Valdese Town Council Quotebook for June meeting

Notable quotes from Monday’s Valdese Town Council meeting.

Mayor Charlie Watts on recognizing Assistant Town Manager/CFO Bo Weichel for his time as interim manager.

“This is something the council wanted to give you to show appreciation for the job you’ve done as interim manager and chief financial officer, which all of us are very appreciative because you did a bang-up job … The Valdese Town Council expresses its appreciation to Bo Daniel Weichel for his outstanding service as interim town manager from August 23, 2024, to May 1, 2025.

“During his special assignment, he made significant contributions, enabling the Valdese Town Council to make policy decisions in the town’s best interests. He exceeded the council’s expectations for his extra assignment through extraordinary initiative hours and effort while fulfilling his regular responsibilities as assistant manager and chief financial officer.”

Councilwoman Melinda Zimmerman on her opposition to the 2025 Municipal Election Resolution.

“Respectfully, I do not see the need for this resolution. Upon taking office, each of us is bound by a Code of Ethics. We all took ethics training. As a child, my parents and my church instilled in me what’s right and wrong. I live my life trying to walk a life of civility and respect for others. If I’m a candidate, I would also be bound by the Board of Election rules, and I know what I’d have to do. I just don’t see that this is needed, and I’m not in favor of it, and I would not sign it.”

Councilwoman Rexanna Lowman and her statement on the election resolution.

“If I’m a candidate for office in the Valdese town elections, I herby affirm my commitment to adhering to the town Code of Ethics and all laws related to the election process. I recognize the importance of conducting a campaign that not only meets legal standards but also upholds the highest moral principles.

“If I am a candidate, I will strive to conduct myself in a manner that instills public confidence in the integrity of my campaign. My aim is to engage with the community transparently and honestly, fostering trust and respect among all constituents. Additionally, if I am a candidate, I will uphold the foundations of my Christian faith, allowing my values to guide my actions and decisions. I believe that public service is a sacred trust, and I’m dedicated to serving the citizens of Valdese with integrity, compassion, and sincerity.

“Since I’m already expected to follow the town council’s Code of Ethics and laws related to the election, I do not see any reason to have a document that asks me to follow ethics that I have already pledged to uphold. I see no reason for this resolution.”

Councilwoman Heather Ward on staying out of endorsing a local candidate.

“I assure you that there will be no signs in my yard. There will be no donations given to another candidate because I know whoever steps into this position next time, it can create a little bit of a rift. If others choose to, it’s America, you do your thing. That’s why I love our country. God Bless America.

“... Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should, because there has been a lot of turmoil and chaos. I understand that. If there was anyone who was affected, it was me. My home was plastered online a couple of times. My kids were afraid. That’s not cool. I know it happened to several of us, and I had no part in anything like that. I just choose to stay out of it.”

Councilman Glenn Harvey on the reason behind the resolution.

“We’re all honorable people. Why would we not want to sign this? If we remember two years ago, it was pretty nasty. I had two attorneys suggest that I bring a libel suit against somebody. I didn’t do that because I didn’t want to bring that into the town. I think the tone and the content we had here, the intent was to set an atmosphere for the citizens. To set a good attitude and atmosphere. To have everybody agree that we’re all going to go into this positively, and we’re going to have a positive campaign this year.”

— SEB