Three men interested in being mayor of Hickory

By By William F. West / community editor
March 20, 2003
HICKORY A special election is set for April 1 to fill the open mayor's position in Hickory.
Hickory City Clerk Robin Thomas said Wednesday that three men have picked up qualifying papers John Brand, Michael Evans and Jeff Federick.
Thomas said the qualifying deadline for candidates to enter the contest is 5 p.m. Friday.
Brand is an alderman and mayor pro tem. He has been running Hickory's government since Wayne Griffith resigned as mayor on March 4 to seek election to a Newton County Justice Court judgeship.
Brand, 35, a plumber, said he's campaigning for mayor as a Republican.
He said much needs to be done in Hickory and that he'd like to start by cleaning up its appearance.
Brand also said he would like to find some use for Hickory's abandoned school building a structure he said has become an eyesore.
Evans, 25, is an upholsterer at the La-Z-Boy plant in Newton. He is running as a Democrat.
Evans said the problem has been the thinking: "There ain't no future for Hickory."
Evans said he wants to create economic development in Hickory by opening an industrial park and that he also wants to provide better recreational opportunities for the children.
Federick, 41, has an automotive repair shop in Hickory. He said he expects he'll decide by today or Friday whether he will run for mayor.
He cited his friendship with Brand in considering whether to enter the contest.
Federick said if he does enter the contest, he'll campaign as an independent.
Thomas said a candidate must have a petition with at least 15 signatures of registered voters in Hickory. She declined to say how much Hickory pays its mayor.