One newcomer joins River Bend council

RIVER BEND —  Town residents brought back two candidates for second terms on the River Bend Town Council and elected challenger Karl Wolfer to serve a first.

Wolfer, the owner and operator of the River Bend Market & Deli, ran for office against three incumbents with four years experience in political office for the town. Wolfer was elected with 358 votes alongside incumbents Phil Seymour, who received 413 votes, and Irving “Bud” Van Slyke Jr., who received 383.

“It’s my first time ever running for a public office,” Wolfer said following the release of the unofficial results. “It shows that the town is confident in me and I’m honored to have that opportunity.”

Wolfer said in previous interviews with the Sun Journal that he had planned to run in the election four years ago, but his wife got sick. He has served as chairman of the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

All of the candidates, including Wolfer, spent the evening at a three-hour scheduled retreat at the office of the town’s attorney, Jimmie B. Hicks Jr. in New Bern, to discuss long-term town issues.

Outgoing council member Brenda Garvey, who received 322 votes, said she spoke with the Mayor John Kirkland and the town manager to discuss staying involved in several projects. She hopes to work on a grant to get a public canoe and kayak access in town on the Trent River.

“I want to thank those people who voted for me,” Garvey said Tuesday evening. “I think the people who were elected will do great.”

Seymour said that he felt that, regardless of who won, he was confident the town would be in good hands.

“She’s very energetic, and she will be missed,” Seymour said of Garvey, who was elected with him to the board four years ago.

Seymour said that he sees important issues facing the town are the possible construction of a multi-purpose building in place of the Wildwood facility, moving out of the present Town Hall because of space issues, finding recreation opportunities for children, and keeping the property taxes low following the next property re-evaluation.

“We’re expecting property values will be assessed upwards of 25 percent,” Seymour said. “I think we’re looking at any way possible to ease that burden by keeping the taxes low.”

Van Slyke said he’s pleased to be re-elected, and he sees that supporting growth as well as “keeping a close eye” on the town’s infrastructure as an important issue for the town.

“I will continue to serve with the same interest and diligence that I have in the past,” he said. “River Bend is a great place to reside.”

Laura Oleniacz can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at loleniacz@freedomenc.com.

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River Bend council members

Brenda Garvey 322

Phil Seymour  413

Irving “Bud” Van Slyke Jr. 383

Karl Wolfer 358