Retired educator Barbara Seaforth is running for a seat on the Kinston City Council in the upcoming 2023 municipal elections. Seaforth, a resident of Lenoir County, is not the incumbent and seeks to bring her experience to the role.

Born in Elizabeth City, N.C., Seaforth has dedicated over four decades to education. She started her career in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and later worked for 12 years in Washington, D.C. before relocating to Kinston in 1982. She served Lenoir County Public Schools in various capacities including Reading Coach and Exceptional Children Compliance Specialist until her retirement in 2012. She currently holds the position of Lead Interventionist at Northwest School.

"I was motivated to run for a seat on the City Council because I wanted to be actively involved in the decisions that impact my community," said Seaforth.

She believes her lengthy career in education, and involvement in organizations like the St. Augustus A.M.E. Zion Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., have equipped her with "a unique perspective to address our many issues and prepared me to be a leader for change in our community."

Seaforth laid out multiple priorities for local infrastructure improvements, including enhancing broadband connectivity and addressing Neuse River flooding through the construction of levees and improved drainage systems. She also underscored the need for "continued transportation improvements" in Lenoir County.

On the topic of education, Seaforth advocates for smaller classroom sizes, lower student-to-teacher ratios, raising standards for teachers, and better compensation. "Better pay for teachers" was emphasized as a strategy for enhancing educational quality.

Economic growth is another concern for Seaforth. She plans to reach out to major job-creating companies like Target, Home Depot, and Google to attract them to Kinston.

"I plan to reach out to many of these companies in all of these industries and meet with them so that we can get an insight into what we need to attract them to Kinston," Seaforth stated.

Addressing public safety, Seaforth agrees with the current strategic plans in place but recommends measures to humanize police officers by encouraging them to walk in communities and meet residents. She also highlighted the need for a stronger focus on environmental sustainability, proposing the use of solar panels on government buildings and the conversion of all local city vehicles to electric.

Seaforth promises transparency in her role through regular town hall meetings, active use of social media, and open portals to view budgets. She sees these as mechanisms for Kinston residents to voice their concerns and hold elected officials accountable.

With early voting just around the corner, Seaforth is urging the community to consider her comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges that Kinston and Lenoir County face.

For all Lenoir and Greene Counties election coverage, join Neuse News Election night Results Show presented by Brooks Poole, Realtor at 7:30pm on November 7, 2023.