Shortly after Sanford Mayor announced on Monday that he won’t seek a third term in this year’s municipal election, two members of the city council announced bids for the office – setting up a Democratic primary on May 17.
Ward 1 Councilman Sam Gaskins and Ward 5 Councilwoman Rebecca Wyhof Salmon each announced Monday afternoon that they would seek the office of mayor. Both Gaskins and Wyhof Salmon are Democrats, and indicated they plan to focus on issues including economic development and continuing the revitalization of downtown. Both also cited support for Mann’s “Open for Business” agenda.
“The new growth has brought new challenges,” Gaskins said in a statement issued Monday. “We must manage this new growth and meet those challenges to maintain our identity while continuing to expand the tax base, which will enable the City of Sanford to lower the tax rates and lower the taxes on residential properties to the benefit of all our citizens.
Gaskins is a retired industrial scientist and technology manager and a former chemistry professor. He was first elected to the council representing Ward 1 in 2009, and served three terms as mayor pro tem. Read his full statement here.
Salmon is the president of Blue Roof Strategies. She was first elected to the council representing Ward 5 in 2011, and served two years as Mayor Pro Tem.
“We have made great strides during my time on Council,” Salmon said in a Facebook post. “Sanford has come alive, undergoing a dramatic revitalization, enjoying huge economic development accomplishments, and proving we are resilient and compassionate through the pandemic challenges. Working together, we will build on our success, harness our strengths and dream big.”
Salmon’s full statement included a quote from Mann.
“I fully support Rebecca Wyhof Salmon as our next Mayor,” he said. “She will bring energy, experience, and understanding of how to get things done. She will bring great leadership and her own special skill set to keep Sanford in its rightful place as the top Micropolitan City in NC.”
No more Democrats
Try to control yourself from storming city hall when there continues to be a Democratic Mayor!
NO MORE DEMORATS!!
Try to control yourself from storming city hall when there continues to be a Democratic Mayor!
Both Rebecca and Sam have served the City of Sanford for many years, and just as they have demonstrated on City Council during their terms, I know they will have the best interests of our City and citizens as a top priority.
It will be exciting to see both Sam and Rebecca’s vision for our City.
Good luck to both great candidates!
Sanford is very fortunate to have such outstanding candidates running for the big chair.
Looking forward to whichever of these candidates wins. Having witnessed their commitment to the city for years, I am sure either will do a fine job as our new mayor.
I have lived in Ward 1 since 1993. I am very disappointed in Mr. Gaskins performance. He is a typical politician…tells you what he supports but he does nothing. Time to give Mrs. Salmon a chance.
Where do these candidates stand on the life of the unborn? This is an important issue to many people in the faith community!
A personal desire is to see more bicycle lanes and completion of the bike trail connecting the Kwanis/Endor Iron Furnace trail with the American Tobacco Trail.
Since a local Mayor has ZERO say in the “life of the unborn”, their opinions on that issue are unimportant. Just like their opinion on if the roads should be widened in Stevensville Montana. Their opinions on bike trails in Sanford and connecting bike trails are important. Focus on what they can affect. The rest is all meaningless fluff that has nothing to do with the job they are asking for. Judges, congress, and the Senate are valid positions to question that.
Where they stand is important to me! Whether they can effect change now is irrelevant. I want to know their heart.
Well we know what is in your head… Absolutely nothing!