ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Voters in Woodfin and Weaverville will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4, for municipal elections in both towns.
In Woodfin, three town council seats are up for grabs. Four candidates are running, including incumbent Philip Cohen. Challengers include attorney Dan Bowers, plumber Chip Parton and retired Delta Airlines employee Marcy Pozner-Thompson.
Woodfin has seen a turbulent year. Hundreds of westside residents petitioned for de-annexation, an effort ultimately rejected by the council. Tropical Storm Helene also left a mark on the town, and Mayor Jim McAllister was censured by the council for multiple code-of-conduct violations.
Chip Parton said his campaign focuses on addressing disparities in services across the French Broad River.
“A couple years ago, I realized that many residents west of the river don’t receive the same level of services but pay the same level of taxes,” Parton said.
He chairs a water infrastructure task force aimed at identifying needs for residents without access to town or Asheville water.
Cohen, appointed to the council in February 2024 after McAllister became mayor, said his priorities include responsible development, affordable housing, preserving green space, expanding tourism along the French Broad River and improving public safety.
“I have worked with all members of Council, the Mayor, the Town Manager, town staff, our partners and residents to improve Woodfin’s community, livability and economy for everyone,” Cohen said.
Efforts to reach Pozner-Thompson were unsuccessful.
In Weaverville, the election includes the mayor’s office and three council seats. Incumbent Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons is not seeking re-election. Candidates for mayor include current council member Dee Lawrence and former council member Andrew Nagle.
Six candidates are vying for three council seats: Phil Barnett, Fred Borth, Mark Endries, David King, Eleanor Mrozkowski and Jennifer Young.
Lawrence cited his work on the town’s Strategic Plan and ethics investigations as preparation for continuing council duties. Nagle emphasized community engagement in planning and managing growth, including affordable housing.
Voting information
Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast ballots. North Carolina voters must present a photo ID at the polls under a new state law.
Voters can check registration, polling locations, sample ballots and other election information using the North Carolina State Board of Elections voter search tool.
