EDENTON — The election for two seats to serve on the Edenton Town Council is ahead in November.
As such, we’ll be posting candidate profiles in the days ahead so our readers can make informed choices about they think will best serve the community.
On that note, as time allows, we’ll continue reaching out to other municipal candidates across Eastern NC so that voters between Columbia and Plymouth, Elizabeth City to Winfall, know more about these politicos – because, really, local government matters far more than the partisan sh** show that is DC or even Raleigh.
Edenton – REMINDER — Regina Bond and Craig Miller are the candidates for the At-Large seat on Town Council.
Aaron Coston and Haywood Coston are for the 3rd Ward seat on Council.
Early voting started Friday and ends Saturday, Nov. 1, with the Election Day being Nov. 4
We’re going to start with the race for the At-Large seat – we sent a series of questions to Bond – because we’re not in the business of censorship, her answers are the same ones she sent back to us.
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Regina Bond, and I am proud to call Edenton home. I am a 2000 graduate of John A. Holmes High School and a graduate of Wake Tech Community College. I currently work at Jimbo’s Jumbos and, while I may be new to politics, I am not new to service. My decision to run comes from a deep love for this community and a desire to give back. Like many, my journey has not been without challenges, but through crime, consequence, and redemption, I have gained perspective, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose. Those experiences shaped me for a time such as this and fuel my passion for making a meaningful difference in Edenton.
Q: We had a tax increase this past budget cycle. What will you do to hold expenses tight and make another increase less likely?
Families are already stretched, and even a small tax increase makes a difference. I believe we have to be good stewards of every dollar. That means holding departments accountable, carefully weighing needs versus wants, and making sure our priorities truly serve residents. My goal is to make the most of the resources we have before ever asking taxpayers to give more.
Q: Many residents felt in the dark about the recent utility-rate increases. How will you and the council improve transparency moving forward?
No one should be caught off guard when it comes to their bills. I would push for a more open process that includes public forums, clear notices, and simple online updates so people know what’s being proposed and why. Transparency should not be an afterthought, it should be the way we operate as a town.
Q: Edenton is not a cheap place to live. What policies will you pursue to make it more affordable for service and civil-service workers?
The people who serve our community such as teachers, first responders, and town employees shouldn’t be priced out of living here. I would support workforce housing, work with developers to include affordable units, and explore ways to provide targeted relief for essential workers. Everyone who gives to Edenton should have the chance to build a life here.
Q: Should all town employees have an evaluation before receiving a salary increase?
Yes. Evaluations are about fairness and growth. They help make sure employees are recognized for their hard work while also giving them constructive feedback. Salary increases should be connected to performance and service, so both the employee and the community benefit.
Q: What would you like to do to keep current businesses and attract new ones?
Supporting small businesses is vital because they are the backbone of our town. We can help them thrive through resources, incentives, and cutting back unnecessary red tape. At the same time, we need to actively promote Edenton as a place for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and family-friendly industries. By building partnerships regionally, we can bring in investment and create more good-paying jobs right here at home.
Q: What policies should Edenton implement to encourage young adults to return after college?
Young people want opportunity and a sense of belonging. That means affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and a community where they can enjoy life. We should also invest in recreation, cultural opportunities, and create partnerships with schools and colleges that lead young people back to Edenton after graduation.
Q: You have a compelling story of crime and redemption. How will those experiences factor into your public service if elected?
My journey has taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of second chances. If elected, I would bring those lessons into leadership. I would lead by listening, by being fair, and by working to make Edenton a place where people can overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
Q: Finally, say something nice about your opponent (Craig Miller).
Running for office takes courage and a real commitment to community. I respect my opponent’s dedication to Edenton and the willingness to serve. While we may have different ideas about the best path forward, I believe we both care deeply about this town and want what’s best for its people.
6 responses to “Regina Bond: Candidate for Edenton Town Council”
The same people who would vote for her make a lot of noise about Orange Man being a convicted felon. But at least he has never been involved in killing someone. People who would vote for someone simply because they are black or white are the worst kind of racists there are. Let that sink in.
As someone who moved to Edenton in June 2024, and opened a business two months later (Ralph’s NY Italian), and was planning on opening a second family friendly entertainment center, I can say with confidence that the present government of this town does NOT welcome new businesses, especially if the business is not located on Broad Street! While I purchased a building put in a substantial amount of money and work into that property, I will NOT open that or any other business in this town unless and until town government stops “the good ole boy” nonsense! And despite the comments by our mayor, whom I personally think is a wonderful person, I have been sending emails, making phone calls and even had one to one in person meetings to discuss the fact that Edenton required me to provide almost $1,000 “deposit” for my business utilities, even though I own the building and no other business which is run out of a building owned by said business has to make such a deposit. I have literally been waiting since January 14, 2025 for a response as to why I was singled out. Not only have I been pushed from person to person, but since July 27, when I was “guaranteed” an answer within a week! Now I am in a better position than most business owners in that I’ve spent the last 35 years as a litigation attorney and I will be filing a law suit against this town, but it shouldn’t come to that! What are you going to do on the Council to make sure no one has this issue going forward?
Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns as a new business owner in Edenton. First, I want to acknowledge the hard work, investment, and personal commitment it takes to open a business. Entrepreneurs like you bring both jobs and energy to our community, and we should always strive to create a climate where businesses feel welcomed and supported.
Your experience with delays, lack of communication, and unclear requirements for utility deposits is troubling. While I cannot speak to the details of your individual case at this time, I can say that no resident or business owner should feel singled out or left without a clear and timely response from their local government. That is not the standard of service our citizens deserve.
When elected to the Council, I will be working to ensure that:
1. Policies and fees are applied consistently and fairly to all businesses, regardless of location.
2. Communication from Town departments is prompt, transparent, and accountable, so no one has to wait months for an answer.
3. New businesses are supported, not discouraged, because their success strengthens our entire community.
I also believe the Town Council should review the current policies on deposits and business services to make sure they are equitable and in line with best practices in other towns.
We may not always get it right, but when issues are raised, we must listen, investigate, and make improvements. I appreciate you raising this matter publicly, and I am committed to ensuring that Edenton continues to grow as a place where both long-standing and new businesses can thrive.
Thank you for your candid response. We had been asked previously by your opponent to place a lawn sign to support his candidacy. My husband shared our concerns with him and his response was, “I talked to Hack”. I’ve asked him twice since for a follow up and have gotten crickets. Needless to say, his sign is no longer on our lawn and we will be supporting your candidacy!
I’d like to distribute your article about Regina at the fair. I printed it as a pdf with credit to the Albemarle Observer. Do I have your permission?
That’s fine.