Wilmington City Council candidates face off at first public forum

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thursday night Wilmington City Council candidates faced off. It was the first of a series of open forums for candidates to address voters and tackle a number of topics.

There are three seats open on City Council with two incumbents. Council woman Laura Pagdett has chosen not to run for a 6th term, so her seat is one of those open.

Community members had a chance to meet seven of the eight candidates vying for the open council seats. Some of the main topics they discussed was economic development, adjusting to population growth and reducing violence and crime. Many of candidates agreed that job creation and more community programs would reduce violence and crime.

Kevin Spears, who attended the forum, said he found the forum helpful and now he says he has better idea of who might get his vote.

“I think the forum was nice it gives the citizens insight into the candidates and their plans for city council potentially,” said Spears.

As we get closer to Election Day WWAY will sit down with each candidate to learn more about where they stand on the big issues.