Black Mountain mayor announces support for three aldermen candidates, Whitson withdraws
Larry Harris backs Pertiller, Willet and Holderman as race narrows to six
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 21, 2020
One candidate has withdrawn, and the mayor of Black Mountain announced his support for three of the now six remaining candidates seeking seats on the board of aldermen this November.
Larry Harris, in a Sept. 21 email, encouraged support for incumbent candidates Jennifer Willet and Archie Pertiller, Jr., as well as challenger Tonia Holderman.
Harris was initially one of nine candidates who filed to run for the seats, but was appointed by the board to serve as mayor until 2022 in August, following the resignation of previous mayor Don Collins. Pertiller was then appointed to fill the remainder of Harris’ term, which is being contested this fall.
Black Mountain Mayor Larry Harris announced today that he is endorsing three of the six candidates in the Nov. 3 aldermen race. Courtesy photo
Willet was appointed to the board in March to fill the vacancy left by the January death of Carlos Showers.
Harris cited Pertiller’s 29-year career as an employee of the state and service on the town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment as factors that add “an experienced voice to town leadership.”
The mayor highlighted Willet, a Montreat College graduate and local business owner and banker, as a candidate who is familiar with town operations.
“Jennifer’s dad served as our police chief so she understands something about the front line work of our public safety servants,” he said in the statement. “Jennifer has served in many volunteer leadership roles in our community including the Town of Black Mountain Planning Board.”
Holderman, according to Harris, possesses a background in service that would allow her to “serve Black Mountain well.” The career healthcare professional was the board chair for the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce from 2017 to 2019 and has served on the Buncombe County Council on Aging.
Field of candidates narrows
Justyn Whitson announced Sept. 21 that he was withdrawing from the Black Mountain Board of Aldermen race for the Nov. 3 election. Courtesy photo
Nine candidates originally filed for the Nov. 3 election, and only six remain after Justyn Whitson announced today that he was withdrawing. The decision, Whitson said, was due to professional advancement resulting in less time for him to focus on town business. He indicated he intends to one day run again.
Former mayor and alderman Mike Sobol announced earlier this month that he was no longer seeking a seat, and Harris had his name removed from the ballot following his appointment as mayor.
King, Hay and Turner round out the six
Challenging the trio of candidates endorsed by the mayor are Pam King, Doug Hay and Matt Turner.
King is a development coordinator at Buncombe County domestic violence agency, Helpmate. She has served on the Black Mountain Greenway Commission and as president of the Friends of Black Mountain Library.
Hay is the COO of a fitness and nutrition website, podcast and coaching program and has placed a priority on enhancing community spaces, green spaces and downtown.
Turner is an assistant manager at Henson’s Building Materials in downtown Black Mountain. His work in the community includes years as a coach for local youth and high school athletics.
More information about each of the remaining six candidates can be found in this previously published Q&A from The Valley Echo.