Susan Wear Kluttz, the longest serving mayor in Salisbury history, is seeking a seventh consecutive term on City Council.
Kluttz filed as a candidate earlier this week. She is currently finishing out her 12th consecutive year on the council, all as mayor.
The five council members are elected every two years and choose a mayor and mayor pro tem among themselves.
Kluttz has been the leading vote-getter in the past six elections.
She said it has been a positive, rewarding experience, working with citizens, council colleagues and city staff.
“It really has been an honor for me to represent them,” she said.
Her father, the late John Wear, also served as mayor.
Kluttz said she wants to return to council to see through the start of the fiber-to-the-home cable utility. She also is heavily involved with the city’s youth initiatives, gang prevention and Project SAFE, which aims at reducing gun violence.
Kluttz has played a major role in diversity efforts. She said she see inclusiveness as the foundation of a successful city.
Another priority for Kluttz includes the Salisbury Community Development Corp., whose work she credits for providing homes for first-time owners and helping people who have been laid off deal with mortgage challenges and remain in their homes.
Other things on Kluttz’s immediate radar are helping with a redevelopment of the Empire Hotel, making sure Salisbury’s water intake is protected on the Yadkin River, communicating better with the public and making sure Salisbury receives its fair share of federal stimulus money.
Kluttz also is a strong supporter of the city employees’ efforts to improve customer service.
Kluttz is an executive committee member of Project SAFE and a board member of the Salisbury CDC and the N.C. League of Municipalities.
As a member of the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, she co-chaired the committee on gang prevention.
Kluttz also is a board member of F&M Bank and a trustee with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
She and her husband, Bill, have two grown children and attend St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
The council election is Nov. 3.