IFN Staff
Emily Bosshart, one of seven candidates running for two at-large seats on the Statesville City Council in November’s election, has bowed out of the race.
She announced her decision to withdraw on Thursday.
“You know how sometimes you RSVP ‘yes’ to a dinner party, then realize halfway there that it’s not really your crowd?” Bosshart said in a news release. “That’s kind of what happened with me and the City Council At-Large race.”
Her name will still appear on the November ballot, but Bosshart urged voters not to cast their ballots for her.
“If you do, you’re taking a vote away from someone who’s more ready to roll up their sleeves and serve in this particular moment of Statesville’s journey,” she explained.
Voters can choose two candidates in the November 4 election. As a result of the City Council’s decision to stagger the two at-large seats in future elections, the top vote-getter in this race will win a four-year term and the runner-up will get a two-year term.
Although she was eager to serve, Bosshart said she found the partisan politics — in a race that is officially nonpartisan — to be distasteful.
“After meeting my fellow candidates at forums, it became clear that unless I was willing to play the political party game, I wouldn’t have the advantage I’d need to be effective in the role,” she said. “And, frankly, I can’t imagine serving Statesville’s people while being pulled on policy strings by either party.
“What I can imagine, and what I remain deeply committed to, is fighting for affordable housing. Serving on the Statesville Housing Authority Board gives me the chance to do exactly that. It’s the work that lights me up, and when I first filed to run, my main goal was to plug into the network of leaders already pushing for solutions. Mission accomplished.”
Bosshart said her work with Yokefellow Ministry enables her to stay connected “in a boots-on-the-ground way, directly serving neighbors in need and seeing firsthand where change is most urgently needed.”
She expressed her gratitude to those who supported her campaign.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be gathering knowledge, building relationships, and adding tools to my toolbox so that if I ever do throw my hat back in the ring, I’ll be even more prepared to serve. For now, I’m just proud to be one thread in the vibrant fabric that makes Statesville so unique and so worth protecting.”
I can appreciate your decision to bow out (for the time being) during this volatile period of “non partisan” political race. As a registered Independent it allows me to step back and breathe. I have always supported the candidate of my choice regardless of party affiliation at all levels. I believe if one votes blindly along party lines then that person never needs to listen to anyone or anything as their vote has already been cast. I do support Mr. Tip Nicholson. Proven track record in ALL endeavors he has undertaken. He has nothing to prove and is running for the good of our city. I also feel that the best mayor for Statesville should be one who lives here with roots firmly planted who says what they believe to be true and actually does what they say. Too often we listen to words while action speak volumes. I think we have some capable people running for all positions. It is now your turn to not only listen but to look and see what has been done for your city not what your city can do for you Thank you, Robert Gerard Gill. Family roots in Statesville for many many generations. Past Board member of Statesville Kiwanis. Past Chair of Appropriate Punishments , Past member of Statesville Mediation. Current chair of Statesville YMCA Advisory Board Veteran of United States Army