Rachel Hoskins
rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
A familiar name will fill the mayor’s seat in Spruce Pine. In last week’s municipal election Phillip Hise defeated Lynn Holler in the race for the mayor’s seat. Hise received 418 votes; Holler received 155.
In the race for two seats on the Spruce Pine Town Council, Rocky Buchanan and Wayne Peight tied with each earning 398 votes each while Sharon McIntosh received 154 votes and Kimberly Hageman received 148 votes.
Hise said during the election that his top priority if elected would be to improve the town’s water distribution system, saying it will be a necessity for the future growth and development of Spruce Pine. He also said that developing a plan to repair and renovate old buildings in the downtown area will be a priority.
“First steps will be to get to work on the water and sewer projects,” said Hise, after votes were tallied.. “That’s my background. The town is already looking for needed funding at a state and federal level.”
Step two will be reaching out to people in the town encouraging them to work together.
“We need to heal this divide,” said Hise. “People supported me and Rocky and Wayne and we need to make them proud of their vote. We represent all the people
of Spruce Pine. I am open to listening to anyone who has a concern or an idea that will help make the town better.”
Hise went on to say that there is a lot of good happening in Mitchell County.
“I’ve never seen so much happening at one time in my life,” said Hise. “With schools, recreation, YMCA – it’s wonderful. I want us all to work together to keep growing.”
In the Bakersville race for two seats on the town council board Charles Nash received 21 votes, Alan Blevins received 17 votes and write-in candidate Shane Buchanan received 16 votes. Nash and Blevins will fill the seats on the Bakersville Town Council
Director of the Mitchell County Board of Elections Roycene Jones said the board completed their sample audit which is required by the state board of elections. Voting tallies did not change.
The board of elections will complete their canvass at 11 a.m. on Nov. 17 and certify the results.
Newly elected Spruce Pine officials will take their oath of office at the Dec. 11 town council meeting. Bakersville town council members will be sworn in to office at their regular meeting, scheduled for Nov. 27.