DIANE ‘DEE’ GILROY

July 18. The upcoming Town Board election just got interesting: Diane “Dee” Gilroy, wife of veteran Commissioner Dave Gilroy, has filed to run in the November elections. A phone call and email were not returned, but both Gilroys are known for their outspoken, independent approaches to all things political.

Husband Dave said the two discussed the local election when Commissioner Kurt Naas decided not to run.

DAVE GILROY

“Well, it was my idea when we heard that Kurt is stepping off our Board, but I wasn’t actually serious about it,” Commissioner Dave said late this afternoon.

There are only five seats on the non-partisan board and it’s every man and woman for themselves.

There are six other candidates for Town Board so far: Incumbents Denis Bilodeau, Michael Miltich and Thurman Ross as well as challengers Ava Callender, Jim Duke and Tricia Sisson. In total, three women are running for a board that has had only males on it since 2013.

Callender, Duke and Sisson lost in 2017.

So far, Mayor Woody Washam remains unchallenged. The deadline for filing is noon tomorrow:

Cornelius Today will host a Candidate Forum & Old Fashioned BBQ Oct. 11 at Town Hall. Reporter Dave Vieser will moderate. The event includes the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic songs and a catered barbecue luncheon.