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When I first registered to vote in the glorious 1980s and continuing into the ’90s, I felt fantastic just about every time I was able to cast a ballot, as there was positivity across America. However, all too many times in recent years, going to a voting precinct has meant choosing between the lesser of two evils for elected office.
The March 3 primary election in Cherokee County was different. It’s one thing to just not vote for incumbents, but it’s another thing altogether whether you have quality candidates running for those offices who deserve your support. Unlike in some past years, most local 2026 races had solid candidates in the primary, with still more interesting campaigns to come before the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3.
In what would be a first for Cherokee County, there could be two women serving on the board of commissioners, depending on the results in November. Both of those women, Jeana Conley in District 1 and Sue Lynn Ledford in District 4, have doctorate degrees, spent their careers in education and health care, and also have significant experience in the nonprofit world. You would be hard-pressed to find two people more intelligent or qualified for the position.
Steve Coleman, the board of education member who once encouraged commissioners to “stay in your lane,” won in District 3 and faces a November challenge. It will be interesting to see what lane he drives in if he changes offices, but you have to appreciate the passion be brings.
Then there’s the sheriff’s race. I haven’t shared this story before, but my daughter’s older now, and it hopefully shows a reason to be optimistic about the future.
Over the course of my lifetime, I’m fortunate that 99% of my dealings with law enforcement officers has been on a professional basis. However, nearly 18 years ago, a different story was told.
My youngest daughter, who was 14 at the time, wanted to visit someone who lived several miles away. Since no one was home, she found the keys to my oldest daughter’s Saturn and decided to take it for a drive through the back roads leading to her friend’s house in Ranger.
On her way home, it started to rain. She was driving too fast around a curve, overcorrected on the wet asphalt and rolled the car a few times. The Saturn with little plastic dinosaurs glued onto the dashboard was totaled; only God knows how she was able to walk away from that wreck with barely a scratch.
When my wife and I arrived at the scene, we met Chris Wood, who was then in the middle of his career with the N.C. Highway Patrol. He calmly explained to us what happened and the potential ramifications. He then pulled me aside so just the two of us could speak.
“I can talk with your daughter about this in a couple ways,” Wood told me. “I can be the good cop and take it easier on her, or I can be the bad cop and lay down the law. What would you prefer?”
It meant a lot to me that he recognized parents deserve to be part of the process when their juvenile children are involved.
“My daughter needs some tough love after this,” I replied. “Give her the bad cop treatment and let her know just how dangerous it is to do things like this.”
Wood did exactly that. He spoke to her firmly, but without going over the top. I can still see little tears welling up in her eyes when he said, “Remember that your parents could have just as easily come to meet you at jail or a funeral home.”
I haven’t forgotten how well Wood handled that situation. If he serves today with the same compassionate and professional attitude that he showed my family back then, he will make a fine sheriff.
Wood has named Joe Wood (no relation) as his chief deputy, another move I salute. Joe Wood served as chief deputy under two sheriffs in Cherokee County before serving as chief deputy the last four years under well-respected Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan. I cannot think of two law enforcement officers who know this area better than they do.
In talking with local residents after the election, there’s an optimism that hasn’t been felt in recent years. Let’s hope that turns into positive results down the line.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.