Two enter right away in Asheboro mayoral race as municipal filings open

ASHEBORO — Eddie Burks wasted no time getting his name on ballots for Asheboro’s mayor’s seat.

When the filing period opened last week, the longtime city councilman was ready at the Board of Elections.

“I was there when the doors opened,” Burks said.

Burks and fellow councilman Joey Trogdon filed for the mayor’s position on the first day.

“I’ve enjoyed my first two years (on the council),” Trogdon said. “We’ve got some stuff coming up that I think is important.”

The filing period runs through noon July 18.

Mayor David Smith announced last year that he wouldn’t run. He has been in the position since 2009.

“Mayor Smith had encouraged me to run on multiple occasions,” Burks said.

Trogdon, 65, is seeking to following his father’s footsteps. Joe Trogdon was mayor of Asheboro for 18 years (1983-2001) with a total of 28 years on the council.

“I got exposed to a lot of that because it was part of our lives for 28 years,” Trogdon said.

Burks, a 1979 Eastern Randolph graduate who owns an advertising agency, was Franklinville’s mayor from 1987-89. He has been on Asheboro’s city council since 2007.

“I think we need an experienced person in the mayor’s seat,” he said.

Trogdon, a general contractor, had served on city committees but was first elected to office two years ago.

If more than two people file for the mayor’s position, there will be a primary in the fall prior to November’s election.

Council members Walker Moffitt, the mayor pro tem, and Clark Bell have indicated they won’t run. Moffitt has been on the council since 2005. Four of the seven council seats will be on the ballot.

Terms for Burks and Trogdon don’t expire, so if one of them is elected mayor his council seat would be filled by appointment for the remaining two years.

“If not (elected mayor), I still have two more years on council,” Burks said. “I’m involved either way.”

Four council seats are on the ballot. Early city council filings have been received from Phillip Cheek, Mary Joan Pugh, Kelly Heath, Al LaPrade, Dave Thomas and Jimmy Efird. Heath is an incumbent.

Other municipalities

Ben Harman filed for the Franklinville major’s seat. A.C. Hurley is sitting mayor.

Incumbent mayors Filmore York in Liberty and David Fernandez in Seagrove filed to retain their positions.

Other races on the ballot will involve various positions in Franklinville, Liberty, Randleman, Seagrove and Staley and on the Asheboro City Schools Board of Education.