One Valdese. Moving Forward — Together.
Step Up for Valdese is about restoring unity, building momentum, and putting our town back on track with real solutions.
Step Up for Valdese is about bringing people together and making Valdese stronger for the next generation.
Step Up for Valdese is a grassroots effort led by community members who believe Valdese deserves steady, principled leadership. We support candidates who are ready to step up and bring:
Principled: Clear in values, firm in decisions
Unity: Bridging divides
Positive: A can-do attitude that brings people together
Effective & Efficient: Get things done the right way, without waste
Teamwork: Collaborative problem-solving
Stability: Steady, reliable leadership you can trust
Meet the Candidates:
- Mayor Keith Huffman
- Ward 1 Shannon Radabaugh
- Ward 2 Melinda Zimmerman
- Ward 3 Rexanna Lowman
Let’s step up together—for community, for collaboration, and for a better Valdese.
Core Issues
1. Attracting Young Families
“We need to make Valdese a place where young families want to stay, work, and raise their kids — not leave for better opportunities.”
→ Focus: housing, parks, trails, schools, family events, and youth programs.
2. Revitalizing the Local Economy
“Main Street should be alive again. That means cutting red tape, supporting small businesses, and bringing in new investment without losing our charm.”
→ Focus: small business growth, vacant property use, town partnerships with local entrepreneurs.
3. Public Safety: Police & Fire
“You can’t have a strong community without safety. We need a new public safety facility.”
→ Focus: facility upgrade, staffing support, smart budgeting.
4. Boosting Tourism & Civic Pride
“Valdese has a rich story. Let’s put it on the map — with festivals, events, trails, and small-town charm that draw people in.”
→ Focus: tourism dollars, events, local pride, marketing.