HAYWOOD COUNTY

Canton

Canton’s election carried the weight of four turbulent years — a pandemic, a devastating flood, the closure of its largest employer and Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

Four candidates sought two board seats, each offering a vision for how the hard-hit town can recover, rebuild and regain financial stability without losing its resilience or its identity. Incumbents Kristina Proctor and Tim Shepard leaned on experience earned through years of crisis management. Both pointed to progress on wastewater planning, infrastructure repairs and disaster recovery as proof that steady leadership matters.

Challengers Adam Hatton, a business owner and volunteer firefighter advocating faster response to emergencies and stronger local action, and Neal Swanger, an Army veteran and former police officer prioritizing infrastructure oversight and fiscal prudence, argued that new voices could speed up decision-making and push for better communications, broader grant pursuit and renewed urgency in dealing with federal bureaucracy.

Voters rewarded Proctor and Shepard for their service with convincing margins. Shepard led with 282 votes, trailed closely by Proctor with 276. Hatton finished third at 185, with Swanger’s total at 131.

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The future of the wastewater treatment plant dominated the campaign. With the old facility still located on the former mill site, candidates agreed that a modern replacement is critical to economic redevelopment. Proctor and Shepard linked that work to long-term sustainability, while Hatton and Swanger emphasized cost control and accountability.

Flood recovery, road maintenance and fiscal discipline were other recurring themes. Canton’s board has relied heavily on grants and delayed reimbursements from FEMA, forcing leaders to balance the budget carefully while keeping taxes level. Candidates disagreed on whether to keep the vehicle registration fee used to fund paving but shared a common desire to make every dollar count in the town’s recovery.

Mayor Zeb Smathers has never faced an opponent and won a third term with 364 votes. In 2021, Smathers earned 157 votes, with 19 write-ins, but in 2017 — his first race for mayor — he counted 294 votes against 78 write-ins, most going to then-Mayor Mike Ray, who decided not to run for reelection against Smathers. This time, there were 52 write-in votes.

In total, 879 votes were cast this year — up from 638 in 2023, 334 in 2021 and 225 in 2019.

Proctor led the ticket in 2017 with 270 votes. She was joined on the board at that time by James Markey, who later resigned after moving outside town limits. Shepard subsequently won the open seat, earning 137 votes in 2021 and trailed closely by Proctor with 126 in her first reelection bid.

In 2023, Mayor Pro Tem Gail Mull and incumbent Alderman Ralph Hamlett cruised to victory over Hatton, earning 249 votes and 219 votes, respectively, versus Hatton’s 150.

The next board will oversee some of the most consequential projects in Canton’s history — rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring tax revenue from the mill site and ensuring that lessons learned from years of disaster become the foundation for a more resilient future.

Proctor said that over the next four years, she’ll focus on stabilizing Canton’s water and sewer systems using a $41 million grant and beginning work on right-sizing the old wastewater treatment plant and planning for the new sewage treatment plant. She added that she also wants to help local businesses not only arrive, but thrive, in Canton.

“We have entrepreneurs and business owners that have not only believed in Canton and invested in our community, but they live here with their families, they’ve lived here for generations,” Proctor said. “I want to focus on what makes Canton great, and that is our people and growing our small- to mid-sized businesses for the better ment of our larger community.”

Clyde

Clyde voters confronted familiar questions this election — how to rebuild after disaster, how to manage growth without losing the town’s identity and how to plan for a future defined by both opportunity and risk. Four candidates competed for two seats on the Board of Aldermen, offering different ideas but sharing a commitment to long-term resilience.

The small Haywood County town remains scarred by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Fred, which exposed infrastructure weaknesses and forced leaders to rethink floodplain development.

Incumbents Frank Lay and Diane Fore emphasized continuity, pointing to years of work on water and sewer repairs, facility relocation and law enforcement reforms.

Challengers Cory Nuckolls, a hospitality executive advocating for strategic growth, interlocal cooperation and financial preparedness, and Kathy Johnson, a retired bank manager promoting fiscal responsibility, small-business renewal and flood resilience, both called for broader economic planning and tighter financial management.

In the end, Nuckolls earned a seat with 57 votes, but Johnson fell short with 48, just behind longtime incumbent Diane Fore’s 51. Another longtime incumbent, attorney Frank Lay, led all candidates with 78. Turnout was actually lower this year than in 2023; that year, 249 votes were cast. This year, polls logged 236.

Nuckolls and Johnson both ran in 2023, losing to challenger Amy Russell and incumbent Dann Jesse. Russell and Jesse earned 82 and 81 votes respectively, while Johnson counted 47 and Nuckolls 21 that year.

