Year in Review: New faces, close races in Cape Fear politics

December 26, 2023

Sydney Bouchelle,

LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — From new faces to close races, it all happened this year in politics in the Cape Fear area.

Starting off the year with sad and shocking news, New Hanover County Commissioner Deb Hays died suddenly of a heart attack in March. The long-serving public servant was honored with a celebration of life and tree planting at Airlie Gardens. Following her death, the county’s Republican party appointed Dane Scalise to serve in her place.

This summer, the City of Wilmington finalized the purchase of the former PPD building. The $68-million purchase was controversial at times, especially when it was first suggested that the city implement a tax increase to fund the acquisition. Fortunately, city staff created a budget that did not require a tax increase.

The fall made for an eventful election season. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo ran unopposed to extend his reign as the city’s longest serving mayor for the past seventeen years.

Across the bridge in Brunswick County were two very close elections in seaside municipalities. In Southport, only one vote separated incumbent Joe Pat Hatem and Rich Alt for the mayor’s seat. After a recount revealed another vote, Rich Alt claimed the victory.

It was an even closer race in Ocean Isle Beach. David Green and Stephen Turner tied up two-hundred and nineteen votes for a seat on the town’s Board of Commissioners. The winner was decided by drawing a name out of a hat. The name: David Green. But, on the day he was set to be sworn in, Green quit before he started his term. So, Stephen Turner was sworn in to serve, instead.

Back in the state’s sixth prosecutorial district, New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Ben David announced in November that he would not be running for re-election in 2024. David explained it wasn’t a retirement, and plans to continue working in a courtroom in the future.

It’s not just the DA seat up for-grabs next year. Voters will decide on a new governor and president in the 2024 elections.