Election 2025: Meet Southport Alderman candidate David Miller

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — The 2025 municipal election is underway, and Southport voters will soon decide who will serve as the city’s next mayor and alderman.

To help voters learn more about where each candidate stands on key local issues, WWAY sent a questionnaire to all Southport alderman and mayoral 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, experience, and connection to Southport.

Answer: I am a lifelong resident of Southport. I was born at Dosher Memorial Hospital. I am a retired Lieutenant
with the Southport Fire Department serving 32 years. I serve on the Southport Cemetery Committee, Dosher Memorial
Hospital Foundation Board and a Board Member with Lower Cape Fear Hospice Lifecare.

2. Why are you running for the Board of Aldermen, and what inspired you to seek public office?

Answer: After many residents and Business owners approached me to run I felt like I could bring knowledge and
common sense so I could be the voice for our residents and business owners.

3. What are your top three priorities if elected?

Answer: No paid Parking, No Goverment over reach, Protecting rights for all property owners, Control growth and
infrastructure.

Growth and Development

4. How would you balance the preservation of Southport’s small-town character with new residential and commercial growth?

Answer: First we need to listen and have a open dialogue. We must control and use common sense on policies and procedures to protect all interest
instead of forcing ordinances and creating more issues for the residents and business owners.

5. What role should the city play in guiding development along Highway 211 and surrounding areas?

Answer: We need to work with our partners and neighbors that join our town along with our State partners so our voice can be heard
with concerns we may have. We need to control growth and have a plan in place to handle the volume of traffic.

6. How should Southport plan for sustainable growth that protects natural resources, historic districts, and waterfront access?

Answer: We must have a master plan in place with in depth studies from research to guide us in making sound decisions to protect these areas
to manage growth and preserve our heritage. I am against forcing new regulations on our Historic district overlay. I firmly believe
we need to protect Franklin Square Park. We need to continue with a master plan to preserve and maintain our cemeteries within our city,

Infrastructure and Public Services

7. What infrastructure improvements do you believe should be prioritized, including roads, stormwater, and utilities?

Answer: Stormwater has been a issue. We need to have a in depth study and prioritize the findings of concern. We need a master plan
on how to maintain our city roads to keep them in better shape . We need to continue to focus on burying all electrical lines within the city.

8. How would you ensure city services and staff are adequately supported to meet residents’ needs?

Answer: We need to support all staff and give them the tools to ensure all residents services are being treated and they are getting the
services they deserve and are paying for.

9. How should Southport address parking, traffic congestion, and pedestrian safety concerns?

Answer: I am totally against paid parking. We need to have a plan in place to have a better option to control traffic flow within our city.
We need to have more cross walks installed at high yield intersections so our residents and visitors would be more safe in crossing
busy streets.

Community and Economic Vitality

10. What ideas do you have for supporting local businesses and tourism while maintaining residents’ quality of life?

Answer: We need to control growth but at the same time we need to listen to the residents and business owners
issues and come to a middle ground so everyone has a prosperous quality of life, I am not for making more regulations
to bring hardships on any residents or business owners.

11. How would you promote affordable housing and workforce housing opportunities in Southport?

Answer: We need to do look at all avenues to see where we could have affordable housing. We need
a study and a guide to carefully have a strategic plan to accommodate affordable housing.

12. What should the city do to enhance parks, recreation, and community spaces?

Answer: We must maintain and preserve our parks. We need to have a master plan in place with
community involvement to protect these areas.

Leadership and Accountability

13. How will you ensure transparency and communication between city government and residents?

Answer: To have a open dialogue with no hidden agenda. If I am elected I work for the residents and business owners.
I will be their voice and I will always listen and will be available to hear the concerns they may have.

14. What do you think Southport does well, and what would you like to see improved?

Answer: The city has grown into a year around base for visitors, I think the board has placed too many policies
and ordinances on the property owners and they have over reached the boundaries trying to control all property.
The city staff does a excellent job and with the new City Manager Noah Saldo being hired the city will continue
to provide stellar service. Chief Charles Drew with the Southport Fire Department and Chief Todd Coring with the Southport
Police Department both agencies serve all citizens with stellar protection in regards to their respected agencies.,

15. What makes you the best candidate to represent your ward and the people of Southport?

Answer: I will bring transparency to the board. I am a lifelong resident of Southport which I care deeply about. I want
to be the voice of all residents and business owners. I have no hidden agenda and I will stop the the over regulation
and stand up for all property owners rights. I only work for the citizens of our great city. If I am elected I will be a strong
voice for everyone. No matter how small or big a issue is I will fully engage every concern. I believe in every citizen
should be treated and fairly no matter what the issue maybe. I will not be a absent Alderman. I will fully take the Office
Of Alderman as a high honor and I will fully engage my elected duties. I am proud to be a 5TH generation of our great town.