Mayor Allen Joines Says He Wants to Build On Momentum for More Economic Development

The campaign trail is heating up for  candidates, as we approach the September 10 primary for partisan municipal elections in North Carolina. Mayor Allen Joines is seeking a fourth term as mayor of Winston-Salem. Joines faces opposition for the first time since his initial run in 2001. His opponent is fellow Democrat Gardenia Henley.

Joines was born in Wilkes County and moved to Winston-Salem in the 1970's. He served as deputy assistant city manager. In 2009, he was also appointed chairman of the North Carolina Economic Development Board.

In addition to mayor, Joines is currently the President of the Winston-Salem Alliance. He says he prides himself on helping to rebuild the city's economy and his ability to create strong community partnerships. Joines recently talked with WFDD's Keri Brown to explain why he is running for re-election.

Joines says he has been approached a few times about running for governor of North Carolina and for Congress, but he says he declined those offers because he wanted to focus on his work as mayor in his hometown.

Joines says if he's re-elected, he will continue efforts to help rebuild Winston-Salem's economy and build more middle income housing, especially in the East Winston community. Joines says he also want to continue working on social issues like chronic homelessness.

The primary for non-partisan municipal elections in the state is October 8.