OCTOBER 15, 2009 ISSUE
Municipal Elections 2009
Banner Elk Mayoral Candidate Profiles
In the past week, candidates for Banner Elk mayor received a questionnaire asking them to provide their top priority for the town and their positions on the issues of development, utilities, support for Lees-McRae College and annexation. Their responses are included here. The November election will determine the candidate who will serve for a two-year term.
Deka Tate, incumbent
Reason for Running: “I have been serving Banner Elk for almost 20 years [in the capacities of] Appearance Chair, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor. Banner Elk is a part of me.”
Top Priority: “My top priority is to protect Banner Elk’s natural resources, preserve our history and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”
Development: “With internal development, we have worked hard to establish ordinances, from requiring green spaces to limited development on steep slopes. We have 900 acres in town undeveloped and we have to be able to provide water to them upon development. External development will be controlled growth based on water supply.”
Utilities: “We will continue to seek well sites and, depending on our success, there will be more development and a new sewer plant.”
Support for Lees-McRae College: “Banner Elk is a college town, both [of] which support each other immeasurably.”
Annexation: “Concerning annexation, here again the water supply will determine if we can do very much in that regard. We are very limited geographically to annex.”
Additional Comments: “We have no major issues for our town government or staff. We have a well ‘oiled machine’ that is on track, and I want to continue helping maintain our positive and innovative plan for the future!”
Ed Hardin, candidate
Reason for Running: “Preserve Banner Elk’s small town atmosphere; serve our permanent residents.”
Top Priority: “Establish better communication and rapport with our employees; preserve old Banner Elk school property and prevent condo or other large commercial development there.”
Development: “We have enough development at this time.”
Utilities: “We need and are seeking additional facilities.”
Support for Lees-McRae College: “Very important—can always improve town and gown relationships.”
Annexation: “Each possibility has pros and cons and must be weighed carefully.”
Additional Comments: “The same skills that led to the preservation of Edgar Tufts Memorial Association and Wildcat Lake can lead to the preservation of Banner Elk as it presently exists.”
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