Election 2025: Meet Leland Town Council candidate Frank Pendleton
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The 2025 municipal election is underway, and Leland voters will soon decide who will serve as the town’s next council members.
To help voters learn more about where each candidate stands on key local issues, WWAY sent a questionnaire to all Leland Town Council candidates. The questions cover topics such as growth and development, public safety, housing, and transparency in government.
Not every candidate responded to our request. For those who did, we are publishing their responses in their entirety, to give voters a direct look at their priorities and perspectives before heading to the polls.
Background and Motivation
1. Tell us a little about yourself — your background, career, and connection to Leland. I was born and raised in Florida and hold degrees in Political Science and History from Florida State University and a Master’s in Management from Indiana Institute of Technology. I have over 30 years of professional experience including two decades in the transportation and logistics industry and currently work as a sales executive for Boxwell LLC. I have a long history of community service- I have coached youth sports, served as a Sunday school teacher, church Deacon, scout leader, and helped create the Dune‘s Youth Baseball Park. I’ve also served on HOA boards and am currently Vice President of the Peninsula HOA in Brunswick Forest. As a homeowner in Brunswick Forest, I’m proud to call Leland home. I’m invested in the community’s future so that Leland remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
2. Why are you running for Leland Town Council, and what inspired you to seek public office?
I am running for Leland Town Council because I believe local government should be open, accountable and truly responsive to the people it serves. As Leland continues to grow, I want to ensure that development is managed responsibly and that residents have a real voice in shaping the town’s future. I was inspired to seek public office after seeing how rapid growth has impacted the community I call home. As a homeowner and longtime community volunteer I understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with expansion. I’m committed to keeping Leland moving forward- responsibly, transparently and with a focus on preserving the strong sense of community that makes it such a special place to live.
3. What are the top three priorities you would focus on if elected?
If elected to Leland Town Council, my top priorities will be responsible growth, working to ban the clear-cut burning of debris which detracts from our resident’s health and quality of life and addressing traffic congestion with common sense solutions. First, I believe growth must be managed responsibly so that our infrastructure- roads, first responders and schools keep pace with new development. Leland‘s expansion should strengthen our community, not strain it.
Second, we must take a serious look at clear cut debris burning by developers. Not only does the smoke impact our air quality, our health and our overall quality of life, it also affects the people who need to be outside while earning their paycheck. They shouldn’t have to work in an unsafe environment just so developers can profit. It’s time to promote cleaner, safer alternatives.
Finally, traffic and congestion are daily frustrations for many residents. I’ll work to find practical, balanced solutions that improve mobility while maintaining the charm and livability that makes Leland such a wonderful place to call home.
Growth and Development
4. Leland has experienced rapid population and housing growth over the past decade. How do you believe the town should manage future growth while maintaining its character and quality of life?
Leland‘s growth is a sign of its success- but it must be managed with care. I believe the key is thoughtful, responsible planning that keeps infrastructure, public safety and services in step with new development. Growth should never come at the expense of our residents’ quality of life. I support strengthening long-term planning efforts to ensure roads, first responders and schools can meet future demand. I also believe in working collaboratively with developers to promote balanced projects that fit within Leland‘s vision. we need to protect our green space, preserve our natural beauty and maintain the small-town character that has drawn people here in the first place. Most importantly, I believe residents deserve a real voice in shaping how Leland grows. By listening to the community and promoting transparency in every decision, I will work to keep Leland thriving while protecting the hometown feel that makes it such a special place to live.
5. What is your vision for responsible development and infrastructure improvements, including roads, traffic management, and utilities, in the coming years?
Again, I envision development in Leland that is both responsible and forward looking. I believe new projects should enhance the community without overburdening existing infrastructure. This means we must carefully plan our roads, traffic management and utilities to accommodate growth while maintaining safety and convenience for residents. My approach would emphasize collaboration with town planners and developers to ensure growth strengthens the quality of life for everyone in Leland.
6. How do you view the town’s annexation strategy and its impact on existing residents and services?
The annexation of Jacky‘s Creek has already happened so that decision is behind us. What matters now is how we move forward to develop the land responsibly. That means making smart choices about roads, traffic and utilities to serve both current and future residents. It also means protecting open space and maintaining the character of our community. By working closely with developers, town planners and residents we can ensure Jacky’s Creek becomes a positive addition to Leland- supporting thoughtful growth, strong infrastructure and a high-quality of life for everyone who calls our town home.
Public Safety and Services
7. What steps would you support to ensure that police, fire, and emergency services keep pace with Leland’s growth?
As Leland continues to grow, we need to make sure our public safety services grow with it. I would support a proactive approach- meaning regular assessments of response times, staffing levels and equipment needs- so we can plan ahead, not play catch-up. I also believe in strengthening partnerships between the town, Brunswick County and our emergency service providers to ensure resources are shared efficiently. Our residents deserve timely, reliable police, fire, and emergency response and that requires smart planning and responsible budgeting.
