East Spencer candidate Tony Hillian says uniting citizens key to improvements
Published 12:29 am Monday, September 4, 2017
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER — East Spencer native Tony Hillian is hoping to unseat one of the incumbents this November to serve on the East Spencer town board. Hillian is making his first leap toward an elected office, he says, to make a difference in the lives of East Spencer citizens.
“I am a doer who loves doing for others. I have the heart to do what is necessary to improve the living conditions in East Spencer,” Hillian said.
Hillian promises to respond quickly to citizens expressing their concerns for many abandoned homes and businesses along the Long Street corridor.
He said there are many things that can be done to improve the appearance of East Spencer with little money and a whole lot of community effort.
“I will be proactive in courting new businesses and establishments to locate their operations in East Spencer. I will work closely with our police department in developing community programs that foster trust among its citizens,” he said.
Hillian is currently involved with SWAGGA Youth Apprenticeship, Inc., develops work ethic for teens and young adults who are working at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, serves on the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency where he is chair of the Policy Council, is an instructor for the Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department’s NBA Babies basketball team. He is also apart of the International Sports Training Academy. Hillian also participates in various other sports and academic organizations.
“I have my hand on the pulse of the community and this goes a long way in unifying our citizens to act. Let’s make a difference, East Spencer, the time for talking has passed. Let’s do,” he said.
In 1993, the Salisbury Civitans presented Hillian with the Good Samaritan Award. He was presented the Mayor’s Medal by then Mayor Margaret Kluttz in both 1992 and 1993. He was also a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr Humanitarian Award in 1993 and was given the award for outstanding leadership in community from the Rotary Club.
In addition, from 1985 to 1995, Hillian was part of the East Spencer Anti-Drugs Step Team and received the BET Award for Top 10 Teens Around America in 1993.
Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.
