2023 Rowan County candidate questionnaire

CHINA GROVE 

MAYOR

Rodney Phillips

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I have a bachelor of arts from Catawba College in computer information systems with a minor in business. I currently work as vice president of sales and business development for CloudFit Software where I help customers leverage cloud technologies to digitally transform their business. We then provide operations and maintenance support. Prior to that I worked for Microsoft for over 20 years. I am also a licensed real estate agent. Beyond that, I am passionate about China Grove continuing to be a great little town and my love for this town is top priority.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have served three terms on China Grove Town Council. I served two years in the late 1980s, and then again two terms from 2015-present. During this time I have served as mayor pro-tem. In addition, I have served over 20 years on the China Grove Planning Board, as well as Parks and Recreation Board. During the past eight years, we have accomplished much, but we must finish the job: economic development plans for Exit 68, increase housing options, improve parks and rec options, downtown transformation and transition to new town manager.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

It is important to me for our town to finish the great work that we have started over the past eight years. My top priorities are:

• Economic development — solidify the footprint at Exit 68
• Streets — build and execute a plan to improve the 21 miles of streets
• Parks and Rec — invest to meet the needs
• Downtown — transform to a true downtown
• Staff — address the staffing needs for the future
• Public safety — keep our town safe and protected
• Plan — build a five-year plan
• Unify our town

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

The next four years will define the next 50 years for our great little town. I have a unique strategy to achieve our goals. Many elected officials focus just on the governmental aspects, which will not be optimal for us. For us to continue to excel, we must focus on keeping the entire ecosystem healthy, which includes jobs, housing, small businesses, downtown, schools, parks and rec, churches and government. We must be inclusive of all of these when taking actions and making decisions. People that come here to live depend on and operate in the entire ecosystem.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

The South Rowan area will lead the way for transforming Rowan County over the next four years. The mayor of China Grove is the CEO of the town, and the primary leader for South Rowan. We must have someone in this position with strong executive leadership and presence. The mayor must work internally with citizens and businesses to achieve the vision. Leading effective meetings should be a priority. And we must work with neighboring municipalities, county representatives, Rowan EDC, state legislators and national leaders. The mayor impacts our brand and we must have a strong executive presence.

 

Charles Seaford

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate of Pfeiffer University, May 1974 with a degree in accounting, economics and business administration. I teach emergency medical technician (EMT), I received my state of N.C. instructor certification in 1991. I have been involved as a volunteer with fire and rescue since 1968. Served as officer in the fire departments and chief of the Rowan County Rescue Squad for 8 years. I retired from Duke Energy in 2019 with 43 years of experience.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

In 2009, I ran for China Grove Town Council and was elected. I served on council for 10 years when I ran for mayor of China Grove. It was 2019 when I was elected as mayor of our great small town.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Recruiting industrial growth to China Grove. Industries and business will shore up our tax base on the town to ease the burden of the citizens that live in our great town.
• Residential growth and housing: This will help to meet the personnel needs for business and Industries that come to our great town. 
• Parks and Recreation: We currently have plans and some grant dollars for the area at the Community Building, walking paths, picnic shelters and install/remodel playground. The greenway along Grants Creek, install bike and walking path from Kirk Street to West Church Street allowing for a good safe place for path/walkway for exercise and recreation. 

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Strategies for addressing these would be through applications of grants, along with possible public and private partnerships, offering possible name of business, etc.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

My first two years as mayor, COVID hit and we had a national shutdown. Through this time, we have not lost any business. Only in the last two years we have Macy’s that is building a flagship distribution facility. We have several housing areas started, Liberty Grove, Kingston. Apartments have been started on Shue Road (Elevate). If all is built that has been approved to date, there will be over 1,400 plus houses and apartment units built within the next 3-5 years. I have also recognized and called for traffic studies in the following areas, Shue Road and Main Street, N.C. Hwy 152 E to Bostian Crossroad, and Miller Road and 152W. Our town is set for growth, we must be careful to manage and control the growth that’s coming our way.

 

TOWN COUNCIL 

Jason Higgins

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from South Rowan High in 1990. Got married in 1991 and hopped around jobs until I started at Bank of America in 2000. I’ve been at Bank of America 23 years, and I manage the servers and storage world-wide for the bank’s legal and regulatory technologies.  

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I’ve never held an elected position. I have been an appointed Planning Board member in China Grove since 2016. I’ve also done one term on China Grove’s Parks Advisory Board (also appointed)

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

As I see it, the biggest issue facing China Grove is growth. It’s coming and it’s important to me to make sure it happens responsibly. We have maybe nine new housing projects approved in town with three or four of them already moving dirt. Change is coming to China Grove and I would like to be a part of it being done the best way possible. Second, the current council has already started piecing together money from grants and the N.C. budget to try and start making some much needed improvements to the downtown area. I’d love to see our downtown start growing with more options for dining and entertainment outside of the 9-5 business hours.    

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Our town has always done a great job of balancing the need for a fair tax rate with the need to be able to provide the town with the proper town services. It’s an impossible job to make everyone happy with the decisions that need to be made to fund a town. Minor tax increases to some folks might mean the difference in being able to afford food or medicine to others. The town also has some hard decisions coming up soon on some of the aging town streets and how to fund their repair. We are going to have to discuss as a town the feasibility of a bond or something similar for the town to be able to afford something of that magnitude.  

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am sure that every one of the five candidates running for the town council care about China Grove.  I’ve spent the seven years involved in China Grove. I help on appointed boards in the town, I attend and speak at council meetings. I engage with the town staff and elected leaders on my thoughts and the directions that I think we should be moving. I read the town budget and talk to our leaders about where they spend or receive town money. Every citizen in the town can be a part of their monthly meetings, but few do. I hope that the dedication that I show to the town, and learning the business of running the town would make people think that I’m the best candidate for this job.  

 

Wayne Starnes

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• UNC Charlotte — BS electrical engineering
• Western Carolina — Master of project management
• Wake Forest University — Master of business administration
• Commercial real estate broker/entrepreneur

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have never held an elected office; I would not consider myself to be a politician… I would say I’m a citizen with the belief that we can make our town better by working together. I also believe the fact that I am not a politician, I’m allowed to challenge the status quo and to believe anything is possible if we work together. Not having experience as a politician but equipped with plenty of professional and life experiences allows me to think differently, to ask questions and explore different approaches for managing our town even better.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Encourage collaboration and open communications to foster transparency with budgets and town decisions, as well as promote community engagement, ownership and pride in our town.
• Propose the town develop and adopt a long-range plan (LRP) and short-range plan (SRP). As the old saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” We need an LRP and SRP for parks and recreational areas, business recruitment and development, housing, traffic control, safe communities, emergency preparedness, etc.
• Develop and implement governing strategies that ensure our town maintains its character while balancing the need to ensure sustainability and affordability for our citizens.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• Develop a communications plan used to address how the town disseminates information, promotes events and encourages citizen and business involvement. Often, problems encounter can be solved by simply communicating with one another.
• Benchmark similar thriving and sustainable towns who have LRPs and SRPs. Leverage their lessons learned and engage subject matter experts to help develop an LRP and SRP that reflects China Grove’s unique character and charm.
• Develop and employ standard operating procedures (SOP) that preserves our roots while utilizing technology and common sense to control costs and increase efficiency within the daily management China Grove.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I have no personal agenda and I don’t care about getting credit. I try to stay positive and detest silly drama, as well as negative and small-minded thinking. I consider myself a visionary who dreams big and is unafraid of taking a calculated risk. I commit to connecting people and ideas, facilitating communication, collaborating with citizens, business owners and town leadership to create a community where we all love to live and where our children will want to stay. To learn more about me, please visit www.waynestarnes.com or check us out on Facebook and Instagram at Vote for Wayne Starnes

