Hickory mayor files for third term

Wright wants to focus on unemployed, underemployed.

By: Dee Henry | Hickory Daily Record
Published: July 10, 2009

NEWTON --

Hickory mayor Rudy Wright has announced his intention to seek a third term in office.

"It's fun," Wright said. "I have really enjoyed my eight years (as mayor) and have learned so much."

Wright's sentiments explain why he visited the Catawba County Board of Elections in Newton on Thursday, the fourth day of the filing period for the 2009 Municipal Elections. He was filing to keep his seat and enter a third four-year term as mayor of Hickory.

He said he wants to continue fighting against the current economic situation, focusing on the unemployed and the underemployed.

"About midway through 2008, it looked like we had turned a corner," Wright said. "We thought we saw a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was a train carrying this recession."

Wright said he wants to up Hickory's efforts to attract jobs, therefore helping the unemployed, as well as find ways to help the underemployed and the problems they face. He sees seeking more stimulus money as the way to combat the financial problems.

Wright and his wife, Donna, run A SIGNCO on Fairgrove Church Road in Hickory.

One incumbent alderman filed for re-election Wednesday.

Randy Beam, 52, said he wants to keep his seat to continue helping the citizens of Brookford.

"I want to try to help people in the town and not raise taxes," Beam said. "We haven't raised taxes in the four years I've been in office and we don't see doing so anytime soon."

Beam, a Catawba County native, is married to Pamela Beam. They have three daughters, Chasity Setzer, Amanda Mace and Christy White, and four granddaughters.