Union County "Buzz"

Union County reflects two competing identities: a largely rural community rooted in

agriculture and country living, and a fast-growing western region that increasingly resembles neighboring Mecklenburg County in development, density, and lifestyle.  Those contrasts, however, have been muted by a recent development that has drawn

local attention.

In February 2025, the Rahma Center of Charlotte acquired a 7.7-acre parcel near the intersection of New Town Road and Twelve Mile Creek Road in Wedington. According to the Center’s website, it serves Muslims in the Charlotte area. The organization has since submitted a conditional zoning application to the Town of Wedington Planning Board seeking to change the parcel’s land use designation from wedding, banquet, and reception to churches, synagogues, and other places of worship.

Several residents living near the parcel have raised concerns about how activities at the site could affect traffic safety. There may also be broader unease about introducing into the county a faith community whose teachings some view as contrary to the core beliefs held by most Americans.

A quote often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch says, “The measure of a man’s

life is the well spending of it, and not the length.” That sentiment resonates in the life of

the late Union County Commissioner Gary Sides, who served the county for years as a

foster parent with his wife Myra and an elected official. He held several county and

municipal elected offices, remaining unfailingly committed to his Republican principles

until declining health forced him to resign from the Commission shortly before his death.

By any measure, his life was well spent.

To fill the vacancy created by Sides’ resignation, the Union County Board of

Commissioners unanimously appointed Errol Wedra, who was recommended by the

Union County Republican Party. At the time the Party recommended Wedra, he served

as its vice chairman. Wedra brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience,

a master’s degree in justice administration, and completion of the UNC School of

Government’s Municipal and County Administration course. He will serve on the Board

through December 7, 2026, and has indicated that he plans to run in the November

2026 general election for the remainder of the term, which expires on December 4,

2028.

Union County Manager Brian Matthews has presented a proposed budget for fiscal year

2026-27 to the Board of County Commissioners. The plan maintains core services

without raising taxes on residents or businesses. Matthews will formally present the

recommendation at the Board’s June 1, 2026, meeting.

The balanced budget keeps the total property tax rate flat at 43.42 cents ($.4342) per

$100 of assessed valuation as sales tax revenues return to normal after last year’s

statewide slowdown. Matthews said the budget reflects fiscal discipline. The County is

using savings and capital funds to cover costs while continuing essential services and

maintaining stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Key proposed investments include:

• Sheriff’s Office staffing, including four detention officers and one school resource officer.
• Union EMS funding to add EMT staff and support ambulance needs.
• Business incentive grants totaling $2.762 million to support job creation, investment, and the local economy.
• Contingency funding for possible teacher and teacher aide stipends

The proposal also marks the final year of the Board’s three-year water and sewer rate

plan. Water rates would rise 7.25 percent and sewer rates 6 percent.

Change is inevitable, and the Union County Republican Party has experienced

significant change recently, beginning with a leadership transition following the

resignation of Chairman Bob Dunn shortly after this year’s successful Lincoln Reagan

Day event in late February. In accordance with the Party’s plan of organization, the

executive committee held a special election on March 21, 2026, and elected Mark

Pittman as chairman.

Pittman’s profile was raised through his involvement in Union County with Don Brown’s

U.S. Senate campaign. He also had the backing of a major elected official, as well as

several members of the executive committee. Importantly, the executive committee

members were grateful that the transition to a new chairman had been completed

amicably.

In May, the Party also experienced a change in its vice chairmanship after Errol Wedra

resigned following his appointment to the Union County Board of Commissioners. At its

May meeting, the Union GOP executive committee elected Jim Tant as vice chairman.

Tant, who served in the Marine Corps, had been active in the Party’s efforts to

strengthen its precinct organization and is expected to be an asset to the leadership

team.

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