8. How can the town better partner with Brunswick County and surrounding municipalities to improve public safety and emergency response?
Improving public safety, and emergency response requires strong coordination between Leland, Brunswick county and our neighboring towns. I believe in open communication, shared planning and mutual aid agreements that ensure resources are used efficiently across jurisdictions. We should work together to identify gaps in coverage, invest in regional training opportunities and coordinate response strategies for major incidents or natural disasters. Collaboration also helps reduce duplication of services and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. By building stronger partnerships we can provide faster, more effective emergency response and enhance safety for everyone throughout the greater Leland area.
Economic Development
9. What types of businesses or industries would you like to see grow in Leland, and how should the town attract or support them?
I would like to see Leland attract businesses that provide good, well-paying jobs and contribute to our community’s quality of life. Light industrial and technology-based companies are especially appealing because they can offer stable employment without creating heavy traffic or environmental strain. We should also support small businesses, healthcare providers and service industries that meet the daily needs of residents. To attract and retain these employers the town can focus on improving infrastructure, streamlining permitting and maintaining a business-friendly environment while protecting our neighborhoods. By balancing economic growth with liability, we can create opportunities for local families to make Leland a place where people want to live, work and stay.
10. How do you see Leland balancing residential expansion with commercial and job growth?
Balancing residential expansion with commercial development and job growth is essential to keeping Leland sustainable and livable. As our population grows, we need to ensure that businesses and employment opportunities grow alongside it. I believe in promoting smart, mixed-use development that includes space for light industry as well as retail and professional services so people can live, work and shop right here in town. Encouraging commercial investment in areas already supported by infrastructure can help reduce congestion and protect open space. With thoughtful planning, we can attract employers who provide good jobs while ensuring neighborhoods maintain their character. It’s all about balance and making decisions that serve both our residents and our long-term future.
Quality of Life and Community
11. How should Leland invest in parks, green spaces, and recreation opportunities as the population grows?
As Leland continues to grow, investing in parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities is essential to maintaining our community’s character and quality of life. I believe the town should plan ahead to ensure every neighborhood has access to safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces where families can gather and residents can stay active. Expanding walking and biking trails, improving existing parks, and setting aside green buffers within new developments will help balance growth with livability. We can also explore partnerships with Brunswick county and local organizations to share costs and expand recreational programming. Thoughtful investment in parks and open space isn’t just about leisure, it’s about creating a healthier, more connected community that people are proud to call home.
12. What role do you see the town playing in supporting community events, cultural activities, and local small businesses?
Community events, cultural activities, and small businesses can be what gives Leland its sense of identity and connection. I believe the town should play an active role in supporting them- not by taking over, but by creating opportunities for partnerships. That means providing spaces, streamlining event permitting and promoting local businesses through town communications and community gatherings. We are fortunate to have the Leland Cultural Arts Center which serves as a great venue for hosting events, performances and educational programs that bring people together. Supporting festivals, farmers markets and arts initiatives strengthens community pride and keeps dollars circulating locally. When small businesses succeed our whole town benefits through job creation and stronger local investment. By encouraging collaboration between the town, local organizations and entrepreneurs we can continue to build a vibrant welcoming Leland.
Transparency and Leadership
13. How will you ensure transparency and communication between the Town Council, staff, and residents?
Transparency and open communication are the foundation of good local government. As a council member I will make it a priority to ensure residents feel informed and heard. That means supporting clear, accessible communication from the town through meetings, social media, and community updates so people always know what’s happening and why. I also believe in personal accountability. When you bring a concern to me, I’ll look you in the eye, listen and acknowledge what you have to say. Not every issue can be solved overnight, but every resident deserves respect and honesty from their leaders. By fostering two-way communication between the council, staff and residents we can build trust, make better decisions and keep Leland moving forward together.
14. What do you think the town is doing well right now, and where is there room for improvement?
Leland has a 2025 plan in place which addresses transportation, public safety, housing, and economic development among other projects. There is a Leland 2045 comprehensive plan that is in the works which guides community development and updates the 2025 plan. At the same time, Leland has experienced exponential growth in recent years. While growth brings opportunity, it also creates challenges and I believe we need to slow down, take a breath and plan thoughtfully. We need to take care of the residents that we have now before we worry about future residents. That means carefully evaluating infrastructure, public safety, parks and services to ensure we maintain the quality-of-life residents expect. By balancing engagement with thoughtful planning, we can guide Leland‘s growth.
15. What makes you the best candidate to represent the people of Leland?
While I have never held an elected political office, I bring over 30 years of proven business leadership. Throughout my career I have managed large budgets, led diverse teams, and overseen complex projects from start to finish. My focus has always been on accountability, efficiency and delivering results. These are qualities I believe are essential for effective public service. I know how to make tough decisions, find practical solutions and ensure resources are used wisely. While I haven’t worked in politics, I have the skills and real-world experience needed to serve our community with integrity, transparency, and strong, financial responsibility.
