WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Super Tuesday is March 5 — which means the race for Winston-Salem mayor is upon us.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines is projected to keep his seat, as two challengers - Frankie Gist and Joanne Allen - were ready to take Winston-Salem in a new direction.
Joines said that he is thankful for the continued support.
"Winston-Salem is a very special place, we've worked hard to make it special and to address concerns like poverty and homelessness," he said.
Joines said he looks forward to continuing affordable housing initiatives within the city.
Meet the Candidates
Incumbent Mayor Allen Joines
Mayor Allen Joines was elected as mayor of Winston-Salem in 2001 and has served ever since.
Mayor Joines attended Appalachian State University as an undergrad where he received a degree in Political Science; he attended the University of Georgia where he received a degree in Public Administration, and received an honorary Doctor of Law from Wake Forest University.
While in office, he's focused on rebuilding the economy and unifying the community.
His goal is for Winston-Salem to be one of the top 50 metro areas in the country and be recognized as a city that embraces innovation and rapid change.
Mayor Joines was able to reduce the homelessness rate by over 92% after implementing a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. Winston-Salem is one of the first 27 cities across the United States to end homelessness among veterans.
A few of his priorities include:
- Childhood obesity prevention
- Reducing poverty and homelessness
- Affordable education
- Economic development
- Affordable housing
- Safe neighborhoods
Candidate Frankie Gist
Candidate Frankie L. Gist is the founder of HOPE Dealers Outreach in Winston-Salem — a town where he was born and raised.
Gist attended the Quality Education Academy of Winston-Salem before graduating with a degree in Social Work and a Minor in Public Speaking from North Carolina A&T State University.
Gist told WFMY News 2 he is thankful for the community's support during his campaign.
"I will always be that person in the community that will be a helping hand," he said.
He is the current Vice President of the Young Democrats of Forsyth County and Founder of F.G. Enterprise LLC. Frankie received the Young Dreamer's Award from the Mayor of Winston-Salem, was named Young Leader of the Year in the City of Winston-Salem, and Received Educator of the Year from Quality Education Academy.
Gist's mission is to uplift and give back to the people in his community. His motto is "Love isn't love until you give it away."
Candidate Joanne Allen
Candidate Joanne Allen is running for Mayor as well.
WFMY News 2 has contacted Allen about her campaign but we have not received a response.
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