Love Valley, Harmony candidates focus on future

Elections in the small town of Love Valley not only bring about a change in leadership, but in responsibilities as well.

With no town staff members to carry the burden of setting up events or raising money for special projects, commissioners take on that responsibility themselves.

“It is more of a work of love for the town,” said Anthony Kennedy, who is seeking a third term on the commission. “I don’t think any of us consider it that much of a burden.

“It is a small price to pay to keep Love Valley like it is.”

The five seated town commissioners - Charles Sauders, Charlie Nance, Kennedy, Linda Jolly and Tori Barker Callanan - are expected to retain their seats after Tuesday’s elections. They are opposed by a single write-in candidate, Randy Lackey.

Mayor Andy Barker is running unopposed once again.

Kennedy and Nance want to get the town’s water and sewer system updated to accommodate any growth in the area.

“We are still trying to get Energy United to take over the water system,” Kennedy said.

Nance said he is considered the water commissioner.

“I do my best to keep the water running,” he said.

His father owned and operated a well and pump business, and he worked there for some time, which is why he was put in charge of keeping the water running.

“Whatever your strong suit is, that is appointed to that commissioner,” he said.

Callanan said she is considered the parks and recreation commissioner.

“We just kind of work together on separate little projects,” she said.

Callanan said she has been working with Jolly on some beautification and park projects.

This year the town installed a horseshoe pit and added a couple of garden areas.

One of the big projects the town is currently working on is a town hall, which will house a library and museum.

Town officials are still working on budget and design plans for the building, she said.

Callanan said she thought the commission in place was handling things pretty well.

“We don’t really have too many major issues,” she said.

Each of the commissioners interviewed said they take their job in maintaining the town for both the residents and as a tourism attraction seriously.

“In my opinion, everybody who is running has the best interest for the town,” Kennedy said.

Harmony
Barring a surprise write-in candidacy, Harmony residents have already decided by default who will be on their town’s governing body.

Each of the five elected positions up for grabs Tuesday has one uncontested candidate.

Harmony Mayor John Ray Campbell is looking forward to another term.

“I think we will have a good board this time,” he said. “I hope everything is going to move on forward.”

One of the big issues facing Harmony is installing a sewer system

After watching the population in south Iredell County balloon over the past decade, Campbell said the board has to be proactive.

Installing a sewer system is one of the main reasons why Carolyn Moore, 72, is running for the Ward 2 seat in Harmony.

Moore, a newcomer to the political scene, said her candidacy was a spur of the moment decision she made after her husband Robert, who currently holds that seat, became ill.

“I knew Robert had put in so much time and effort into (the sewer),” she said, “I felt like I should just continue with what he had done.”

A sewer system would just be the latest in a series of improvements in Harmony, Moore said.

“Right now, everything looks so up in Harmony,” she said. “I will do everything I can to enhance the town.”

Another Harmony political newcomer is Joyce Rogers.

Rogers and Moore will join incumbents Ward 1 alderman Ray Lewis and Ward 2 alderman Patricia Clanton.

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Posted on 11/04/07 at 07:35 AM
Harmony •Love Valley • (0) Comments

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