Each spring the Kentucky Derby features a number of the finest thoroughbred racehorses in the world vying for the sport’s most prestigious championship.
Some years feature small fields, with lesser competition or a clear favorite, and while the race itself is still exciting it seems to lack the impact of an evenly matched full field of 20 horses.
While the race for Highlands’ Board of Commissioners and the Highlands Mayor position may not offer the same thrills as the “most exciting three minutes in sports,” it does offer a full field of candidates in 2021.
Incumbent mayor Patrick Taylor will face a challenge from current commissioner Marc Hehn. In the days leading up to early voting in October, and ultimately Election Day on Nov. 2, it’s important for voters to get out and find an opportunity to meet each candidate. Municipal elections in North Carolina are non-partisan, so there is no national platform or party name to vote for, which makes it even more imperative to know where each candidate stands on issues that matter to you.
In the race for town board, incumbent commissioner Donnie Calloway is stepping away from the board and thus rendering his seat vacant. Fellow incumbent Amy Patterson has filed to defend her position on the board.
Patterson will be challenged by Thomas Craig, Pat Allen, Nic McCall, Mary Alice Bynum and former commissioner Eric Pierson. The top two vote getters earn a spot on the board.
In nearby Franklin, Highlands closest municipal neighbor, there are also a variety of contests on the Nov. 2 ballot. Jack Horton is unopposed in his bid to become mayor and take over for current mayor Bob Scott.
Three spots on the Franklin town board are up for grabs with incumbent commissioner David Culpepper taking on challengers Rita Salain, Jimbo Ledford, Frances Seay and Stacy Guffey. The top three vote-getters will be sworn onto the board in December.
Municipal elections have a big impact in small towns. Highlands and Franklin will certainly highlight that point in 2021, and the race is officially on.