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Hagler files for re-election as newcomer joins council race

Dorothy Schrader

Special to Harrisburg Horizons

Published: July 15, 2009

With less than three days remaining before the close of candidate filing for November's municipal elections, Harrisburg's ballots are beginning to fill up.

Incumbent mayor, Tim Hagler, filed for re-election this week, as did newcomer Jeff Phillips, who is seeking one of three open seats on the town council.

Hagler, 44, has served the town for 22 years, beginning on the town council in 1987. In 2000, Hagler filled the position of mayor when the previous mayor resigned.

"I believe in strong community and regional collaboration with other organizations to be strong in the whole region and make our area the best it can be," said Hagler, who has deep family roots in Harrisburg.

He wants continue the town legacy established by his predecessors.

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Hagler graduated Central Cabarrus High School in 1982 and Gardner-Webb University in 1986 with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. Hagler met his wife Nancy at Gardner-Webb. They have been married 22 years and have five children (Justin, 22, Samantha, 18, Hillary, 14, Natalie, 11, and Emily, 6).

As of noon Tuesday, Phil Cowherd, a 10-year veteran of the town council, was the lone challenger for the mayoral seat. Candidates have until noon Friday to file with the Cabarrus County Board of Elections.

Phillips, 47, moved to Harrisburg from northern Ohio in 1997. He was a member of Rocky River Crossing's Homeowners' Association for five years, helping to establish the board in 1999 and serving one year as president.

He has also served on the Harrisburg Planning & Zoning Board. Prior to his experience with planning and zoning, he was chairman of the Conservation District Committee with the town.

Phillips, who has been attending town council meetings for 12 years, has considered running for a position for quite some time.

"The time is right for me to make a commitment to do this," he said, adding that he hopes to bring some fresh ideas to the council with his public experience.

Last week, incumbents Michael Hart and Steve Sciascia both filed for re-election. As of noon Tuesday, no other candidates had filed with the Cabarrus County Board of Elections.