SOUTHPORT — The election in Southport includes three seats up for grabs on the board of alderman: two in ward 1 and one in ward 2. Paul Gross, who has worked in state and local government including as interim finance director for Southport, is hoping to be elected to ward 2.
Though the council is a nonpartisan race, Gross is affiliated with the Republican Party and decided to run upon learning incumbent Frank Lai is not seeking re-election. He has never served in an elected position and will face off against Bonnie Bray (D) and Nelson E. Adams (D). David Geary and Katie Boyd filed to run but have since dropped from the race.
“I have 39 years of government experience, including high-level positions at the state and local levels, including controller (CFO) for the NC Department of Corrections, CFO Wake County Human Services, and interim finance director in Southport,” Gross said. “My responsibilities included managing a budget of $1.2 billion, 21,000 employee payroll, a fraud investigation team with a 90% success rate, and chief fiscal policy writer. I was humbled to receive the highest civilian award from the governor and proclamation of appreciation from Southport’s former Mayor for writing vital fiscal policies and preparing the FY24 budget. My steady, successful career and knowledge, skills and abilities sets me apart from other candidates. I will bring professionalism, civility and be a watchdog for the taxpayers.”
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 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
Port City Daily asked all candidates a slate of questions about topics that are tracking high with voters and residents of Southport currently. Gross’ answers have been edited below for clarity; candidate opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily. The paywall has been dropped on candidate profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Port City Daily: Why run for office now?
Paul Gross: I am running partly because of the 33.8% Southport tax increase in 2022. We have the second highest tax rate out of 19 municipalities in our county. We need change on the board of alderman.
PCD: There have been concerns about the long-term fiscal health of the city, as seen earlier in the year when a potential $1.4 million budget deficit was discussed — this was after a 12.7% tax rate increase in FY 2024-2025. Though Southport avoided a tax hike this year and managed the budget, how do you envision the city being more financially stable in the future and what would you like to implement to make this happen?
PG: I will be a fiscal reformer, seek alternate funding through grants, foundations, state earmarks and private partnerships. I have had success in acquiring over $250-million in grants throughout my career, including the building of 10 new prisons. Southport’s financial outlook looks more promising, according to city hall, but to move projects from lists to completion and address our flooding, poor streets and infrastructure, we need a fiscal watchdog and reformer on the board of alderman.
PCD: Southport aldermen broached discussions this year about a paid parking program, though eventually tabled it. Where do you stand on paid parking in the city — for or against?
PG: Southport has had two paid parking studies by professional engineer firms. One was as recent as of January 2025. Both recommended no paid parking. I support their findings and conclusion. I also support Southport’s existing bike and pedestrian walkway plan.
PCD: The Southport Historic District Overlay has received backlash from some, while others have expressed it’s long overdue; do you support the design standards that the Historic Preservation Commission has been working on this year and would you be in favor of adopting them — why or why not?
PG: I do not support the current 103 page HPC document. I say yes to expanded UDO codes for new construction, preserving our historic district. I say no to government overreach and infringement of property rights. I say yes to listening and honoring the voices of 200+ devoted Shepard’s and property owners of the designated Historic District (downtown Southport).
PCD: Many are concerned about rapid development taking place in the area and disrupting the small-town feel and values of the community, as well as straining public services. What are some actions you would support to ensure future development is strategically managed to protect the community character and serve the public’s best interests? Also, how do you envision balancing green space and development?
PG: We can maintain our small-town feel by preserving, honoring and maintaining our parks, open spaces, cemeteries and tree canopy. These are not million-dollar projects. Funding has been identified. Let’s appoint an ad hoc committee and proceed with the Friends of Franklin Square Park’s plan to restore this historic park to its original magnificent beauty. Southport is almost built out from its available land. The city must work with the NCDOT on traffic-light timing, expanding evacuation routes, completing the city’s bike and pedestrian pathway plan and shuttle buses for remote parking during large scale events.
PCD: What are the top three infrastructure projects you want to address immediately for Southport, why and how?
PG: The first is flooding. I support Southport’s current 10-point plan. Flood mapping, repair choke points, clean out ditches, obtain FEMA grants ($3.2 million approved, applying for another $3.2 million), replace storm water system with increased capacity, larger culverts, hired special engineers to manage and apply for more grants.
Second is to bury electric lines. We need to continue to spend $1 million per year to bury lines with our current contractor. It is fully funded with current electric rates and electric fund balance.
Third, we must coordinate with the county, who owns our water and sewar system under our roads, and repave our roads beginning with the worst first. We need a plan, time lines and completion dates which we do not have at this time.
PCD: Transparency has been a hot topic in Southport, not only raised among constituents but also by members of some aldermen-appointed boards, with assertions of back-door dealings and lack of accountability when it comes to elected members. Do you find this to be an issue; explain? What will you do to facilitate and build trust with those who have elected you?
PG: Transparency is required by law — no excuses. I propose expanding it by placing monthly revenue and expenditure reports by department on the city’s website to build trust with the taxpayers. Closed sessions are authorized by NC law when voted and approved by the board of alderman to discuss contracts, personnel matters and consult with an attorney.
PCD: What is one other issue not discussed above that you have a plan to address if elected and how would you do so?
PG: The city needs more office space. We are paying $60,000 annually on a five-year lease with escalation clauses for our cramped police department. I spoke out publicly to keep old City Hall for government use, while others running for alderman wanted to give it away for $1 per year rent to a non-profit!
If we gave away an asset worth $12 or $15 million for $1 per-year rent, we would have to increase taxes for the $20 million needed to build a new police department and renovate two other buildings. The worst financial deal ever!
I heard the other side’s argument that we would need six more police officers and the building wouldn’t hold our PD for years to come. What they fail to acknowledge is that officers work out of their cars with a laptop to complete their reports. They don’t need offices.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
