By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — East Spencer resident Rhonda Kerns is making her first foray into the political arena and has filed to run for mayor.

Kerns, 40, is a mother of seven and says she wanted to run for mayor because she “has a passion for my town and the people in it.”

“if I become the change I want to see, then change will be seen,” she said.

Her priorities are to help get residential water bills decreased, and she hopes to discover a way for the town to maintain its own water. Salisbury-Rowan Utilities provides sewer and water services to the town.

Another issue at the forefront of what Kerns wants to see changed in the town has to deal with education. She would like to see a library in East Spencer or a computer lab to “assist them with their education so they’ll be better candidates for finding a job,” she said.

Kerns is self-employed and works with youth to help them prepare for employment. She is also head of Under 1 Roof Community Outreach Center, a program for at-risk teens located on East Henderson Street. She is chairwoman of the beautification department in East Spencer, a position she’s held for three years. She is also head of an East Spencer-based step team, Phoenix Steppers. Kerns also helps maintain a community garden.

Kerns is a ServSafe food safety certification course instructor and obtained general education in 1995 from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Kerns, also a grandmother of three, filed Wednesday. Current Mayor Barbara Mallett has not filed as of Thursday nor has she announced her intent to run.