2025 Elizabeth City Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
About the 2025 Elizabeth City Election for Mayor & City Council
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Election Day (Polls open 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
• Find your Election Day polling place
WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the City Council make a wide range of decisions affecting your life. The City Council sets policies and priorities, and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
• Water & Waste Disposal
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Affordable Housing
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
HOW ARE THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ELECTED?
Elizabeth City Council members are elected in nonpartisan races.
The Mayor is elected citywide, while the other members of the City Council are elected from wards.
Keep scrolling down to see this year’s candidates for Elizabeth City Mayor and City Council.
Click here to find your
Elizabeth City Council ward
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR ELIZABETH CITY MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
All candidates have been invited to participate in this voter guide by answering a few questions. Responses from the candidates are below.
Candidates for Elizabeth City Mayor
Jamie Noble
Background: B.S. (Biology/Minor Chemistry), A.A. (General Education, Arts) A.S. (Science) Certified in Advanced biotechnology and Peer Support
Why are you running for this office? A more objective way forward.
What are your top priorities if elected? My educational support plan, and my plans to increase community participation in fighting crime in our neighborhoods will be a great place to start. Then, we’ll see what’s next when I’m given the latest city data, because only the numbers have real answers.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Unfortunately, those tasked with teaching and leading students to success have lowered the bar insuring their own tenure and lack of competition in the future. Operating under the assumption that one color should attend a certain university, when that demographic is disproportionately unsuccessful and underrepresented in education is treason. There are local professors here that have not provided a syllabus in at least 4 years, which shows a lack of respect for not only students but also the school and community they serve. This is why our young objective leaders lose confidence and move.
Kirk Rivers
Background: Served 2 terms as Mayor and Served 3 terms as councilman
Why are you running for this office? To continue the improved
What are your top priorities if elected? Continuing to improve the financial situation of the City, currently have a General Fund balance of 70% (first time in history to have that high). Complete the funding of our new electric substation and improvements to our water and sewer systems. My goal is to build the infrastructure for the next 50 years.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? We have been active at our three institutions of higher learning and the high schools. We have internships with High School and Elizabeth City State University students. The local colleges have presented implementation plans to bridge gap between city and students. We will continue dialogue to improve college town atmosphere.
Christina Williams
Background: I have managerial and administrative experience of more than 20 years, owning several businesses that have prospered. I founded the Pasquotank Political Action Committee. I am a Parliamentarian, proficient in Robert’s Rules of Order, which I use to facilitate smooth and productive meetings.
Why are you running for this office? Elizabeth City needs a Mayor who is serious about improving the daily lives of all citizens and bringing more opportunity for jobs and housing. I get along well with most people and have strong social skills to communicate effectively with our diverse population. I am conservative with money and Elizabeth City needs to curb wasteful spending and get our financial house in order.
What are your top priorities if elected? I will ensure our finances will be in order and seek grant assistance to improve the city. We will hire people who are qualified and stop double paying for services. I want us to do better and to want to do better. I want everyone to feel proud to be here whether living or visiting Elizabeth City.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I will remind young people that they already have a voice in the local community. Opportunities exist and they need to take advantage of them. They can attend and speak at ward, city council, board of elections, and school board meetings. If they are over 18 they can vote.
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 1 (voters in this Ward can choose two candidates)
Johnson Biggs
No response yet from candidate
Lee Martin
Background: Over 30 years of management experience across both the federal government and private industry. Served in the Senior Executive Service with the IRS and at OSHA. Numerous leadership roles at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., SBC, and AT&T. Education includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry, and certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt. I am also a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker and currently serve on the Elizabeth City Historic Preservation Commission.
Why are you running for this office? I am dedicated to public service, and this would afford me the opportunity to serve my local community.
What are your top priorities if elected? Priority one will be to ensure that Elizabeth City has an infrastructure that keeps pace not only with today’s demands, but with the Elizabeth City of tomorrow. Second is address the gun violence in our neighborhoods to provide a safe community for our people and third, care for the needs of the homeless in our community.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Meet them where they are by using social media to post Council updates and where they can voice their concerns. I will also provide my direct phone number so young people can call me directly and discuss any matter of concern about the local government. Lastly, I will host quarterly townhall meetings for face-to-face updates and discussions.
Joseph Peel
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 2 (voters in this Ward can choose two candidates)
Rose Marie (Whitehurst) Cartwright
Background: I have been serving Elizabeth City for several decades as a registered nurse. I also have facilitated Souls Feeding Ministry for seven years. My passion is serving our underserved community along with those who are experiencing varieties of disparities. I have been very fortunate to serve our citizens in this capacity and count it an honor.
Why are you running for this office? I am currently finishing up my second term as Council woman. I believe it takes someone several terms to understand the complexity of the city finances as well as the structure of the departments. I feel like we are very fortunate to have elected council officials that are able to work respectfully together, and also operate in the best interest of the city and the citizens. I am proud of the accomplishments and we look forward to continuing to move the city in the right direction.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priority would continue to be the oversight of the finances of our city, ensuring that we are transparent and meet all required deadlines. The financial support includes an oversight and approval of the city’s annual budget. My second priority is to continue to be a community representative that advocates the needs of citizens in our area that are experiencing disparities.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Some of the ways that we make sure we’re including our young people in our local government is by developing advisory boards, offering job shadowing programs and inviting them to participate in our meetings and public hearings. Giving young people a first hand experience in our local government operations is critical for our future. I’m also very proud to say we are doing many of these things now.
