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Who's running? Politicians line up for local posts
If it seems like an election is held every year, well, you're right. On even-numbered years there are elections for state and federal offices. And on odd-numbered years -- like this one -- there are municipal elections.
This year mayoral and town council candidates may file to run for office starting at 12 noon Monday, July 7, and ending almost a month later at 12 noon on Friday, Aug. 1. Candidates may file at their respective town halls during business hours or at the county board of elections, also during business hours. The Franklin County Board of Elections office is located in the Hobgood Courthouse Annex in downtown Louisburg. Any citizen of a municipality who is 18 or older may run for office. Candidates must show proof of residency upon filing and pay a $5 fee. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4. Wake Forest's Walters undecided; Boyd, Camacho running Two of three commissioners on the Wake Forest Town Board whose terms end this year say they will file to run for re-election. Velma Boyd, a physical education teacher at Wake Forest Elementary School, and David Camacho, a home builder for Camco Properties, said last week they will seek another term when filing opens Monday, July 7. Thomas Walters, who was appointed in April to complete Kim Marshall's unexpired term, said last week he hasn't made a decision yet because he wants to make sure he will have the time to commit to the board. "It's not even on the radar screen right now," said Walters, the owner of an Allstate Insurance business on South Main Street. Marshall's seat on the board opened in December when he left town to take a job in Florida. Camacho was appointed in 2001 to take Commissioner Vivian Jones' seat on the board after she won the mayoral race. Camacho, who has two children attending Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School, ran for office in 2001, and came in third for two available seats. Two big issues before the town are deciding whether to merge water and sewer systems with Raleigh and dealing with growth issues, Camacho said. The board members work well together and the current momentum should continue, he added. He also identified improving customer service for all town departments as a goal. Boyd was busy taking summer classes and said she would discuss issues with The Wake Weekly after she files. She and her husband Mitchell Lawson have seven children between them, one currently living at home. Franklinton mayor calls it quits; Coats, Cutchin say yes Franklinton Mayor Larry Kearney announced early this week that he will not seek a third term in the mayor's seat. "I enjoyed it, but I feel like its time to let someone else run with the ball for a while," Kearney said Monday. Kearney said he came to the decision after he and his wife weighed the options over the weekend. But the mayor said he has been leaning toward retirement from the political arena for nearly nine months now. "My wife and I are moving in a different direction than we have in the past," he explained. "Our children are grown -- we even have a little garden in the back." It is time to let someone with new enthusiasm and a fresh time commitment take the reins, he said. "I planned my schedule around meetings on the third Tuesday of the month for 16 years, and I missed (only) three (meetings)," Kearney said. "I guess you could say I'm tired." Kearney said he does not plan to support any candidates. "I have no idea who's running and I feel like I should let whoever runs run successfully," he said. Meanwhile, Jenny Edwards, whose house was recently annexed into the Franklinton town limits, threw her hat into the ring for mayor last week. Edwards said she had not seriously considered running until several friends petitioned her to consider the post. There are also two town commisioner positions open for elections this year. Coming off a two-year appointed term as commissioner -- in place of William Hobgood -- Fred Coats Sr. said he will run again. Coats previously served two elected terms -- a combined 10 years of experience on the board. Coats previously reported that he was unsure about running for re-election. "The thing that changed my mind is that we've got some things going on that I'd like to see finish," he said, adding that he will file the morning of July 7. Three-term Commissioner Joe Cutchins Jr. reported earlier this year that he would run for re-election. Cutchins, owner and operator of Cutchins Funeral Home, said, "As long as I am electable and as long as I can make a contribution, I'll continue to run." Rolesville mayor, commissioner on the fence; Wharton not running At least one commissioner's seat will open up in Rolesville this fall. Pat Wharton has decided to call it quits after serving one term as Rolesville commissioner. She announced last month she would not run again because of time constraints. Nancy Kelly, who was appointed to serve as mayor after Joe Winfree resigned, is still considering her options. Her term expires this fall also. Kelly began serving as Rolesville commissioner in 1987. Commissioner Frank Hodge, who also served as Rolesville mayor in the past, said he wants to keep people wondering. He won't make an announcement about running for office until Aug. 1, the last day to file for the Nov. 4 election. Youngville's Reddick undecided; Shearon's not telling Who will Youngsville residents see on the town board ballot come election day? Two commissioners are up for reelection. Commissioner Harold Reddick has served two terms and the unexpired term of the late Commissioner Archie Brown. Commissioner Keith Shearon has also served a partial term and been elected twice. Reddick said Monday he was undecided whether to run. Shearon said he has made his decision, but isn't talking yet. "I will disclose it shortly," he said last week. Contributing to this article are Debra A. Golden, John Derrick, Matt Hanson and Anna Meadows.
Last Updated On: July 3, 2003
Copyright 2003 The Wake Weekly