Photo by Jason Benavides

August 14. From property taxes to sidewalks, and new buildings to roads, members of the Cornelius Town Board make major decisions. The non-partisan board is tasked with steering one of the state’s most densely populated towns during the next two years.

Cornelius has more than 34,000 residents, only five of whom are on the Town Board at any given time. It only takes three of them to raise taxes, or approve—or deny—a new development.

Commissioners are arguably more powerful than the mayor, who only votes in the case of a tie.

Voters will have their pick among four incumbents, one former commissioner and two newcomers.

Keep an eye on our print editions over the next two months for candidate responses to issues that concern our readers.

Board of Commissioners candidates

John Caldwell

The Peninsula

• Newcomer

Robert Carney

Weatherstone

Web Site: www.carneyforcornelius.com

• Incumbent (one term)

Michael DeVoney

Sawyers Landing

• Newcomer

Colin Furcht

Rockridge Shores

Web Site: www.facebook.com/FurchtForCorneliusCommisioner/

• Former commissioner (one term)

Susan Johnson

Lake Norman Cove at Jetton

Web Site: www.facebook.com/electsusanjohnson1

• Incumbent (one term)

Michael Osborne

Patrick’s Purchase

Web Site: www.electosborne.com

• Incumbent (two terms)

Todd Sansbury

Emerald Cove

Web Site: www.toddsansbury.com

• Incumbent (two terms)