Wilson

by RACHEL DINKIN
Intern News Reporter

As the race for Boone Mayor continues, Tim Wilson encourages voters to support his candidacy in the upcoming election Nov. 3.

This year, Wilson’s platforms are mainly concerned with the financial well-being of Boone, the growth of small businesses and maintaining services around town.

“One of my first priorities, if elected Mayor, would be to see how to replace revenues that we’ve lost with the [U.S.] Highway 421 project,” Wilson said. “Every time we take a piece of property off the tax revenue, we have to see where to make that up, and there are some tough decisions to make.”

To ensure the growth of small businesses, Wilson said he wants to “dress up” some areas of downtown, while maintaining trees and the natural environment. 

“When I worked with Tim Wilson, one of his big issues [was] that he felt like the small person trying to open a store or shop pretty much didn’t have a chance because the expense of the large corporations prohibited it,” former Boone Town Council member Max Schrum said. 

A retiree from Boone business for some time, Wilson said he enjoys working and talking with people around town.

“I would love for more people to come and enjoy Boone,” Wilson said. “I want to lead Boone in a direction that everyone can be proud of.”

Around the community, Wilson has worked at Hampton Funeral Service, and his father, Gene Wilson, is co-owner of the Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant.

“Tim is a part-time employee and has helped us for many years when we’ve needed him,” owner of Hampton Funeral Service Barney Hampton said.

Schrum said Wilson focuses on keeping prices down for people who want to build homes.

“Wilson thought property had become too expensive for the average person,” Schrum said.

Concerning a new water intake, Wilson said he commends the current town council for upholding a policy of cooperation with Appalachian State University.

“The university’s been very cordial and cooperative with these water plans,” Wilson said.  “However, we also have to make provisions for people moving to Boone to sustain water for them.”

In addition to Boone residents, Wilson puts a focus on the extra-territorial districts as well, which he said could be an important aspect in the future growth of the town.

“We are working on expanding the AppalCART route further out of town, which would limit traffic in downtown too,” Wilson said.

Also pertaining to traffic patterns in Boone, Wilson argues against building a bypass around the town.  He said people shouldn’t skip over Boone, but instead wants to see a better traffic system in Boone for when people arrive.

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