SALISBURY — Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell says she will work to improve the city’s relationship with Rowan County commissioners if elected to a third term on Salisbury City Council.
“We have much work ahead of us in developing a civil relationship with our county commissioners,” said Blackwell, 57. “I hear from citizens of all our cities and towns that they are quite tired of all the animosity.”
The community as a whole will not reach its full potential until Salisbury and Rowan leaders are able to work amicably together, she said.
“This is of great concern to me, and I’ll continue to work on this relationship,” Blackwell said.
She also pointed to several fledgling projects that she said would like to see through, including the Housing Advisory Commission, which is working on ways to improve the quality of life for residents, and the newly formed Salisbury Youth Council, which recently voted on a service project for the coming year.
“I’m proud to have conceived this group and love working with the kids,” Blackwell said.
As a City Council member, Blackwell said she enjoys helping connect people who have problems with the right resource to resolve their issues.
“It’s very satisfying work, and I’m thankful to be in a place where I can help,” she said.
Blackwell earned an English degree from Auburn University. In addition to the housing and youth groups, she is involved with the Community Appearance Commission, Cabarrus-Rowan Municipal Planning Organization, Human Relations Council, Salisbury Neighborhood Action Group, Neighborhood Leaders’ Alliance, Food for Thought, Civitan Club of Salisbury and mentoring in the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.