By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — BBC Radio recently interviewed Mayor Susan Kluttz about the 10th anniversary of the sister-city relationship with Salisbury, England.
In it, Kluttz details the 10-year relationship between the cities, sharing several stories and a funny anecdote about the first time she spoke to a British official on the phone. She was concerned he might not understand her accent.
To hear the interview, go to http://www.salisburync.gov/audio/Mayor_BBC.mp3
Officials and residents of the cities have visited several times and even surprised each other, Kluttz said.
In 2006, Salisbury, N.C., unveiled a bronze marker in the sidewalk outside City Hall to their British counterparts. Two years later, when local officials returned to Salisbury, England, their British friends returned the favor by unveiling a signpost listing the mileage to Salisbury, N.C., and adding the American “twin” to their city limits signs.
The sister-city relationship goes beyond government and has created many lasting friendships for both elected leaders and private residents, Kluttz said in the interview.
“The results have just been that we have developed such strong friendships and personal relationships that we will have forever, regardless of what we do with government,” she said.
Kluttz told the BBC that in honor of the 10th anniversary, local musician Davis Cooke recently composed an Evensong service performed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Kluttz said she also presented a book from the British Salisbury mayor to the Rowan Public Library for the library’s 100th birthday celebration.
The BBC host commented on Kluttz’s 14 years as mayor, unusual in England where mayors only serve one term.
“You must be doing something right,” he said.
He called the sister-city relationship “the most remarkable story I have ever heard in all the years I have been doing this program.”