By Nathan Hardin
nhardin@salisburypost.com
ROCKWELL — Rockwell citizens may see minor changes in local government with just one challenger running against five incumbents for aldermen seats and Mayor Beau Taylor running unopposed.
Challenger Chris Stiller will try to unseat one of the five candidates running for re-election in November’s election.
In a released statement, Stiller wrote that this is a “very opportune time for me to seek a seat on the Rockwell Town Board since I have a strong desire and the time, since retirement, to serve my community.”
Stiller noted that he will aim to keep taxes “as low as possible,” and will work to keep town departments and operations efficient and cost-effective.
The five aldermen incumbents include Charles Wingerson, Chuck Bowman, Tim Draper, Eric Moore and Timothy Crews.
Wingerson has more experience than any other candidate, with 14 years on the board, and wrote in a statement that his experience is one of his reasons for running.
“(The town) needs experience on the board in these challenging times,” Wingerson wrote.
One of the popular aims for candidates is a continued revitalization of the downtown area.
Moore, who has served on the Rockwell Downtown Revitalization Committee and as vice chairman of the Rockwell Planning Board, wrote in a statement that the downtown area will be a priority.
“(My priorities are) to serve the citizens of Rockwell, improve the downtown area for a more business-friendly environment, and to continue to provide services needed by our citizens,” Moore wrote.
Chuck Bowman, another incumbent, wrote that he hopes to help downtown Rockwell businesses as well.
“We are working on a long-range plan for the town so that future boards will have a plan in place,” Bowman wrote in a statement. “I serve on the Revitalization Committee, which has been trying to increase membership and is currently putting together a committee to look at some ordinances for our downtown business district.”
Tim Draper wrote in a statement that he intends to make Rockwell’s emergency services a priority.
“(My priority is) to be a true voice for the citizens of Rockwell,” Draper wrote. “I plan to focus on public services, fire, police and the management of Rockwell’s resources properly.”
Incumbent Timothy Justin Crews could not be reached for comment.
Beau Taylor, who is running unopposed, wrote that he will work to provide the services that are necessary to Rockwell citizens.
“(I want to be an) open ear to listen to citizens and employees’ concerns and be available to them,” Taylor wrote. “(Also to) continue to supply necessary services that our citizens are accustomed to during this economical downturn.”
Candidates for election:
Name: Chuck Bowman
Office Sought: Rockwell Alderman
Age and date of birth: 58, 5-25-53
Address: 290 Ashley Drive
Phone numbers: 704-279-1064
Occupation: Central Piedmont Fire Protection Inc.
Education: Guilford Technical Community College
Previous elected office: Second term as Rockwell alderman
Community involvement: Served three terms as president of Rockwell Community Association. Boy Scout leader for 22 years. Served as deacon and elder, vice president of the consistory, head of long-range planning committee and other committees at Ursinus United Church of Christ.
Family: Linda Bowman, wife. Five sons and four grandchildren.
Name: Tim Draper
Office Sought: Rockwell alderman
Age and date of birth: 44, 5-11-67
Address: 111 Deer Chase Lane
Phone numbers: 704-279-2747
Email address: tdraper001@carolina. rr.com
Occupation: General contractor, Draper Construction
Education: Davidson County Community College, Mingle School of Real Estate
Previous elected office: Mayor Pro Tem, Rockwell Board of Aldermen
Community involvement: Rockwell Parks Committee, Public Safety Committee, Rowan Shrine Club
Family: Lisa Draper, wife. Three children, Jessica ,Tina and Charles. One granddaughter, Amelia.
Name: Eric Moore
Office Sought: Rockwell alderman
Age and date of birth: 44, 3-2-1967
Address: P.O. Box 907, Rockwell, N.C.
Phone numbers: 704-239-2668
Occupation: American Hydro Services Inc. — Self-employed
Education: East Rowan High School graduate, Class of 1985. Rowan Technical Institute — studied drafting and design
Previous elected office: Rockwell alderman
Community involvement: Served on Rockwell Downtown Revitalization Committee, vice-chairman Rockwell Planning Board
Family: Lori Moore, wife
Name: Chris Stiller
Office Sought: Rockwell alderman
Age and date of birth: 60
Address: 302 Klondale St.
Phone number: 704-279-4247
Email address: cstiller@carolina.rr.com
Occupation: Retired from Philip Morris USA
Education: East Rowan graduate, Rowan Technical Institute.
Previous elected office: Served on Rockwell Planning Board in 1998.
Community involvement: I lead a Christian lifestyle and support several worthwhile charities. Served as a reserve police officer for the city of Salisbury from 1976 to 1986.
Family: Divorced, no children.
Name: Beau Taylor
Office Sought: Mayor
Age and date of birth: 68, 8-1-42
Address: 630 Lake Drive
Phone numbers:704-239-7891
Occupation: Retired from Food Lion after 29 years.
Education: Denton High School graduate. Attended Lees-McRae Jr. College and Pfeiffer College.
Previous elected office: Mayor, previous eight years.
Community involvement: Rockwell Community Association, Downtown Revitalization, Rockwell Park Committee, Work with Boy Scout Fundraiser campaigns, R.C.A. Board.
Family: Arlene Taylor, wife. Two daughters, Elizabeth Taylor and Jamie Jackson. Three grandchildren.
Name: Charles Wingerson
Office Sought: Rockwell alderman
Age and date of birth: 72, 12-09-38
Address: 407 Gold Hill Ave. P.O. Box 6
Phone numbers: 704-239-2601
Email address: chdswingerson@earthlink.net
Occupation: Retired from American Greetings
Education: Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, Pa. Attended Robert Morris College.
Previous elected office: Rockwell alderman 81-87, 2003-2011.
Community involvement: Past Chairman Salisbury Rowan Community Service Council, VAVS Board, Meals on Wheels volunteer, Past chair MPO — Knights of Columbus — Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Family: Barbara Wingerson, wife. Has three adult children and three grandchildren.