By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER ó East Spencer Mayor Erma Jefferies isn’t seeking re-election.
Jefferies, 65, who is completing her fourth term as mayor, said she’s planning to move to Davidson County in January and is also completing work toward a doctorate in counseling that will keep her busy through much of the next year.
“I’m sad, but excited,” Jefferies said. “I’m excited about the new challenges in my life.”
Jefferies took over as mayor in 2001 when East Spencer was in the depths of financial peril. There was no office staff, and employees with the Local Government Commission traveled from Raleigh twice a week to look over the town’s books.
Things have improved greatly in the years since.
Jefferies said she feels proud of a great deal that has been accomplished under her watch, including an almost-completed water project that has brought new waterlines and meters to much of the town.
“We’ve finally got some new homes being built,” Jefferies said. “We’ve got new industries and excellent opportunities for growth.”
Jefferies is a retired registered nurse. She also serves as associate minister at Salem Baptist in Davidson County.
Jefferies said that more than anything, she’ll miss the people who live in East Spencer and all they’ve given to returning the town to a solid financial situation.
“I’ll miss the residents and the challenges,” she said. “But I need to commit myself to my family, my ministry and my doctorate.”
Jefferies and her first husband, William, who is deceased, had five sons. Jefferies has 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Jefferies said her current husband, N.D. Dalton, owns a house in Davidson County, which explains why the couple will soon be moving across the river.
Jefferies said she is supporting Barbara Mallett, the town’s mayor pro tem, who filed Monday to run for mayor.
“My full support is behind Barbara,” Jefferies said. “I think she’ll do a good job for the town.”