DOBSON — Dobson’s mayor has decided to run for another term in office, partly to help the municipality get through a “mini-crisis” related to alleged financial improprieties by the town manager.

Mount Airy’s mayor, meanwhile, remains undecided about re-election plans for his seat, one of eight offices in the city, Dobson and Pilot Mountain affected by the 2009 municipal elections in Surry County.

Dobson Mayor Ricky Draughn declared his intentions Wednesday afternoon to seek a third four-year term when the candidates’ filing period opens on July 6, citing several items of unfinished business.

“Right now, we’re in the middle of a sort of mini-crisis,” Draughn, 55, said of one of the biggest reasons that he will run for the office again.

The mayor was referring to a pending matter involving Town Manager Lynn Burcham, whom Dobson officials suspended nearly a month ago. Burcham was placed on a non-disciplinary suspension with pay after it came to light that she might have misappropriated town funds.

Dobson officials are awaiting a recommendation from the Surry County district attorney, who is reviewing the matter for possible prosecution.

Draughn explained that he wanted to see that matter through to its conclusion, along with several other infrastructure projects the town has launched.

“We’ve got a lot of things going on with water agreements,” added the mayor. Included are a connection agreement with Mount Airy to sell water to Dobson, which is in turn working with the county government to provide it water.

Draughn also said that work in the downtown area of the county seat is among other projects he’d like to see completed.

Additionally, the incumbent wants to continue working to reflect the views of citizens on the town council, though he does not have a vote. “I just want to be there to present whatever people tell me to give them a voice on,” Draughn said.

Two commissioner seats in Dobson, now held by Wayne Atkins and Clarence Collins, also are up for grabs this year. Neither of those individuals could be reached Wednesday concerning their election plans.

Mount Airy, Pilot Seats

The re-election outlook of Mount Airy Mayor Jack Loftis remains up in the air. “I haven’t made a decision yet,” Loftis said Wednesday concerning whether he’ll file for a third term.

Jon Cawley of the North Ward announced last week that he will run for his first full term on the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, after being appointed as an interim member last year.

Meanwhile, South Ward Commissioner David Beal had said he would disclose his decision on another term after the city budget was finalized, which occurred last week. But Beal did not return a call Wednesday regarding his plans for what would be his third full term on the board.

In Pilot Mountain, the offices now held by Commissioners Carolyn Boyles and Andrew French also are affected by the election. French said he will decide on another term around the time the filing period opens, while Boyles could not be reached for comment.

Filing Information

Anyone wishing to vie for a municipal office must file their intentions at the Surry County Board of Elections, located on the ground floor of the new county courthouse in Dobson.

Those seeking any of the three positions in Mount Airy must pay a $10 filing fee, compared to $6 for the commissioners races in Pilot Mountain and $5 for the affected Dobson offices.

In Mount Airy, candidates seeking a commissioner post must live in the affected ward, while mayoral candidates can reside anywhere in the city limits.

The candidates’ filing period begins at 8:15 a.m. on July 6 and will continue through noon on July 17.

Municipal elections will be held in November.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.