Alderman David Cignotti announced on July 7 that he is running for mayor of Wrightsville Beach.
Cignotti was the first of three local politicians up for reelection to announce his bid.
Mayor Stephen Whalen has shied away from declaring his candidacy, and Alderman Edward Miastkowski still hadn't filed as of noon Tuesday.
Cignotti made his announcement after weeks of speculation over whether he would run for reelection to the Board of Aldermen (BOA) or seek the mayoral seat.
Outside the New Hanover County Board of Elections Office on Tuesday, Cignotti said he will be running on a platform that promotes a transparent government which actively solicits public input and strives to make the BOA work together as a cohesive unit.
"All the board's members were elected and everyone's opinion should weigh heavily," he said. "I'd like to see us do a better job of working as a group."
"You can never be in a rush to come to a conclusion on a decision," Cignotti said during an interview last week. "You have to literally go out and seek the public's input and also seek all the aldermen's input."
A 30-year resident of Wrightsville Beach, Cignotti is currently employed as the assistant principle of Noble Middle School. Before he was elected to the BOA in 2005, he was chairman of the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board.
Cignotti said he garners support from several different segments of the population, including the young and old as well as property and business owners by voicing his belief of raising town revenue without raising property taxes.
"Most people that know me, know that I'm open-minded and willing to listen to everyone's concerns," he said.
"I have established a reputation as one who is honest, hard working, detail oriented and an ardent supporter of open government," Cignotti said in a statement released after he filed. "I am well versed in the many challenges that face our town...I see a future for Wrightsville Beach in which our citizens will be proud of their elected officials and will share a positive vision for our beach."
