County commission and city council races on ballot in 2016 in Forsyth

by Jordan Green

Filing for public office remains open across the state through Dec. 21.

Forsyth County Commissioners Dave Plyler, Gloria Whisenhunt and Richard Linville — all Republicans — have filed for reelection in suburban-rural District B. Bill Whiteheart, a Republican who lost his at-large race last year, has also filed in the District B race.

Due to changes imposed by the state General Assembly, this is the first time Winston-Salem City Council races will be on the ballot for an even-year election.

Mayor Allen Joines has filed for reelection. JoAnne Allen has previously announced plans to challenge Joines in the Democratic primary, but had not filed as of press time.

John Larson, a vice president at Old Salem Museum and Gardens, has filed to run as a Democrat in the South Ward, where longtime representative Molly Leight is retiring.

Democrat Jeff MacIntosh has filed for reelection in the Northwest Ward, drawing Republican Eric Henderson as a challenger.

Incumbents Derwin Montgomery, Denise D. Adams, James Taylor, Dan Besse and Robert Clark have also filed for reelection.

Dale Folwell, a former member of the NC House who serves as assistant secretary of employment security, has filed for state treasurer. Folwell, a Republican, lives in Winston-Salem. Democrat Ron Elmer of Cary has also filed for the position.

Republican Joyce Krawiec of Kernersville and Democrat Paul Lowe Jr. of Winston-Salem have filed for reelection in state Senate districts 31 and 32, along with Democrats Evelyn Terry and Edward Hanes Jr. in state House districts 71 and 72, and Republicans Debra Conrad and Julia Howard in House districts 74 and 79. The incumbent lawmakers have yet to draw challengers. Republican Donny Lambeth had not filed for reelection in House District 75 as of press time.