 

CLEVELAND

COMMISSION

Alicia Johns

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from West Rowan High School. I have four years experience working with Rowan Salisbury Schools as a financial secretary, 13 years as a receptionist, teacher assistant and bus driver as well as administrator assistant to elementary, middle, and high school coordinators. I have seven years banking experience with Wachovia Bank headquarters in Charlotte, three years as a financial counselor with Rowan Memorial Hospital and four years as financial counselor at Iredell Memorial Hospital. I am currently employed with Iredell Memorial Hospital emergency room financial counselor. 

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

N/A

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

If elected I plan to continue to help continue to build our community up to boost the morale of all the people by including them in the decision making process.  

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

I plan to listen to the people to understand what they want to bring unity to our community to be part of Cleveland’s growth. To build prosperity for everyone. 

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I feel I am the best candidate because of my experience and being able to listen and offer suggestions, then act on any issues at hand. I am an honest, dependable, hardworking person and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. Let’s build a future together. 

 

Jeanette Rankin

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate of West Rowan High School. I have a B.S degree in early childhood education from Winston-Salem State University, I am a licensed cosmetologist earning that certificate through Rowan Technical Institute and National Beauty Academy, I am currently employed with the Iredell Statesville School System as an administrative assistant. I am a member of the Cleveland Lions Club.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I am president of Salisbury Rowan Chapter Winston Salem State University National Alumni Association. I have never held any political elected position.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

I would like to get after school and summer activities/events for the youth of the Cleveland community, I have a passion for young people and feel something has to be done to keep them busy. We have a very nice park in Cleveland with a lot of unused land I want to see it used more by the town for events. As a whole I want to see the town come together to plan and support community events. Let what is done be about every citizen.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Strategy is to be a listener, be vocal and visible. By attending board meetings which I have done for several years now I know things can happen. I have made several request and the board has moved on my request.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I believe I am the best candidate because if I see needs I will be vocal and I do my best to get things done for the betterment of the town. 

 

EAST SPENCER

MAYOR

Ryan Evans

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I’m a North Rowan High School graduate, I also graduated from Livingstone College with my bachelor’s in 2020 and now set to receive my master from Livingstone College, a MBA.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Barbara Mallet

Please briefly note your education and profession.

She is currently attending Livingstone College to earn a bachelor of arts degree in religion. She holds an associate degree in accounting from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and a bachelor of science in business management from Shaw University. Her work experience includes serving as the town clerk and finance officer for the town of East Spencer from 1980-2000.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Barbara served on the East Spencer Board of Aldermen from 2005-2009. In 2000 after serving East Spencer as clerk, she accepted a position as the assistant to the headmaster at Rowan Academy, the first charter school in Rowan County, where she served for six years. She was elected mayor in 2011 and is still currently serving. At the end of this term, she will hold the title of the longest serving mayor in East Spencer’s history at 12 years. Within the community, she is a member of various distinct organizations to include but are not limited to:

• Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation Board of Directors
• Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Board of Directors
• Rowan County Nursing Home Advisory Board
• Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Patient Advisory Council
• Chairman of the Salisbury Transportation Advisory Board
• Smart Start of Rowan Board Member Allocations
• Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency Council Board Member
• State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board Member

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• The town of East Spencer is on a transformative journey to advancing racial and economic growth through all levels of its government. To do this, we must have a vision: Achieving our vision requires building and effectively wielding the power necessary to remake our governing outcomes. Collaboration and coordination between many different leaders are needed to advance our shared vision across our community. Bring people together to advance change that improves people’s lives and the image of the community of East Spencer.
• Make recreational opportunities that support the youth of our community. I will work toward year-round activities for our children. With community support, this is doable.
• Build a public safety building.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

The town is looking very good in terms of population growth and economic development over the next five years. My aim for today and the future is to have the personnel, equipment, facilities and services to maintain this growth. Mallett’s faith is what guides her and because of her faith, she is a faithful servant leader at Southern City Tabernacle AME Zion Church. She is a member of several organizations in the church which support its pastor and members.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Despite her busy schedule and civic involvement, Mallett still manages to be loving wife to Gary, her husband of 57 years; mother to her daughters; Crystal Mallett and Tarsha Mallett, as well as grandmother to Amber Carter and Cameron Mallett, and great-granddaughter Zanylah Mallett. The best words to describe Mallett as the best candidate for mayor of East Spencer is tenacious, resourceful, open to partnerships, diverse and focus.

 

ALDERMAN

Curtis Cowan

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Attended Rowan Technical College and 27 years at Packaging Corporation of America

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

• Chairman of East Spencer Democratic Party
• Three terms as East Spencer Alderman
• Two terms mayor pro tem

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• To continue serving the citizens of East Spencer, hearing their concerns and being a voice for them.
• Working to improve public safety a well as public works
• Water and waste collection on the same bill at one location

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.’

East Spencer is on the rise. Growth and economic development are finally upon us. We must have a strategic plan in place as far as infrastructure and code enforcement.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I have served on Rowan County Historical Landmarks Commission, been the East Spencer Housing Authority commissioner, worked on the East Spencer Planning Board and Park and Recreation Committee and am a North Rowan High School Booster club member.

 

Deloris High

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• Retired
• Educational Background: Studied RCCC office administration. Graduated from More Than Conquers College School of Ministry Magna Cum Laude

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Alderwoman

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

I, along with the board of aldermen, have worked diligently to bring the town to where it is now, I’m running because I want to see a medical facility and other business types come to East Spencer. This is a great town, we are located right by Interstate 85 its convenient to High Rock Lake and we are not far from Greensboro and Charlotte, these are my priorities.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Community Involvement: Completed Leadership Rowan Class of 1996. We have a community watch for our block in East Spencer and a flower committee for the block.

Family: I have two boys and from a second marriage I have four girls and a son. All who are grown with their own families.

