Why am I running?

MOUNT GILEAD, NC - From the desk of Sheldon Poplin Morley;

Why am I running for office? When I first visited Mount Gilead, almost fifteen years ago, I immediately knew it was a special place. The small-town charm, the close-knit community, the vibrancy of our local culture, and not to mention, the fantastic Southern cuisine, all of it resonated deeply within me. I felt welcomed and embraced by the warmth and friendliness of the people. I fell in love with this town, and in doing so, I made a vow to myself: this is where I will spend the rest of my life. And so I have made my home here with my beautiful family in the last several years.

Over the years, my affection for this town has only grown, and it has manifested into a compelling call to service. I've observed our community, learned from it, and now I am eager to give back to it in a more meaningful way. As someone who has experienced first-hand the friendliness and acceptance that this town has to offer, I understand the intrinsic value of a small community and how essential it is to preserve these values for future generations. It is with this understanding and commitment that I've decided to run for mayor, to protect and further the values that make Mount Gilead unique and dear to all of us.

As I embark on this journey, I want to take a moment to extend my gratitude to each and every one of you. You've helped shape me into the person I am today, and I want to repay your kindness by ensuring that our town is allowed to flourish. I promise to uphold our traditions, support our local businesses, and cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcome. I am committed to championing our community's needs, from improving infrastructure to enriching our cultural landscape, and making sure our town remains a place we all love and cherish. I look forward to shaping the future of Mount Gilead, one step, one act, one smile at a time.