Carol Peterson
Background: I am a Business Office Manager and have over 30 years of Administration and Human Resource management experience. I have been a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. I work closely with seniors and youth. I am a wife, mother of 2, and a Nana of 1.
Why are you running for this office? I love this city. I see so much more potential for growth, better fiscal accountability, and transparency. We all have a civic duty to serve, but not everyone is called to do so. I am concerned with crime. I hear the gunshots at night. I want to make sure our law enforcement has everything they need and more, to make our streets safer. Our roads need major repairs. We are building more houses, but are we able to sustain them with our current infrastructures? It’s time for a new set of eyes and a new perspective.
What are your top priorities if elected? Support our law enforcement. Repair our city streets. Support our local schools and senior population.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Invite them to be a part of the process. Encourage them to take an interest in civics. They are our future leaders.
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 3 (voters in this Ward can choose two candidates)
Katherine W. Felton
Background: Developed the 1st Human Resources Department for the City of Elizabeth City in 1981 and served as the Director of HR until I retired in Dec. 2017. Became a candidate for the City Council position in 2022 and served until presently. As a representative of the people, I was always transparent, worked well with fellow members, and always voted independently as I put the needs of the people first. I allow my professionalism, my skills and my abilities to govern my every decision and I boldly stand tall to be a voice for the people. I don’t impose anything on the residents that I wouldn’t want.
Why are you running for this office? As a current member of the City Council, there are several projects that we have started that I would like to see completed.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Continue the professionalism and working with the other Council members as a team to accomplish major improvements for the residents that we serve. 2. Another priority is to work with the Council to assure that policies are set in place for the betterment of the City, the residents, and the employees of EC.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? In order to ensure that young people have a voice in local government, we must strive to increase open communication opportunities with them in the form of community meetings, “jam” sessions, ask them what things are of interest to them and allow them to suggest informative ideas that would attract the youth, making them feel inclusive.
Moe Moore
Background: Background: I lived here for years. Experience: not much, but who did their first time? Qualifications: I care about Elizabeth City.
Why are you running for this office? Elizabeth City needs a change.
What are your top priorities if elected? Helping the youth. Promoting safer streets. If the youth have something to do, maybe the streets become safer.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I’ll have a young people’s day just for them with open discussions, listen to them.
Kem Spence
Background: Two terms as Mayor Pro Tem and over 12 years on the City Council.
Why are you running for this office? To continue to help the citizens and to make a difference in the city.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top 3 goals are to continue to be a voice for the Citizens in Elizabeth City, to help with growth of the City, and to continue to improve the infrastructure in the City.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? By being approachable, being visible, constantly providing youth events and communication with the schools and parents.
Candidates for Elizabeth City Council – Ward 4 (voters in this Ward can choose two candidates)
Barbara A. Baxter
Background: Former council member 22-23 year, help pass two City Budgets and allocated funds for each City Department growth. Helped in aiding the rest of council to secure 3.5 million for the infrastructure needs of the City of Elizabeth City. Called on State Representatives to aid the City with Minimum Housing concerns pushing the HB 595 in 2023. Help advocate for bringing FYBE to our City. Secretary to the Pasquotank County Economic Board. Advocated for Boys and Girls Club in receiving funds. Now in present time still an advocate, now a board member of NCGV North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
Why are you running for this office? To advocate more for the constituents of the Fourth Ward and entire City of Elizabeth City alongside with other Council members. To help build the city more in economics, safety, quality of life and living. Beacon of hope for future leaders!
What are your top priorities if elected? Safety of the constituents, quality of living, economics. These things will then help bridge the gap between the community and elected officials. Also will help with community engagement into helping the advancement of our city.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Getting involved with the youth/college students meeting them where they are and to better understand them. Understand their concerns and needs and have those hard conversations and be a listening ear to help aid as much as possible with other council members bring everything to the table.
Tim Jackson
No response yet from candidate
Johnnie Walton
Background: 20 years experience as a city councilman, Bachelor’s degree from ECSU, experience in being a team leader, and team player. As a teacher for approximately 30 years, and a football and basketball coach, it qualifies me to communicate with citizens young and the elderly and those years I have solved many problems. Serving on a significant board, (Tourism Dev), I work with others to attract tourists to our area. This involves problem solving skills. I am also familiar with NC Charter as well as city ordinances and policies.
Why are you running for this office? During my tenure as a city councilman it has become apparent that the citizens trust my judgement and they realize, as I do, that I will do everything possible to better their quality of life. As a teacher and coach it has given me the opportunity and experience to engage with all ages in our community.
What are your top priorities if elected? We need more jobs in our community which would help eliminate crime, which I am very concerned about. Therefore, my top concerns are the elderly, jobs, crime, and the homeless.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? We need to strategically invite youth to have a presence at the table, listen to their opinions and views to help solve the problems in our community.
Other ways to learn about Elizabeth City’s election and the candidates for office:
Voting Tools
Questions about Elizabeth City’s election?
Contact the Pasquotank County Board of Elections at 252-335-1739