 

George Jackson

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• 1984 Graduate of North Carolina Central University, Durham — bachelor of arts in political science
• 1996 Graduate of Shaw University, Raleigh — Master of divinity (Cum Laude)
• 2009 Graduate of Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs — doctor of ministry, pastoral care
• April 1987 — ordained clergy
• June 2008 — consecrated bishop
• June 2013 — presiding prelate, Citadel Ministries International, Inc.
• Currently pastor: Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship, Thomasville and New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, Clover, S.C.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

No previous elected office or candidacy.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Repair and improvements of infrastructure in the town of East Spencer (water, sewer, roads); creation of a greenway (clean, safe pedestrian walking environment) on the Long Street corridor; Establishing a transportation hub.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

By way, of strategy, working closely with town manager, county commissioners and state representatives to establish working committees to address my priority concerns. To seek state and federal rural development grant opportunities and NCDOT funding as available to implement suggested priority goals.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

As a homeowner and 21-year resident of East Spencer, I feel uniquely qualified to serve my community, its citizens and its best interest. I am vested in my community and my 37 years of pastoral ministry has allowed me to gain vast experience in managing difficult situations and serving a multiplicity of people.

 

John Noble III

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a retired lieutenant with the sheriff’s office after 40 years. I graduated from Dunbar High School and furthered my education at Shaw University. B.A. in criminal justice. I have 10,000 hours of law enforcement training. My last assignment I was supervisor in the Rowan County Courthouse.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

This is the only position (alderman in East Spencer). I have been an alderman for 35 years.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My first priority is to continue what I have done over the years which is answer the need of the citizens. I won’t say I will fulfill all of them but I will work hard to do it. I am not out there for myself but to represent the people of East Spencer.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

We have numerous houses being built. I have been helping with that. We have a new development across from I-85 in our ETJ. I am helping to do that. I would like to see the tax come down. It has come down some but I would like to see it come down more. That would make our fire insurance go down with housing being lowered. 

We have so many projects going on at the time. We need more policemen and sanitation workers. The town is growing. You cannot satisfy a town with only two or three people working on the street department.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I feel I am well qualified. I am experienced and have been on the board for many years. People come to me and tell me what they think the town needs. I like that. They bring it to me and I do what I can. I go straight to the town manager and let him know what the town people want. If it is reasonable, we should do it because they are the ones who keep the town going. They are the ones who pay the salaries of the people who work for the town. We are doing a good job now but we need to do more. 

 

FAITH

ALDERMAN

Jayne Lingle

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated high school and attended college for one year. I was a retail buyer for two Washington, D.C., companies and have had extensive management positions throughout my career, including customer service.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I am currently a member of the town on Faith Board of Aldermen.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My priorities for the town of Faith: 

• Create viable businesses in our town.
• Bring our town of Faith into the 21st century, while keeping our small-town feel.
• Grow our tax base through business and/or responsible annexation.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• I, with Mayor Barger, proposed and chaired the Faith Frosty Fest, which was held in 2022 and was a big success. From that success, we created an events team, of which I am the liaison for the Fun in Faith Events Team.
• It is my intention for the town of Faith to have a website so that our citizens can easily access information on a timely basis. I pushed for online water/sewer payments, which is now available. 
• I am involved in the Rowan County proposed land annexations. This is a 40-year plan, working with Salisbury and Granite Quarry, making sure that the town of Faith remains a municipality for years to come. Our town needs to have access to major land near I-85, not only as a tax base but to keep other municipalities from taking over our town.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

It has been and continues to be my goal for the town of Faith to bring in viable businesses, making our ‘historic downtown’ alive again. I am an energetic and active member of our board of aldermen. I am open to hearing what our citizens want, weighing all my decisions before I vote. I helped in the creation of the town’s mural, support our A1 fire department, helped Mayor Barger create the Fun in Faith Team, pushed for online water/sewer payments and recommended we clean up the town’s property behind the F&M bank. I hope our citizens recognize how hard I work for our town.

 

Dale Peeler

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate of East Rowan 1982, attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and hold the Certified Insurance Counselor designation thru The National Alliance. Received my first responder/EMT certification in 1983. Obtained my property and casualty along with my life and health insurance license thru the State of North Carolina in 1989.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have never held an elected office for any type of government but I have been president of the Faith Civitan Club, treasurer of the Faith Jaycees and medical coordinator captain with the Faith Fire Department. I was also 2022 campaign cabinet member with the Rowan County United way. I have coached with all levels of youth sports from East Rowan Little League to YFL of Rowan. I was a volunteer for many years at Carson High School with football and baseball and a lot of fundraisers with these groups.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Top three things in our small town would have to be water/sewer system, the fire department and our police protection. I want to make sure our town operates at the most efficient way to provide the best services to the people that live in Faith.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

The fire department stands on its own. It has been an all-volunteer department since the start and obtained a class 1 rating may be the only one in the state for all volunteer department. With this being said, with the rising cost of equipment and fire trucks there needs to be a 10-year plan so we can continue the best protection possible. Police force is a joint venture with Granite Quarry. I want to make sure we are getting the best coverage for our citizens. With water and sewer it is a little different. The sewer system and water is owned by the town. With the new wells going in the year and the town is still making payments on the sewer system we need to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep theses cost down.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am not running for office because I am mad or have a personal agenda. Bottom line is my grandparents, my parents and my wife and I raised our four boys here in Faith and we love our small town. I am a proud member of the Faith Fire Department and been a part of this community for 59 years. With my knowledge of this town and how it operates I think I can be an assist to the Faith town board.

 

GRANITE QUARRY

MAYOR

Brittany Barnhardt

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Graduated with a bachelor of science in biology from Wingate University in 2008. I am currently a partner with Honeycutt Real Estate and managing director for The Drive-Thru stores located in Salisbury and China Grove.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Currently, the mayor in Granite Quarry is serving my first term and hoping to be re-elected for a second term. 

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Downtown streetscape and town square improvements 
• Civic Park Master Plan and improvements  
• Town hall renovations
• Economic development, downtown business growth and quality residential growth

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

We will continue to work diligently on our downtown and Civic Park transformational projects. We plan apply for PARTF grant and seek other funding support. Under our new Granite Quarry Development Ordinance, we will continue to encourage and support economic development, business development and quality residential growth. I will continue to build relationships with neighboring municipalities, county officials and state legislators and work together for the greater good of the community as a whole. 

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am a Rowan County native and I have always had a calling to serve my community since graduating college. My background of working in the medical field, both in a hospital and emergency service setting provided me some invaluable experience that I will always reflect on when implementing policy and budget for the emergency services sector of our municipality. I found myself looking for a different way to serve after leaving the medical field. I personally don’t view myself as a politician, but rather a public servant. I will continue to work diligently for the people and improve the quality of life here within our small town.  I am excited to continue to serve as mayor of Granite Quarry for a second term.

 

ALDERMAN

Laurie Mack

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• Graduated from East Rowan High School. 
• Received a BA in mass media communication and worked at CNN as a satellite operator. 
• Earned a masters in science of teaching and taught in South America, New York, Vermont and California. 
• Certified in educational leadership and as a classroom management consultant 

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I’m excited to say it’s my first time running for office.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My priorities include a renewed focus on infrastructure in Granite Quarry to enhance the quality of life for residents. 

I also want to ensure that we are managing the growth currently being experienced in our town in a sustainable way. 

I would also like to see improvements to the water and utilities services in Granite Quarry. 

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

My passion is to work with the city, state and local police to communicate the needs for our residents regarding the infrastructure of GQ, so our community can thrive:

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am excited to use my experiences and educational background as an alderman in Granite Quarry. As well as, my commitment to serve the residents by working with the city, state and local police.

