By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — Alderman Curtis B. Cowan says he wants to see the ideas of the current board become a reality. Cowan, 44, is running for his second term in office.

Cowan, who has served as mayor pro tem since beginning his first term on the board in 2011, says he is seeking re-election for the “love of the town and its citizens.”

Cowan said he “wants to make sure that the citizens have a voice and their concerns are heard and addressed.”

A 19-year employee of Packaging Corp of America, Cowan is a graduate of North Rowan High and attended Rowan Technical Community College. He’s served on the East Spencer Planning Board, Rowan County Historic Landmark Commission and was a commissioner for the East Spencer Housing Authority. He is a current member of the Royal Giant Park Advisory Committee and the United Steel Workers’ Union.

Cowan said he wants to see several projects completed, including the redevelopment of Royal Giants Park. The town has been raising funds from individual and corporate donors as well as obtaining grants for the project. He said one of his goals would be to find a way to keep the pool at the park. The proposed park plans include a splash pad, but Cowan said the community really needs its own pool.

The town has also acquired a number of grants within the last year or so, and he’d like to see the community continue receiving grants so that it can maintain its facilities and work on new projects.

Cowan also hopes to continue the board’s efforts to get a library and charter school in East Spencer, as well as see the water and sewer project completed. The town received a grant to rehab its aging system, which has had a large number of leaks and other issues.

He also wants to rid the town of the dilapidated houses, an effort started a year ago with the help of a Community Development Block Grant and the beautification of Long street.

Cowan is married to Rahida Alexander-Cowan and has two children, Aysir P. Alexander-Cowan and Kortez N. Cowan.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.