“When I first ran two years ago, I had the same excitement for the opportunity, but life being as complex as it is, I don’t feel like I put my best foot forward,” Nuckolls said. “This go-round, I did a lot of door-knocking, a lot of calls and texts, and it definitely paid off.” 

Each candidate approached recovery as a chance to improve rather than simply restore what had been. Lay described rebuilding as an opportunity to relocate public assets out of harm’s way, while Nuckolls focused on sustainability and emergency preparedness, arguing for a financial “nest egg” to help bridge the gap between disasters and federal aid.

The race unfolded as Clyde weighs how to protect its water system, strengthen its budget and turn the Pigeon River from a liability into an economic asset.

Waynesville

For the second election cycle in a row, a candidate who refused to speak to any media outlets in the Waynesville prior to Election Day has come up short in a bid to join the Town Council.

Landen Stevenson, a Waynesville real estate agent, demanded interview questions from The Smoky Mountain News in advance of what would have been a pre-scheduled campaign interview. When Stevenson’s request was refused — SMN does not provide questions in advance to any candidate seeking office — he failed to respond to an interview request. He also didn’t speak to reporters at The Mountaineer.

Stevenson’s blunder echoes a stance made in 2023 by a group of candidates calling themselves “ Team Waynesville,” none of whom spoke to local media and none of whom won the seats they’d sought.

Voters, facing a choice between continuity and change this year as the town’s long recovery from Helene and years of infrastructure strain entered a new phase, again chose two incumbents, Julia Freeman and Anthony Sutton, who sought reelection by arguing that steady hands and long-term planning remain essential for one of the region’s largest municipalities west of Asheville.

With a $40 million annual budget and a population hovering around 10,000, Waynesville continues to shoulder regional responsibilities as Haywood County’s economic powerhouse while also managing its own recovery from storm damage.

Both incumbents pointed to progress on the long-delayed wastewater treatment plant, now nearing completion, as proof that persistence and planning can pay off.

The town’s finances were another major focus. Despite costly repairs and FEMA delays, fiscal restraint and debt avoidance remain popular themes among residents wary of higher bills. Both candidates stressed collaboration with state and federal partners to keep projects moving without overburdening taxpayers.

Affordable housing and public safety also shaped the campaign. With a fire station expansion and ladder truck replacement still pending, candidates urged early budgeting to avoid rising costs.

Both described housing as Waynesville’s next major challenge, calling for development that supports local workers without undermining neighborhood character.

Julia Freeman

Freeman and Sutton will now rejoin an experienced Town Council under Mayor Gary Caldwell and alongside fellow incumbents Chuck Dickson and Jon Feichter.

Anthony Sutton

“With the election behind us, it’s time to double down on the work ahead,” Sutton said. “That means holding FEMA accountable to ensure Waynesville gets the recovery support we were promised, investing in our fire department so they have the tools and staffing they need and expanding our efforts to make this town a truly welcoming place for our LGBTQ community. I’m committed to building a more resilient, inclusive Waynesville — one where every resident feels safe, heard and valued.”

In 2023, nearly 9,000 votes were cast, largely due to the number of candidates running. This year, that number dropped to just under 2,600.

Stevenson finished with 622 votes to Sutton’s 947 and Freeman’s 1,004. Stevenson did not respond to a Nov. 6 request for comment from SMN.

JACKSON COUNTY

Forest Hills

Forest Hills residents faced a defining choice this election, selecting leaders who will decide how the small Jackson County village balances development pressure, rising costs and the preservation of its valley character. Voters responded with the highest turnout in the last four cycles.

With the mayor’s office and two council seats on the ballot, voters weighed continuity against fresh perspectives in a race that drew broad attention for such a small town.

Incumbent Mayor Marcia Almond campaigned on infrastructure investment and regional cooperation, pointing to her push for a $25 million sewer project to protect the town’s waterway. Challenger Ron Mau questioned the scale of that plan and called for stronger financial planning before pursuing major debt.

Mau, a finance professor and former county commissioner emphasizing transparency and budget discipline, defeated Almond soundly, 56 to 36. Mau was formerly on the village commission from 2012 to 2016.

“I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I knocked on almost every door that had a registered voter behind it, and they either talked to me or got a flyer,” Mau said. “I think a lot of it had to do with the proposed development that may occur in the valley and also their taxes going up and how their money was going to be spent.” 