I believe my love for Granite Quarry residents, and my heart to serve them will make me an ideal alderman. This is why I am running and wish to be the next Granite Quarry alderman. 

It’s morally imperative to vote, so vote for me, Laurie Mack on Nov. 7 at your local polling place. And early voting begins on Oct. 19 at the old mall on Jake Alexander Blvd. 

A vote for me is a vote to have a voice in shaping our town.

Rich Luhrs

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I started at 18 as an IE clerk for a N.J. trucking company, while taking a few night courses at CW Post (no degree). At 22, I was recruited to work as a trucking operations consultant. I later formed a respected firm completing over 150 profit improvement projects, including terminal design and location, freight handling techniques and route maximization for the top companies in the U.S. I later formed a trucking company, sold it and worked until retirement as a “C” level executive for two large transportation firms. I also created two performance boat companies, appeared on racing-related broadcast TV, most recently on the Netflix series “Cocaine Cowboys,” and am currently chairman of offshore powerboat racing for the APBA.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have been elected by the Granite Quarry Planning Board as its chairman for the past four years, but I have not run in public elections of any kind. I am proudly not a politician.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

First priority is to create partnerships with farsighted developers for controlled improvements in the town using private rather than public funding. Second priority is to create a clear vision of how to assure the quality of life and charm of Granite Quarry is retained in the face of the oncoming urban sprawl coming from both Charlotte and the Triad. Third priority is to reach out for more community involvement in the town’s activities. Too many monthly aldermen meetings are conducted before a small or non-existent audience. While Granite Quarry is a small community there should be no limit to the size of its goals.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

I have always believed that ideas are cheap but execution is priceless. Strategically I would like to work with the mayor, town staff and other aldermen to aggressively reach out to proven private business partners who have shown transformational success in nearby towns like Kannapolis, and Huntersville where outside capital initiatives have created destination features like Birkdale Village and the startling development around the new Kannapolis Stadium. I would also suggest that we identify and call on quality restauranteurs and merchants to enter and enliven our downtown marketplace. This will touch all of my priorities and energize our community.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I believe I am a better choice because my experience and vision are broader than most yet my love of this community makes me more than sensitive to its history, culture and quality of life. I do believe that we have made mistakes and been taken advantage of over the years by developers. While I have been more than active from the Planning Board side to help create preventive measures in our Master Plan and UDO, the real work lays ahead for the mayor and aldermen who hold the true keys to far sighted decision making.

 

Doug Shelton

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I was educated in Salisbury City Schools, attended N.C. State University, graduated UNC-G with a BS degree. I spent most of my professional career as a management accountant in private industry. During my career I received additional education in management reporting, budgeting, human resources and project planning and management. I am retired. 

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

The only elected office I have held is Granite Quarry alderman. I am currently an incumbent. I have served Granite Quarry in volunteer appointed positions on the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Revitalization Committee.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My main objective is to keep Granite Quarry a desirable place to live and raise a family. Currently there are several specific projects in the early stages in Granite Quarry. One project is a park specific plan for Civic Park. Another is improvements to the town square and streetscapes nearby. We are working with consultants to plan for these projects, plus obtain state and grant funding. The board’s job is to provide leadership and oversight. I would like the opportunity to see these projects through to their completion. Since success will depend on community involvement, encouraging volunteerism will be a priority for me if re-elected.  

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

The strategies I would use to achieve my priorities include continuing to utilize the current consultants for manpower, engage the public to get insight and feedback, encourage volunteerism to achieve the goals. I would encourage the development of an independent Friends of the Parks nonprofit organization to guide the improvements of our parks. I think maintaining good relations with the rest of the board of aldermen, civic groups, and existing committees is the path to take. Therefore, I would encourage compromise and consensus to move everything forward.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

As an incumbent, I am already familiar with the issues and how local government works. As a retiree, I have the time to be truly involved. To be effective it does require a commitment of time and energy. I am willing to make that commitment. My career experience gives me management insight and skills to make things move forward. I believe this makes me the best candidate for the GQ Board of aldermen.

 

KANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL

Ryan Dayvault

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a native of Kannapolis, class of 2004 graduate of A.L. Brown High School and 2008 graduate of Catawba College with BA in political science and minor in business administration. Since 2008, I have worked for UNC Chapel Hill in facilities management/operations on the N.C. Research Campus.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

City council is only office I have ever ran for or held.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Continue the economic recovery of Kannapolis by promoting a business friendly environment; we must be supportive and helpful to existing businesses while bringing new jobs to our city.
• Use a common sense approach to supporting/not supporting high density developments, i.e. how does these impact local residents and neighborhoods.
• Support for our public safety departments and public works employees to provide top level services for our citizens.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Expand the use of grants for small businesses (not just large corporate businesses) in Kannapolis to apply for that can assist in expanding the business and ensuring they know about such grants. We must listen to our citizens and work towards compromise if possible for high impact developments. The citizens must have a voice. I will continue to fight for our public safety and public works departments to increase retention, especially in this job market. They keep our city safe and moving forward.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

As a native, I have worked on behalf of our citizens for almost 15 years to revitalize our city after the disastrous collapse of the mill, which sat on my great-great grandfather’s farm. My passion for making Kannapolis the greatest it can be is what drives me to keep fighting for our city and its people. My track record of standing up for our people, speaking up for our people, and offering up effective and thoughtful solutions is strong. I am proud to have been born here, raised here, and now serve here. 

 

Holden Sides

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I have my B.A in political science from Catawba College. I have spent the last 10 years being involved in numerous official groups, such as the Rowan County Historic Landmarks Commission, the Environmental Stewardship Committee and the Kannapolis Board of Adjustments. In my professional career, I have been in banking and real estate.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have not run for or held any other publicly elected position.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My first priority is affordable housing. Housing and rent prices have impacted many and I have seen it first hand in real estate. It is important that we advocate for affordable options that make sense. I also believe we have great opportunities to promote better healthcare and mental health. I think we can be a leader in this field and partner with the state and community leaders. I also support improving our state and city roadways, more sidewalks, public transportation, and cleaner streets.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

For all of my priorities, it is important to listen and understand. I believe in listening to my communities and hearing how they feel about issues impacting us. It is also really important that we build lasting connections with players who will help make differences in the city. It is important that we form relationships with builders, providers, and other governments to help accomplish our goals.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

At 29 years old, I will be the youngest current member on the council. Although I am younger, I have been dedicated to learning and understanding what it takes to be in this role. For the last decade, I have volunteered, organized, campaigned and served on official boards and committees. My decade of experience on the ground along with my education and professional background will make me a great member on the Kannapolis City Council.

 

Milton Smith                   

Please briefly note your education and profession.

 A.L  Brown High School in Kannapolis and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Former manager of Abex Corporation in Salisbury; GDX Corporation in Salisbury, manager at YMCA fitness department and small business manager

Please note any other elected positions you have run for or held.

