Spring Lake mayor nets second term in race against former alderwoman

Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony appears to have won a second term by a landslide in Tuesday's election, earning 313 votes to challenger Fredricka Sutherland's 198 ballots, according to unofficial results.

Anthony, 42, largely focused on her successes in navigating Spring Lake through the town's financial crisis after being taken over by the Local Government Commission two months before she was sworn into office in December 2021. Sutherland, 62, served as an alderwoman on the town's Board of Aldermen for 16 years.

According to unofficial results from the State Board of Elections, one write-in ballot was also cast in the election.

Following the results, Anthony said Tuesday that she believed voters saw what she and the board accomplished over the past two years.

"The very first thing I want to do is thank the voters for trusting us," she said. "I believe this is the first time in Spring Lake history where the entire board endorsed each other. I think the community sees not just the work they've put in, but the love that we have for our team and for each other."

Anthony said that voters can look forward to continued progress in Spring Lake.

"Now that we have replenished our general fund, repaid misappropriated funds, caught up on our audits and our bank reconciliations, we can now start showing the community tangible assets," she said.

Projects in the coming months include a renewed focus on Main Street, which Anthony called the "heart" of Spring Lake; updates to the town's parks; and potentially bringing natural gas to Spring Lake, she said.

"There are so many things in the pipeline that we want to bring to the town," Anthony said. "We have been lauded by the LGC (Local Government Commission), and the state treasurer even made a special trip to show how much he appreciates the work that we put in."

Sutherland said Tuesday that she believed she lost because Anthony and members of the Board of Aldermen made a united effort on their campaigns.

"They ran together, all six of them," she said. "I ran six against one."

Sutherland thanked her son for assisting with her campaign, adding that she congratulates Anthony on her success and would continue to support Spring Lake.

"I congratulate them as long as they continue to work hard for the town," Sutherland said.

Anthony and Sutherland both said that residents of Spring Lake should get involved by attending board meetings and sharing their thoughts with elected officials.

"So much is happening," Anthony said. "I invite people to hold us accountable and share your thoughts and concerns."

Government watchdog reporter Lexi Solomon can be reached at ABSolomon@gannett.com or 910-481-8526.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony wins second term