Meet your Town Council

Mayor’s Office: 828-879-2125
828-443-0881
mayor@valdesenc.gov

Office Hours - Valdese Town Hall
Mondays & Wednesdays 9am-1pm

What I love about Valdese is the small town quaintness, with all the amenities of a larger city but without the crowds. Walking down Main Street to grab coffee and a donut or a burger and a coke and chatting with a police officer downtown. Visiting the library for a good book or the recreation center for a game of hoops. Enjoying nature with a visit to McGalliard Falls Park or Valdese Lakeside Park. The sense of community with hometown sports and the music filling the streets on a summer Friday night. Our greatest asset is our citizens. Folks who greet you with a smile and a handshake. Neighbors who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Goals:
I want to see Valdese grow and prosper and continue to be a welcome place for families, young and old to call home. We need to continue our effort to develop affordable housing for all. I would like to see more entrepreneurship, with the development of both small and large economic growth projects. And we must address our aging infrastructure.

Ward 1
828-443-7710
athompson@valdesenc.gov

I love Valdese because I was born and raised here. I couldn’t have asked to have grown up in a better town, and have lived here my entire life except for my time in college. It is a loving and safe environment where you can really get to know and care for one another. I love the people of Valdese, the merchants, the opportunities for worship, and I am truly honored to serve on the Town Council. I have built my business here and am blessed to serve my community in their time of need. We are fortunate to live in the foothills and be able to experience all four seasons, and enjoy each in the small town atmosphere Valdese has to offer. Where else can you walk the streets of a town, greet one another, grab food, enjoy festivals and even shows. A community with such a rich historical heritage and an interesting story to tell. We welcome all and hope you will come visit and enjoy the hospitality!

Alternate Treasurer
Ward 2
828-879-2186
pmears@valdesenc.gov

I have lived in Valdese for nearly 29 years, raised my family here and built a successful business right in the heart of this beautiful town. I feel strongly that Valdese is one of the best small towns in America to raise a family or enjoy retirement! Walk thru our downtown and you will see historic buildings, thriving small businesses, beautiful parks and smiling, friendly faces. Only a one hour drive to popular places such as Boone, Asheville and Charlotte--Valdese is situated perfectly in the Foothills of Western North Carolina to continue to be a desirable place to live due to its wonderful climate, small town atmosphere, safe streets and low cost of living.

As a new member of the Valdese Town Council I want to continue to see our town provide excellent services to our citizens at a relatively low cost compared to other municipalities our size. Over the next five years we should continue our focus and attention on improving investment opportunities for affordable housing, whether it be apartment living or single family dwellings. New families moving to our town will improve our tax and services receipts and diversity. My desire is to be as open and honest with our citizens regarding issues that our town faces and to always welcome suggestions, questions and comments. My hope is to look back five years from now and see a town that is a more attractive place to live and one that is in a sound financial condition.

Treasurer
Ward 3
828-432-7049
rlowman@valdesenc.gov

I have lived most of my life in Valdese. I was educated in the Valdese schools and returned to this town to begin my career as an educator. I love the small town atmosphere. As part of my day, I enjoy walking from my house through town each morning. This walk reinforces the things that I love about Valdese. I go by the Valdese Recreation Center and see the women and men in the pool enjoying exercise or lap swimming. I see people returning books at the Valdese Library and folks running into the post office before work. I get to smell the aroma of fresh bread being baked at the bakery. How lucky am I to live in a small town like Valdese!

As a town council member, I want to work with all citizens to make Valdese an attractive and exciting place to live. The town needs to work with economic development entities to attract new industry. In addition, the development of new housing further supports the town. The Valdese Lakeside Park will shape our future. Replacing and improving water lines and upgrading infrastructure should be a priority.

Mayor Pro -Tem
Ward 4
828-201-9107
fhildebran@valdesenc.gov

I love the quaint small town atmosphere where you can walk Main Street and smell bread baking. I love the fact that you can drive two miles and experience nature at it’s best with a beautiful lake, walk on numerous trails, listen to the birds sing and hear the streams flowing over the rocks. My goals for the community are to see it prosper and thrive with new affordable housing, economic and infrastructure development and continue to be a friendly and welcoming community that young and old can enjoy for years to come.

Ward 5
828-874-6021
828-443-8755 (cell)
kogle@valdesenc.gov

I was born & raised in Valdese. I had the privilege of attending Valdese High School until its final year in 1974 then was part of the first graduating class of East Burke in 1975. After high school, I joined the US Army and served for 24 years. After being stationed in many different states and several countries. I knew there was no place like HOME. The small town effect of community and outreach of neighbors is what makes Valdese so special.

GOALS:
Lower taxes and water rates
Ensure citizens are involved with decisions and transparency before action.
Bring jobs to Valdese
Housing