There are two candidates running for the job of Summerfield mayor – incumbent mayor Tim Sessoms and Linda Wendelken, the wife of the outspoken Don Wendelken, a former Guilford County Board of Elections member who publishes a town newspaper.
The Wendelken campaign has filed a complaint with the Guilford County Board of Elections – which sent it to the State Board of Elections – alleging that Sessoms violated campaign laws by using town resources to advance his campaign.
The complaint, which was signed by Don Wendelken, states that, “On October 27, 2023, Summerfield Mayor, Tim Sessoms, who is running for re-election posted a ‘Public Press Release’ on the Town of Summerfield Facebook page and on the Town of Summerfield’s website. Upon information and belief, the press release was coordinated between Mayor Sessoms and Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker.”
According to the complaint, “The public press release was sent around 6 PM, the first day of early voting…The information released was Sessoms’ response to campaign issues in the Town of Summerfield. Upon information and belief, public resources (Summerfield’s Facebook and website) were used to benefit Tim Sessoms in his re-election bid for mayor.”
The complaint also alleges that Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker was in violation of state law because he is a town employee who, the Wendelken’s claim, engaged in political activity meant to favor Sessoms.
Don Wendelken also argued in the complaint that the current town policy to post a press release requires a majority approval from the Summerfield Town Council and states the release was not approved by a majority of Summerfield Council members.
Elections Director Charlie Collicutt said: “Complaints concerning campaign finance violations are under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Elections, and investigative records, including the complaints, are to be treated as confidential” – so he could not comment on it.
The complaint was sent from the county elections office to the State Board of Elections.
Deputy General Counsel for the State Board of Elections Lindsey Wakely responded: “Your complaint alleges a misuse of city funds for partisan purposes. This represents a potential violation of G.S. 160A-169. The State Board of Elections does not have jurisdiction to investigate or enforce violations of G.S. 160A-169 … Since the allegations are not within the jurisdiction of the State Board of Elections, we cannot open an investigation into this matter.”
She continued, “I don’t believe there is any State-level entity that would have enforcement authority here. Normally, I would recommend contacting the city attorney or city manager.”
Don Wendelken, who has long been at odds with the town’s administration and the town’s attorneys, said he was quite taken aback by the response.
“Like, I am going to ask Summerfield’s attorney or the manager,” he said. “They are a major part of the problem.”
The Wendelken campaign is currently pursuing its options.
Summerfield has always been an odd little smudge on the map.
While I don’t support Mr. or Mrs. Wendelken’s assertions, it does seem that the State Agency should investigate the complaint thoroughly. I would contact our district’s representative to the North Carolina Senate, but it would seem he is tainted as well.
The Wendelken clowns are way past their “good till date”. Go back in to the Greensboro City Limits and leave us alone. They advertise their CNN caliber “reporting rag” called the Summerfield Scoop on your website and their printed version litters my mailbox periodically, which even the parakeet doesn’t like in it’s cage.
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The point is the mayor posted a very political letter on the town website, as part of government business and town manager is also involved in politics on town business and town website. Mayor duties — conferred by the council. This council could publicly and correctly oppose town mayor and manager posting political stuff on town website — and making every word true. This council is 100% support of whatever mayor does. Manager also in violation of his Ethics Code–but manager very supportive of those that gave him huge pay raises. Not a question if you personally like or don’t like someone you probably don’t know — so Mayor Sessoms does his political work on taxpayer paid website and more. AND Mayor has NOT “SAVED SUMMERFIELD.”
First let me begin by saying I agree with Oldskool. As a Summerfield property owner, former Sheriff and employer of Mr. Wendelken, as well as former Mayor of Summerfield, I can say much of the problems in Summerfield rest at his feet. His bias divisive nature knows no bounds. Saying this gives me no pleasure and for those who wonder, I have said them to his face.
Sessoms response to the lies and distortions printed by Wendelken was needed so the citizens of Summerfield would have he facts, not his political drivel. Wendelken has run for office many times and lost each time because the voters saw thru his shenanigans. He and his cohorts have caused the town to have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and have not been successful in doing anything else but deviding the town and costing the taxpayer.. It seems he wants to do it some more.