DougSetzer4WTC

11/05/2025

Thank you to EVERYONE who exercised their right to vote yesterday. I am humbled by the great turnout and support you have shown me. I will do my best to serve the residents of Wilkesboro. Your voice was heard yesterday: smarter spending and lower taxes. Let’s get to work!

11/04/2025

Polls open tomorrow from 6:30AM until 7:30PM. Wilkesboro town residents will be voting at the Wilkesboro Civic Center.

My message has been consistent throughout the campaign. I will focus on smarter spending and tax reduction without reducing essential services. Our tax dollars must be spent wisely. I look forward to seeing you at the polls tomorrow!

10/21/2025

Early voting is in full swing. I encourage every Wilkesboro resident to vote, as this may be the most important local election for years to come. The next council will be tasked with choosing a new town manager, increasing our fund balance and reducing spending (and taxes) without cutting services the town currently provides.

If elected, I will do my very best to work with other council members to accomplish these goals. Please exercise your right to vote in this election.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: Early voting ends Saturday, November 1st at 3:00 pm. Election Day - Tuesday, November 4th - Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm.

10/05/2025

Check out the forum this past Thursday evening

Candidates for two Wilkesboro Town Council seats in 2025 answer questions at candidates' forum, organized by the Wilkes Journal-Patriot, at the Wilkes Agricu...

09/27/2025

Been spending time knocking on doors and getting to know those of you that I haven’t met. I’ve really enjoyed the conversations. I am proud to tell people I’m from Wilkesboro, NC.

As you may know, I volunteer with a ministry called Hearts With Hands (Asheville, NC) and was in Asheville 1 year ago today when Helene hit Northwestern NC. I attended a memorial service today in Old Fort, NC for the one year anniversary of this event. The Mayor of Marion was describing the massive efforts to get back to normal. He said the following…. “What is good for Marion, NC is good for Old Fort and our county (McDowell). What is good for Old Fort, is good for Marion and our county!”

That’s what I’ve been saying! It took a disaster for these folks to come together for the betterment of the county. Let’s get our communities working together, so we can be prepared for whatever the future holds for us.

09/07/2025

Thank you to Pastor Scott Frazier of New Covenant Christian Church and his daughter, Macy Grace Frazier for allowing me to discuss my campaign and vision for the Town of Wilkesboro.

08/29/2025

Just remember your daily lives are more affected by local office than the Oval Office. Our town councils set the tax, water, sewer rates. They ensure we have adequate fire and police protection. They secure funding for your town greenways and parks. There are so many things you need to be aware of.

This November election is very important to every citizen. Please consider registering to vote and vote for Doug Setzer for Wilkesboro Town Council. I am willing to serve the citizens to the best of my ability. I will be available voice for you in town council.

08/28/2025

One of my primary principles is that I’ve held conservative beliefs all my life, especially in regards to finances. I learned very early in life the value of a dollar.

Please note that I’m not speaking negatively about the current council members or mayor. I did not agree with the decision to set the tax rate at .46 per hundred. I do feel justified in talking about it now, because I was at that board meeting and publicly voiced my position. That decision convinced me to run for Wilkesboro Town Council.

I also stated in that same meeting that I’d been observing how much these board members care about the town, because I’ve been attending board work sessions the last 2 years and witnessed their efforts.

I’m convinced there are ways to reduce our taxes without losing the essential services we all enjoy. I look forward to a public forum where we can discuss our future.

I ask for your support and vote in November.

08/23/2025

I’ve been talking to people this weekend about their thoughts (and concerns) about the Town of Wilkesboro. Allow me to share what I’ve heard….

Residents state Wilkesboro’s taxes have never been higher than North Wilkesboro. (I need to verify this, but believe it’s true).

A couple I spoke with asked me how could we increase our tax base, when we have higher taxes than North Wilkesboro? Great question, but I was quick to point out our water/sewer rates were lower. It is a very poignant question though!

Another family told me they were considering a move outside town limits because they couldn’t afford their taxes. I suggested they be patient and let’s see what happens.

Wilkesboro, whomever you choose to represent you I would encourage you to ask their council members to (1) ask more questions, (2) question more decisions presented to council before they vote.

I’m proud to be a resident of Wilkesboro. I love our community and I want to see good things in our future. I would appreciate your vote and promise to serve you as best as I know how.

08/15/2025

I’m not experienced as a politician, but I do have a background as a servent. I’m a volunteer for a faith based ministry called Hearts with Hands, based in Asheville, NC. I’ve been in Old Fort, NC this week helping to rebuild a Marine veteran’s home that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

If you choose to believe in me to be your next Wilkesboro Town Councilman, I will share that same energy to making Wilkesboro stronger and more financially fit. I’ve shared a multi-point plan to one of the existing town council members that will reduce our taxes next year without disrupting essential services.

As a promise to you, I will not be taking contributions for this campaign. I would like to thank all those who have offered to contribute. Your generous offer means so much to me!

Please reach out to me if you have questions or thoughts about our future. I hope we all get involved to make Wilkesboro stronger!

08/10/2025

LET’S MAKE WILKESBORO STRONGER AND BETTER

Let’s face it….Nobody likes tax increases. I didn’t like the increase. That’s why I spoke out publically about it. Yet, I certainly understand why it occured.

- There hasn’t been a tax increase in 8 years.
- There hasn’t been a tax REVALUATION since 2017!

Your tax dollars weren’t wasted though. Most streets were repaved, the majority of the water/sewer lines were replaced, the Police responded to every call as did our Fire department. The town has a quality offering of parks and facilities for the citizens to enjoy.

All of the above cost money. We all understand that. I have a solid plan for protecting these essential services AND reducing taxes.

1. I’ve posted repeatedly that we need more restaurants/retail stores in this community. Almost 40,000 cars travel on Hwy 421 daily, and apparently nobody can figure out how to bring a restaurant or a retail store into our community.

2. We need more small businesses.

3. More affordable housing is required. This limits opportunities for growth. Most young families can’t afford expensive town homes.

4. More jobs and amenities will result in a healthier tax base.

5. I seek more assistance from Wilkes Economic Development and Tourism Authority. We are assisting in their funding and we desire better results.

I have no agenda, other than to make Wilkesboro better and stronger. I’ve said this too many times. I once was complaining about council decisions until a council person suggested I come to a work session to hear about current issues affecting the Town. Since that time, I’ve attended almost every work session FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS to better understand the issues we face. I will work for you.

You decide who can better serve this community. Reach out to me via Facebook or email me via [email protected]. You can also visit me in person at Wilkes Tire and Auto. Please note, I will be volunteering in Asheville until August 13th. I LOVE WILKESBORO! And, remember to Vote SETZER for Wilkesboro Town Council- “Protecting YOUR Tax Dollars!”