I served on the Spencer Board of Aldermen for four years with Mayor Buddy Gettys and Jody Everhart, and have known both individuals for over 11 years. This political and personal relationship, along with my concern for the town’s future and direction, motivated this writing.

Mayor Gettys truly represents the image of a progressive, dedicated, well-educated, and professional public servant. The mayor’s leadership has brought Spencer out of the pack to the forefront of regional municipalities. His fiscally conservative budgets have kept Spencer’s tax rates low, while meeting our needs (i.e. new fire apparatus, bringing a new firehouse in under budget). Mayor Gettys’ progressiveness has led to the creation of the Historic District and the Library Park, which have rejuvenated housing values in “old” Spencer. His dedication to and love of Spencer is quickly realized by anyone who hears him speak.

Mayor Gettys’ professional engineering and industrial management experience are priceless assets for economic development recruitment. No one individual works harder to secure businesses and industry for our town.

With the state withholding local revenue, this budget year will be extremely challenging. Mayor Gettys has proven his ability to acquire necessary legislation and/or funding from the state and federal governments. The personal relationships that Buddy has with our Rowan County legislators, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Cultural Resources will be even more vital in the next couple of years.

The only choice to continue “on the right track” is to re-elect Buddy Gettys for mayor of Spencer.

— Joe Padgett

Spencer