Who is Woody Washam, 2023 candidate for Cornelius mayor?
Name: Woody Washam, Jr.
Age as of Nov. 7, 2023: 73
Campaign website or social media page: mayorwoodywasham.com
Occupation: SVP United Bank, Organist - Mt. Zion UMC
Education:
BA Catawba College, majoring in Business Adm and Economics, with a minor in Music
Various banking schools for leadership and banking policy
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held)
Yes, have run for and been elected as follows:
Cornelius Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem 2013-2017 (2 terms)
Cornelius Mayor 2017- present (3 terms)
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
Chairman of Lake Norman Chamber, Chairman of Mooresville Chamber, Chairman of United Way MSI, Board Member of United Way CC, Arts and Science Council, Metropolitan Transit Commission, CRTPO (4 years), Habitat Board, President of Rotary Club on Mooresville/LKN, Trustee at LKN Regional Med Ctr., Chairman and board member at Visit Lake Norman, Major Gifts Chm/board member at Cain Center of the Arts. Ex-officio board member and advisor for Little Smiles of NC. Board Member of LKN EDC, former Chairman of Mooresville EDC
What are, in your view, the most important issues facing Cornelius, and what would your approach be to handling them if elected?
Smart growth management
Transportation/Roads
Public safety including support of Police Dept. and Fire Dept transition into the town
Parks and Recreation expansion to include emphasis on pickleball, tennis, greenways, programming and additional land acquisition.
Quality downtown redevelopment
Keeping tax rate low while maintaining AAA Bond Rating and providing services that citizens are asking for.
My approach would be maintaining very close contact with town citizens, gaining input through surveys and public meetings. I have had great success by establishing mayoral task forces to include citizens as we creatively establish solutions together.
Communities across Mecklenburg County have seen growth and development as well as a hot real estate market in recent years. How should Cornelius approach development and housing issues?
To manage growth there must be a good plan in place. The plan should incorporate transportation projects as well. Maintaining Quality of Life for my hometown should be a driving factor as well.
Affordable/workforce housing should be a factor through the recent establishment of our Community Development Corp. This was a recommendation of Mayor’s Task Force. We must have our Police Officers, Firemen, Town employees and retail workers be able to afford to live in the town they serve.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
Having the experience of being a local Cornelius native. I attended and graduated from our local public school system-North Meck HS.
Vast leadership experience over decades with significant organizations throughout Cornelius and the Lake Norman Region.
Significant personal relationships established at every level of government - county, state, federal, NCDOT, foundations, etc.
50 + years of service as a banker and supporter of especially small businesses throughout region.
Years of business experience gained through providing advice to businesses and individuals throughout a long career.
Raised millions of dollars that benefited benevolent and civic causes throughout Cornelius and the Lake Norman Region.
Fought for years to maintain the quality of life in my hometown.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
For the past 8 years I have worked, planned and raised significant dollars for the establishment of the Cain Center of the Arts. This significant project opened in our downtown in Jan. 2023. With the funding in place the beautiful facility opened without debt. This is the foundation for the quality redevelopment of our downtown. I maintain great pride in this significant achievement for our future and the quality of life through the arts!!
