Faison picks new mayor, 2 town board members
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on November 9, 2005 1:45 PM
Elmer Flake was elected mayor of the Duplin County town of Faison on Tuesday.
Flake ran unopposed although former police chief Randy Brock received several write-in votes.
Flake received 130 votes to earn a two-year term. Incumbent Mayor Bill Igoe did not run for re-election, but did seek a seat on the town board and won one, receiving 21 percent of the votes cast.
Also elected to the town board were Lisa Patterson and Bill Creech, each of whom will serve a four-year term.
The winning candidates said they hope to be able to improve the quality of life of the town's residents and help Faison grow.
"Now the goal is to bring the town together and make it a better place to live," Flake said.
Flake said he would work to make Faison's business district more active by making aesthetic improvements and encouraging business development along Main Street.
Patterson, who received 114 votes, or 19 percent of the total cast, said she believes she and the other officials have already started off on the right foot.
"All of the people campaigning for us, wanted this exact group in office," she said. "I believe we all have the same goals in mind."
"We are elated with the board we have," Flake said. "We are looking forward to the board, the progress and the future of Faison."
Among the goals cited by the winners was expanding the town's police force, Patterson said. Currently, there are two officers employed by the town of Faison. Due to the limited number, each officer is forced to work shifts lasting from 48 to 72 hours. By adding an officer or two, the town could reduce those shifts and help police be more efficient, she said.
Creech, who received 119 votes, or 20 percent, said the town board needs to encourage development along N.C. 403 to Interstate 40. That would convince more travelers to stop and visit the town, he said. Improving the looks of downtown would also help lure visitors, he said.