Nelson’s three candidates for mayor courted voters at this week’s council meeting. Nelson has been without a mayor since May, when then-Mayor David Leister abruptly resigned. In June, council set the mayoral election for November 6th, during the general election. As such, candidates Michael Haviland, Thad Thacker, and James Queen took to the podium this week, seeking votes for November.

First to speak, Candidate Michael Haviland said he has an economic background in city development and city management; a master’s degree in urban planning and over thirty years experience in the public sector.

“I view my background as a plus for the community,”

he said,

“there’s a lot of things I can bring to the community.”

He went to say he’s running for mayor because he wants to give back to the community and, now that he’s retired has the time, energy and enthusiasm for Nelson. Haviland also listed his accomplishments in the community. He said he’s worked with Nelson Chief of Police Heath Mitchell to get grants and with Joey Smith in Maintenance with cutting and picking up litter along the park. But, he said, his biggest accomplishment was his involvement in helping council acquire a quarter million dollars in park bond money from Cherokee County to help parks in Nelson. Additionally, Haviland noted he has been involved in the community for three years, which demonstrates his interest and commitment to the city.

“You don’t have to live here 75 years,”

he said,

“to appreciate what a wonderful community Nelson is.”

Long-time resident Thad Thacker is a write-in candidate for mayor. An active participant in council meetings, Thacker said he grew up in Nelson and went to the service from Nelson and then returned as a veteran of the Vietnam War. In the last few years, he said he’s noticed a lack of common sense in the city government, particularly in the handling of ordinances. As mayor, Thacker said he would add to the police force, which is currently comprised only of Mr. Heath, and would bring the mayor and council together. He also commented he thought the council has done a good job with the budget, correcting the previous years’ deficit of $40,000.

“I feel like I would be the best candidate for mayor,”

he said,

“because I grew up here; my family lived here; I know what the town does need (and) does not need. And there’s a lot that the town does not need and needs to be corrected.”

Finally, Candidate James Queen delivered a pointed and brief appeal to voters. He said he is retired from commercial construction and has worked as a building inspector. Queen also noted he has served three terms on the Nelson City Council.

“We need to get the council back together,”

he said,

“quit this bickering and arguing and do what’s best for the town and look after these older folks who live here—that’s the reason I’m running.”

He said he could work with anyone and would appreciate any vote he could get in November.