Editor’s note: The Cherokee Scout reached out to all candidates running for office in the 2025 municipal elections in November to contribute statements about their candidacy. Not every candidate submitted a statement. Early voting starts Thursday in North Carolina.
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I will be running as a write-in candidate for the Murphy Town Council election on Nov. 4.
I was born “just over the line” in Blairsville, Ga., in 1993. However, I was raised right here Murphy on the mountain overlooking the confluence of the Hiwassee and Valley rivers. That same property, which has been in my family since 1947, is where I still reside today. I attended Murphy High School, graduating with the Class of 2011.
I have been employed in several different industries over the past 15 years, including retail grocery management, the gaming industry (casino) and public service. I have been employed with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office since 2018.
I began my career there as a detention officer, being promoted to shift sergeant within a year. In 2021 I transferred to my current position as the custodian of evidence. This job requires tremendous amounts of trust and integrity, of which I hope is a testament to my ability to serve the Town of Murphy.
I served as a board member on the Cherokee County Historical Museum Council from 2019-24. Anyone who knows me understands my passion for the heritage and history of Murphy, and Cherokee County. After all, I’m a seventh-generation descendant of Cherokee County’s early pioneers.
In 2024, I established my own company based out of Murphy, which deals in the retail sale of a variety of products and merchandise. I hope to one day purchase a historic building downtown to operate it from, and possibly create a small museum as well. Some folks reading this might have purchased a pocket knife, or NEHI soda, from me already, which I do appreciate!
I always hear people say Murphy is like “Mayberry” or a “Norman Rockwell Painting.” I believe many years ago that was more accurate than it is today. Murphy has slowly drifted from its small-town charm and character into more of a tourism and retirement destination. That doesn’t mean we can’t try to build back those beloved small-town qualities.
Murphy’s heritage, including its older citizens and landmarks, are slowly disappearing every year. It will take the efforts of the younger generations to carry the torch of Murphy’s past and ensure its ability to flourish in this uncertain world we all live in today.
We must maintain a balance between new and old, local and newcomer, progress and preservation. Without a balance of all these factors, Murphy
will suffer in the end by losing itself trying to imitate other towns and cities.
People uproot and move here for the very qualities we are slowly losing. We must keep that in mind, and make the best decisions for Murphy’s past, present and future.
I encourage every eligible voter to be at the polls to participate in their right to choose who will best represent their interests. If elected, I will do my very best to uphold the values and principals this town was built upon.