When Sylva’s residents head to the ballot box, they will make a crucial decision by selecting a mayor to guide the town through a series of significant upcoming projects. Among these projects are the expansion of N.C. 107, the future of Pinnacle Park, repairs to Allen Street, and the construction of public restrooms in downtown Sylva. These endeavors present formidable challenges for the town.
Over 50 individuals participated in a candidate forum organized by Indivisible Common Ground WNC on September 28 at the Jackson County Library. During this event, candidates responded to questions posed by members of the audience who had submitted their queries in advance. Beyond discussing the pressing issues facing Sylva today, all the candidates fervently urged the community to exercise their right to vote. In 2021, voter turnout stood at 16.5%, with only 249 out of 1,511 registered voters casting their ballots, a slightly lower figure compared to the 256 votes cast in 2019.
Early voting will be available from October 19 to November 3, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jackson County Board of Elections. Voters are now required to present identification when voting, although a special voter ID can be obtained from the Board of Elections during the early voting period. Election day is scheduled for November 7. In the mayoral race, the incumbent, David Nestler, did not seek reelection. Council Member Natalie Newman and Sylva resident Johnny Phillips have both filed their candidacies for this position.
Natalie Newman was initially elected to Sylva’s town board in 2021, triumphing over two incumbents and securing the highest number of votes among all candidates. Besides her role on the town board, Newman serves on the Main Street Sylva Association Board and holds the position of a Jackson County Chamber Ambassador. She has been a resident of the area since 2011 and works as a property manager.
Johnny Phillips, originally from Sylva, spent three decades working for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, followed by a stint in the private sector. Phillips boasts extensive experience in serving on and chairing public boards.
This year isn’t the first instance where the N.C. 107 project has taken center stage in a Sylva election. During the town board race in the autumn of 2019, when right-of-way acquisition was on the horizon, candidates directed much of their focus toward addressing the road project. Now, with several local businesses forced to close or relocate due to right-of-way acquisitions, candidates vying for town council positions are grappling with issues such as how to balance a budget that will see reduced revenues due to business closures stemming from the road-widening project and how to best support those businesses that have been compelled to relocate.
