Government

    The long-awaited plan to revert the city of Bedford to town status is set to be revealed next Wednesday, Sept. 14, and Bedford Mayor Skip Tharp says it will be a “win-win” for both the city and Bedford County.

    Chuck Reid, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, will challenge Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown in this year’s election.

    Reid, a Bedford County native, was first hired as a deputy in 1980 by former Sheriff Carl Wells. He began as a road deputy and later served as an investigator. Reid said that he was part of the regional homicide squad and also worked as an undercover investigator in conjunction with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.

    In past years, contested elections for local elected offices have been rare. But it’s different this year and voters will have choices in at least four local races.

    One of those is the District 7 school board race where Kevin Willis is challenging Debbie Hoback, the incumbent. Hoback is seeking her third term on the board.
    “I haven’t lost the passion for it,” Hoback commented. “I love trying to make a difference.”

Bedford area Republicans nominated a slate of five candidates for local offices.

    They endorsed Sheriff Mike Brown for a fifth term as Bedford County’s sheriff. Brown, first elected in 1995, will have completed 20 years in that office at the end of his next term if his reelection bid is successful. Brown said earlier this year that he will step down at the end of his next term.