In 2023, Almond ran unopposed, garnering 48 votes. Two council candidates that year each earned about the same number of votes — 48 and 47 — for two seats.

On the council side, incumbent Daniel Shields and challengers Amy Bollinger and James Hartley each promised to safeguard Forest Hills’ quiet appeal while managing growth responsibly. All three supported fiscal restraint after Jackson County’s property revaluation and tax hike, which hit homeowners across the region.

Bollinger, a Western Carolina University marketing professional and planning board member advocating land protection and housing balance, led the ticket with 69 votes. Shields earned 56, enough to retain his seat, over Hartley’s respectable 45.

“I think I got those votes from relationship building. I didn’t do any signs or any real campaigning in the campaign sense, but I’ve been on the planning board for a year now, and I’m constantly walking the neighborhood,” Bollinger said, adding that in such a small community, personal trust and visibility are important.  

The future of the Fontana Regional Library system remained a major point of unity. Every candidate backed Forest Hills’ resolution opposing the county’s withdrawal, underscoring growing frustration over county representation. Concerns about law enforcement coverage and infrastructure financing also surfaced, revealing the difficulty small municipalities face when relying on county agencies for essential services.

Sylva

Sylva voters faced a crowded ballot and a divided community, weighing seven candidates for three council seats amid ongoing cultural battles and financial strain.

While the small Jackson County seat continues to wrestle with growth, redevelopment and budget limits, debates over the Fontana Regional Library withdrawal and the town’s annual Pride parade revealed deeper tensions shaping local politics.

In one race, incumbent Joe Waldrum faced challengers Taylor Armstrong, Calvin Autrey and Sam McGuire. McGuire led that ticket with 307 votes. Waldrum finished second with 241 votes, enough to retain his seat. Autrey and Horne finished a distant third and fourth with 111 and 109 votes, respectively. Brooklyn Joan Brownie finished fifth at 34.

Sam McGuire

“I think name recognition obviously helped,” said McGuire, who called the win humbling. “Being from here and generations of McGuires, our reputation helped. I think the social media campaign was also very helpful, reaching out to voters on Instagram and on Facebook.”

Joe Waldrum

Another separate council race pitted incumbent Jon Brown against Perry Matthews.

Matthews, in perhaps the upset of the night, defeated Brown 267-158. A restaurant manager and culinary instructor highlighting small-business growth and community unity, Matthews differed from Brown in fundamental ways, perhaps most notably on his pro-Pride parade position.

Perry Matthews

“I think that did help with some of that community, but I’ve also been a part of the downtown community, working downtown on Main Street — I’ve built my career downtown with these people. I’ve made food in and around this town for years. We’ve grown together as a community, and they’ve seen me grow,” Matthews said.

Sylva's Town Council now has two new faces. File photo

Across the races, candidates split sharply on how Sylva should handle social issues and public spending. Some framed the library dispute as government overreach and called for caution in cultural matters, while others viewed the town’s resolution supporting the Fontana Regional Library as a stand for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Pride parade drew similar fault lines, with some calling it divisive and others describing it as an economic and community asset.

Fiscal pressure from Jackson County’s property tax increase also loomed large. Candidates acknowledged the strain on residents while offering differing remedies, from strict spending control to better communication about where tax dollars go. Redevelopment along U.S. 107 and the future of the town’s Community Care policing program added further complexity to an already polarized environment.

Mayor Johnnie Phillips ran unopposed and will return for a second term. In 2023, Phillips defeated Natalie Newman by a total of 259-178. That same year, six candidates sought three seats. Brad Waldrop led that council ticket with 246 votes, with two other candidates each earning 210 votes to win seats on council. Fewer votes were cast this year than in that election.

Webster

Webster voters ended what was perhaps the most competitive election in the town’s history by choosing a mix of new and familiar names to lead them through coming years of growth, traffic and tax debates. Five candidates sought three seats, reflecting renewed interest in local government after years of uncontested races.

Brad Reisinger, a Western Carolina University English professor prioritizing community engagement and resident input, led all candidates with 63 votes.

“Representation was something I campaigned on, recognizing that in our county some of our county commissioners don’t seem to be interested in the concerns of their constituents,” Reisinger said, noting continued anger from residents over Jackson County commissioners’ decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system earlier this year.

“That makes people sour.” 

Health communication specialist Sara Stahlman, highlighting walkability, parks and family-friendly planning, finished with 55. Incumbent Dale Collins, co-owner of Tuckasegee Fly Shop, focused on pedestrian safety and river stewardship and ended up with 51, enough to claim the third and final seat.

