SPENCER — A political newcomer says he’s running for the Spencer Board of Aldermen because the community needs more diversity.
Rashid Muhammad, 35, also said town officials need to do a better job of communicating with residents.
If elected, Muhammad said he aims to improve communication between the town and citizens by encouraging more people to become involved in the community. Elected officials need to provide effective leadership and work to improve the quality of life in Spencer, which always starts with residents, he said.
Other goals include making sure the town offers more productive activities within the community for youth to deter counter-productive actions, as well as making the preservation of Spencer’s historic heritage a top priority.
“The need to continuously enhance the community is necessary,” Muhammad said. “If we don’t take care of the town properly, it will decay.”
When these issues are addressed, he said, the town of Spencer will grow and prosper.
A youth counselor for the N.C. Department of Public Safety at Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center, Muhammad earned a bachelor’s degree from Livingstone College.
He’s involved with Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Rowan Helping Ministries, Livingstone College Alumni Association and Rowan Concerned Citizens.
Muhammad is one of two challengers vying for a seat on the Spencer town board. All six incumbents are running for re-election, and the mayor is unopposed.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.