Josh Bergeron 

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

After being persistently prodded to run for re-election, Salisbury Mayor Pro Tem Maggie Blackwell on Thursday filed as a candidate for the Salisbury City Council.

Blackwell, 59, last week announced via Facebook she planned not to file for the race. At the time, Blackwell said she wanted to “take some personal time.” She made the decision to file on Thursday after being convinced by her supporters, she said. After an unnamed, persistent supporter asked her to run, Blackwell said she asked for three specific campaign-related items before she would file. Blackwell declined to describe the three items on the record.

“With Mayor Paul Woodson and Pete Kennedy stepping down, my supporters are concerned about a vacuum in leadership on the city council,” said Blackwell. “I’m running again because the needs of the city supersede my personal plans. I plan to continue to work for those citizens who have no voice in our community. I will work hard for a bright future for all the citizens of Salisbury.”

Blackwell’s priorities if re-elected include: jobs, promoting the city’s fiber optic network Fibrant and focusing on increasing the quality of life for Salisbury residents.

Blackwell was the 16th candidate to enter the Salisbury City Council race. Her filing makes the field of candidates the largest ever, according to Rowan County Board of Elections records.

Her community involvement includes starting the Salisbury Youth Council and being on the Finance Committee for Food For Thought. She also serves on the boards of Lutheran Services Carolinas, the Civitan Club of Salisbury and the Salisbury Mini Funk Factory youth band.

She worked in information technology, in various roles, before retiring.

Blackwell has two sons and a daughter.

Prior to serving on the City Council, Blackwell was on the Salisbury Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.