Andrews – Candidates in this year’s municipal races participated in a meet and greet discussion Saturday, hoping to convince voters that they’re the best person for the job.
The discussion spanned an hour and included candidates’ thoughts on town finances, policing and volunteering. However, economic development dominated the discussion.
“We are living in a highly competitive, highly integrated world marketplace,” mayoral candidate Randy Hogsed said. “We need to decide what we have to offer that marketplace … and importantly, what we don’t have to offer that marketplace.”
Hogsed said every facet of town government, and every business that operates in the area, should have an internet presence so outsiders can learn more about the positive attributes of Andrews.
“Ninety-six percent of the real estate that's bought today is first viewed on the internet,” Hogsed said. “You can’t compete in today’s marketplace using technology from the 1950s. If we do not exist on the internet, we cannot compete ... we can't attract that investment to the town, which is going to expand that property tax base.”
Alderman candidate Alton Raymond III said town leaders should organize more festivals to attract tourists, who may decide to set up shop here long term. He echoed Hogsed’s sentiments regarding the internet.
“Somebody asked me how I would feel about the town of Andrews having a social media [presence],” Raymond said. “I think that's a way we can get people to recognize where Andrews is.”
Incumbent Mayor James Reid said the town must work to attract businesses that are the “right fit” for Andrews.
“We do have challenges of buildings being owned by people that don't really want things to go in them, and that's what we need to work on: trying to find out what it takes to get those buildings filled up,” Reid said. “Andrews is a special kind because you have to have a certain niche for what you've got going into it. I think that's the most important thing; finding the right fit for the right building.”
Rebecca Woodard, who is running for one of two seats on the board of aldermen, said she has spoken with people who want to rent or buy a property downtown but have not been able to do so. She feels town aldermen should reach out to property owners to help facilitate economic growth and use of those empty buildings. Woodard added that economic activity will increase once the town spruces up a bit.
“Once we make a nice playground and make our rec park look nice again, businesses will want to start coming here – and visitors will want to come and start spending their money here,” Woodard said.
Brandi Smith, who also seeks an alderman seat, feels Andrews needs more fast-food restaurants to entice travelers to exit the four-lane highway and stop in town. She also believes revitalization of the Andrews-to-Murphy rail line is a good idea.
“I think Bryson City is a cute little town,” Smith said. “I would really like to see the train come back to Andrews. People would come into the downtown area to ride the train and tour the town.”
Incumbent Alderman Steve Jordan, who is seeking a fifth term overall, said the town needs someone whose sole task is to seek grants and write letters to entrepreneurs enticing them to establish a business in Andrews.
“It would be real good if we had someone letting people know where we're at and what we got here,” Jordan said.
Mayoral candidate J L Franklin said a lack of awareness about Andrews contributes to the lack of businesses in town. He said town leaders should develop an advertising campaign to attract entrepreneurs and tourism dollars alike.
“You have to put some kind of sign (on the highway) for them to know Andrews exists,” Franklin said. “A lot of them passing through here don’t even know.”
Meanwhile, alderman candidate Jason Raxter said the town is “looking in the wrong places” when seeking solutions to spur economic development and tourism.
“Get an idea and open a business,” Raxter said, addressing local residents. “Don't think, ‘No, we need some outsider.’ It’s your town; open your own business. It’s easy. I started with almost nothing. It just takes a lot of work and dedication. It’s your town; invest in it. You make it what you want it to be.”
Municipal elections are set for Tuesday, Nov. 2. In Andrews, the mayor’s seat and two aldermen seats are up for grabs. In Murphy, the mayor’s seat and all six council seats are open for new terms; however, none of the races are contested this year.