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INSIDE ▼ County voters approve 1-cent sales tax 3B SEE MORE ON PAGE 2B
PAGE 2A Friday, November 14, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 46
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Matthews getting 5 new commissioners by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Mayor John Higdon and Commissioner John Urban will work alongside five new faces on the Matthews Board of Commissioners following unofficial results from the Nov. 4 municipal election.
Not only did Higdon win a fourth term by defeating Commissioner Leon Threatt, but all five of the candidates he endorsed for commissioner won seats.
The election didn’t go 100% his way. Higdon spoke out against the Mecklenburg County Public Transportation Sales and Use Tax, which passed with 92,251 votes, or 52.13%. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections is scheduled to certify votes on Nov. 14. Higdon wins fourth term
Higdon captured 4,632 votes, or 64.16%, compared to Threatt’s 2,565 votes. Threatt, who is serving his first term as commissioner, was Higdon’s first opponent in an election
since becoming mayor in 2019. Higdon led all six of the town’s precincts. The closest margin of victory was Precinct 218, where people voted at Mount Harmony Baptist Church on Election Day. Threatt trailed Higdon by 104 votes in this area. One quirk about this year’s election was that nearly 48.4% of Higdon’s total votes came from early voting. “This year 4,000+ will have voted compared to 1,310 at this same point in 2023,” Story continues, see ELECTIONS page 3A
Common Heart, Red Cross to benefit from vending machine
Mayor John Higdon (left) and Commissioner John Urban (middle), seen here filling out campaign paperwork in July, will be joined by five new faces on the town board. Higdon has been mayor since 2019. Urban has served since 2009.
CMG file photo
Dalton, Long & Henderson win Mint Hill seats by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MINT HILL – After 10 years of serving as a town commissioner, Dale Dalton will succeed Brad Simmons as mayor.
Community leaders and volunteers celebrate the official opening of the Light the World Giving Machine in Charlotte during the 2024 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Giving Machine returns this year in a new location. Visit Carolina Place Mall from Nov. 19 to Dec. 7.
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
PINEVILLE – The Light the World Giving Machine is returning to the Charlotte area with a new home at Carolina Place Mall.
Visitors can “purchase” meaningful items that provide relief, education and hope for people in need, both locally and globally, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 7. Offerings range from simple necessities, such as laundry detergent for a neighbor in need, to empowering resources like a goat for a family across the world. Donation amounts vary from $5 to $180, inviting individuals, families and community groups of all sizes to participate. “Each year, we’re amazed at how Charlotte shows up to give,” said Kristen Anderson, regional communication director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Every card purchased represents a real act of kindness, whether it’s diapers for a new mother, groceries for senior citizens, school supplies for underserved students, or home heating for a struggling family. It is generosity made tangible, accessible and truly joyful.” This year’s Giving Machine includes the following charities: • Ada Jenkins Center: Strengthening Story continues, see GIVING page 3A
The Lynes family displays donation item cards representing real gifts, such as hot meals, children’s antibiotics, a handwashing station and a teddy bear for a child in the hospital, that can be purchased at the Light the World Giving Machine. One hundred percent of each donation goes directly to participating charities.
Stone, London among 4 new school board members CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education will welcome four new members to the dais, including two new representatives in southeastern Mecklenburg County.
Election Day saw two sitting school board members lose their seats, including District 5 representative Lisa Cline. District 5 includes Matthews and parts of south Charlotte. Cline is wrapping up her first fouryear term with the school board after working nearly 30 years as an educator and administrator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Challenger Cynthia Stone captured 22,368 votes, or 56.8%, against Cline. Stone, who also has a teaching background, campaigned on five priorities: safety, mental health, teacher retention, quality education and transparency. Stone thanked District 5 voters and campaign volunteers for their support. “Every door knocked on, piece of lit passed out, voter greeted and testimonial shared made a difference – this truly was a team effort,” Stone wrote on her campaign Facebook page. “This was such an amazing experience, but Story continues, see CMS page 3A
Dalton garnered 3,597 votes, or 64.04%, against challenger Tim Radzicki in the mayor’s race, according to unofficial Nov. 4 results from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. “My goal is to leave a legacy of thoughtful progress,” Dalton wrote on his campaign website. “This means ensuring that our infrastructure supports our needs, our public spaces are vibrant and accessible and our sense of community remains strong.” Challenger Trey Long led all five commissioner candidates with 2,602 votes. His platform included keeping taxes low, advocating for residents, preserving town character and ensuring responsible zoning policies. “Mint Hill, you are incredible,” Long wrote on his Facebook page. “Thanks for your support and trust in me. I’m lost for words, but humbled and honored. Congrats to our new Mayor Dale Dalton as well. Time to get to work!” Commissioner Twanna Henderson, who was first elected to the board in 2021, secured the second and final available seat with 2,582 votes. Henderson was followed by Commissioner Patrick Holton (2,257), Patrick O’Brien (2,097) and Matt Schwoebel (914). Holton thanked supporters on his campaign Facebook page. “I have loved serving you, and being your voice for the last six years,” Holton said. “I will continue to carry my passion for this amazing town with me daily. That didn’t change today, and it doesn’t change tomorrow.” Perhaps the first order of business for the new board will be appointing a replacement for the remaining two years of Dalton’s term as commissioner. When Commissioner Tina Ross died in 2018, the board appointed a former colleague, Carl Ellington, to finish the remainder of her term. The Mecklenburg County Public Transportation Sales and Use Tax passed with 92,251 votes, or 52.13%; however, nearly 58.68% of Mint Hill voters opposed the measure, according to precinct data. Unofficial Results Mint Hill Mayor
• Dale Dalton, 3,597 (64.04%) • Tim Radzicki, 1,964 (34.97%) • Write-In (Miscellaneous), 56 (1.00%)
Mint Hill Commissioners
Anna London answers questions from Charlotte media in July after filing for the District 6 seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. CMG file photo
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• Trey Long, 2,602 (24.76%) • Twanna Henderson, 2,582 (24.56%) • Patrick Holton, 2,257 (21.47%) • Patrick J. O'Brien, 2,097 (19.95%) • Matt Schwoebel, 914 (8.70%) • Write-In (Miscellaneous), 59 (0.56%)