Each Sunday through Oct. 28, the Suffolk News-Herald will introduce you to the candidates for local City Council offices. Today, we feature the candidate for the Whaleyville borough. City Councilman Curtis Milteer is unopposed in his re-election bid. On Oct. 14, we will feature Nansemond borough candidates. Sleepy Hole borough candidates will be featured on Oct. 21, with mayoral candidates on Oct. 28.

Suffolk City Councilman Curtis Milteer is seeking re-election to his ninth term representing the Whaleyville borough.

First elected in 1980, he has been returned to office every four years since then. With no opposition this election cycle, it appears the streak will continue.

“There are some things we’re trying to accomplish in improving the condition of the borough,” Milteer said, adding that $8 million has been spent in the borough in improvements throughout the years.

Furthermore, the city’s plan to renovate the closed Robertson Elementary School into a community center shows investment in the small community, Milteer said.

“I count it as being a major improvement,” he said. “Never before, to my knowledge, has any rural community received that sum of money for a major improvement.”

Milteer has served as vice mayor and mayor during his years on City Council, before the mayor changed to a directly elected position in 2008. He also served five years on the Planning Commission before being elected to council.

“The city is in a stronger position than it has been in the last 30 years,” he said. “We have gotten a AA+ bond rating. Never before has that been accomplished. I feel very proud to be a part of it.

“That has given the city a boost in its financials being stable,” he said.

Milteer said the city needs to “keep the focus on staying on target.”

“Stable government gives the city an opportunity to borrow money at a low interest rate,” he said.

Milteer also said he places a priority on economic development and will help recruit new industry and make contacts with developers seeking to locate in the city.

“I believe with my experience and my dedication to the city, it has proven to have people’s caring at heart.”

Milteer said people should elect him to keep the city’s team together.

“The gist of the matter is that we’re continuing the unfinished work that has begun,” he said.

Milteer can be contacted at 934-0630.