I ran for Kannapolis City Council in 2021 and I am currently running again this year 2023.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Securing high-paying jobs
• Increasing affordable housing
• Establishing a sustainable infrastructure
• Promoting health and wellness

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• To listen to the concerns of the community.
• Work with the Kannapolis council members to come up with viable solutions for the people of Kannapolis. Thus, focusing on the future.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

• My leadership qualities
• My listening qualities
• My effective communication qualities 

 

Jayne Williams

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from Eastside High School, Passaic County Community College, secretary school and hospice nursing assistant school. I’m also the vice chair of my precinct 04:11. I am a retired hospice nursing assistant for 30 years. I also volunteer for Meals on Wheels inspire, Boys and Girls Club, hospice day camp, church day camp, church food bank and the ELK AKA Eliminate Litter in Kannapolis.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

N/A

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Affordable housing, after school rec centers for our children at no cost to parents, senior citizen centers, I’m also concerned about Charter Schools taking our public school children’s funding. I’m also concerned that we no longer have Affordable Health Care, I would love to see free healthcare in our city.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

My strategy for healthcare is to get together with the doctors and the nurses and hopefully they can donate their time for our free clinic.

Opening up and after school rec center for children will also bring jobs to our community, and peace of mind to our working parents they will not have to worry about their children running around in the streets. Affordable housing one strategy would be to offer grants and affordable loans for beginner and first time homeowners, to revitalize existing buildings and turning them into affordable homes.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I believe I will make a wonderful city council because I’m not only here for the people, I am the people. I have struggled to raise five children in our school system. I know what it’s like to have to choose between buying groceries and paying your rent. Not being able to afford healthcare. I know what it’s like to be short on your rent because you had to buy food and be homeless with five children living in your car.

I believe we should elect candidates of our peers, in order to know what we’re going through we need people who have gone through it. Like I said, I’m not just here for the people, I am the people. I want Kannapolis residents to know that I will get up get out and fight the battle for us to have these things that we rightfully need. I will be listening to the people to speak on behalf of the people. I want to put Kannapolis residents first.

 

LANDIS

MAYOR

Katie Sells

Please briefly note your education and profession.

High school: West Stanly High, 1992

College: Catawba College, 2010, BS in business administration; minor in criminal justice

Currently employed with North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for 25 years at Piedmont Correctional. I’ve held many different positions throughout the years with the department, I’m currently a correctional case analyst, active member of the passive park committee and active member of The Well Community Church in Landis.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held

I’m currently on the town of Landis board as alderwoman, where I have served four years, my seat is up this year.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected

• Keeping a town manager for more than 18 months
• Continuing to help Landis grow — with businesses and possibly new restaurant and making sure the infrastructure is strong — upgrading the water and sewer system and addressing the sink hole issue in town.
• Transparency
• Continue moving forward with passive park
• Working with the board of aldermen as a team

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities

In four years, the town of Landis has not had a town manager for longer than 18 months. My plan is to have a positive working relationship with the manager. By having a long-term manger, there’s a clear understanding of the town’s operation, finances, along with steering the town in the correct direction, including bringing the right businesses to Landis. This also included the infrastructure in Landis, by upgrading the water and sewer system and resolving the sink holes in town.

My plan is to continue to work with the Passive Park Committee and board to receive grants and other foundation money to complete this project.

There’s been a lot of tension with the current board members, with members of the board not being respected, talked over or at times ignored during meetings. Each member of the board is a very valuable person, in my opinion the alderman are more important than the mayor position, they are the ones who are voting on the policies and procedures for the town.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate

I take citizens’ concerns and/or complaints to heart and try to help them with a resolution for the problem or to have the problem/concern investigated. I’ve stayed true to my campaign promise from 2019 of transparency, I’ve been open and honest with citizens, which will continue when I’m elected as mayor.

 

Meredith Smith

Please briefly note your education and profession:

Attended Catawba College, received a bachelor degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in business. Graduated Pinnacle Institution of Cosmetology in 2007. Currently a travel agent for straight away travel.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Currently mayor of Landis serving my first term and would be honored to be re-elected

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Water and sewer infrastructure
• Building stronger working relationships with our local and state leaders — Central Avenue Sidewalk and D.C. and Francis Linn Park
• Economic and residential growth

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

We will continue working on our infrastructure for water and sewer in town while applying for grants. We plan to meet with Salisbury-Rowan Utilities and the city of Salisbury to discuss our sewer rates. I will work to strengthen the relationships with our local county commissioners, municipalities and our local state legislators. We will work on our Discover Central Avenue sidewalk project along with applying for PARTF grants to help fund D.C. & Francis Linn Park. Teaming up with Rowan County Economic Development on moving Landis forward with our industrial sites.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

As mayor we have brought multiple new businesses to our Central Avenue which has given an economic boom to our community. We have added events that have brought our town together and attracted visitors to our small town. We have worked hard to beautify our town to make it more welcoming and desirable. I will work diligently to continue to improve the quality of life for our citizens and maintain the growth we have seen over the last four years. The work is not done and I look forward to being reelected so that I may continue to work hard for the citizens of Landis!

 

ALDERMAN

Ryan Nelms

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate from South Rowan High School. After high school I went to Central Piedmont Community College before moving into my career. For the past 11 years I worked for Microsoft as a business leader for the retail store and business program manager. I am currently working for Lowe’s Home Improvement supporting store operations for their outlet division.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

No other elected positions, however I am the chair of the town of Landis Planning Board, chair of Board of Adjustments and chair of the Passive Park Committee.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Continue to help drive development to Landis including businesses and residents.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

I will use my problem solving skills and networking skills to find the best resources to assist the town in moving forward.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Over the past two years, I have worked with the town in many different volunteer roles. I believe this has helped me better understand the basic functions of town hall and the role that town board has. I believe I could be a strong voice for the citizens and be fair and inclusive of all views.

 

ROCKWELL

MAYOR 

Chuck Bowman

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I attended Guilford Tech and earned an associate degree in architecture. After school I went to work for a fire sprinkler design company where we did sprinkler work all over the East Coast. I then went to work for a sprinkler contractor in Concord heading up their engineering department and ended up being a vice president. In 2007 we opened our own sprinkler contracting company and went from three employees to over 30 by the time I retired. I was half owner and the president of the company.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have been an alderman for 16 years, serving as mayor pro-tem for two terms. In 2021, I ran for mayor and lost by a few votes. Following the resignation of one of the aldermen, I was asked by the current mayor to fill the vacated position on the board.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My top three priorities if elected are: 

• Controlled growth. Growth is coming to Rowan County whether we want it or not and we must plan for our future. 
• I want to see another park built at the Legion building property.
• We need to be going after all available grants for future projects.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

My strategy for addressing these priorities would be to develop a five- and 10-year plan and engage a grant writer to secure future grants.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am a firm believer in listening to both sides of a discussion and then making the decision that is best for our town and citizens. Yes, we need special events to bring attention to our town but I also want to make sure that we keep an eye on our cost and tax rate. We have great town employees and I will back them any way I can. We want to keep our town safe so it will continue to be a great place to live. Remember, I live here too. I would appreciate your vote for mayor and remember that every vote counts.

