Editor’s note: The Cherokee Scout has reached out to all candidates running for office in the 2025 municipal elections in November to contribute statements about their candidacy.
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Gary James
James: ‘Does what needs to be done’
By Gary James
Candidate for Andrews
Board of Aldermen
My name is Gary James, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and I am proud to call Andrews, N.C., my home. I have lived here for nearly 20 years, and this town has become part of who I am.
I am running for town alderman because I care deeply about our community and the people who live here. I have served in this role before, and I would be honored to serve again.
Most folks know me as someone who shows up and does what needs to be done. I am a retired school custodian and bus driver, but I still drive a school bus for sports teams and school trips, and enjoy seeing the kids hop on with their big smiles. I have always believed in being dependable and helping where I can.
I also serve on the local advisory board for State Employees’ Credit Union as well as the Four Square Community Action Board of Directors. Serving others and being a steady hand in the community is just part of who I am, and it is how I try to live every day.
I lost my wife, Karen, after her courageous fight with cancer. She was my heart and the love of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and try to live in a way that would make her proud.
These days, I spend as much time as I can with my grandson, Zechariah, who we call Huggie. He is full of joy, and reminds me why strong leadership and sound decisions matter. We are not just building a better Andrews for ourselves, but for the generations who come after us.
If elected, I will make sure our town’s money is spent wisely and responsibly. I will focus on decisions that serve the best interest of our people. Whether we are talking about basic services, public spaces or local businesses, I will be a voice for thoughtful planning and community care. I believe in transparency, fairness and listening to what folks have to say.
I believe public service is not about politics. It is about people. It is about showing up, doing the work and keeping your word. I may not have all the answers, but I have a heart for this town and willingness to listen.
I believe in old-fashioned values like honesty, respect and treating others the way you want to be treated.
I am not running for a title or for recognition. I am running because I love this town and want to give back. I want to do my part to make sure Andrews stays a good and decent place for families to grow and neighbors to take care of one another.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate your support and your prayers. If you see me around town, feel free to say hello. I am always glad to talk, and even more glad to listen.
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James Reid
Reid:
Reflects on 8 years of progress
By James Reid
Candidate for Andrews mayor
When James Reid became mayor of Andrews eight years ago, the town faced a negative $75,000 fund balance. Today, Andrews is financially stable, with millions invested in infrastructure, revitalized public spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
Reid credits the turnaround to collaboration between the town board, staff, county commissioners, and state representatives. Still, as mayor, he has been the point person setting priorities, building relationships, and keeping projects on track.
“My job is to connect the right people, make sure projects stay on track, and fight for Andrews’ needs at every level,” Reid said. “It’s about leadership, and about having the time and commitment to be fully present for the town.”
Reid’s repeated trips to Raleigh and Washington have strengthened partnerships with state and federal legislators, enabling Andrews to compete successfully for state and federal funds. Under Reid’s leadership, Andrews has helped secure more than $20 million in grants for critical water and sewer projects.
These include an $11.7 million upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, new water lines to replace aging asbestos pipe, a new Leatherwood Mountain water tower and sewer system improvements in local neighborhoods. The town’s water plant also received upgrades to its floating intake system, ensuring reliable supply during droughts.
Of the many improvements in recent years, the debt-free renovation of a new town hall has been a point of pride for Reid. The facility provides a modern space for public services, community meetings, and residents to meet with officials. The former Town Hall has been transformed into an upgraded police department, outfitted with improved facilities and updated equipment, also achieved through outside funding.
Reid has worked to make Andrews more appealing to residents and visitors alike. The town added four pickleball courts, refurbished its playground and renovated the community center. Heritage Park features county soccer fields, expanded disc golf and a planned biking trail.
The park’s addition to the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail has brought new tourism opportunities, highlighting the Valley River’s unique aquatic life. Large events – such as rodeos, soccer tournaments and the annual Cherokee County Fair – have drawn thousands of people.
Protecting what makes Andrews special has been another priority. Partnering with Trout Unlimited, Reid supported cleanup efforts along the Valley River to protect water quality and sustain North Carolina’s trout fishing economy.
Reid has also worked to safeguard taxpayer dollars in library funding. After learning that a portion of Andrews’ contributions was being distributed to other counties, he advocated for keeping taxpayer dollars in Andrews while continuing to fully fund the local library’s operations.
Reid said Andrews is “on the cusp of taking off,” with potential new businesses and new housing developments underway.
“Our foundation is strong,” Reid said. “The relationships we’ve built, the projects we’ve completed and the progress we’ve made put us in a great position for the future.”
As the Nov. 4 municipal election approaches, Reid’s two terms offer a record of steady leadership and tangible results in moving Andrews forward.
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Brandi Smith
Smith: Andrews
‘can be so much more’
By Brandi Smith
Candidate for Andrews mayor
I am running for mayor of Andrews because I know the town can be so much more. Andrews deserves someone who listens to the concerns of the citizens, rather than someone who speaks over them and dismisses their concerns. Someone who is willing to work with business owners, groups and organizations who have insight, vision and ideas for improvement. It is time for leadership that puts Andrews first – leadership that works with the people, not around or against them.
Andrews does not have a full-time grant writer; however, there are resources in the county that are not being utilized by town government, such as Cherokee County’s grant writer and Tri-County Community College’s Department of Economic & Workforce Development. We have resources across the state, ready and willing to help, and I will work with these entities for the regrowth of Andrews. We are not alone in this work.
I have been on the Andrews Board of Aldermen for almost four years. During that time, I’ve attended every board meeting and was mayor pro tem for two and a half years.
Looking back at the decisions made while on this board, I have never made my decisions based on a personal agenda or bias. Every decision I make is guided by one principle – the best interest of the citizens. I will not make false promises, but will assure the citizens that I will do everything in my power legally to make the best decisions for them and guide the town in a progressive direction.
Andrews has faced a long history of turnover in police chiefs and officers. I was directly involved in the hiring of our current police chief, and I stand firmly behind that decision.
The chief and our officers are out here every day, working to keep our citizens safe and removing drugs from our neighborhoods. I deeply appreciate their commitment and strong desire to serve this community, and I will continue to stand with and support the work of our police department.
Andrews has dedicated and determined businesses, and I want to build on that strength. We can do more with better signage, stronger advertising and by recruiting new businesses into downtown. Before that can succeed, we must take on a major cleanup effort. A cleaner, stronger downtown will set the foundation for growth and opportunity.
With the picturesque
valley, the majestic mountains surrounding us and
the peaceful Valley River flowing through our town, Andrews is blessed with beauty and so much
potential. It is up to us
to match that natural strength with safer streets, thriving businesses and a community that we can all be proud of. Together, we can regrow an Andrews that honors its past while securing its future.
I am a native of Cherokee County, growing up in Unaka, but choosing Andrews as my home. I have worked as a licensed insurance customer service representative for 22 years and am abundantly blessed with a supportive family.
Remember, Andrews citizens, let’s do more!