New faces, familiar voices: Municipal elections reshape local boards

Burke County voters brought both change and continuity to their local governments Tuesday, with two of the most competitive elections, Valdese and Glen Alpine, drawing the largest crowds and reshaping the boards that govern them.

Across 18 precincts, 2,226 of 18,219 eligible voters cast ballots, a 12.22% turnout. Voter participation marked a decline from the November 2023 municipal election, when 2,986 of 17,391 eligible voters — or 17.7% — cast ballots.

Valdese: A Sweep for ‘Step Up’ Slate

In Valdese, the Step Up for Valdese slate swept to victory, installing two newcomers and returning two incumbents in what supporters hailed as a “win for the community.”

Keith Huffman captured the mayor’s seat with 77% of the vote over challenger Sandi Walker, while Shannon Radabaugh earned a Ward 1 win over Ron Blancaflor. Incumbents Melinda Zimmerman (Ward 2) and Rexanna Lowman (Ward 3) held their seats decisively, completing the team’s full sweep.

The group’s shared agenda centers on two priorities: completing the long-delayed public safety facilities project and resuming street repaving efforts delayed by Hurricane Helene. Huffman credited an army of volunteers for the campaign’s success, and Lowman said finishing the public-safety complex is “essential to both our departments and our citizens’ safety.”

With a new mayor and one new council member, the incoming Valdese Town Council will convene early next year to review contractor D.R. Reynolds’ forthcoming site proposals for the public-safety project — a decision that will shape the town’s capital planning for years to come.

Glen Alpine: Crowded Field, New Energy

Voters in Glen Alpine faced one of the county’s busiest ballots, choosing from seven candidates for three aldermen seats.

Newcomer Chad Wykle led all candidates with 111 votes, followed by incumbents Jason Miller (105) and Sheila Perkins (75). Mayor-elect Kevin Herron ran unopposed and will succeed Michelle Lewis, who sought but narrowly missed a board seat.

Wykle said his first priority will be “listening to as many people as possible” and uniting local business owners to fuel economic development. Miller and Perkins pledged to continue pushing for transparency and responsible growth. The new board will be sworn in Dec. 8, setting the stage for a term likely defined by collaboration between seasoned members and new leadership voices.

Morganton: Quiet Confidence

In Morganton, the city’s two uncontested council races brought stability.

Wendy Cato secured another term in District 4, and Molly McKay, a longtime city resident and regular attendee of council meetings, will take the District 3 seat vacated by Chris Hawkins. Both said they look forward to continuing infrastructure and recreation improvements, including at Bethel Park and the Catawba Meadows complex.

Drexel: Steady Hands, Fresh Perspective

In Drexel, Mayor Dennis Anthony easily retained his office, earning nearly 89% of the vote. On the Board of Aldermen, newcomer David Harmon topped the ballot, joining incumbent Scott Coe and Jennifer Yount, who will complete her late father’s unexpired term. Harmon said he hopes to focus on technology upgrades and community growth, while Coe called Drexel’s future “bright and collaborative.”

The Paper congratulates all candidates and thanks voters across Burke County who made their voices heard in shaping the next chapter of local government.