 

ALDERMAN

Dillon Brewer

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from East Rowan High School in 2012 and was recognized as a 2012 Horatio Alger National Scholar. Due to financial hardships from my childhood, I chose not to pursue college despite the scholarship offer. Instead, I entered the automotive industry, working at Gerry Wood Automotive for 7.5 years. During my tenure, I served as a versatile, Swiss Army knife-type employee, spending 5 years in management and ultimately becoming a sales manager. Seeking a better work-life balance, I transitioned to sales at Cloninger Toyota, enabling me to engage more with my community through involvement in Civitan, Rotary, the Rowan Chamber of Commerce and the town of Rockwell.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I currently hold an elected position in the town of Rockwell as an Alderman and I’m seeking re-election. My civic involvement extends to various appointments on boards and committees, including the Rowan-Cabarrus MPO-TAC (Metropolitan Planning Organization / Transportation Advisory Committee), TCC (Technical Coordinating Committee), and serving as the town of Rockwell liaison for the towns Revitalization Committee. Additionally, I am a member of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerces Government Affairs Committee and proudly serve as President of the Rockwell Community Association and I also serve on the Rowan County Young Professionals Executive Board.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

If re-elected, my top priorities include downtown revitalization, with a focus on new sidewalks connecting Main Street/U.S. Hwy. 52 to Rockwell Park, increased downtown parking for residents, improved street signs and expanding and improving the facilities offered by our park and public works departments. I am particularly committed to working with Rowan-Salisbury School System to address the issues with the Rockwell tennis court complex. Additionally, I will continue the work on community events and initiatives, offering a comprehensive events calendar to ensure there’s something for residents to enjoy every month.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

To address my priorities, I plan to focus on grant writing and tapping into available state and federal funds. This strategy will help secure resources for downtown revitalization, sidewalk projects, parking expansion, street sign improvements and enhancing park and public works facilities. Additionally, I’ll work collaboratively with local schools and the community to find solutions for the Rockwell tennis court complex, ensuring efficient utilization of resources to meet our goals.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

What makes me a strong candidate is my eagerness to collaborate with the incoming board. In an uncontested election, the potential for a unified team is promising. By working together cohesively, we can drive progress and positive change for Rockwell, leveraging our collective strengths and ideas for the benefit of the community.

 

SALISBURY 

MAYOR

Karen Alexander

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Karen Kirks Alexander, architect and president of KKA Architecture, holds a master’s degree in architecture and urban design from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and doctorate of letters, Honoris Causa from India’s Invertis University. She has been a Salisbury City Council member since 2013, and elected as mayor in 2015, currently serving her third term. Congressman Ted Budd entered a Congressional Record Commendation in honor of her outstanding service to her city, state and nation. She was presented a proclamation from the Salisbury City Council in recognition of her exemplary leadership as president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I ran for school board in 2008 and lost. I was appointed to Salisbury City Council in January of 2013 and committed to run once and won. Ran in 2015 and became mayor, ran in 2017 council 2019 as first elected mayor of Salisbury re-elected in 2021 and am running unopposed in 2023. I am honored to serve the citizens of Salisbury.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Empire Hotel phase 1 completion of row houses on Bank Street.
• Homeless/ Panhandling: new ordinance and signs, work with homeless task force for implementation of services/ mental health/ jobs/housing.
• Public safety — fully staffed police department
• Completion of Fire Station No. 3
• Workforce and Economic Development
• West End Plan implementation

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• Finish the community input for 10-year Housing Plan and begin implementation of the recommendations.
• Our new Police Chief Patrick Smith already has 12 unrealized positions filled that are going through training either new rookie officers or lateral experienced officers in the process.
• Workforce development with community partners, ie. Rowan Chamber’s Job Fairs, EDC engagement with RSSS student tours, job aligned classes through RCCC, Catawba and Livingstone, continue city internships for high school and college internships.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

My past performance is proof of my passion to serve, work well with my council colleagues to bring quiet, consistent governance as a diverse but coherent council that consistently delivers an  effective, efficient and fiscally accountable government which maintains competent services to our citizens through our diverse and professional city leadership and staff.

 

CITY COUNCIL

Shanikka Gadson-Harris

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I attended Salisbury High School. I studied at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and obtained an associate of arts degree. I’m a proud HBCU graduate of Livingstone College with a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice. I attended Walden University for my master’s degree in criminal justice. I am a former teacher and my passion lie with the youth. I taught at risk youth through Next Gen and the continuing ed program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. I am currently the family self sufficiency coordinator for East Spencer Housing Authority, where I help willing tenants gain sustainable employment.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I serve as the elected secretary for Delta Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, currently serving my second term. I am the adopted church administrator for Love Christian Center Church.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Public safety, promote and support local businesses all over Salisbury, implement year-round career development for the youth within all 15 city departments, investigate housing affordability and help strengthen our community involvement.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

I would like to foster a continued relationship with Chief PJ Smith and the Salisbury Police Department. The residents of Salisbury deserve to feel safe. There are plenty of events that focus on downtown small businesses, it would be beneficial to incorporate all local businesses throughout the city of Salisbury. I would like to encourage more youth involvement within the city, perhaps develop a mentor mentee program for the youth. I would like to strengthen our community through partnerships, collaboration and connections.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

The decisions that affect our community are important to me. The budget for the city of Salisbury and how it is spent should be a concern of mine and every taxpayer. The infrastructure of our city, affordable housing, community health and public safety are all concerns that directly affect the people of our city. I am a woman of integrity, my voice would always be in the best regards for the residents of our growing city. I believe in serving through transparency and I will serve the city of Salisbury with uncompromised leadership. 

Rasheed Hasan

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• Two associates degrees from RCCC: one in business administration and the other one in marketing and retail. 
• Father’s Rights, homelessness and unemployment.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

N/A

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

I plan to speak to the majority of local, state and U.S. attorneys on Father’s Rights and the obstacles fathers must overcome to be a parent in their children’s lives. As far as the homeless population goes, all the money Rowan County has let alone the USA shouldn’t be No. 1 in homelessness. All these new businesses coming, what about a community center for the homeless or a Boys and Girls Club for the kids? Those two alone would provide significant careers. Make it make sense.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Much respect to all the candidates. I feel like not one of them has ever walked in my shoes or overcome the tragic events I have endured in my life. I have been on both sides of the tracks. I have done prison time and I have set in on SGA Conference’s form attending RCCC and visited the Lincoln Memorial. I feel like at this point of my life it’s up from now. I have been down in the dumps, walking through the valley with nobody, only God. Hell, I even been homeless that’s why I relate with the homelessness population, that’s family to me.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Overall I ran for the kid or kids out there who look like me. So they can believe that they can achieve and become an asset to the community. I am talking about the Black and brown. The Black and Latino. Each one reach one teach one. I have hope in shaping Salisbury into a more diversified area.

