2025 North Carolina General Election

Johnny Phillips

Walter Ley

New mayor, council members for Sylva

Johnny Phillips is from Sylva. He attended Sylva High School and earned an associate degree in civil engineering technology from Southwestern Community College. He lives in Sylva, North Carolina.

Sylva Mayor Race – 105.7 WRGC

Johnny Phillips is a retired transportation manager. He worked at the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 30 years. After retiring from public service, he spent time in the private sector.

Johnny Phillips (Mayor of Sylva, North Carolina, candidate 2025 ...

Sylva and Waynesville choose leadership

'Old-time locals' get a voice in Phillips | Top Stories | thesylvaherald ...

Johnny is currently the mayor of Sylva. He was elected in 2023 and is serving his first term. 

Economy

Public Services

Said, "I want everyone here to feel represented. I want to be the mayor that stands for every group’s rights safety, happiness and prosperity... But we also have a fiscal responsibility with the taxpayers’ money."

Housing & Urban Development

Supports the Community Care program, which helps unhoused people instead of incarcerating them.

Public Safety

Supports repairing the railroad between Sylva and Dillsboro to encourage tourism and business growth.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.