By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

As the first incumbent to file for the Salisbury City Council, Karen Alexander is vying for her second full term on the city’s governing board.

Alexander, 65, is one of two incumbents who have filed for the race. She was appointed to the Salisbury City Council in 2013, after former Mayor Susan Kluttz became the state’s Cultural Resources secretary. In 2013, she was re-elected to her first full term.

In her bid for re-election, Alexander says she’s focused on leveraging infrastructure improvements throughout Salisbury as a tool for expanding commerce and adding jobs to the city’s economy, expanding and supporting collaborative opportunities with local colleges and the public school system and working at improving community relations.

“My decision to run for re-election to city council is about a personal passion to make a difference at a very critical time for our city and county and the future this community holds for my children, grandchildren and yours,” Alexander said in a letter given to the Salisbury Post. “Nothing in life is without risk, however, I have developed through life’s experiences the determination and perseverance to see any difficult challenge through to a successful conclusion.”

In a letter explaining reasons for running, Alexander also listed neighborhood revitalization and encouraging small tech companies to move to Salisbury as a part of economic development.

Alexander owns KKA Architecture, which has offices in downtown Salisbury. She has a master’s degree in architecture from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.

She’s part of a number of community organizations. A few of her roles in community organizations include: secretary of the board for the Salisbury Community Development Corporation, a member of the UNCC Foundation Board, a member of the Economic Development Board and a member of the Convention and Tourism Board.

She attends First United Church of Christ in Salisbury.

Alexander has a son and three grandchildren.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.