 

Harry McLaughlin

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I am running for a second term for the city of Salisbury council member.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Business prosperity, the growth of small businesses leads to stabilizing a strong middle class. Housing affordability, people who invest within a community adds value to the community and in turn makes the community and city better. Crime reduction starts by bridging communication between the communities and law enforcement.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Implementation of the priorities will involve communities working together to bring about opportunities. Bringing together community stakeholders that want to assist small businesses to start a business and providing mentoring to business owners to maintain sustainability. The same is necessary for housing in which developers, financial institutions/partners, and Realtors can create/communicate programs for first-time home buyers and/or first-time work force individuals to achieve homeownership. The same can be done to reduce crime by working with community stakeholders along with law enforcement to implement and develop programs to reduce youth crime.

 

David Post

Please briefly note your education and profession.

• College of William & Mary
• UNC Chapel Hill, BS in business administration and accounting
• Duke University School of Law — JD
• Georgetown University — Executive program in international business
• Profession: CPA, attorney (expired: securities license)

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

None on a public ballot. I’ve been elected to a number of boards and commissions for over 50 years. (And I was elected N.C. state treasurer of the Young Democrats many years ago.)

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Public safety — police, fire, water — are always a city’s top priority. Keeping good people, maintaining infrastructure, bringing our “A game” to the public is essential.
• Big projects — Empire Hotel, The Plaza, Train Depot, a new fire station Main Street streetscape, a new civic center — will approach $100 million in the next few years.
• Housing — homelessness, affordability, renter’s rights are critical issues in a city where too many people are house poor or severely house poor.
• Micro-transit can provide better service to more people at a lower cost.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

If a need exists, fix it. When the former police chief told a Rotary meeting that the PD needed bicycles. I raised private money for that. Then he said a Police foundation would provide additional amenities to boost police morale, so I helped start that. 

Housing affordability is driven by the market, and there’s little a government can do. Durham, for example, raised $95 million for affordable housing and it didn’t make a dent. I attend conferences, often at my own expense, to study how other cities address housing, homelessness and transportation. I’ve advocated micro-transit for six years. Finally, it will happen in 2024. It will be a big hit!

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Incumbency is an advantage, but experience is also an advantage. My experience as a CPA, attorney, banker and entrepreneur offer a broad perspective and a good tool kit to deal with community issues. Whether a strength or weakness, I’m not an emotional candidate or council member; I’m a fact-driven candidate and council member. I’m inquisitive, ask questions, do my homework and explore alternatives.

At the same time, I have a strong moral compass, even if it means swimming upstream. My mother said I cut my teeth on being different.

 

Tamara Sheffield

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate of Tennessee Technological University BSBA with a marketing minor. I later received my MBA while working fulltime at Frito-Lay North America, where I am a senior key account manager. During my career at FLNA, I have managed budgets that exceed the city’s budget as well as coordinated special go to market infrastructures. My role today involves collaborating with several customers across multiple states to meet customer needs and leading a sales team to achieve a sales goal and customer service priorities. 

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I am serving in my third term as Salisbury City Council and am the current mayor pro tem for the city of Salisbury. I have served on many city boards and commissions (Human Relations Commission, Community Appearance Commission, Housing Advocacy Commission, Steering 2020 Committee) and have been or am currently serving as council liaison to the Tree Board, Community Appearance Commission, Housing Advocacy Commission and Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization/Transportation Advisory Commission.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Putting people over politics. I fully believe the people of our city are what make Salisbury so special and unique. This is more crucial now than ever as we may feel divided, I will continue to work with the power of “and.” This includes citizens as well as the employees that are making it happen every day.

Powerful relationships. Collaborating to serve all citizens of Salisbury with local organizations, fostering city department collaborations and thinking and planning regionally. We must not work in silos. Together we can make Salisbury an even better place to love, love and thrive.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

Listening, being honest, working diligently and taking a level-headed business approach to fiscal responsibilities is my approach. I believe in investing in our staff is a way to become the employer of choice. Continuing to foster communities and improve safety by leveraging relationships for resources as well as communicating for transparency. Working together to foster business growth and spurn employment for our citizens while supporting existing businesses. I will look for housing solutions that are equitable while providing affordable services to all, invest in infrastructure and people with a solid budget and follow our 2040 Forward Plan.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

During my three terms in office many long- and short-term goals have been achieved by focusing on planning, collaborating and communicating but my work isn’t finished. I have had a non-combative approach while standing up for what’s right. I am an endless learner and an advocate for communities and employees. I am more than a politician. I am a citizen, a volunteer and an advocate for the people of Salisbury. I am your neighbor, and I am here to serve. I pledge to you my dedication, hard work and commitment to partnering with the people of the City of Salisbury.

 

Anthony Smith

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Associates of arts degree from Olympic College (Bremerton, Washington), studied history and philosophy at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Salisbury City Council in 2021. I’m running for re-election for the same seat.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• A balanced approach to growth that strengthens our tax base while also working to address affordability and cultivate equitable opportunities for our city’s residents. 
• Continue to find creative holistic local solutions to address the symptoms of economic inequality (e.g. housing affordability, homelessness, violence). 
• Continue to build upon our existing public-private partnerships to create more spaces for children and youth to have more learning, positive and fun experiences.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities. 

Continue to cultivate deeper relationships and consensus with varied and diverse community stakeholders (private companies, community groups, other nearby local governments, county government). Strategize and mobilize resources with regional stakeholders to address the larger symptoms of inequality our city requires.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I have consistently been an advocate for the voices we normally don’t hear from in the realm of social policy and budget-making. I bring a local, regional and global equity lens to my consensus building and policy-making that takes into account the root causes of our challenges.

 

SPENCER 

MAYOR

Tom Strini

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I have a degree in electrical engineering from Manhattan College and spent my primary career in telecommunications and computer networking with responsibility for engineering, project management, sales, customer service and technical operations, retiring as director of operations staff. For several years. I led a $20-million corporate division with nearly 100 employees. Upon my retirement, I embarked on a second career as a bookkeeper and accountant, primarily for a non-profit organization in Charlotte.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

This is the first elected public office for which I have run, however, I have served in elected positions on the boards of the local chapters of the ACLU and NAACP in Charlotte, serving as treasurer for the NAACP.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

My top priority will be to watch over the town’s finances to ensure that residents are getting the best value for their hard-earned tax dollars. I will seek to delineate needs from wants and do all I can to influence the adoption of fiscally conservative budgets. I will also work to ensure citizens are able to establish two-way communication with the town’s elected leaders and administrative staff.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

In the system of governance under which the town of Spencer operates, the mayor has no direct administrative authority so I would rely on my background in sales and customer service to advocate with members of the board of aldermen and town staff for actions that I believe will benefit the majority of Spencer’s residents. I believe my engineering, project management, operational efficiency and financial background will enable me to make useful recommendations to facilitate meeting the genuine needs of Spencer’s residents without imposing undesirable tax burdens.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

Having no work obligations. I can offer the benefit of my broad, highly successful background in project management, operations and accounting to town staff beyond the official duties of the role as mayor. In my previous non-profit employment, while hired as a bookkeeper I voluntarily assumed additional roles as HR manager, IT manager, building manager and accountant, saving the organization significant funds that would otherwise have been paid to outside vendors.

