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The Candidate

Name

Melinda Willis Szeliga

Age

51

Address

Mimosa Place

Family

Husband Kenny, senior manager in scientific and regulatory affairs at Reynolds; daughter Kamryn, graduated from Davie County Early College High School and is now a fourth-year animation student in the Filmmaking School at the UNC School of the Arts; English Bulldog named Big Papi; and a fearless Chihuahua-mix named Sterling.

Occupation

Residential Real Estate Broker, licensed since 2001 and with RE/MAX Realty Consultants, Winston-Salem; Former Elementary Teacher, most recently at Shady Grove Elementary 2010-2014

Education

Graduated from NC State University in 1992 with bachelor’s in psychology; graduated from Meredith College’s teacher certification program in 1993

In The Community

• Member of the board of directors, Davie Chamber of Commerce

• Member of the Tourism Advisory Board of Davie County

• Leadership Davie Class of 2021

Why did you decide to run for public office?

Szeliga: I was inspired to run for Bermuda Run Town Council by the current leadership of our community and by the positive, thoughtful growth that lays ahead. As a participant in the year-long Leadership Davie program, I toured the government offices and met many of the community leaders throughout Davie County. It is so encouraging to see the collaborative efforts and relationships that are being forged between our local governments, businesses, and non-profits. I commit to bringing my energy and passion to leverage these relationships to best serve our community in my role as a Town Council Member.

What is the No. 1 issue facing Bermuda Run, and what is your plan to address that issue?

Zzeliga: Over the next year, Bermuda Run will be revisiting its Comprehensive Plan. It is crucial that this roadmap for our community’s future continues to reflect our collective vision and priorities. It is also wise to draw on experiences from similar communities as they have grown. From infrastructure projects such as new pedestrian walkways/sidewalks and road maintenance, to continuing to work with NCDOT on improving traffic flow along NC 801 and NC 158, the Comprehensive Plan drives the focus and the funding for our future.

Communicating with and involving our residents in this planning process is essential. I commit to engaging actively with our Planning and Zoning Board, the other Town Council Members, Mayor Cross, Lee Rollins, our business community, and our residents to create an excitement around participating in this endeavor.

What is the top quality that makes you proud of your town?

Szeliga: I take pride in the beauty of Bermuda Run. I love how inviting the town feels simply driving through it and that its people are so gracious and welcoming. As new residents this year, my family has been received literally with open arms by our neighbors, by businesses, and even by our town leadership. Everyone has been generous with their time and insights. It is this sense of belonging that has empowered me to run for Town Council!

Other Issues

Szeliga: There are two projects I would like to lead to build on our community’s resources: creating additional avenues of communication between/among the Town and its residents; and bringing a full-service branch of the library to the Town where digital resources, meeting spaces, and learning opportunities are provided for everyone, preschoolers to seniors.