Memorial keeps Mayor Alexander’s light burning

Published 12:10 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025

SALISBURY — The city held a candlelight vigil for Mayor Karen Alexander and her family at Bell Tower Green on Monday night, using the candles as an opportunity to ask attendees to honor Alexander’s memory by carrying her light.

“The mayor’s light was bright and it never dimmed. Her energy and dedication to our city was constant. She focused on the good in people and brought out the best in us. Her light never flickered. Mayor Alexander never gave up, she stayed optimistic and held true to her belief that by working together, we could do more. We will do the right thing to improve our community,” said City Manager Jim Greene Jr.

The event included a presentation of colors by the fire and police departments, music selected by the family, a prayer by Fire Department Chaplain Dan Peters and speeches by various city officials and Alexander’s son Daniel Almazan.

“Even in those days after her diagnosis and with her fighting, and she fought her illness on her terms, she never stopped being mayor. She was still doing meetings, she still met with staff and she never stopped caring. Even in the last week, she was doing business. We were so lucky to be surrounding her on her last day and she was still asking about others, which I think was just a signature of hers,” said Almazan.

Greene said that the event was held at Bell Tower Green because Alexander loved the park and was proud of its place in the city.

“Bell Tower Green was special to the mayor, the focus on community and bringing us together. She loved this park and loved this space. She told me many times that she loved to walk through the park and see the community together and having fun. So, it’s so fitting we’re here tonight,” said Greene.

City officials included Greene; Assistant City Manager Kelly Baker; Urban Design Planner Alyssa Nelson; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Anne Little talked about what Alexander meant to each of them. Most spoke about Alexander’s ability to show up to anything Salisbury-related and be present and active, not just because she wanted to be seen there as a politician.

“Behind the stylish suits and polished demeanor was a wickedly-smart negotiator who knew how to get her desired outcome and how to help others come to the same conclusion. In rooms where she might have been underestimated, often in male-dominated spaces, she remained unflappable. Mayor Alexander never resorted to intimidation or making demands, she let people underestimate her and then quietly proved them wrong by delivering thoughtful, strategic solutions,” said Baker.

Baker also spoke about a memory of Alexander stopping by a practice for city employees participating in the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s dragon boat race.

“While most mayors might stop by for a few handshakes and a quick photo, the mayor, impeccably dressed, jumped right in that boat and paddled. When they finished, everyone else was hot and sweating, but she stepped out with her hair still perfect, makeup untouched and ready to make the rounds,” said Baker.

The candle lighting was followed by a moment of silence and then the bell in the bell tower was tolled 11 times, one for every year Alexander served on the Salisbury City Council.

Alexander died in late December at the age of 73. In October, Alexander stepped back from her availability as mayor to focus on her personal health after a cancer diagnosis.