Doctor, retired police chief vying for Southport mayor seat

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — It’s getting down to the wire for Cape Fear area candidates which include the two men running for the mayor of Southport. In this race there is no incumbent. Current mayor Robert Howard chose not to seek another term.

Dr. J.P. Hatem is one of the men running for mayor and he said he wants to add local government to his list of experiences after almost 30 years of taking care of patients.

“It gives me an opportunity to serve and care for the people of Southport,” said Hatem. “I’m an emergency room physician here at Dosher Hospital. I started here in July 1985. I was a resident at New Hanover and they needed doctors at night and on weekends and that’s how I started here.”

Years later Hatem said he is still serving the Southport community and wants to continue that work through city government and for him that means preserving the health of people, the economy and the environment.

“What can we do to provide a condition for our small businesses, how do we grow the economy, the health of our environment, how do we protect this, while still promoting growth,” said Hatem.

Growth and economic development are also on retired police chief Jerry Dove’s list of priorities.

“We are dependent a lot on tourism, and one of the big tourists draws is our waterfront, the beauty of it down there, not only the beauty of it but the recreation opportunities, and not only that but commerce and trade,” said Dove.

He said he’s not done leaving his mark on Southport even after years in law enforcement.

“I had spent almost 50 years as a law enforcement officer and public servant. And 21 of those years in Southport,” said Dove. “I’ve served the people, I’ve protected them, I did the best I could, and now I think I am ready to make another step into the political arena.”

Both Hatem and Dove have worked to make sure those that live and visit the ‘Happiest Seaside Town’ are safe, healthy and of course happy but only voters will be able to allow one of them to do that as mayor.

Southport may see even more changes in leadership. There are currently 4 open seats on the city council and 8 candidates.

For a list of candidates in Brunswick County click here.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.