Five compete for Highlands Commission
Highlands will have at least one new member on its Board of Commissioners after Election Day this November.
Three seats on the board are up this cycle, and one incumbent, Marc Hehn, is not running for reelection. Two other incumbents, John Dotson and Brian Stiehler, are running to regain their seats and are challenged by Kay Craig, Rachel Wilson and Jess Weller.
Overton Tucker Chambers had originally filed to run for the board as well, but in August, Derek Taylor, representing Highlands for Good Government, brought a challenge against Chambers. Taylor alleged that Chambers’ primary residency was not within city limits and that he had used his commercial business address to file. A panel assembled by the North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously upheld the challenge against Chambers and he was disqualified from the race.
John Dotson
DOB: Aug. 29, 1953
Place of birth: Landstuhl, Germany
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Occupation: Real Estate Broker
John Dotson has been living in Highlands since 1986 and has served on the board of commissioners since 2007. He has also served on both the zoning board and planning board for the town of Highlands.
“I’ve done it for 16 years,” said Dotson. “People keep electing me. Folks have talked about term limits and in Highlands, we’ve usually got four or 500 people that vote. So, one vote is a term limit.”
If elected for another term, Dotson’s priorities include expanding municipal services such as water, sewer and sidewalks, including the completion of the sidewalk project on 106.
“Sewer is a very tenuous situation in Highlands,” said Dotson. “It gets extraordinarily expensive to put in sewer line. If at all possible and I’d like to see expanded sewer availability inside the town.”
Dotson also wants to see the town continue to be fiscally conservative and maintain a healthy fund balance for emergencies.
“I think we certainly need to take a good long look at tourism and what we’re able to cope with,” said Dotson. “Certain organizations in town have promoted Highlands extensively so we’re seeing the benefits and repercussions of a lot of people coming to town and the town infrastructure is strained with that.”
Jeff Weller
DOB: Feb. 13, 1970
Place of Birth: Pennsylvania
Occupation: Project Manager/Partner of Summit Architecture PA
Jeff Weller has lived in Highlands for 30 years and currently serves on the Macon County Recreation Commission, the planning board, playground committee and scholarship committee, and has previously served on the parking/ street committee as well as the Unified Development Ordinance Advisory Committee. This is Weller’s first time running for an elected office.
After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Design-Architecture, Weller has had a career in architecture, planning and construction.
“My professional career and my community service has allowed me to work closely with both the town of Highlands government and administration, as well as the Macon County Commissioners and county sub-committees,” said Weller. “In my professional career as a project manager for both residential and commercial projects, I spend significant time managing the design process as well as representing the owners during the duration of construction. At all times that involves problem solving and coordinating between [multiple parties].”
Weller has seen several divisive issues come through the Highlands Commission in recent years and said he felt the time was right to get fresh ideas and views on the board. Additionally, Weller wants to see more community engagement in town decisions and believes he is the candidate to make that happen.
“My professional experience and community service have prepared me to have a positive impact if elected to the Town of Highlands Board of Commissioners,” said Weller.
His top four priorities if elected to the commission include responsible growth, improving infrastructure, supporting business and community engagement. When it comes to growth, Weller wants to see it managed “to maintain our sense of community and our natural environment. At the same time, that managed growth needs to take into account the needs of full-time residents, part-time residents and our business community.”
To improve infrastructure, Weller would like to see the town expand sewer services to the most environmentally sensitive areas, including properties along the waterways throughout Highlands city limits.
“The preservation of our environment and the drinking water for the town of Highlands should be a top priority,” said Weller. “Being involved in the construction industry, I fully understand the complicated nature of the expansion of sewer to some areas, but our environment is too important to not come up with possible solutions.”
Rachel Wilson
DOB: Sept. 30, 1983
Place of Birth: Macon County
Occupation: Director of Accounting at Old Edwards Hospitality Group
Rachel Wilson was born and raised in Macon County and moved with her family to Highlands five years ago to be closer to her work. She has never held elected office but serves as treasurer for the Highlands School Athletic Booster Club and the Shelby Place HOA.
“The skills I have built throughout my career provide me tools necessary to serve the town well as a commissioner,” said Wilson. “I have learned the importance of working with others and taking the time to understand different perspectives even if we don’t agree … My strong financial background is a skill set unique from any other candidate or board member and can help ensure transparency and the best use of taxpayer funds.”
If elected to the commission, Wilson’s top three priorities for the Town of Highlands include fiscal responsibility, better collaboration and managed growth.
“The Town of Highlands is ready for new perspectives and fresh ideas,” said Wilson. “If given the opportunity, I will work hard to ensure what we love about our community is protected as we navigate growth and other trials the future may bring.”
Kay Craig
DOB: 1964
Place of Birth: Jackson, Mississippi
Occupation: Owner of the Ugly Dog Pub and Highlands Dive
Kay Craig has lived in Highlands since she moved here with her husband in 1988. She has served on several boards in Highlands including the Chamber of Commerce, The Bascom, Friends of Founders Park, Highlands Community Child Development Center and The Literacy Council.
Together, Craig and her husband started the Saturday on Pine, Music in the Park.
“I have worked in and owned businesses in Highlands for 35 years and feel that it is important to help and contribute to your community,” said Craig.
If elected to the Highlands Board of Commissioners, Craig’s top three priorities include recreation, infrastructure and sidewalks for residents and visitors, as well as working together with business owners to keep the town vibrant.
Brian J. Stiehler
DOB: June 9, 1978
Place of Birth: Reading, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Golf Course Superintendent at Highlands Country Club
Brian Stiehler moved to Highlands in 2000 for a position at Highlands Country Club and was first elected to the Highlands Commission in 2011. He has served on multiple community boards including Rotary Club of Highlands, Literacy Council, Leadership Highlands and the Chamber of Commerce, among others.
“I’m confident that my previous town board experience is a great representation of my character,” said Stiehler.
There are several projects that Stiehler would like to see through as a member of the commission, including fundraising for a new playground that is currently in the design phase and the first Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund.
“This fund allows graduates of the Highlands School to pursue post-secondary education with financial help from the town,” he said. “There is no other fund like this in the country because municipalities are typically not permitted to maintain investment funds. In the last 13 years that I’ve been involved, over $200,000 has been added to the scholarship fund through the golf tournament alone.”
If elected to the Highlands Commission, Stiehler’s top priorities include protecting the quality experience in Highlands, which he says requires input from several different people and entities; continued planning efforts to be sure Highlands infrastructure can support the future growth of the area — not only physical planning but also planning to adequately fill leadership roles with several long-standing employees nearing retirement; and increasing childcare opportunities in Highlands.
“The job of being a great commissioner goes so far beyond what the public sees at the monthly meetings, and it takes someone who has the time, the passion and the energy to fulfill its duties. I would be honored to continue to serve the community as one of your five commissioners.”
