Roanoke Rapids resident Ephraim Brodsky Thursday filed to challenge Emery Doughtie for his mayor’s seat and incumbent city Councilman Andy Jackson filed to retain his District 2 seat against former Councilman Wayne Smith.
Brodsky
In a statement Thursday, Brodsky, who describes himself as a community advocate and strategist, said his campaign platform centers on delivering meaningful improvements residents can see and feel — while elevating transparency, tech readiness, and regional collaboration.
"The people of Roanoke Rapids deserve more than promises — they deserve progress they can measure," he said in the statement. "From better parks and smarter systems to stronger partnerships, my commitment is to build a city that works better because it works together."
Doughtie, left and Brodsky
Brodsky’s platform includes six key priorities:
Community revitalization: Upgrading public spaces to encourage wellness, gathering, and civic pride.
Infrastructure that works: Modernizing roads, sidewalks, and city facilities with an eye toward safety, longevity, and accessibility.
Technology upgrades to include the following:
Launching a redesigned city website with user-friendly access to key services
Offering online registration for youth and adult recreation leagues
Expanding IT staffing to boost efficiency, transparency, and digital security
Doing less with more: Prioritizing fewer initiatives executed with excellence — focusing resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.
Interlocal collaboration: Advocating for stronger partnerships with Halifax County, ensuring visible investments in Roanoke Rapids as the county’s primary economic engine and tax base.
Transparent leadership: Creating reliable, open communication between city government and residents through forums, feedback channels, and responsive service.
“The Brodsky campaign invites citizens to join a movement grounded in focused action, shared responsibility, and a clear-eyed vision for Roanoke Rapids’ future,” he said.
Jackson
Jackson said today, “I have decided to run for District 2 city councilman because I’ve started some work and need to finish it. I’ve been a proponent of the Emry Park revitalization. It needs to be done. I need to see it through.”
He said the same of the Rochelle Park project. “I need to see it through and these places have lacked a lot of attention for a lot of years. We’re trying to get things cleaned up and get the city back to the way it should be.”
Jackson, left, and Smith, far right, with Vernon Bryant
The city, he said, “Got in that shape on our former leadership. I’m talking about the roads, parks, recreation. Everything has been neglected. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. We started kicking the can down the road and we’re playing catch-up.”
Jackson said the council is looking at all options to fund the neglected items. “We’ve got to maintain basic services.”
The city has operated on a $14 million budget for years, he said. “It’s no longer feasible to operate on that. We’ve got to recruit more business. You get more business — you raise your revenues.”
Jackson admitted municipal politicians put tax rate adjustments off “because we don’t like to infringe on the good people of this city.”
Addressing comments made by Smith earlier this week, Jackson said, “I respect Wayne Smith. He’s a financial guru. He’s run finances for years.”
However, he said, “As far as the theater debt goes, the $2 million that was allocated for the theater is in a special fund drawing interest at the current federal rate. That money goes into the general fund balance and is being used by taxpayers. If you were to take the $2 million and put it into the theater debt, the way it’s structured with the bonds and Bank of America, it would come off the front and not the back.”
As far as Smith’s comments about the current city council not asking questions, Jackson said, “I don’t generally ask questions that I already know the answer to.”
City Manager Kelly Traynham sends out an agenda book on the Friday before a Tuesday meeting. “We have three days to absorb the information. If I have any questions I will call her on the phone and ask her. So unless something pops up out of the norm. I’m not going to ask a question that I already know the answer to. These council meetings are not about me — they’re about our citizens.”
Other Thursday filings
In other Thursday filings, Tony Eugene Silver, a challenger, filed to run for Enfield mayor while incumbent Bobby Whitaker filed for the District A town commissioner seat.
Previous filings
Challenger Raymond Hyman filed to run and incumbent town Commissioner Gloria Cofield also filed to retain her seat in Scotland Neck.
Incumbent Littleton Mayor Heidi Hogan filed to retain her seat in the November 4 municipal elections.
Roanoke Rapids City Councilman Curt Strickland filed to retain his District 1 council seat.
In the town of Weldon, incumbent Commissioner Muzette Kiger filed to retain her seat.
Incumbent Roanoke Rapids Graded School District member Cathy Keeter filed to retain her seat.
Incumbent Roanoke Rapids Rapids Graded School District board member Steven Ellis filed.
Jim Whitmire and Carlton Ansley filed to run for the RRGSD board.
Scotland Neck Mayor Eddie Braxton filed to retain his seat.
Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District Board incumbents Jon Baker and James Kerr filed to retain their seats and Anthony Moseley filed for the third seat on the RRSD board
Filing ends Friday, July 18, at noon in the Halifax County Board of Elections Office at the Old Historic Courthouse in Halifax.
