NEWS

(left to right) Mayor Rusty Knox, Commissioners Connie Wessner, Autumn Rierson Michael, Tracy Mattison Brandon, Steve Justus, and Ryan Fay. (News of Davidson photo)

Five Town Commissioners-elect together with Mayor-elect Rusty Knox were sworn into new terms at the December 9 meeting of the Town Board of Commissioners in Town Hall. The newly-elected and re-elected officials filled the chambers with family members, friends, and supporters. The Mayor and the Commissioners were administered the oath of office by Betsy Shores, Town Clerk/Communications Director.

The swearing-in ceremony celebrated the return of Commissioners Ryan Fay, Steve Justus, Tracy Mattison Brandon, and Autumn Rierson Michael, as well as the addition of Commissioner Connie Wessner, who is returning to the Board after serving two previous terms as Town Commissioner.

The Mayor presented outgoing Commissioner Ted Stauffer, a retired Army officer, with a photo of the new Davidson Veterans Monument. (News of Davidson photo)

The 2025 off-year local election marked the beginning of staggered terms for Davidson’s Commissioners. In November of 2023, the Town of Davidson voters approved amending the Town’s Charter to change the terms of office for Commissioners from 2-year terms to 4-year staggered terms.  The mayor’s term remains as a 2-year term. Autumn Rierson Michael and Tracy Mattison Brandon, the two highest vote-getters in the November election, were elected to four-year terms. Commissioners Ryan Fay, Steve Justus, and Connie Wesser will serve two-year terms and will be up for re-election to four-year terms in 2027.

The celebratory evening included some heartfelt farewells as well. Commissioner Ted Stauffer, who was added to the board in March 2024 to fill an unexpired term, is stepping down from his role as Commissioner. Mayor Knox referred to Stauffer as his “favorite pinch hitter.” When Commissioner Matt Dellinger moved outside of Davidson’s boundaries and resigned from the board in January 2024, the Town sought applications from Davidson residents to fill Dellinger’s unexpired term. Out of a crowded field of well-qualified applicants, Stauffer was chosen for the seat. Stauffer brought with him a career in the military, a lifetime of world travel, as well as prior elected experience in Florida. Stauffer served as Commissioner for 21 months, nearly a full term. The Mayor and the Commissioners each praised Stauffer’s experience, his humility, and his tremendous sense of humor.

And they started the 3-minute timer as Stauffer began his remarks. (News of Davidson photo)

Stauffer, well-known for peppering board meetings with humorous anecdotes, sports metaphors, and general loquaciousness, was invited to share some parting words. Just as Stauffer began to speak from the dais, the stern “3-minute” timer --usually reserved for public comments-- was projected on the large screens behind him. This good-natured roast from his fellow commissioners and town staff sent waves of laughter through the room.

Stauffer began by reiterating his love for the Town of Davidson. “It’s been an exceptional and incredible honor for me to serve both the Town and the citizens of the Town,” said Stauffer. He spoke especially highly of the town staff and first responders, praising their tireless efforts and expertise. Drawing on his penchant for metaphor, Stauffer chose a medical analogy to express the integral role of the staff. “The staff is really the building blocks, the amino acids of this town,’ he explained. “Without them we really wouldn’t be able to function. Nothing would work.”

Given a 30-second warning on his remaining time, Stauffer thanked everyone for their patience with his sometimes unorthodox style. He said his hope was always to give a laugh and lighten the weight of their work a bit. He said, “Maybe I can let you go away from some of these meetings with a little bit of humor and let you know that it doesn’t always have be so serious.” Stauffer was presented with a framed photograph of Davidson’s Flames of Honor Monument in recognition of his service.

Recipients of the 2025 Main Street Business Grants. (News of Davidson photo)

Additional highlights of the meeting included:

• Presentation of the 2025 Main Street Grant Program Awards to five local businesses. This year’s recipients were Davidson Provision Company, Whit’s, Masala Mastee, Main Street Books, and Sincerely Tea.
• Recognition of Outgoing Planning Board Chair, Shawn Copeland, who has served on the Planning Board continually since 2017. Shawn has chaired the Planning Board since 2022. Shawn was praised for his attention to detail, patience, focus, problem-solving, and perseverance in his leadership and service to the Town.
• Austin Nantz, Assistant Town Manager, presented the 2025 Annual Accomplishments Report, highlighting the key projects, operational improvements, community initiatives, and service enhancements accomplished during a year of remarkable achievements.

Shawn Copeland, outgoing chair of the Davidson Planning Board. (News of Davidson photo)