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. Robert Carroll, a small business owner and realtor, is seeking re-election in ward 1.
Carroll was elected to the board of alderman in 2021.
“I’m running for re-election because I believe Southport deserves thoughtful, transparent leadership that balances growth with preservation, and progress with respect for our small-town character,” he said. “Over the past several years serving as an alderman, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration, open communication, and a commitment to facts — not factions — can move our community forward.”
Though the council is a nonpartisan race, Carroll is unaffiliated. He will face off against incumbent Karen Mosteller (U), as well as David Miller (R) and Mike Crosbie (U). Ted Blackburn filed to run but since has dropped from the race.
A few things to consider this election season:
- A valid ID is required to cast a 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. Carroll’s answers have been edited below only 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? What makes you qualified and sets you apart from other candidates?
Robert Carroll: As an alderman, I’ve worked to strengthen fiscal responsibility, improve stormwater planning, support our parks and tree canopy, and advocate for our local businesses. I’ve also served as board liaison to multiple boards and committees, and worked closely with the city manager, volunteers, and residents to ensure that Southport remains recognizable 40 years from now — both in charm and in spirit. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but there’s still important work ahead. I’m running again to continue listening, learning, and leading in a way that keeps Southport a place we’re all proud to call home.
I bring a blend of experience, accountability, and collaboration that comes from years of serving our community in both public and private roles. As a sitting alderman, business owner, and long-time Southport resident, I’ve learned how to listen first, seek facts, and make decisions that serve the greater good — not personal agendas.
My background in real estate and small business ownership gives me a deep understanding of growth, infrastructure, and economic sustainability — issues that directly impact our residents and our city’s future. I approach each decision with fiscal responsibility, transparency, and respect for the character that makes Southport special.
What sets me apart is my commitment to community engagement. I don’t just show up for meetings; I show up for people. Whether it’s volunteering or working with local nonprofits, I believe in leading by example and building solutions together. At the end of the day, I’m not running to make Southport something different — I’m running to protect what makes it extraordinary.
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?
RC: The discussion surrounding the city’s fiscal health earlier this year was an important reminder that financial stability doesn’t come from one budget cycle — it comes from consistent, responsible planning and transparency over time. While I’m proud that we avoided another tax increase this year, our focus must now shift to ensuring that sound budgeting practices become the norm, not the exception.
I believe we can strengthen Southport’s long-term financial foundation by prioritizing three key areas:
- Accountability and Transparency: Clear, honest communication about revenue, spending, and capital needs builds public trust. Residents deserve to know not just what we spend, but why we spend it.
- Strategic, Data-driven Planning: We must better align our budget with real projections and measurable goals — anticipating infrastructure, stormwater, and staffing needs years in advance rather than reacting after the fact.
- Diversified Revenue and Partnerships: Thoughtful economic development that benefits our small businesses can help relieve the pressure on taxpayers while improving services and amenities.
In addition, as we move forward, we must work closely with our state representatives to lobby for changes in how sales tax revenue is distributed. Currently, municipalities receive allocations based largely on population — not on the significant economic activity that smaller tourism-based cities like Southport generate. A more equitable distribution model would be a huge win for Southport, ensuring that our local tax dollars stay local and directly support the services our residents and visitors rely on.
My approach has always been to balance fiscal prudence with community priorities. A healthy city budget should reflect both: protecting taxpayers today while investing wisely in the Southport our children will inherit tomorrow.
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? Explain.
RC: I am — and have consistently been — against implementing paid parking in Southport. Earlier this year, I personally made the motion to table the discussion on paid parking until a time when I am no longer serving on the board of aldermen. I stand firmly behind that motion and that position today.
Paid parking may sound like a simple solution on paper, but in a small, tourism-driven community like ours, it creates more problems than it solves. It threatens to put unnecessary strain on our small businesses, discourages day-trippers and shoppers who help sustain our local economy, and introduces visual clutter through excessive signage and meters that detract from Southport’s historic charm.
Moreover, the city’s own parking study clearly concluded that Southport is not yet ready for a paid parking program. The data shows that we can better manage our parking challenges through improved signage, enforcement, and long-term planning — not through costly systems that complicate the visitor experience.
My goal is to protect Southport’s welcoming atmosphere and economic vitality. We can and should find smarter, more balanced ways to manage parking without sacrificing the character or accessibility that make our downtown special.
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?
RC: As both a resident of the proposed historic district and an owner of historic properties, I fully support common-sense protections that preserve the unique character of our community — especially for those of us who have already invested time and resources to “do the right thing.”
At the same time, as a realtor and property owner, I am — and will always be — pro–property rights. Property ownership is one of the cornerstones of freedom and community stability. It comes with fundamental rights that must be respected and protected.
With those rights comes a shared responsibility to maintain standards that protect neighbors and community value — including fair boundaries, drainage, and privacy protections, and the ability to prevent overreach through balanced land-use planning. That’s why I believe historic preservation must always be flexible and reasonable, not punitive or restrictive. It should encourage stewardship, not create hardship.
Currently, within the proposed district, there are only a few fully conforming home sites. In some cases, homes sit just 2 feet from the property line, which highlights the challenges of applying one-size-fits-all rules to a diverse neighborhood. Still, we must recognize the real risk: Without thoughtful design standards, someone could demolish one of Southport’s beautiful historic homes — the very structures that give our town its character — and replace it with a box-like structure lacking charm or scale, built mere feet from another home.
