China Grove has three new faces

Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — A longtime member was unseated as voters chose three newcomers for the Board of Alderman on Tuesday.

Butch Bivens, 60, lost by just 58 votes. He would have entered his 15th year on the board with a win.

"That's the way it went," Bivens said Tuesday evening. He received 184 votes, or 18.55 percent.

Charles Seaford, Brandon Linn and Mike Upright will be the new faces on the board.

This was Seaford's second time running and first time winning. He was the top vote-getter, with 282 votes or 28.43 percent.

Seaford spent the night celebrating and afterwards picking up his campaign signs, he said.

"I'm glad that I got elected and the people voted for me. I think all the ones that got voted in will all do a real good job," Seaford said.

A 32-year employee of Duke Energy, Seaford is the coordinator for vendor contracts.

Throughout his campaign, Seaford said he's most interested in helping the town improve efficiency and cut costs.

Newcomer Linn was the second highest vote-getter, trailing Seaford by 12 votes.

A Landis Police officer and a newcomer to the political arena, Linn received 270 votes or 27.22 percent.

"It's wonderful. I feel great," Linn said.

While out celebrating with family, Linn said he was truly honored the residents of China Grove felt he could do a good job.

He would like to jump right in by making certain things get done in town. He said some streets around town, including his own, Keller Street, are unpaved and have large sinkholes.

As he said during his campaign, Linn also wants to focus on the youth of the community and give them something positive to do to keep them out of trouble.

"I am very, very blessed. I couldn't have done it without the Lord and the support of my family," he said.

Linn said he received support from his wife, Hannah, mother and stepfather, Linda and Chip Miller, along with his grandmother, Voncile Hall, uncle Donnie Herring.

Upright is also excited to jump right in to the job of alderman.

This is Upright's first time on the board. He won a place on the board with 242 votes or 24.40 percent of the votes.

"I'm just excited that the citizens of China Grove have put their faith in me. I'm anxious to get started," he said.

Upright is a Realtor and broker with Kannapolis Real Estate Agency.

Upright is the past president of the Kannapolis Jaycees, and past president of the Cabarrus Shrine Club. He is also a member of Allen-Graham Masonic Lodge.