A Greensboro City Council seat has opened up with the resignation of Tony Roland, who just won the position in the last election.
Jeff Lister, a Greensboro resident since 2019, is throwing his name into the ring for a special called election to be held later in November. It is his second attempt at winning the seat.
Lister qualified this week and submitted the necessary documents. Lister, 53, and his wife Christy moved to Georgia from South Carolina and first settled in Social Circle, where he worked for CVS in several managerial positions for more than 20 years.
Day trips to Greensboro found the couple liking what they saw and experienced, and soon they were looking for homes in the historic district. They especially liked the downtown sector and the people who make their home there.
The effort to join the city council is Lister’s first attempt at serving in a public office, and he feels uniquely qualified to do so.
“I initially ran to serve the community,” he said. “I wanted to get answers to questions and concerns in the city that I am finding out are still needing to be addressed. There are city infrastructure needs, downtown development and affordable housing plans desperately wanted.”
Lister saw last year that city residents voiced a need for change and a new infusion of ideas. Of the five open seats, three seats of the old administration under Mayor Glen Wright were re-elected. They are Morris Miller, Cynthia River and Chris Moore. However, a new Mayor was elected, Corey Williams, as was the Mayor Pro-Tem, David Neal, and some changes are happening.
“I want to be an advocate for the people,” Lister said. “But I want to help identify new opportunities such as helping bring in viable businesses that spur economic growth.”
Lister, despite losing in the last election, is very much involved in the city. He attends city council meetings, volunteers at food drives and is a member of the Elk Lodge. It gives him exposure to meeting people in the community and hearing their priorities for the area.
“I am not giving up for this council-run,” he said. “I will continue getting involved and helping the city evolve in ways I can.”