Robbinsville – Ahead of two municipal contests rapidly approaching in Graham County, the local board of elections announced its selections for officials at the four precincts Monday.
The special-called meeting also included the quick mention that Town of Lake Santeetlah candidate Chris Griggs has withdrawn from the campaign.
A reason was not cited, but the withdrawal came after the 2023 ballots had already been ordered and shipped.
Below are a list of appointed officials, grouped by precinct:
* East Ward Precinct: Kitty Williams (D) – Chief Judge; Gayle Garland (D) – Judge; Tracy Jenkins (R) – Judge.
* Stecoah Precinct: Lily Oros (D) – Chief Judge; Olean Brown (R) – Judge; Julie Norcross (D) – Judge.
* Tapoco Precinct: Austin Duckett (R) – Chief Judge; Sue Adams (D) – Judge; Rita Lequire (R) – Judge.
* West Ward Precinct: Wanda Collins (D) – Chief Judge; Patricia Orr (R) – Judge; Lorna Sellers (D) – Judge.
Candidates qualified between July 7-21 for the upcoming elections, which are being held for the towns of Fontana Dam and Lake Santeetlah. Both municipalities operate on two-year term cycles, while the Town of Robbinsville is on a 4-year plan, but has a staggered location in the rotation: its last election was in 2021, which ushered in a new mayor and the approval of beer and wine sales within city limits.
Candidates for the 2023 races are:
* Fontana Dam: Rob Hardy (Incumbent, Mayor); Joshua Grant (Incumbent, Council Member); and Tracy Williams, who last served on the council in late-2019;
* Lake Santeetlah: Alan Davidson; Tina Emerson (Incumbent; also the town’s finance officer); Connie Gross (Incumbent, Mayor); Kevin Haag; Jim Hager (Incumbent); Diana Simon (Incumbent); and Ralph Strunk.
No early voting will be held for the ballots;
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.