Early voting is now underway for the November 2026 election. In Honaker, five candidates will be competing for three seats on the town council. Among the candidates is Cathy Ray.
“I am a wife, mother, and proud Mamaw, and I have had the privilege of calling our community home for most of my life,” Ray said when asked to introduce herself to the public.
“I have always believed in being involved in and giving back to the community I call home,” she added. “I previously had the opportunity to serve on the town council, and I have also been involved with numerous civic clubs, community organizations, and local committees over the years. These experiences have given me a greater appreciation for the people, businesses, and organizations that make our community a special place to live.”
Ray is a Financial Services Specialist for the Southwest Virginia Community College Education Foundation. She said her work has given her the opportunity to help support scholarships, donors and programs that benefit students and the community.
“I am passionate about our town and its future,” she said. “I believe that when residents, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders work together, we can create opportunities, support one another, and build a stronger community for our families and future generations.”
When asked what decision or policy made by the town would she have handled differently, Ray pointed to recent plans by the county to place a garbage drop-off site in Putnam.
“I would have liked to see the town be more vocal in opposing the proposed garbage site in the Putnam section of our community,” Ray said. “This is a heavily populated area, and I believe a garbage site could create significant concerns for the residents who live there, including increased traffic, noise, odors, environmental concerns, land value and potential impacts on the quality of life in the surrounding community.”
Ray added, “Although Mayor Eaton stated during the July 7 town council meeting that the decision regarding the proposed site would ultimately be a county decision, I believe this issue directly affects the citizens of our town. Because of that, I feel the mayor and town council should stand with the residents they represent and make their concerns known regarding the proposed location.”
She further stated, “Our town has a responsibility to listen to its citizens and advocate for their interests when issues have the potential to significantly impact our community. I would encourage the mayor and council to take a more active role in expressing opposition to this proposed site and supporting the residents of the Putnam community and the overall effect this will have on our entire town.”
Along with potential trash sites, Ray sees economic growth and community involvement as the biggest issues facing Honaker.
She said if elected she would push for the formation of a committee consisting of the mayor, members of the town council, town employees, current business owners and interested citizens. The purpose of the committee would be to identify ways to better support existing businesses while also developing strategies to attract new businesses and opportunities.
“Our existing businesses are a crucial part of our town, and we need to understand what they need to succeed and grow,” she said. “At the same time, we should actively look for opportunities to attract businesses that will complement our community, create jobs, provide needed services, and encourage people to shop and invest locally.”
Ray added, “Growth is difficult without new opportunities. By bringing together town leadership, employees, business owners, and citizens, we can share ideas, identify challenges, and work together on practical solutions that will strengthen our local economy and create a more vibrant future for our town.”
Ray was asked what Honaker can do to encourage local businesses and economic development while preserving the community’s character. She answered, “I believe we should begin by listening to the business owners who are already here and learning more about the challenges they are facing.”
Ray added, “I would like to see the town organize a meeting or listening session with our existing business owners to give them an opportunity to share their concerns, identify obstacles, and discuss what the town can do to better support them. By understanding their needs, we can look for practical ways to make it easier for local businesses to operate, grow, and remain successful in our community.”
She went on to say, “We can also support our local businesses through the town’s social media presence by regularly promoting their products, services, events, and accomplishments. Encouraging residents, community organizations, and town officials to utilize local businesses for luncheons, meetings, celebrations, and other events is another simple way we can help generate business. Just as importantly, we can all help by verbally spreading the word about the wonderful businesses we have in our community and encouraging friends, family, and visitors to support them.”
Ray added that supporting the businesses already in existence is a crucial part of economic development. “When our local businesses succeed, our entire community benefits,” she said.
In addition to Ray, Jennifer Short, Scott McGlothin, Benny Chafin, and Nancy Taylor are running for a seat on the Honaker Town Council. The Lebanon News reached out to Short and Chafin for an interview but did not hear back from them.
