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Sam Gray, Steve Gray square off in race for Webster mayor
also see related article Webster candidates speak out on issues facing town
By Lynn Hotaling
No matter which candidate garners the most votes in next month’s election, Webster will still be led by Mayor Gray.
That’s because incumbent Mayor Steve Gray faces a challenge from a like-named local teacher: Sam Gray.
The town of Webster – Sylva’s oldest municipality – was originally an 18-acre tract purchased specifically to be Jackson County’s seat. It was incorporated in 1859 but lost its position as county seat during a bitterly-contested 1913 referendum in which voters, encouraged by the promise of entrepreneur C.J. Harris to build a new courthouse, decided to move county government to Sylva.
Steve Gray, the town’s present mayor, is 50 and is president and CEO of The Sylva Herald. He has lived in Webster for the past 10 years and was appointed to the town board in 1996. He has been mayor for the past six years.
Sam Gray, his challenger, is 30 and has lived in Webster for about 18 months. He teaches seventh-grade math and social studies at Cullowhee Valley School. He has not held elected office before.
In written responses to three questions, both Grays discussed their views on issues facing mostly residential Webster as increasing nearby development impacts the historic town and the qualities each can offer if elected mayor.
The questions they were asked and their answers follow.
How do you think increased development, including the new Lowe’s at the N.C. 107/N.C. 116 intersection will impact Webster? Do you have any solutions?
Sam Gray: Increased development at the N.C 107/N.C.116 intersection will inevitably increase traffic flow throughout the Webster community. While Webster and the surrounding areas stand to benefit from Lowe’s competitive wages and health care/benefits packages, these benefits carry with them the costs of increased traffic and congestion in areas unaccustomed to such growing pains. The Webster community must prepare for this huge increase in traffic not by begrudging the added traffic but by better controlling the traffic passing through our community. For starters, flashing yellow lights are needed near the post office to avert accidents leaving the parking lot as well as warn of the upcoming 90-degree curve.
Steve Gray: Development overall will impact Webster, but there’s not much we can do outside the town limits. One way we can control development within the town is with our zoning ordinances. We have a 1-acre minimum lot size, which limits density.
As far as solutions, N.C. 116 is a state highway and not a town street, and there’s not much we can do except work with the N.C. Department of Transportation and ask their engineers for their advice and help.
Would you support future annexation for Webster? If so, what areas?
Sam Gray: I would not support future annexation for Webster. I do support improving upon the wonderful community we have here by strengthening already rigid land-use regulations by promoting and rewarding sustainable, earth-friendly development.
Steve Gray: I would support the annexation of areas that are close by and have historically been considered part of Webster and have benefited from our zoning ordinances.
Why should Webster voters choose you?
Sam Gray: Webster voters are casting their votes during an unprecedented time of change. Fossil fuel prices have never risen faster, and housing prices have risen to the extent that affordable housing is no longer present as before. Business as usual is not an option, and this applies more than ever to politics at the local level. Leadership that thinks long term in its approach and makes no attempt to mortgage the future for immediate gains is our only option. As mayor, I plan to use my position to educate rather than influence the population of Webster. I hope to restore the belief in a local government that is both effective and transparent in all of its actions.
Steve Gray: Because of my experience on the board and as mayor and because I have time to deal with the day-to-day operations of the town. My job allows me the freedom to devote time to Webster’s concerns.
(Editor’s note: This is the fourth installment in a series on Jackson County’s upcoming municipal elections. Next week’s paper will include discussion of Sylva candidates.)
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