More File for Seats in 2015 Municipal Elections in Watauga and Avery County

Editor’s Note:

As of Wednesday, here is the list of candidate filings for the 2015 municipal elections in Watauga County. See recent filings for Avery County and a prior story on the first day of filing, which was Monday, below:

WATAUGA COUNTY

Filings

By Jesse Wood

Candidate filing for the 2015 municipal elections opened on Monday. Avery County Board of Elections saw three people file for seats in municipalities in Avery County, while nine people filed their candidacy in Watauga County.

Watauga County

On the first day of filing, nine citizens in Watauga County filed with the local board of elections.

For the Beech Mountain Town Council, Wendel L. Sauer and Renee Castiglione filed. Neither are incumbents.

A weekend after riding with Gov. Pat McCrory in the Blowing Rock parade, Charlie Sellers, owner of The Blowing Rock attraction, filed to run against J.B. Lawrence for mayor of Blowing Rock.
A weekend after riding with Gov. Pat McCrory in the Blowing Rock parade, Charlie Sellers, owner of The Blowing Rock attraction, filed to run against J.B. Lawrence for mayor of Blowing Rock.

In the Town of Blowing Rock, incumbent Mayor J.B. Lawrence filed for mayor again, and Charlie Sellers, owner of The Blowing Rock attraction, will challenge Lawrence. Incumbent Albert Yount is running for Blowing Rock Town Council again.

Sellers said he feels like the town needs to focus on “preserving our past in Blowing Rock and build for the future.” Sellers added that he felt like “it’s time for a change,” referring to long-time Mayor J.B. Lawrence.

Sellers listed four items he will be running on: complete the U.S. 321 widening project as quick as possible; focus on infrastructure; work with Ensemble Stage to build a performing arts center; and work with Watauga County and its residents to complete the Middle Fork Greenway Trail.

“Last but not least, the town leaders and community and chamber and TDA all need to band together to promote Blowing Rock. People come here because of its quaintness, uniqueness and we need to focus on that,” Sellers said.

With four seats on the Boone Town Council up for election, four people filed for the council: Loretta Clawson, who is currently serving on an interim basis with Jennifer Pena’s resignation earlier this summer, incumbent Lynne Mason, Jennifer Teague and Charlotte Mizelle.

In Watauga County, these are the seats that are up for election, according to Watauga County Board of Elections Director Matthew Snyder:

Boone Town Council:

  • Lynne Mason
  • Frank (Quint) David
  • Fred Hay
  • Loretta Clawson(Jennifer Pena seat)

Town of Blowing Rock:

Mayor

  • J.B. Lawrence

Town Council

  • Dan Phillips
  • Albert Yount

Beech Mountain Town Council

  • Rick Owen
  • Cindy Keller
  • Alan Holcombe

Seven Devils Town Council

  • Larry Fontaine
  • David Ehmig
  • Brad Lambert

Avery County

In Avery County, the first day of filing wasn’t as busy. Avery County Board of Elections Director Sheila Ollis said that three people filed for election.

Incumbent Dennis Lacey filed for mayor of Sugar Mountain again, and Norris Clifton also filed for town council.

Over in Banner Elk, Robert Tufts filed for Banner Elk Town Council. Tufts is an incumbent.

According to Ollis, these are the seats up for election in Avery County municipalities.

  • Banner Elk – Mayor and 3 council members
  • Crossnore – Mayor and 3 alderman
  • Elk Park – Mayor and 5 council members
  • Grandfather Village – Mayor and 2 council members
  • Newland – 3 Council members
  • Village of Sugar Mountain – Mayor and 2 Council members