local election process will draw to a close five months after it began when five commissioners and the mayor are sworn in at the Town Board meeting tonight. Starting with the mayor: Woody Washam; his wife Sharon will hold the Bible for his fourth swearing in as mayor. Mayor […]
Washam looks to the future as fourth term begins Monday
Nov. 30. By Dave Yochum. Woody Washam says he is “excited and very optimistic” about his upcoming fourth term as mayor which officially begins at his swearing-in ceremony Monday, Dec. 4 at Town Hall. Also being sworn in: Two incumbents and three newcomers to the Town Board. “I plan to renew and enhance our efforts […]
Jeff Tarte will run for NC Auditor in 2024
Nov. 29. Former NC Sen. Jeff Tarte, a Cornelius resident, plans to run in the GOP primary for State Auditor in March. Tarte is a former mayor of Cornelius and the incoming chair of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Background As a state senator he authored legislation that required the six largest departments in […]
Mayor, new Town Board with 3 newcomers will be sworn in Monday
Nov. 28. A four-term mayor, two incumbent commissioners and three new commissioners will be sworn in Monday at Town Hall where family and friends will gather for the ceremonies. A vote for mayor pro tem will also be taken, formalizing the role of incoming Commissioner Scott Higgins who was the top vote-getter in the Nov. […]
Gilroy: A word of thanks as Town Board service approaches an ending
Nov. 21. Town Commissioner Dave Gilroy, who currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem, ran the Town Board’s Nov. 20 meeting in the absence of Mayor Woody Washam. He opted not to run for re-election this fall. He had some personal thoughts which he shared with the audience and the community: “I’ve spent most of the […]
Enhanced security at Town Hall will cost $166,851
Nov. 21. By Dave Vieser. At a relatively quiet Town Board meeting Nov. 20 and run by Mayor Pro Tem Dave Gilroy, Cornelius commissioners approved security improvements at Town Hall. The project will consist of reconstructing the reception area, constructing a new wall at the top of the main stairwell, providing additional egress points, and […]
Washam’s lead narrows to 5 votes in mayoral race; recount requested
Nov. 17. [UPDATE 3 PM] By Dave Yochum. After outstanding absentee ballots and provisional ballots were counted last night, Mayor Woody Washam’s lead over challenger Denis Bilodeau has dwindled from 13 votes to five. Bilodeau, a town commissioner, has asked for a recount. NEW: The Meck Board of Elections has completed the recount. Washam has […]
Analysis: Why the race for mayor of Cornelius appears to be going down to the wire
Nov. 13. [Analysis] By Dave Vieser. It was almost 10:45 pm on Election Night when the last of the unofficial results came in from the Mecklenburg Board of Elections showing incumbent Woody Washam with a 13-vote lead over challenger Denis Bilodeau. Did anyone think it would be this close? While residents await the final official […]