The unusually high turnout capped months of steady engagement over issues that have defined the small Jackson County community — land use, river stewardship and transparency in town operations. Growth across Western North Carolina continues to press against Webster’s quiet residential boundaries, prompting questions about how to preserve the town’s walkability while absorbing regional change.

Challengers Daniel Riggs and Susan Raaf finished with 44 and 12 votes, respectively.

Former Vice Mayor Leigh Anne Young ran uncontested for mayor, but her race still saw more double the votes cast when former Mayor Tracy Rodes ran uncontested in 2021. All told, council votes numbered 226 this year, compared to 36 in 2023.

Throughout the campaign, candidates emphasized different aspects of the same challenge. Some called for more sidewalks, slower traffic and stronger environmental oversight. Others focused on fiscal discipline and public accountability after property revaluations left homeowners paying more.

As in other Jackson County municipalities, debate over Jackson County’s decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system shaped the race. Several candidates supported Webster’s resolution urging commissioners to remain in the system, while others questioned whether the town should have weighed in at all. Those candidates lost.

The May closure of the town’s post office remained a symbol of small-town vulnerability and lack of congressional engagement, raising concerns about how much influence local leaders actually have over services provided by outside agencies. Despite divergent priorities, most agreed that Webster’s strength lies in its scale — a place small enough for residents to know one another and expect accountability from those who serve.

MACON COUNTY

Franklin

Franklin will have a new mayor and two new council members.

In the General Election, held Nov. 4, Councilman Stacy Guffey, who opted to run for mayor instead of trying to keep his seat on town council, won his race against political newcomer and business owner Matthew Holland, coming away with a total of 333 votes, good for 59%. During a Sept. 25 forum hosted by Forward Franklin, Guffey touted his experience in public service, even going as far as to acknowledge the designation “politician.”

“I’m going to lean into it and own that word,” he said.

There were three seats open for council. Voters could make three selections out of the seven names on the ballot.

The top vote-getter was Jeff Berry with 313 votes. Berry owns rental houses, which he noted were rent controlled, meaning his tenants will never see an increase in rent once the initial lease is signed — something that’s rare in the region. He also has a background in accounting and is a trustee for a local cemetery.

Jeff Berry. Macon County Elections photo

“I ran a very unconventional campaign,” Berry said. He decided not to work the early voting polls, thinking most voters there had already made up their minds. He decided not to run a phone bank, thinking most people wouldn’t answer calls from an unknown number. He decided not to knock on doors, either.

“In this day and age, you just don’t know whose door you’re knocking on,” Berry told SMN.

Instead, Berry said he attended public events, put signs on his truck and stopped to talk to people about his campaign. He also credited a Sept. 25 candidate forum for helping undecided voters push him over the top.

“I 100% think it helped propel me to victory, and also probably had something to do with the others not winning,” he said.

Finishing second was incumbent Rita Salain, who received 297 votes. Also earning a seat on council was Travis Higdon with 283 votes.

Like in many municipalities, turnout in Franklin far exceeded the 2023 elections. Where 522 ballots were cast that year, there were 907 this year.

SWAIN COUNTY

Bryson City

Bryson City voters participated in only one election this cycle, tasked with choosing two out of three candidates for alderman.

The two incumbents — Harrah’s Cherokee Casino manager Tim Hines and outdoors business co-owner Ben King — won with 96 (41.03%) and 80 (34.19%) votes, respectively.

Professional videographer Walter Kent Maxey collected 45 votes (19.23%).

In individual interviews last month with SMN, candidates had varying positions on homelessness, town water and sewer systems and libraries, potentially affecting decisions made at the ballot box.

In addition, both Hines and King celebrated their progress while acknowledging past missteps. Each was eager to continue bettering Bryson City and serving its residents.

Bryson City voters opted to stick with experience. A Shot Above photo

According to Hines, the town plans major infrastructure improvements in the coming year, including wastewater plant expansion, sidewalk repairs and a work on a river crossing damaged during Helene. Additional grants are being sought to bolster water and sewer resiliency and reliability, while ordinance updates continue alongside community engagement efforts to sustain recent growth.

“I’m excited to build on the momentum that has been growing over the last several years,” he said.

The polls reported comparatively high turnout. 130 ballots were cast from a total of 986 — 13.18%.  This percentage has not been surpassed since 2017 in Swain County municipal elections. The 2023 election, for example, was decided by 79 people representing 7.93% of eligible voters.

All results were accurate as of Nov. 4, and are  considered unofficial until county boards of elections certify them on Nov. 14, 2025.