May 23. In a press release this morning Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam officially announced that he would seek an unprecedented fourth term as mayor of Cornelius.

Cornelius Today first reported on his intentions to seek re-election back in December. On May 1 we reported that Town Commissioner Denis Bilodeau plans to run for mayor.

“Being Mayor of Cornelius is the honor of a lifetime,” Washam said. “I love our town, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations enjoy the same high quality of life that I have been so fortunate to enjoy here in my hometown,” said Washam, he grew up on Church Street.

History

Mayor of Cornelius since 2017, he served two terms as town commissioner and mayor pro tem. Washam is a lifetime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, where he has been the church organist since 1966.

During his time as mayor pro tem and mayor, Cornelius has continued to have the lowest tax rate in the Charlotte region while continuing to be rated among the safest communities in North Carolina.

Washam helped lead the effort to build the Cain Center for the Arts both overseeing the project as mayor and serving as chairman of major gifts.

Top priority

“My top priority as mayor will always be keeping Cornelius the town we love,” Washam said. “This means keeping our taxes the lowest in the region, ensuring our families and our neighborhoods remain safe, managing growth so that Cornelius maintains its identity and small-town feel, continuing to address the traffic challenges we all face, and enhancing our parks and recreation facilities, and our entertainment options so we may all enjoy living in Cornelius even more.”

Today’s press release:

May 23. Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam officially announced this morning that he will be seeking re-election as Mayor of Cornelius.

“Being Mayor of Cornelius is the honor of a lifetime. I love our town, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations enjoy the same high quality of life that I have been so
fortunate to enjoy here in my hometown. That’s why I am officially announcing today that I will be running for re-election as Mayor.”

Washam has served as Mayor of Cornelius since 2017. Before he served as Mayor, Washam served two terms as Town Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem. During Washam’s tenure as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, Cornelius has continued to have the lowest tax rate in the Charlotte region while continuing to be rated among the safest towns and cities in North Carolina.

Washam was a key leader in the successful effort to build the Cain Center for the Arts both overseeing the project as Mayor and serving as Major Gifts Chairman. Under Washam’s leadership, Cornelius has also begun to aggressively address the traffic challenges facing the Lake Norman region. There are now 13 approved Cornelius transportation projects scheduled to begin construction. He is also a strong advocate for our parks and rec facilities and will be leading the charge to bring more pickleball and tennis courts to Cornelius.

“My top priority as Mayor will always be keeping Cornelius the town we love,” Washam continued. “This means keeping our taxes the lowest in the region, ensuring our families and our neighborhoods remain safe, managing growth so that Cornelis maintains its identity and small-town feel, continuing to address the traffic challenges we all face, and enhancing our parks & recreation facilities, and our entertainment options so we may all enjoy living in Cornelius even more!”

A lifelong resident of Cornelius, Washam grew up on Church Street and is still the proud owner of family property in that Old Town Cornelius neighborhood. He has served the Cornelius and Lake Norman communities as a banker for nearly 50 years. Presently, Washam is Senior Vice President at United Bank.

In addition to his service as Mayor, Washam presently serves Cornelius and the Lake Norman Region as a Board Member of Little Smiles of NC, a charity benefiting North Carolina children who are in hospitals, hospices, and shelters across the state. Woody’s service to the community has included past stints as Chairman of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Visit Lake Norman, and on the board of the Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corporation. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg and a Past President of Rotary.

Woody is happily married to Sharon Hobson Washam. They have two adult children, Bryan Washam, and Kristin Washam Lachapelle. They are also the proud grandparents of four beautiful granddaughters and two handsome grandsons. Washam is a lifetime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, where he has been the church organist since 1966.

For more information on Woody and his campaign please visit www.MayorWoodyWasham.com