BY DEBBIE PAGE

George Harris, Felina Harris, and Tonya Bartlett were elected to the three open Troutman Town Council seats on Tuesday. George Harris was the top vote getter after being unseated by only one vote two years ago.

Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Oxsher lost his re-election bid, and current council member Paul Henkel chose not to seek another term.

GEORGE HARRIS

Harris said he is working to get up to speed on council business and issues by meeting with each of the council members, Mayor Teross Young, and each department head for input.

During the campaign, voters expressed their concerns to him about the continued growth of Troutman.

“Traffic congestion was the number one concern I heard from voters, with schools being second,” Harris said. “Several voters felt that developers are not being held accountable for meeting the conditions that were placed on them.

“While they know that as a councilman I am limited on solving every concern they raise, they expect me to look into these concerns,” he added. “Then they want follow-up with what is getting done and how going forward I can assure that the concern is being addressed by the proper agencies and what action is being taken.

Several residents mentioned the lack of follow-up by town officials as a concern, Harris said.

“My pledge to constituents is that I will take the time to understand the issues you raise and will always follow up with them on the status,” he said.

Harris is grateful to have been given another opportunity to serve the community.

“First and foremost, I wish to thank my family and my Falls Cove neighbors and surrounding communities for all their support throughout this campaign,” he said. “Not only did they support me with yard signs in their yards, they offered words of encouragement to not let up on achieving this goal and showed up at the polls for me.

“Additionally, I could not have won this campaign without the support of Sue Brown, Betty Jean Troutman, Jan Comer, and Paul Henkel. They gave me the strength to work so hard to achieve this return to council.”

FELINA HARRIS

After being elected to a second term, Harris has an understanding about the town’s business and current issues. She plans to continue actively participating in meetings, reviewing materials, and staying in close communication with fellow council members and town staff so she can continue making the best decisions for the town’s residents.

During the campaign, the feedback she heard most frequently was a strong desire to “stop building.”

“Many voters were unaware that a 30-month moratorium had already been put in place in September,” she said. “While there were several reasons for the moratorium, hearing this concern directly from our residents highlighted the importance of thoughtful growth and the need for continued dialogue about the future of our town.”

Harris said the message from her constituents was loud and clear.

“Voters expect me to take action that protects the character of our town. I know people are frustrated by congestion and the feeling that things are moving too fast, and they want thoughtful solutions that make daily life better, not harder,” she said.

She called the moratorium on new residential development an important step in the right direction.

“It gives us the opportunity to plan more intentionally and ensure future development aligns with our community’s values and infrastructure,” she explained.

Harris pledged to “continue serve our community with integrity, transparency, and a deep love for our town. I will continue to make decisions that keep the place where we live, work, play, and thrive together strong.”

Harris is truly grateful to the residents of Troutman for placing their trust in her once again.

“Serving our community is an honor. I also want to thank my family, my friends near and far, my church family, and my fellow Troutman Council members for their support.”

TONYA BARTLETT

Bartlett, who currently serves on the Planning and Zoning Board, was elected to her first term on the council. She has invested significant time learning the local government structure, laws, and regulations.

“Through my experience with Planning and Zoning, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of Troutman’s history, demographics, economic profile, and current infrastructure challenges,” she said. “To further enhance my understanding, I have reviewed minutes from committee and council meetings and agenda meetings and reviewed adopted plans and town ordinances.”

She also plans to reach out to staff, department heads, and fellow council members to establish strong working relationships and to thoroughly examine the town budget, financial reports, and audits to gain a comprehensive understanding of the town’s financial situation.

“By combining this knowledge with my experience and passion for community service, I’m confident in my ability to effectively serve Troutman as a Town Council member,” she said. “During my conversations with town residents, the current moratorium was a significant topic of discussion. Residents expressed satisfaction with the decision to implement the moratorium.”

Voters have shared key concerns and expectations with Bartlett as she campaigned. Residents want regular updates on the infrastructure timeline, including developments on roads, water, sewer, schools, and other essential services. They also want greater transparency and to be notified promptly when new information becomes available or when changes occur.

Bartlett said she is committed to making decisions that prioritize the well-being of the Troutman community, free from personal biases and external influences.

“I’ll vote with integrity, transparency, and accountability, always putting the needs of our town first,” she said. “As a council member, my pledge is to build strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, and residents to understand their needs and concerns. I’ll prioritize transparency, stay informed, and seek guidance to ensure effective leadership and progress for our town.”

Bartlett said she is grateful for the incredible team and her loved ones who supported her campaign. She gave special thanks to Lauren Cummins for her invaluable assistance. “She’s got a bright future in politics ahead of her!”

She also thanked her sister Laine and niece Summer for knocking on voters’ doors with her, and to Jackie Swoop for rallying the volunteers.

“And to my amazing family, Robert, Edie, Stitt, and all the rest, your love and encouragement mean the world to me. Thank you for believing in me and helping make this journey possible!”