 

Jonathan Williams

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a graduate of the Rowan-Salisbury School System (West Rowan High School) and hold both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. I am a civil engineer with a focus on municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater and have almost 18 years in the profession. I lead the North Carolina operations for the engineering firm, Garver.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have had the privilege to serve the citizens of Spencer as their mayor for the past four years (two terms), and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue working for each of them, if elected. Prior to being elected mayor in 2019, I served for three years as chair of the Spencer Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment, which is an appointed board.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Continue building a “place of space” within our town, focused on enhancing spaces within our town to promote a place of belonging for residents and visitors.
• Continue making positive progress towards our strategic plan goals and capital improvement plan which reflects the collective priorities and consensus of our town.
• Continue leading Spencer’s economic growth and revitalization initiatives within the town and its surrounding ETJ, positioning Spencer for commercial, industrial, and residential growth as development moves northward along the I-85 corridor.
• Accomplish our goal to “make Spencer a model small town for all of North Carolina.”

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• The Yadkin River Park Trailhead, Salisbury Avenue greenway/bikeway project, Stanback Educational Forest expansion, community garden, mural project, and Park Plaza Park, are examples of how we’re building spaces which promote community belonging and outdoor recreation.
• Over the next four years, we will be moving forward with major capital projects such as our 17th Street stormwater project and fire station addition for crew living quarters.
• We are in the midst of hundreds of millions of private investment dollars in Spencer. Our ongoing initiatives and programs are promoting new business and investment while\ supporting our existing businesses and residents.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

In 2019, when I first became mayor, I honestly didn’t know exactly what I was getting into. Four years later, I realize I entered one of the most rewarding responsibilities of my life. Through my professional skills of project management, planning and engineering, we have tackled numerous projects. Through collaboration and empathy, we’ve worked as a highly efficient board of aldermen. Through strategic hires, we’ve attracted high-quality talent, enhancing our level of service. If re-elected, I will continue working tirelessly to build on our established momentum from the past four years to honor our citizens — past, present and future.

 

ALDERMAN

Steve Miller

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I graduated from North Rowan High School in 1969 and Appalachian State University in 1973 with a bachelor of science degree in education. The owner and operator of Steve Miller Plumbing until retirement in 2021.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

Ran for Spencer alderman and was elected in 2019 and 2021.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Help to provide leadership in developing the town of Spencer to become the best small town in North Carolina.
• Continue to support the town staff, police and fire department and maintenance crew to ensure Spencer has the best qualified employees. 
• Focus on positive growth in Spencer which will enhance the community, schools, parks and businesses.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

My strategies for addressing my priorities will be to educate myself in the details needed to support growth in Spencer. Also, to talk with citizens and listen to their ideas and concerns about the town.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am the best candidate for the office of alderman because I am a lifelong resident of Spencer and have the heartbeat and support of the citizens. Also, I am a life member of the Spencer Jaycees, served 27 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 349 and a very active member of Central United Methodist Church in Spencer. Even more important is the support I have from my wife, family and community.

 

Erin Moody

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Prevention and education coordinator, certified forensic interview, therapy dog handler and Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center. BA in psychology, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia; MS in mental health counseling, University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

N/A

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

In announcing my candidacy for the town of Spencer Board of Aldermen, I hope to serve the community that so warmly embraced me six years ago. I intend to continue the hard work done by our elected officials as we move toward a bright future, upholding the values embraced by the citizens of Spencer.

 

Patti Seacrest

Please briefly note your education and profession.

I am a 1967 graduate of North Rowan High School. I went to Western Carolina University and Catawba, earning a B.A. in history and political science. I received an education certificate in social studies curriculum from UNC-Charlotte. I worked at North Rowan Middle School for 43 years, with experience as a teacher, curriculum coach, lead teacher and Communities in School. In 1997, I was an RSS teacher of the year, district finalist and earned national board certification. 

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I was elected to the Spencer Board of Aldermen in 2019 and 2021 and have also served as mayor pro tem for four years. I have had numerous opportunities to develop my leadership skills through my career as an educator and with my church, Spencer Presbyterian.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

• Community outreach and Involvement, planning and development
• Improve public safety and security
• Infrastructure, facilities, and property 
• Maintain staff excellence
• Create opportunities for business development and recreational activities for all – focus on youth and new town hall park

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

• Support broad range of information, event, and engagement channels to increase citizen input
• Support strategies to inspire community assets like public buildings, parks, and recreational opportunities 
• Support efforts to keep police and fire departments fully staffed; expand the fire department
• Revitalize downtown, attract new businesses, support business incubator, provide more affordable housing and preserve historic district
• Continue to attract and retain top-notch employees

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I am a lifelong resident and proud citizen who knows our past, participates in our present and focuses on our future. I am available to all citizens and can establish working partnerships. I have four years of experience on Spencer board and know more about how the government operates and succeeds. Spencer is on the right track with full steam ahead, and I want to be on the train that takes us to a fabulous future.

 

Patricia Sledge

Please briefly note your education and profession.

Education and profession: Graduate of East Rowan High School; Continuing Education at Davidson County Community College, Certification: Administrative Assistant. Ed2Go-Business & Professional Women’s Foundation, administrative assistant fundamentals; interpersonal communication. Retired: sales and marketing; entrepreneur and former small business owner

Please note any other elected position you have run for or held.

I have served on the Spencer Board of Aldermen since 2019. 

Private sector: Nonprofits – N.C. State President of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.; state legislative chair. NC BPW Foundation: treasurer, scholarship chair and green and gold chair.

Please speak to your top three or more priorities if elected.

Developed in collaboration with leaders and staff:

• Build upon our unique cultural and historical identity.
• Grow our economic base by supporting business and expanding tourism.
• Improve our infrastructure and services on a continual basis.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles through parks and recreation.
• Support education by promoting partnerships with local schools.
• Cultivate good relationships with local organizations and other municipalities.
• Uphold community integrity through enforcement of codes and regulations.
• Provide a safe place to live, work, and play.
• Serve the community with a talented and professional staff.
• Engage citizens through events, education, and communication; and
• Stand together as a model community.

Please note your strategies for addressing your priorities.

I will continue to work on revitalization of the town by research on what similar towns are doing. I will look for opportunities with organizations who provide grant funding for programs that we need, especially for the youth of our community. I will advocate for our senior residents and those newcomers to Spencer who may be downsizing to a smaller welcoming town in order to offer better, affordable housing options. I will encourage continuing collaboration with groups like the Salisbury Community Development Corporation who is managing our $750,000 community block grant for needed home repairs.

Please discuss anything you feel makes you the best candidate.

I support diversity, inclusion and advocate for civility and work toward finding solutions that are the best for all considered. For more than 40 years, I have worked to get the Equal Rights Amendment added to the U.S. Constitution…but not just equality for women. I believe that every individual deserves equity and respect. I am always open to listening to concerns and ideas from our residents. I pay careful attention to details and act as a good steward of the money coming into our town. I search for opportunities for grants and programs that can help us achieve our goals.