News

First candidates file in city elections

By Amy McCraw and Bill Moss, Published: July 2, 2021

Saying he hoped to improve city-maintained roads, incumbent Paul Hansen filed for re-election to the Laurel Park Town Council shortly after noon Friday, the first day of filing for this year's elections in Laurel Park and Hendersonville.

Hansen said the narrow roads in the town have taken a beating from heavy trucks since home construction spiked in recent months. Roads, growth management, the improvement of U.S. 64 at Laurel Park's eastern gateway and planning for the town's centennial in 2025 are other priorities Hansen mentioned.

"We have 13 historical markers and we have 14 more to do and the council hopes to have it done by the centennial," he said.

The seats held by council members Nancy McKinley and Kristin Dunn are also on the ballot in November. McKinley told the Lightning she does not plan to seek re-election. Dunn filed for reelection on Friday. Because she was appointed to fill a vacated seat in 2020, Dunn would run for a two-year term.

Also filing for re-election Friday were Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk and Mayor pro tem Jerry Smith. Debbie Roundtree and Raphael Morales also filed for the Hendersonville city council race.

Filing for seats in Mills River, Flat Rock and Fletcher is July 26-Aug. 13.