Roanoke Rapids incumbent city councilman Andy Jackson is seeking to retain his seat and is running against former Councilman Wayne Smith.

The following are answers to questions by rrspin.com:

Occupation: Retired law enforcement officer.

Civic organizations, church organizations, board memberships, or volunteer organizations you belong to: I am a lifelong citizen of Roanoke Rapids. I was born and raised here and graduated from RRHS in 1981.I attended East Carolina University as well as Wilson Community College where I graduated from Basic Law Enforcement and ranked number one academically in that class. I also completed  the FBI Leadership Program in Atlanta, Georgia. I have coached basketball, baseball and midget football in the past with our area youth who are so important to me.I retired from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department seven years ago where I worked my way through the ranks to assistant chief.

Why are you seeking the office or why are you seeking reelection?

I am seeking re-election as District 2 councilman so that I can continue to address the issues that need to be addressed. I have been a proponent of revitalizing our city parks starting with Rochelle Park which has seen new pickleball courts and coming soon a new playground for our youth. Emery Park will be revati;ized with a new skatepark and additional parking. Doyle Field could soon see the addition of a collegiate baseball summer league team. These are some of the things I need to see through to the end.

What are the biggest issues affecting the city and how would you address them?

One of the biggest problems facing the city is crime. We need increased police visibility in our mill village areas. I know first hand what these men and women go through and strength comes in numbers. I propose adding some more policemen that were cut back to the force and working closer with the sheriff's office to address the high crime areas. We as a city are already working on blue light towers to be erected in our uptown downtown areas for added safety with grant money.

The council just recently approved the 2030 strategic plan. What are your thoughts on how you  would carry out its objectives?

The strategic plan for the city has already started from possibility to actuality. The objectives can be carried out but it will take a community. to support us. I believe the strategy will work if we work closely with the county economic development and tourism teams as well as the chamber of commerce.

Why are you qualified to be a council member or continue to be a Roanoke Rapids city council member?

I feel that I am qualified to be a councilman based on years of leadership with the city as well as leadership in some of our local businesses. I have been in people's homes all over town and sat with them, listened to the problems and worked out solutions. I have also helped run a million-dollar business in town and have an understanding of what people expect. with a business and how to make it successful. 

Many local politicians are reluctant to support a tax increase because of its potential impact on taxpayers. First, would you support a tax increase to fund necessary improvements to city infrastructure? Why or why not? Secondly, if your answer is no, what are your alternate solutions to a tax increase and how would you go about soliciting support for your initiatives?

As far as tax increases go I personally think taxes are high but necessary. Our founding father George Washington recognized them as necessary for funding the government and preserving public credit. He stated "they could be inconvenient and unpleasant for citizens. There are no taxes which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant." He also advised using public credit sparingly and avoiding unnecessary expenses. I think the city got in over their head with the theatre but there is light coming to the end of that loan. In the meantime the city has cut,cut and cut until there is no more cutting. When the city can't meet the basic needs of the people we will have no alternative but to raise taxes or possibly present a bond referendum which would be voted on by the citizens..

The Premier Boulevard extension is now open. What do you see as its potential? How would you like to see it developed?

I would like to see Premier Boulevard continue to grow with more restaurants and stores, for example Panera Bread and Trader Joes. I do believe that working with tourism and the county economic team will be of great value for this, as well as our school systems, HCC and all our local high schools in preparing a workforce. As you can clearly see, it takes a community to buy in and take this plan from probability to actuality

The demolition of dilapidated structures in the city has been a constant issue and is discussed at times during council meetings.How would you go about securing funds to see this accomplished?

Our city team has been working hard at addressing Second Street and the Avenue with a dangerous structure there. The building was recently sold and the new owner has been talking with the city planning department. Due to the age of the building it is costly to tear down and there are special provisions that will have to be carried out to satisfy the EPA.

Please provide a summation on what the city government in Roanoke Rapids would be like under your leadership and what voters who elected you can expect.

I have had the pleasure of serving the great citizens of Roanoke Rapids as an appointed councilman for one year. I work well with all members of the council and the community. I have had citizens from other districts contact me and I have not hesitated as many of you know in coming up with a solution.