Wilson will face Clawson in Boone mayoral race
By Frank Ruggiero
ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com

Up to the final day of filing for the 2007 Watauga County municipal elections, it looked as though Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson would run unopposed.

Enter Tim Wilson, who filed his candidacy for mayor on the last day of filing, July 20.

The son of former N.C. Rep. Gene Wilson, he previously served two years on the Boone Town Council in 1996-97.

“I’m concerned with the growth of Boone ... and I’d like to be part of the growth, in terms of managing the growth,” he said. “Boone’s going to grow, and we have the best problems in the world, I guess you could say, because we have the business, the university and the tourists.

“I think it’s great all these people are wanting to come here, but I think we have to be careful how we manage it, so those who live here can enjoy without too much infringing on their livelihood.”

As for other issues on his platform, Wilson said he’d like to see the town’s water issue addressed, in terms of finding an additional source.

Wilson said his father had some influence on his decision to run and may continue to advise him in the future. “He may tell me I shouldn’t do this,” Wilson joked.

For the Boone Town Council, three seats are opening and will be defended by incumbents Lynne Mason, Bunk Spann and Dempsey Wilcox, all of whom filed for reelection. Joining the race are Boone planning commissioners Liz Aycock and Stephen Phillips, as well as residents Jeremy Blocker, Kevin Freeman, Rob Taylor and Ethan Dodson.

As of press time, Blocker and Wilcox were unavailable for comment, while Freeman and Taylor refused to disclose their phone numbers.

Dodson, a graduate student at Appalachian State University, filed Friday and released a statement, saying he looks forward to serving the many stakeholders in the community.

“My top priority is to preserve and increase the wellbeing and quality of life for all Boone citizens, no matter their income or their address,” said Dodson, noting he has lived in the area for more than 10 years and is a graduate of both Watauga High School and ASU. “I know the past, present and future issues affecting our community, and I am confident that my efforts will combine with many others in enhancing the true heart of the High Country.”

One such issue is the relationship between the town and university, and Dodson said improving the relationship “is a crucial step in achieving a community of which we can be proud.”

He said both entities must move forward together to best serve the diversity of citizens and interests in the area.

Dodson’s platform also has an environmental emphasis. He acknowledged the area’s beautiful surroundings, but said they must be strengthened, as well as protected, if they are to endure. He proposed greenway extensions, pedestrian-friendly roads and zero-waste as starting points.

“Now is the time for a results-oriented local government,” Dodson said. “It is my desire on being part of this important effort in order to capitalize on our wonderful opportunities.”

The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9. For more information, call the Watauga County Board of Elections at (828) 265-8061. The elections office is located at 842 W. King St. in the Watauga County Courthouse in downtown Boone.

Municipal election breakdown

Filing for the 2007 Watauga County municipal elections has closed, and the last two days showed nearly just as much activity as the last two weeks combined. Filing opened July 6 and closed Friday, July 20.

Boone
Mayor - Loretta Clawson (incumbent), Tim Wilson
Town Council (three seats opening) – Lynne Mason (incumbent), Milton “Bunk” Spann (incumbent), Elizabeth “Liz” Aycock, Jeremy Blocker, Stephen “Steve” Phillips, Dempsey Wilcox (incumbent), Robert “Kevin” Freeman, Charles “Rob” Taylor, Justin “Ethan” Dodson
Election – Oct. 9

Blowing Rock
Mayor – James “J.B.” Lawrence (incumbent), unopposed
Town Council (two seats opening) – Rita Wiseman (incumbent), Patsy “Pat” Fountain, Albert Yount, Phillip R. Pickett
Election – Nov. 6

Beech Mountain
Town Council (three seats opening) – Paul Piquet (incumbent), Richard “Rick” Owen (incumbent mayor), Randall “Randy” Corn (incumbent), Jon “Alan” Holcombe; the mayor for Beech Mountain is selected from within the council.
Election – Nov. 6

Seven Devils
Town Council (three seats opening) – Richard DeMott (incumbent), Clyde “Butch” McLean, William “Bill” Wilkinson (incumbent), Kathryn “Kathy” Copley (incumbent), Vance Brian Duggan, David A. Ehmig; David T. Hooper filed July 18, but later withdrew his candidacy; the mayor for Seven Devils is selected from within the council.
Election – Nov. 6

For more information, contact the Watauga County Board of Elections at (828) 265-8061. The elections office is located at 842 W. King St. in the Watauga County Courthouse in Boone.