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Valdese council appoints Roger Heavner to fill Ward 2 vacancy amid some calls for a broader application process
Summary
After a brief debate about whether to solicit applications, the council added the Ward 2 vacancy to the agenda and appointed Roger Heavner to complete the term, with some council members expressing concern about process transparency.
The Valdese Town Council on Oct. 7 moved to address a recently vacated Ward 2 seat after a council member's residence changed outside town limits. Following legal clarification from the town attorney that the seat was vacated upon change of residence, the council voted to add the vacancy to the agenda and consider appointment.
Council members debated whether to open a public application period, noting prior controversies around how vacancies were filled. Councilman Harvey and others said a prompt appointment would help the council continue work on major projects; another member objected to bypassing a broader citizen application process. The council ultimately nominated and appointed Roger Heavner by majority vote.
Roger Heavner, a long‑time Valdese resident and co‑chair of the Facilities Review Committee, summarized his construction and project management experience and said he would prioritize public‑safety facility replacement and street repaving while emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
The appointment was carried by the council; staff will arrange swearing‑in and administrative steps to fill the seat for the remainder of the term.
