By Chasity Ledford,andidate for Andrews
Board of Aldermen
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. Not all have submitted a profile yet.
Ledford:
‘Our best days are ahead’
For the past five years that I’ve called Andrews home, it has been my goal to serve our town on the Board of Aldermen.
I was born and raised just a few miles away in Murphy, graduating from Murphy High School in 2008. After earning my cosmetology degree at AB Tech Community College in Asheville, I returned to Cherokee County and work full time at Urban Salon in downtown Murphy.
Andrews is a special place, and I believe it’s time to move our town forward in a positive light. Our board can benefit from a younger member with fresh ideas and an optimistic outlook. My vision is simple but powerful: unity – filling our empty downtown buildings, supporting the businesses we already have, and partnering with surrounding towns and counties to bring in new opportunities.
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I feel the current board has not been as aggressive as it could be in pursuing available grants. Securing these funds is essential for infrastructure improvements, economic development, public safety. It is vital for the growth of our town to seek more state and federal funding. I am committed to making grant research and applications a priority. I firmly believe that a full-time grant writer is imperative.
Public safety is very important to me. We must continue improving our police department by investing in training, updated equipment and the resources officers need to keep our neighborhoods safe. I will work to ensure both our police and fire departments have the training and tools required to serve effectively.
I am not new to service. I serve as vice president of the Cherokee County Fair; sit on the Andrews Town Zoning Board and Andrews ABC Board of Directors; and have been a member of the NASA Committee for Cherokee County. I’ve built strong working relationships with the Cherokee County Tourism Development Board, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Andrews Chamber of Commerce.
When elected, I will bring transparency, professionalism and etiquette to the Board of Aldermen. We need clear communication, RESPECT and accountability to every board meeting! I’m ready to collaborate with county and state officials to deliver the change Andrews deserves.
I chose Andrews and believe our best days are ahead. With your support, I will bring fresh ideas, a strong work ethic and a collaborative spirit to the Board of Aldermen. Together, we can preserve our small-town charm, while creating a brighter and safer future for our children.
If we want real change for Andrews, we must show up at the voting polls. I encourage every voter to get out and vote, because positive change can only happen when we participate.