Woody Washam Jr., Cornelius mayoral candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2025 election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Woody Washam Jr.
Age: 75
Campaign website or social media page: mayorwoodywasham.com , Facebook- Mayor Woody Washam
Occupation: SVP - United Bank (Banking)
Education:
Graduate-North Mecklenburg High School Graduate-Catawba College with a BA degree in Business Administration and Minor in Music Various schools of banking throughout the country
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held) Cornelius Board of Commissioners/Mayor Pro Tem for 2 terms, 2013-2017 Mayor, Town of Cornelius, 2017 through 2025. 4 terms
Please list your highlights of civic involvement Chairman of Mooresville’s South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce President - Rotary Club United Way Board-of Greater Charlotte Visit Lake Norman Board of Directors Lake Norman EDC Board CRTPO Board MTC Board Cain Center for the Arts Board Arts and Science Council Mayor’s Committee on Affordable Housing and the LKN CDC support
What are the most important issues facing Cornelius today, and how would you address them? Completing the 5 road projects under or nearing contracts with more to come. All levels of Public Safety including Vol Fire Department transition into a career Town Fire Department Park and Recreation land acquisitions for parks, green space and greenway build out Begin implementing the developing Downtown Master Plan Maintaining the towns excellent financial stability and AAA Bond rating Maintaining the lowest tax rate possible and lowest in the region Continued support for Cain Arts Center
How would you ensure Cornelius’ growth doesn’t outpace its infrastructure? Only controlled top quality growth will make sense for Cornelius. Our population has increased only .6 of one percent in the last 4 years. This is the lowest growth rate of any town in the county. Our policies and land use plan are in place to control growth and are working well.
Do you support implementing a local sales tax to fund transit improvements? Why or why not?
I support the citizens of Mecklenburg County voting to decide whether they want transit and millions of dollars for roads. North Mecklenburg will receive $100 million over the next 5 years to build roads. That would be a game changer for North Meck. And for that reason I will personally vote yes.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
As a Cornelius native, I understand the generations of fabric and sacrifices woven into the great town we truly are today. I understand the importance of listening to the needs and concerns of all our citizens. My long standing relationships at every level of government-County, State and National are necessary to make sure all of our approved road projects happen on schedule. I worked toward the recruitment of the new Atrium Hospital. My strong and experienced leadership is noted by many.
