Melinda Zimmerman to run for Valdese Town Council Ward 2 seat

One name has been confirmed for the upcoming Valdese Town Council 2025 ballot — lifelong resident Melinda Zimmerman.

Late on Tuesday afternoon, June 3, Zimmerman confirmed that she would run in the upcoming 2025 municipal election.

When asked what was the deciding factor, she said to continue serving her community.

“A continued desire to serve the community where I grew up and call home. I’ve learned so much since my January appointment and I look forward to working with staff and members of the incoming Council to move our town in a positive direction,” she said. “I’m very excited that we have selected a contractor for the construction of our public safety facilities. This project has been on the radar since 2018 and I’m thankful that we are finally moving forward. I really hope we can get our street paving program back on track. We have a backlog of streets that need paving.”

Zimmerman wants to continue her journey representing the people of Valdese by winning the seat in an election. She was appointed in January.

“The last six months have been a blur — lots to learn and observe about town governance,” Zimmerman said. “Valdese is a wonderful community and I’m excited to continue my journey as an elected official, representing all the wonderful people who call Valdese home. Several issues had been stagnant prior to coming on Council such as the town manager position, public safety facilities, and pool cover. Fortunately, we have hired a new town manager, Todd Herms and I look forward to working with him on projects. We’ve made progress on the public safety facilities, and we have a cover for the pool to bring back wintertime swimming at the beloved community center.”

Her campaign will focus on the following points:

• Promoting unity
• Being a good steward of resources
• Identifying economic development opportunities for the Valdese community
• Continued progress on the public safety facilities
• Supporting the hardworking town employees

Beth Heile, a former candidate for County Commission, will be her treasurer for the campaign.

Zimmerman was the sole applicant for the Ward 2 position that had remained vacant since the resignation of Roger Heavner on Oct. 28, who was appointed on Oct. 7 to fill the seat after Paul Mears moved to Morganton.

She was officially sworn in on Monday, Jan. 13.

The candidate filing period for the upcoming election is July 7-18, with early voting taking place from Oct. 16 to Nov. 1.

In addition to the Ward 2 seat, the Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats — currently held by council members Glenn Harvey and Rexanna Lowman — will be on the ballot, along with the mayor’s seat, held by Charlie Watts. Watts and Harvey have said they will not run for reelection.