Many lives can be impacted by a knowledgeable, connected, and focused mayor - a mayor who knows our town, a mayor who understands local, state, and federal regulations, and a mayor who knows how to protect our town and residents in an emergency and what resources are available to us for support. As a resident of Surf City, you must ask yourself, who is the best person for this job?
I am Teresa Batts. I am your friend, your neighbor, and I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 7.
Surf City is where I was born and raised. Born to Larry & Linda Batson, who taught me to listen before I speak, to earn before I spend, and to never give up. a proud mom to three wonderful sons - Casey, Tanner, and Frank - and a Gigi to two amazing grandchildren. In 2016 my life forever changed when I lost my son, Tanner. Life without him will never be the same, however, life continues. It was this community that helped me through these tragic times. This community took care of me, loved me, and provided opportunities to be more involved. Since then, giving back has been my passion. I served on the Surf City Planning Board, Topsail Island Shoreline Protection, Surf City Shoreline Protection and Resilience Committee, and regionally serve on the Cape Fear Council of Governments. I was also recently appointed to the Coastal Resources Commission by North Carolina's Governor. This commission establishes policies for the NC Coastal Management Program, designates areas of environmental concern, adopts rules and polices for coastal development, and certifies local land use plans. In 2017, the town council appointed me to fill a vacant seat and have been fortunate to have received your vote of confidence for reelection.
In December 2022, when Doug Medlin stepped down from his role as mayor, the town council, as well as Mayor Medlin, unanimously appointed me as your mayor. It was an honor, and I was, and still am, sincerely humbled to have 100% of town council and former Mayor Medlin's support.
As an elected official, we must be innovative, steadfast, and unbiased to make the right decisions for all our residents. Sometimes, this means officials may make some unpopular decisions. Our town has come a long way since its incorporation in 1949, but we still have a long way to go to meet the needs of our growing town. We must all share in the responsibility toward sustainable growth, which includes public safety for residents and visitors, protecting our beaches and providing access to them, emergency preparedness, communication, enhanced pedestrian facilities, infrastructure for water, sewer and roads, quality parks and open spaces, and reviewing town policies and ordinances to guide the future growth of our town.
Surf City is a very special place and I have always felt fortunate to call this home. What used to be a little beach town, is now a town with a beach. I want to continue to serve and make Surf City an even better place to live, work, and play. I have a tremendous amount of respect for our city and our environment and want to preserve it the best we can. I will continue to stand up for you!
I, Teresa Batts, humbly ask for your vote on November 7, 2023.
Voting polls will be open at 6:30am and close at 7:30pm. There are two locations for registered voters in Surf City:
Pender County Residents: Surf City Community Center (201 Community Center Dr., Surf City, NC) Onslow County Residents: Folkstone Freewill Baptist Church (133 Old Folkstone Rd., Holly Ridge, NC)
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please visit my website at teresabattsformayor.com or email me at teresabattsnc@gmail.com.
