Vicki Hyatt: Good Ideas. Hard Work. Real Progress.
The Vicki Hyatt for Haywood campaign is about building a stronger county by tapping into our greatest resource – the people who care about this community. Hyatt and her husband Richard, live on the 115-year-old family farm in Bethel and she has spent nearly three decades reporting on the people, challenges, and decisions that shape this county.
Vicki Hyatt: Good Ideas. Hard Work. Real Progress.
The Hyatt for Haywood campaign is about building a stronger county by tapping into our greatest resource — the people who care about this community.
Why Vicki Can Make a Difference
Newspapers are the “first rough draft of history.” As a 28-year veteran journalist in Haywood, Vicki has attended an estimated 2,500 public meetings, and been at the forefront for every major development in the county.
That knowledge and long-term relationships with local and regional leaders can help turn citizen-driven ideas into results.
Our Future is Our Responsibility
Haywood County’s budgetary needs always exceed the resources available to meet them. We need to do more with less. That can happen by unlocking the power of local residents who can help the county grow from within.
We can’t count on outside economic entities to save us. That responsibility is ours.
A Campaign Built on Listening
When gathering 2,000 signatures to run as an unaffiliated commissioner candidate, Vicki kept lists of conversations and ideas to improve the county. Those conversations are ongoing.
Unlike most campaigns that simply name a problem that needs fixed, the Hyatt for Haywood campaign will focus on solutions developed by the people who live here — solutions that can make a real difference.
These are issues that are bubbling to the top. We need your input.
Civic Participation Matters
Strong communities are built when people know their neighbors, share ideas, and work together. Haywood County is made up of many communities, and everyone has something to contribute to our shared future.
Our Priorities
Housing We Can Afford
Preserving Rural Character
Building Better Jobs
About Vicki
- Joined The Mountaineer newspaper in 1997, first as a reporter and later as editor
- Has spent years connecting people and organizations throughout Haywood County to address community issues.
- Believes strongly in the public’s right to know what its county government is doing and what’s happening in the community.
- Prefers working behind the scenes to being in the spotlight: “It is never about getting credit or grabbing power for me. I just want to see challenges effectively addressed.”
- Spent about five seasons at Haywood farmers markets selling beef, vegetables and discussing issues with all who stopped by.
- Recipient of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Woman of Distinction Award.
- Was awarded REACH of Haywood County’s 2024 Woman of Vision Award.
- Elected Montana’s youngest state representative in 1979.
- Served as a county commissioner in Montana and on the executive board of the state association of county commissioners.
- Lives on a 115-year-old family farm where she and her husband, Richard, raise cattle and enjoy helping with grandchildren who live nearby.
Browse Our Campaign Newsletters
To keep up with issues facing Haywood County and to learn more about upcoming tours and events, please sign up for Vicki’s email newsletter.
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Every Voice Matters!
Here’s how you can help shape Haywood’s future:
Attend a focus meeting, show up at Hyatt for Haywood campaign gatherings supporting small businesses, volunteer at community events alongside others in the Hyatt for Haywood campaign or email your ideas to hyatt4haywood@gmail.com
Together, we can build a stronger Haywood County.
Donate
Checks can be mailed to:
Hyatt4Haywood
116 Sunburst Dr.
Waynesville, NC. 28786
Share Your Thoughts & Receive Email
To keep up with issues facing Haywood County and to learn more about upcoming tours and events, please sign up for Vicki’s email newsletter.
A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox. You must confirm that you wish to receive the newsletter.