By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — After one term on the City Council, Dianne Berry says she’s running for re-election with downtown revitalization as a focus area for her candidacy.

Berry, 63, works as the human resources co-manager for the Cabarrus Health Alliance. She’s one of seven people running for three spots on the Kannapolis City Council.

First elected in 2013, Berry said she would focus on the following if elected to a second term: working to plan next steps for downtown revitalization, ensuring the city can take on revitalization without jeopardizing other needs and completing work associated with the revitalization project.

Berry said her other priorities would include: maintaining a close relationship with Kannapolis City Schools; supporting public safety; ensuring the city has enough police officers, firefighters and public works employees; ensuring local residents have jobs and keeping residents of Kannapolis happy and healthy.

“All of our citizens deserve the best,” Berry said. “Future growth will help make that happen, because along with growth will bring a wider array of employment opportunities, increased tax revenue and more family-oriented amenities to enjoy.”

Berry, a Kannapolis native, said it’s her mission to hear the needs, dreams and aspirations of all citizens.

“After four years as a City Council member, and that tenure and experience behind me, I am well-prepared to face the next four years head-on,” she said. “I am ready for the challenges that await me and confident that I can continue to be an advocate for our city and our citizens, and to do whatever is in my power to help and support them.”

Berry is a graduate of A.L. Brown High School and Kings College in Carlotte. In 2007 she received a municipal clerk’s certification from the UNC School of Government. In 2012, she became a North Carolina certified municipal clerk.

She is involved in the Kannapolis Rotary Club and Cabarrus County Jury Commission. Before being elected to the council, Berry served on the Kannapolis Board of Adjustment.

Berry and her husband Cecil have two sons and five grandchildren.

Contact associate editor Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.