Elections 2009: Filings wrap up in Kannapolis

Sunday, July 19, 2009 6:13 PM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

By Hugh Fisher

hfisher@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — With filing for November's municipal election closed, four men are in the running for three seats on the Kannapolis City Council while Mayor Bob Misenheimer faces a lone opponent.

Bill Georgiou, 29, 400 St Joseph St., said he wants to bring fresh ideas to Kannapolis government.

"We need a younger perspective," Georgiou said.

He is a manager at McCabe's Steakhouse, the family business. Georgiou holds bachelor's degrees in political science and communications from UNC-Charlotte.

Among his primary interests are fostering a good business environment and drawing younger families to the city.

"I think I could help facilitate more people coming to the North Carolina Research Campus," he said.

Georgiou has served one term on Kannapolis' Diversity and Newcomers Commission, established in 1997. He is a member of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and served as a delegate from the 8th Congressional District to last year's Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo.

As for his challenger, Georgiou said he had spoken to Misenheimer and had nothing negative to say about him personally.

"I would like to see a mayor that has more character and is more involved," Georgiou said.

Misenheimer, 78, 408 Walker St., is running for his second term as mayor. He is a retired school system administrator and teacher.

He has been a member of the Kannapolis City Council since 1989, and was mayor pro tem from 2001 to 2003.

Misenheimer said the current membership has made the current council "the most effective that we have had since I have been there."

"If we are given the opportunity, we can continue to do things that will make Kannapolis an even better place to live," Misenheimer said.

One of his chief goals is to continue attracting well-paying jobs to the city.

Meanwhile, three incumbents are running for re-election to their seats on the Kannapolis City Council.

Their challenger is Michael Mishkin, 2258 Issac Street. He is an employee of AT&T in Salisbury.

A Post reporter's phone call to Mishkin Friday evening was not immediately returned.

Incumbent Darrell Hinnant, 1015 Romsey Court, is seeking a third term on the council.

He is the owner of D. Hinnant Business Solutions, which installs telephone, data, audiovisual and fire alarm systems.

Hinnant, 62, has lived in Kannapolis since 1975. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill.

"I think I bring the continuity of years of experience," Hinnant said. "I also bring a strong technical background."

Hinnant said his background has given him the ability to understand such issues as the interbasin transfer agreement, designed to bring water to Kannapolis from the Catawba River, and biotechnology and the science of the N.C. Research Campus.

Gene McCombs, 76, 1217 Pendleton Dr., is seeking his second term on the council.

He was city manager of Kannapolis from 1985 through 1997. McCombs holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from N.C. State University. Prior to coming to Kannapolis, he was city manager of Staunton, Va. and Lumberton.

He said his knowledge of the administrative side of Kannapolis and his experience in city government make him the right choice for the job. "I see this as a way to keep serving," he said. "I hope to keep the city's momentum going."

Mayor Pro Tem Randy Cauthen, 2137 Carriage Woods Ln., is also seeking re-election. He has served on the board since 1999.

According to his bio on the Kannapolis city Web site, Cauthen owns a bonding company and a private investigative firm. He served for 27 years with the Kannapolis Police Dept.

Cauthen holds a degree in criminal justice from Central Piedmont Community College.

A call to Cauthen's phone Friday evening was not immediately returned.