by Josh Lanier

HUNTERSVILLE – Some of Huntersville’s most familiar names have filed to run for election this year, several with long histories of public service.

Filing shortly before the deadline Friday, July 15, filed former town commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Brian Sisson, former Mayor Pro Tem Charles Guignard and Dempsey Miller, soil and water conservation district supervisor for town board.

Sandy Tilley, philanthropist and founder of Angels and Sparrows soup kitchen, filed to run for mayor.

Danny Phillips, who have sought public office before, also joined the already crowded field. Phillips did not return an email seeking comment by the Herald Weekly’s deadline.

Sisson, who served on the town board from 2001 until 2009, when he lost his bid for mayor to Jill Swain, said he wants to bring his brand of conservatism back to the board. In his announcement, Sisson took aim at the current board for “bumbling” several issues,  including funding for Visit Lake Norman and delaying a bond referendum for a new police station.

“I am deeply concerned that registered Republicans on the town board voted to raise taxes on Huntersville residents when we are in such tough economic times,” he said in his announcement. “… The residents of Huntersville can’t afford to give 3 percent salary increases to all town employees and pay an additional 22 percent in taxes, during these tough financial times and extremely slow recovery period.”

Guignard, who last served on the board in 2001, said he thought hard about his decision to run, but felt compelled to bring his years of experience back to the dais.

“I’ve been in Huntersville for over 32 years,” he said. “Have enjoyed my community involvement. I’m involved with Angels of ’97, the town board and many other activities and look to use my experience to help the town benefit all its citizens.”

Miller, who ran for town board in 2007, said he wants to bring some focus to the board.

“I love Huntersville and want to continue its success and growth. I can be that catalyst and bring cohesiveness to the board,” he said in an email.

Sandy Tilley, who is most known for her philanthropic work since founding Angels and Sparrows in 2007, is vying with Mayor Swain and Commissioner Danae Caulfield for a bid at the center chair.

“I believe that Huntersville is lacking the strength of leadership that is required to meet the demands of our growing community,” she said. “My goal is to bring both organization and a commitment to work together for the good of the entire community to the town board.”

These additions bring to the field 11 candidates seeking town board seats, three of which were are open. Caulfield is giving up her seat to run for mayor, Ken Lucas resigned his seat to move to Texas and the board created a new sixth seat this year.

See a full list of candidates.