Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon was interviewed by Pastor Jason McKnight and Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy for the city of Kinston’s mayoral campaign. Solomon is a Kinston native who has served the community for over 20 years.

“When I consider the role of mayor, even that of a councilperson, I do feel like there has to be a sense of empowerment and that we have to work to create the spaces and opportunities for individuals to be able to improve the quality of their life,” said Solomon in her interview with McKnight.

Solomon has been on the city council since 2015. She is also the Student Services Facilitator and the Equity Officer for Lenoir County Public Schools.

“I do believe that we are in a pivotal time in the city’s history where it does call for strong leadership,” said Solomon. “Leadership that is selfless, leadership that is focused on this city, this community, and the people in it.”

Her faith and sense of community are the reasons she’s running for the mayoral seat. She believes the best thing about Kinston is the community.

“I am a product. The making and molding of Felicia Solomon have come with every member of this community that took the time to walk with me, to collaborate with me, to listen to me, to pray with me. That’s the making and molding of me.”

Solomon spoke out against the city council and mayor receiving a pay raise in 2021 during the budget conversations.

“I can’t think about myself without thinking about the fact that we’re not paying law enforcement officers what they deserve,” said Solomon. “We’re not paying city sanitation workers what they deserve, firemen, and city workers at large. We have people who are putting in the work and unfortunately, we’re not able to compensate them fairly or competitively.”

Early voting ends on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Election day is Tuesday, November 2, 2021.