Election 2025: Meet Leland Town Council candidate Susan Waleed
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.
My husband and I are from New Jersey and moved to Leland in 2015 after I retired from the State of New Jersey. I worked 27 years with the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement under the State Attorney Office. I received my bachelor’s degree from Rutger’s University in Science and my Associate degree from Burlington County College in Science. I’ve been married to my husband Salim for 39 years we have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
The great thing about moving to Leland was that we had no connection to the town, we didn’t know a single person, and although we didn’t know anyone it felt like home so comfortable. Leland has been a great fit for us, and since living here we have made long-lasting connections and lifetime friends.
2. Why are you running for Leland Town Council, and what inspired you to seek public office?
Having lived in Leland for more than a decade, I have witnessed both the positive advancements and the challenges that accompany the town’s growth. It became evident that perhaps a more comprehensive strategy was lacking to effectively address issues essential to sustaining this progress- particularly in areas of infrastructure and increasing traffic demands. This realization inspired me to seek this elected office to contribute meaningful solutions aimed at alleviating these concerns. Moreover, upon evaluating the broader scope of our community’s development, I recognized that critical matters such as developers burn piles management, environment encroachment, overdevelopment, and flooding remained unaddressed and needed more long-term planning.
3. What are the top three priorities you would focus on if elected
My top priorities include managing development, addressing development burn piles, improving infrastructure, and mitigating flooding in housing developments.
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?
What initially drew my husband and I to Leland was its small -town charm and the welcoming atmosphere of its local shops. Unfortunately, that character is fading, and I want to see our mom-and-pop businesses given an opportunity to thrive again. Additionally, Leland’s natural environment has faced significant encroachment, and I am committed to preserving and nurturing our wetlands, forests, and green spaces for future generations.
5. What is your vision for responsible development and infrastructure improvements, including roads, traffic management, and utilities, in the coming years
My vision for responsible development and infrastructure involves a collaborative approach with the NCDOT, which oversees the major roads running through Leland, to create effective plans that improve traffic flow. It is essential to establish open communication with developers so they can play an active role in addressing the growing challenges of traffic congestion and infrastructure strain. Ultimately, development in Leland should be a shared effort – one guided by the principle that those building our community should approach it as if they live here themselves.
6. How do you view the town’s annexation strategy and its impact on existing residents and services?
As of March 1, 2023, Leland is no longer able to annex additional. However, it is still unclear how many developers were grandfather in under House Bill 267. The impact of this remains to be seen, but it will likely place additional strain on our infrastructure, residents, and service providers. Many residents are understandably frustrated and disheartened by the ongoing development. It is clear that we need a comprehensive plan to help our community navigate and adapt to the evolving landscape of the new Leland.
Public Safety and Services
7. What steps would you support to ensure that police, fire, and emergency services keep pace with Leland’s growth?
Whatever our police, fire and EMS departments require to keep our town safe should always be a priority. We must fully support their needs- whether that involves funding, staffing, or equipment – so they can continue to protect our community effectively and keep pace with Leland’s growth and progress.
8. How can the town better partner with Brunswick County and surrounding municipalities to improve public safety and emergency response?
Brunswick county takeover of Leland’s EMS presented an opportunity for strategic collaboration with surrounding jurisdictions. By working together and sharing information, we can strengthen coordination among emergency, police, and fire services helping Leland address its growing pains while enhancing the overall safety and well-being of the community.
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 understand that Leland’s 2045 Plan envisions creating a Gateway community along Village Road, designed to offer a Mayfaire-style atmosphere with outdoor dining, boutique stores and pedestrian friendly walkways – a concept that I fully support. Many residents have expressed a desire for more upscale dining options and fewer fast-food establishments. Expanding our selection of high-end restaurants and retail stores would not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract beach visitors to dine and shop in Leland, helping to keep more business within our community rather than flowing to Wilmington.
10. How do you see Leland balancing residential expansion with commercial and job growth?
Job growth is always positive, as it creates new employment opportunities. However, Leland has historically failed to address the critical need for affordable housing for these new workers. I strongly support affordable housing because everyone deserves access to safe, $300,000 and $400,000 or higher. The Leland 2045 Plan includes the development of Leland’s Innovation Park, a 630-acre technology and science campus which promises to attract skilled workers, increase tax revenue, and diversify both our local economy and community.
Quality of Life and Community
11. How should Leland invest in parks, green spaces, and recreation opportunities as the population grows?
Leland can increase its green spaces by keeping developers from completing disseminating the entire land when starting new projects. We need to keep as much of our green space as possible when opening new projects. Leland already has some of the most beautiful areas for water recreation it may not be beaches, but we have incredible waterways for fishing, boating and water sports.
12. What role do you see the town playing in supporting community events, cultural activities, and local small businesses?
I would like to see the town actively promote more arts and musical events in Leland. With our growing population, I believe we have the potential to attract a variety of
cultural events, and I am confident that residents would enthusiastically support and participate in them.
Transparency and Leadership
13. How will you ensure transparency and communication between the Town Council, staff, and residents?
Residents want greater opportunities to have input in council decisions. While it’s impossible to satisfy everyone with every decision, simply feeling heard makes a meaningful difference. Council members are receptive to feedback and fostering that sense of inclusion reinforces that each resident matters in the community they call home. I also believe that holding additional community meetings each month would further strengthen communication and engagement between the town and the residents.
14. What do you think the town is doing well right now, and where is there room for improvement?
Looking ahead, the town’s 2045 Plan holds tremendous promise if fully realized. This plan has the potential to transform Leland from merely a convenient stopover into a vibrant destination where both visitors and residents can fully enjoy everything our community has to offer.
15. What makes you the best candidate to represent the people of Leland?
I am the most qualified candidate for Leland because I am committed to addressing the critical challenges of infrastructure, overdevelopment, and environment management within our community. I will advocate for responsible development practices that protect residents from flooding, reducing the impacts of encroachment, and ensure that growth occurs in a sustainable and balanced manner. I will promote safer and more environmentally sound solutions to developer open pile burning, prioritizing both community safety and ecological stewardship. My vision is to strengthen our infrastructure, preserve our environment and safeguard the long-term well-being of our community.