That’s why I support the intent behind the Historic Preservation Commission’s work — to preserve Southport’s identity — but I will only support adopting standards that are practical, clearly defined, and respectful of individual property rights. The goal should be to protect what makes Southport special, while ensuring that property ownership remains fair, flexible, and free from unnecessary government overreach.
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?
RC: Growth, when managed wisely, can strengthen a community — but when it’s unchecked or reactionary, it can threaten the very character that drew us here in the first place. Southport’s challenge isn’t growth itself; it’s finding the right balance between progress and preservation.
This question ties closely to conversations about both the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and government overreach. It’s ironic that some of the loudest voices demanding “no regulations” are also the first to say “no high-density” or “not in my backyard.” We can’t have it both ways. The truth is, thoughtful, consistent standards are what protect our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our small-town identity from being eroded by short-sighted or piecemeal development.
As a self-proclaimed tree hugger raising the next generation of tree huggers, I am absolutely in favor of less development and more open space — but I also recognize that growth is inevitable. The key is to shape it intentionally. That means:
- Strategic planning before permitting: Ensure the city’s land-use plans, infrastructure capacity, and stormwater systems can support new projects before approvals are granted.
- Preservation through zoning and incentives: Use zoning tools and incentives to encourage developers to preserve mature trees, green buffers, and community gathering spaces.
- Smart density where appropriate: Focus higher-density projects in areas already equipped to handle them or in clusters to leave open space, protecting established neighborhoods, historic corridors and minimizing the environmental impacts.
- Transparency and public involvement: Require clear, accessible communication with residents on all major development proposals — because people should never feel blindsided by growth in their own backyard.
Balancing green space with development is not about saying “no” to progress — it’s about saying “yes” to responsible, sustainable growth that reflects our values. When we lead with common sense, fairness, and foresight, we protect both our community’s charm and its future.
Southport’s small-town feel isn’t something we can legislate — it’s something we must nurture. Through intentional planning, environmental respect, and community collaboration, we can ensure that 40 years from now, Southport still feels like home.
PCD: What are the top three infrastructure projects you want to address immediately for Southport, why and how?
RC: Infrastructure may not be flashy, but it’s the foundation of everything that makes Southport safe, accessible, and sustainable. My top three priorities — streets and sidewalks, stormwater, and waterfront stabilization — are all interconnected. Each plays a critical role in protecting both our residents and our city’s character:
Streets, Sidewalks, and Pedestrian/Motorist Safety Safe: Walkable streets are essential to maintaining Southport’s small-town charm and livability. We need to prioritize resurfacing, sidewalk repair, and new pedestrian connections that link neighborhoods to parks, the school, and downtown. That also means addressing one of the biggest safety concerns we hear from residents — speeding. I support stepped-up enforcement and traffic-calming measures such as crosswalk enhancements, signage, speed feedback signs, and design-based solutions that naturally slow traffic. Protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike must remain a core focus of our city’s infrastructure plan.
Stormwater Management: Stormwater remains one of our city’s most urgent infrastructure challenges. Aging systems and low-lying areas demand a proactive, not reactive, approach. I support a long-term, data-driven stormwater plan that maps vulnerabilities, secures grant funding, and coordinates projects with new development — protecting property, water quality, and our natural environment.
Waterfront Stabilization : Our waterfront is one of Southport’s greatest assets — economically, historically, and emotionally. But rising tides, erosion, and storm damage threaten its stability. I support immediate steps toward a comprehensive waterfront stabilization plan that blends environmental science with thoughtful design — using living shorelines, resilient infrastructure, and public input to preserve access and beauty for generations to come.
Together, these priorities strengthen safety, sustainability, and sense of place, ensuring Southport’s infrastructure serves not just today’s residents, but those who will call it home for generations.
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?
RC: Transparency isn’t just a talking point, it’s the foundation of good governance and public trust. When residents feel excluded or uncertain about how decisions are made, even well-intentioned actions can be misunderstood. I take those concerns seriously because accountability starts with the people we serve.
Do I believe transparency has been an issue at times? Yes — in perception and, occasionally, in practice. But I also believe we’ve made meaningful progress. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to ensure information is shared openly, questions are answered directly, and decisions are made in the light of day, not behind closed doors. I’ve supported measures to make meeting materials more accessible, encourage citizen participation, and strengthen the relationship between the board of aldermen and our advisory boards.
To continue rebuilding trust, I will keep showing up — in meetings, in neighborhoods, and in everyday conversations. I believe in listening before deciding, sharing information before rumors spread, and ensuring residents always know why a decision was made, not just what the decision was.
For me, transparency isn’t about politics — it’s about respect. When government operates with honesty, humility, and openness, our community thrives together.
PCD: What is one other issue not discussed above that you have a plan to address if elected and how would you do so?
RC: First and foremost, we must rebuild relationships within our community. The greatest challenge facing Southport right now isn’t zoning, parking, or policy — it’s division. Somewhere along the way, neighbors stopped talking with each other and started talking at each other. That’s not who we are and it’s not who we should become.
It’s disheartening to see conversations about our shared community turn into shouting matches — to see neighbors calling each other liars or worse on social media or in public forums. Southport has always been a place defined by kindness, respect, and collaboration. We can disagree — and we should — but we must do so with decency and an understanding that we all want what’s best for this city we love.
If re-elected, my focus will be on restoring civility, rebuilding trust, and re-centering conversations on solutions, not sides. That means creating more opportunities for face-to-face dialogue, not digital divide; more listening sessions, not louder debates.
We won’t move Southport forward by tearing each other down. We’ll move forward by remembering that this is our town — one built on neighborliness, shared values, and a genuine belief that we are stronger together than apart.
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