By Josh Bergeron 

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

Salisbury Pride President Tamara Sheffield will jump into politics as a candidate for Salisbury City Council.

Sheffield, 45, filed this week to run for a seat on the council. She’s a senior account manager for Pepsi’s Frito Lay branch, and Sheffield said her job responsibilities would serve as a strong asset in a City Council bid.

“I feel that I bring a certain skill set that I can put to work for the people of Salisbury,” she said. “I manage relationships and partnerships. I believe I can bring that synergy and partnership piece and use that across the city.”

One area she focused on as a priority if elected included bridging the economic and social barriers that separate some communities in Salisbury. Sheffield also mentioned the need to ensure law enforcement has proactive, positive partnerships with community members and making it easier for minority entrepreneurs to open businesses.

“I think Salisbury has made huge steps forward, but how can we continue to do that in a better and more equitable way,” she said. “We need to be open for business for all people and make sure we are broadcasting that message.”

Sheffield received a business degree in marketing from Tennessee Technological University, and later went on to get a masters in business administration from Capella University.

Sheffield said she wants to take her experience and time with community organizations and focus her efforts on a bigger, more important one.

In addition to leading Salisbury Pride, Sheffield is also involved with Lee Street theatre and Piedmont Players. She is on the city’s appearance commission and a part of the Salisbury-Rowan Human Relations Council.

She lives in Salisbury with her wife Maryjay Mee.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246