Election Day is just around the corner and High Country Radio is working to keep you informed about candidates running for local offices.  Today, we’ll take a look at Ed Hardin, who is running for Banner Elk mayor.

Hardin is a retired lawyer who has lived in the area for 35 years.  He said he used to live in High Point and before moving to the High Country in 1974, he would often visit to ski.

Hardin’s wife owns and operates Hardin Jewelry, which has been located in Banner Elk for 31 years.  His daughter also owns and operates the Art Cellar in downtown Banner Elk.

Hardin served on the Sugar Mountain Town Council for 24 years and moved his residency to Banner Elk a little over a year ago.

When asked what his goals for Banner Elk would be, Hardin said, “I would love for it to be as close to what it is right now as possible… We’ve just about got all the development we can stand for right now in terms of condominiums and multiple houses.  I would like to see Main Street stay as it is rather than the four-lane highway that the Department of Transportation wants to put in here.  I would love for our school property to remain as it is rather than being torn down and being developed into condominiums… We love Banner Elk just as it is and I’d love to keep it as much as we can as it is.”

When asked why residents should vote for him, Hardin said incumbent Mayor Deka Tate has served as mayor for around a dozen years and that it is time for new leadership.

*Photo courtesy of High Country Press