Alex Atchison, 36, has served on the Town Council for five years. He is an attorney at Young Moore and Henderson, a law firm in Raleigh. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1995, and he graduated from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1998. He and his wife have two children, ages 6 and 3.

Atchison wants to manage growth, expand recreational, cultural and educational opportunities and keep downtown strong and vibrant.

“I am prepared to meet any challenge head on with the foresight to understand how the decisions we make today shape our future. In this current economic environment, we must move cautiously and conservatively. At the same time, we cannot take a shortsighted approach of sitting back and waiting to see what is going to happen. Our leaders must be proactive and seek out solutions before we have problems.”

Alex Harding

Alex Harding, 47, has served on the Town Council for five years. He is a director for a Wake County manufacturing company. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Maryland, and he is currently a part-time MBA student attending East Carolina University.

Harding’s priorities involve improving communication between the Town Council and Johnston County school board members, providing recreational programs, supporting senior citizens and preserving open space.

“I voted no to a tax increase, yes to a Smart-Growth Unified Development Code, yes to a town tree ordinance, yes to park land acquisition, and yes to an enhanced recycling program. I also voted yes to supporting the arts, recreation, teachers, students, law enforcement and fire and rescue initiatives; yes to road improvements, yes to a referendum to allow voters to directly decide on important representation matters such as districts and bonds for recreation and road improvements.”

Art Holder

Art Holder, 70, is retired from IBM. Holder earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from N.C. State University and a master's degree in business from UNC-Charlotte. He and his wife of 45 years have one son.

Holder’s primary focus is to work with the Johnston County Board of Education on educational issues, providing more security for residents, implementing a farmers market, improving and adding infrastructure and developing downtown.

“There are additional items that will come up during the next three years. Some of them are rezoning requests, annexation requests, assignment of sewer capacity, town beautification, Clayton power needs, public works items and others. All issues requiring action by the Town Council should be addressed with the following thought in mind: Is it good for Clayton, what will it cost and can it be funded without a tax increase to the residents of Clayton.”

R.S. "Butch" Lawter

R.S. “Butch” Lawter, 43, is a senior engineer at S.T. Wooten Corp. He served on the Town Council from 1999 till 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Clemson University in 1987, and he earned a master's degree in civil engineering from N.C. State University in 1993. He and his wife have five children between the ages of 11 and 17.

Lawter’s goals for the town include infrastructure planning and improvement, parks and recreation, downtown development and improved community relations. Also, he wants to balance the town budget by cutting spending rather than increasing property taxes to offset other lost revenues.

“My prior experience as a Councilman, 1999 to 2003, gives me insight and appreciation for local government and the importance of the Council working together. Through years of community service, I have a vast network of citizens from which to gather diverse perspectives on current issues. Over 20 years engineering experience, prior Council and community service, and my love for Clayton identify me as the most qualified, dedicated candidate and distinguish me as unique among the candidates.”

Despite several attempts, the Herald could not reach Michael Starks.