Fresh, Transparent, Community-Minded Leadership.
Restore trust. Rebuild relationships. Listen to our community. Plan for our future.
Lake Lure is ready for leadership that listens, brings people together, and puts our community first. Kathy Tanner is running to bring greater transparency and accountability to town government, strengthen partnerships, and make sure residents have a real voice in the decisions that shape our future. Together, we can protect what makes Lake Lure special while building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.
Kathy’s Top Priorities as Lake Lure’s Next Mayor:
Restore Trust & Transparency in Town Government
Kathy will ensure residents understand what Town Hall is doing, why decisions are being made, and how taxpayer and recovery dollars are being used.
Restore an annual State of Lake Lure meeting: provide residents and businesses with a clear update on the town’s finances, projects, recovery efforts and priorities.
Provide regular, easy-to-understand updates on major projects and funding, including FEMA reimbursements, grants, fundraising and anticipated costs.
Explain major decisions before they are made, including the options being considered and the reasoning behind recommendations.
Create meaningful opportunities for public input early in the planning process, not after decisions have effectively been made.
Set a culture of openness and accountability at Town Hall, where questions from residents are welcomed and answered.
“You deserve to know what your town is doing, why we’re doing it and how your money is being spent.”
Reconnect Lake Lure with Our Partners Throughout the Gorge
Kathy will make restoring relationships with neighboring communities and regional partners a top priority.
Personally reengage neighboring communities and organizations throughout the Gorge and rebuild relationships that have weakened.
Establish regular communication among community leaders to identify shared challenges and opportunities.
Collaborate on tourism, economic development, recreation, events and recovery efforts where working together can have a greater impact.
Look for opportunities to pursue grants, partnerships and outside investment together rather than every community working independently.
Promote the Gorge as one connected destination while preserving the unique identity of Lake Lure.
“A stronger Lake Lure and a stronger Gorge go hand in hand. We need to start working together again.”
Strengthen Communication with Residents & Businesses
Kathy will create meaningful two-way communication between Town Hall, residents, and businesses. She will be visible, accessible, and willing to listen..
Be a visible and accessible mayor who visits and patronizes local businesses and regularly attends community, business and volunteer events —not just Town Council meetings.
Create regular opportunities for residents and businesses to talk directly with town leadership, through town halls, listening sessions or informal community meetings.
Develop a consistent system for communicating important town information so residents don't have to hunt for answers.
Regularly engage the business community to understand what's working, what isn't and how Town Hall can be a better partner.
Close the feedback loop: when citizens provide input, communicate what was heard, what can be acted upon and what cannot—and explain why.
“Communication isn't just telling people what's happening. It's listening to them and making sure their voices help shape what happens next.”
Bring People Together Around a Positive Vision for Lake Lure’s Future
Lake Lure’s future depends on residents, businesses, community organizations, and town leadership working together toward shared goals.
Move the conversation beyond recovery alone and develop a clear vision for what Lake Lure should look like in 5, 10 and 20 years.
Bring residents, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers and community partners together to establish shared priorities.
Turn ideas into actionable plans with timelines, responsibilities, potential funding sources and measurable goals.
Be proactive about projects like Morse Park and other community amenities, identifying partnerships, grants, private philanthropy and fundraising opportunities rather than relying solely on FEMA or government funding.
Balance recovery, infrastructure and economic needs with quality of life, recognizing that Lake Lure is more than its dam and sewer—it is a community of residents, businesses and families.
Build consensus rather than factions, creating a culture where disagreement doesn't prevent people from working together.
“FEMA can help us recover, but FEMA can't create our vision for Lake Lure. That's our job, and I want us to do it together.”