LELAND — Susan Waleed, retired from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, is hoping to earn a seat on Leland Town Council this election year.
Waleed has lived in Leland since 2015 and it’s her first time running for an elected position. She believes issues most concerning to constituents currently are infrastructure, open burning, encroachment of the environment, and flooding.
“I have never served in public office but what candidates in their career start off with no political experience?” she said. “I feel that I am just as qualified for this position as any candidate running for the mere fact that we all have the same goal and that is to address the issues that are concerning the residents.”
Though the council is a nonpartisan race, Waleed is affiliated with the Democratic Party. Two seats are up for grabs among four more candidates, including incumbent Bill McHugh (D), and challengers Leland Hyer (R), Frank Pendleton (R), and Edgar Robbins (I). Incumbent Richard Holloman (R) also filed, however, he has dropped out of the race.
Port City Daily asked all candidates a slate of questions about topics that are tracking high with voters and residents of Leland currently. Waleed’s answers have been edited below for clarity.
A few things to consider this election season:
- A valid ID is required to cast ballot in North Carolina
- Election Day is Nov. 4, 2025, with voters required to go to their assigned precinct locations
- Early voting opens Oct. 16 and closes Nov. 1, and Leland voters can cast a ballot at the Cooperative Extension Training Room, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia. See the hours here.
- Anyone who wants to register to vote can do so here through Oct. 10 or register and vote in one stop during early voting
The paywall has been dropped on candidate profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election. Candidate opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily.
Port City Daily: Tell us what sets you apart from other candidates?
Susan Waleed: I am originally from New Jersey, my husband and I moved to Leland, North Carolina in 2015. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in science. I also have an associate degree in science. I worked for the State of New Jersey for 27 years — for the Control Commission and retired from the State Attorney’s Office. I’ve been married to Salim Waleed for 39 years and we have four beautiful children together, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
PCD: In the last year, what’s been dubbed a flooding ordinance has become a hot topic for addressing smart growth and development in Leland. Do you support it, why or why not? If not, how do you think council should address strengthening protections for homes built in or near floodplains?
SW: No, I do not agree with changes to the flood ordinance for they will not serve any purpose for homes that are already in flood zones. The proposal would only make it harder for older homes that are in these flood zones and there will be no relief from FEMA as this department is being dismantled by the current administration. Existing home owners will not be able to improve their homes, thereby reducing the sale value compared to other homes that may comply with the proposal.
Leland needs to strengthen the town’s flood storm water drainage system, we also need to maintain trees and bushes to absorb water from storms, expand building regulations from the 100-year flood zone to the 500-year flood zone. The town received a grant to remove debris from creeks improving water flow and hopefully reducing flooding. We can also educate the public to purchase flood insurance if possible. We need green infrastructure, green roofs, more permeable pavements, which is a great idea.
PCD: What does balancing green space with development look like in your view, such as when it comes to protecting wetlands or the tree canopy? Do you have examples of cities or developments that have done this successfully and what would you like to see done in Leland?
SW: Green spaces in developments is such an attractive idea to me. It allows for the development to grow food, it helps with protection from the sun and also gives clean air to breathe. Just the aesthetics of parks, gardens and woods in developments can also help rain containment and drainage from storm waters. I saw a lot of green space being used in downtown Charlotte.
PCD: In 2024, there was a 17% tax rate increase in Leland; were you in favor of this — why or why not? Do you think the current tax rate is sustainable?
SW: Yes I was in Leland during the tax rate hike and I was upset like every other resident in Leland. Looking at the current tax rate and all that was included in it I feel that the Leland may well be able to sustain the 17% tax rate with our increased population and increased businesses moving into the town. Although it is difficult to predict future finances especially in the current state of affairs we can hope that right now the town is on solid ground.
PCD: With the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge price tag escalating to more than $1 billion, how to fund it also remains debated. Both a toll has been floated and a transit sales tax, which would need voter approval potentially in a tri-county referendum that could include multiple projects in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties. Do you support either and/or is there another option you think should be considered to fund the bridge replacement?
SW: To keep from placing the burden of repairs or tolls on the bridges we can consider other means of obtaining revenue such as state or federal grants, taxes on services that heavily utilize the bridges, and partnering with private companies that may want to help finance and maintain the bridges. All possible options should be looked at before implementing new taxes or fees on residents.
PCD: Traffic is a main complaint for Leland residents — how do you envision the town’s role in addressing it? Do you think Leland should implement public transportation? How so? Do you think the current plan to maintain and improve the roads it owns is/will be effective — explain.
SW: Traffic has become a major concern for this small town that was not built for this increase in population so quickly. Addressing the roads will require a combined effort between the NCDOT and Leland; roads will need to be expanded where they can be and the idea of public transportation is a great idea if the residents will utilize it.
The town wants to add a sidewalk expansion on U.S. 17 to connect with commercial businesses on the other side of the highway that can also accommodate golf carts which could allow people to use them instead of cars, plus bicycles or walking.
PCD: As Leland continues to see an influx of residents, how do you think council should ensure Leland’s economy keeps pace and opportunities remain varied across all ages and types of households — how will you balance economic growth and quality of life?
SW: The increase of residents into Leland has the town increasing our medical facilities, restaurants, retail shopping and hotels. We can only hope that the influx of all these entities will better the life and quality of life for all residents.
PCD: The town has discussed its approach to promoting commercial property in Leland, with only 5% of the town’s acreage being zoned for commercial use as of last year. How important of an issue is this to you and what do you think the town should and/or should not do to promote commercial development?
SW: I believe that Leland should continue to be its own separate entity from Wilmington. The town is proposing Leland Innovation Park, which will house technology and science resources and projects. Leland if also proposing a Gateway District project, which will be similar to Mayfaire.
PCD: What is one other issue not discussed above that you have a plan to address if elected and how would you do so?
SW: At the present, my concerns are environmental with the open burning disposals that builders have been utilizing without any thought to the communities health or the environment. Open burning and infrastructure are the main reasons why I decided to run for town council.
I have looked at other options for open burning, but I know that it will take an act of the legislators to address this issue, but I remain hopeful — hopeful that these builders will consider other options such as mulching, chipping, contributing good wood to the Habitat for Humanity. Donating mulching or chipping that can be used for other sources, as I’ve stated I remain hopeful that this issue can be resolved.
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