NORTH MECK | By Dave Yochum
Nov. 5. Voters in Cornelius and Huntersville sent a strong message this week in favor of more managed and controlled growth. In Huntersville plans for redeveloping downtown and a new Town Hall were top of mind.
Mayor-elect Melinda Bales says she’s ready to manage through the challenges ahead.
“The biggest things for us to accomplish will be bringing our community together, purposeful economic development, and making sure that we manage our growth within our community in a meaningful way,” said Bales, who was first elected to the Town Board 10 years ago. 
Growth is ongoing
“As Huntersville continues to feel the pressures of growth, we will need sound, responsible leadership in directing that growth as we move our community forward. I look forward to bringing my experience into the role of mayor to guide our town successfully,” the mayor-elect said.
Bales defeated former Mayor Jill Swain—who launched the Huntersville Chamber of Commerce after she was defeated by John Aneralla six years ago—by just 144 votes out of more than 6,100 votes cast. Aneralla did not seek re-election.
Like Cornelius, downtown Huntersville is in the midst of change.
Huntersville commissioners unanimously approved a plan to sell the town’s former police headquarters to a private business that will open a brewery. The town is planning a $14 million, 35,000 square foot Town Hall project—the existing Town Hall will be sold. On Sept, 20, the board of commissioners voted 4-2 to to go into a contract to design the town hall building.
Get involved
“I would like to encourage town residents to be more involved in local politics and decision-making. The citizens of Huntersville can expect me to be accessible. I want to make sure that we are adding additional opportunities for communication.
Bales went on to say that public safety must come first. It all begins with the town budget.
“With our community growing each day, the need for additional emergency services funding will be critical to keeping our community a safe place to live and raise a family,” she said.
Commissioner elections
Incumbent Stacy Phillips was the top vote-getter. The rest of the six-member town board are: Amber Kovacs, Dan Boone, Derek Partee, Lance Munger and Rob Kidwell.
