Leland mayoral candidates hit campaign trail

LELAND — Leland’s mayoral candidates are hot on the campaign trail trying to win supporters in the rapidly growing town.

The two candidates each have plenty of experience leading the town. Franky Thomas was Leland’s mayor for 12 years, then later lost that position in 2005. That’s when he was defeated by current Mayor Walter Futch.

Something both agree on is developing a plan to handle Leland’s population surge.

Thomas said, “We need to stay in a position so that we have infrastructure in place, that we can control this growth and provide services for the people that come here and don’t leave them at a disadvantage.”

Futch said, “The biggest thing on the horizon, probably in the next two years is going to be how to provide enough sewer for the growth. We’re getting really low on how much allocation we have.”

Election Day for Leland mayor is November 6.