2025 Rocky Mount Voter Guide
About the 2025 Rocky Mount Election for 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?
Rocky Mount has a Mayor and a seven-member City Council.
The City is divided into seven wards and each ward is represented by a Council member who resides in that ward.
The Mayor is elected at-large by the citizens and serves a four-year term. Members of the City Council serve terms of four years and are elected by the voters of the wards in which they reside.
Elections are held every two years so that the terms of office will be staggered.
Click here to find your
Rocky Mount City Council ward
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR ROCKY MOUNT CITY COUNCIL
All candidates have been invited to participate in this voter guide by answering a few questions. Responses from the candidates to questions are below.
Candidates for Rocky Mount City Council – Ward 2
Reuben Blackwell
Background: I’ve served in this role for 25 years and have brought all my work in establishing heath centers for poor people in inner city communities in Rocky Mount, workforce development programs for chronically unemployed individuals, and creating businesses for social benefit to leverage Rocky Mount’s potential.
Why are you running for this office? I am running to continue the considerable progress that has been made in overlooked and underestimated places in our City. Black run cities receive undue criticism from every sector and often, the successes that have occurred are intentionally unheralded. I want to continue the transformation that has begun in our inner city communities through the vision, creativity, hard work, and collaboration that I and several others have initiated and sustained.
What are your top priorities if elected? Increase opportunities for workforce and affordable housing: Rocky Mount has a dearth of both and we need more housing for growing families and seniors (two increasing demographics in our city/region); accelerated downtown development – I was an integral co-creator of the Rocky Mount Event Center that has brought tens of thousands of people annually to our city. However, we need more restaurants, retail shops, tourist activities, and hotels to maximize positive customer experience and grow our economy.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I’ve encouraged, supported, and appointed young people in every aspect of my work and public service. They help me develop policy and programming, serve on commissions, and keep me accountable in my vision and execution of campaign goals.
Candidates for Rocky Mount City Council – Ward 3
Nellene Richardson
No response yet from candidate
Bronson Williams
Background: I am a proud resident of Edgecombe County, an East Carolina University graduate, a multi-business owner and a tried-and-tested community advocate. I am ready to bring that experience to the City Council to make sure Ward 3’s voice is not just heard, but felt.
Why are you running for this office? I am running because our neighborhoods matter — because families, seniors, young people and local businesses all deserve a fair chance at success. My record can be proven, I am passionate about the city and most importantly I’m prepared!
What are your top priorities if elected? One of the top priorities in our community to address the housing crisis? There are far too many dilapidated and abandon homes. We must develop a strategy to get those homes back online thus driving down the cost of homeownership. Secondly, we must recruit new industry while supporting the development of existing businesses and industry. People are seeking gainful employment that will enhance their quality of life while taking advantage of local education, educational opportunities.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I am the youngest candidate that is seeking office on the ballot. It is my goal to reach the area’s college students as well as recent high school graduates to get involved in the political process. I will meet people where they are, but also include social media and traditional media. Too often young people are forced to move away to make a difference when they can make a difference, right where they are.
Candidates for Rocky Mount City Council – Ward 6
Chynice Cotten
Background: My Background includes working in all levels of Government at the Local Municipality, State, and Federal Government Levels. In those positions, I have held roles that required Certifications in Acquisitions, Contracting, Purchasing, and Procurements. I have been a Contracting Manager, Officer, and most recently served as a Procurement and Policy Analyst for the National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine under the United States of Health and Human Services Agency. These experiences and the qualifications supports the role of a City Council.
Why are you running for this office? Because change is needed in the City of Rocky Mount City Council. The current Council lacks diversity and people want change in leadership as well as a new generation of leadership. I am capable, competent and prepared to take on the challenges of the City Council for the City of Rocky Mount. The City needs someone who understands the importance of adhering to an annual budget and discerning what initiatives to approve with equality and consistency amongst all Wards within the City of Rocky Mount and surrounding areas. When elected to City Council, I will ensure transparency in decision making.
What are your top priorities if elected? Fiscal Responsibility, Enhancing Community Quality of Life, and Economic Development and Growth are priorities for my election campaign because our City’s Fiscal Budget has not been properly managed over the past four years, more specifically. As a subject matter expert in Acquisitions, I understand our fiscal responsibility to ensure that we are good stewards of the City’s Annual Budget. I will ensure there is transparency and regulations are adhered to regarding the City of Rocky Mount’s fiscal responsibilities. I will work with Community Groups and ancillary committees for our community.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? By keeping local colleges and universities engaged with the City of Rocky Mount’s City Government, seeking opportunities to keep the area college students engaged and partnering with higher institutions to collaborate and seek alternatives to working with the community to improve and sustain positive as well as productive relationships that will benefit all stakeholders and support the needs of current and future college students within the City of Rocky Mount and surrounding areas. The key is engagement and collaboration – the new City Council will continue to engage all stakeholders.
Candidates for Rocky Mount City Council – Ward 7
Thelma Bullock
Background: Retired NC public servant, experience with DOL, Revenue, SOS, H&HS & Commerce, owner of travel agency, school volunteerism, sorority & church ministry/outreach
Why are you running for this office? I believe the voice of the people matter & community thrive when every voice is heard. I know the challenges, also the potential we have. I have a passion for people/advocate for children, families, senior/elderly. I will work to assure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is about a stronger and connected community for everyone who calls this City home.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Safe community for families, well lit streets, strong community ties, opportunities for youth, sidewalks & parks where children can run, play. Safe communities protect people’s quality of life by reducing crime, building trust & children can grow. 2. Youth Empowerment: guiding the youth with role models & opportunities so they can make good choices, succeed & become leaders. This will reduce crime & strengthen families. 3. Health is the heart of community progress, is one of the greatest equalizers in any community. Will reduce disparities, strengthen families & lower-term costs for everyone.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Ensure them by offering a direct line for high school/college students to voice their concern creating some type of advisory/committee. Provide ways students can work with local government.
Jabaris (JKelly) Walker
Background: US ARMY
Why are you running for this office? I’m running for reelection because I want to continue the work we’ve started. We have worked on affordable housing, public safety, sustainable development. I believe consistent, experienced leadership is key to long-term success. Serving on city council isn’t just a role it’s a responsibility I take seriously. I care deeply about the people in our community, and I want to ensure their voices remain heard and their needs addressed.
What are your top priorities if elected? Safety and clean communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe walking to the store, waiting at the bus stop, or letting their kids play in the park. I’m committed to investing in community-based public safety, better street lighting, traffic calming measures, and regular cleanup of public spaces. These improvements directly enhance daily quality of life. Job Growth. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and economy. I’ll push for programs that offer easier access to capital. This means more good-paying jobs close to home, a stronger local economy.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? We will continue to work with school system, local colleges, and Universities.
Other ways to learn about Rocky Mount’s election and the candidates for office:
Rocky Mount Telegram article on Ward 3 candidates
Rocky Mount Telegram article on Ward 6 candidates
Questions about the election?
Contact the Edgecombe County Board of Elections at 252-641-7852 or the Nash County Board of Elections at 252-459-1350