Paul Woodson, mayor pro tem in Salisbury for the last 12 years, has filed for a seventh term on City Council.
Woodson said he has served the past six terms with “an effective and committed” council and city staff, adding that it has been his privilege to work with citizens for a better community.
Woodson owns Vogue Dry Cleaners on North Long Street and is past president of the Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, a trustee of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and representative for Salisbury on the Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation.
He also serves as council liaison to the Parks and Recreation advisory board and the Fireman’s Relief Fund.
Woodson said he thinks Salisbury has become a better place to live and a more attractive venue for business over the past 12 years.
Woodson said he realizes the city’s undertaking of the $30 million fiber-to-the-home utility project is a major undertaking, and he urged citizens to take a long-term view.
“To continue to attract jobs and services that the community currently needs to stimulate its economy,” Woodson said, “it is crucial to remain on the forefront of technology and make Salisbury an attractive place for new industry.”Woodson is a strong supporter of the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which has helped to provide jobs for high school students and young adults.
It gives younger members of the community a head start in finding future employment by engaging them in early training, Woodson said. Through their business, Woodson and his wife, Beth, have hired many teenagers, some of whom are part of the program.
In addition, Woodson said he is proud of the city’s efforts at downtown revitalization, which he thinks has attracted more people looking for shopping, dining and entertainment.
“A downtown is the heart of a city, and I am pleased that ours has become such a thriving part of our community,” he said.
He described Fisher Street’s dining and theater district as becoming “a major attraction.”
Woodson also supports the city’s customer service initiatives and employees’ efforts in every department to fix citizens’ problems “in a timelier and friendlier fashion.”
“We want Salisbury’s current citizens to be happy and well taken care of,” Woodson said. “Taking better care of our current citizens is as much a priority as attracting new ones.”
Over his 12 years on council, Woodson said, he has always made a point to take and return citizens’ calls and be available “to discuss city issues with interested parties.”
Woodson said he continues to have the tenacity and willingness to work through problems and that has made him an effective council member.
“I am a hard worker,” Woodson said. “I show up every day to get the job done.”
The Woodsons belong to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
The filing period for municipal elections in Rowan County ends at noon Friday. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Salisbury City Council candidates so far include Woodson, Charles Black, Maggie Blackwell, Blake Jarman, Ben Johnson, William “Pete” Kennedy, Susan Kluttz, Mark Lewis, Wes Thompson and Michael Young.