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Mark is from Overland, Missouri, and currently lives in River Bend with his wife.

As of August 4, 2024, Mark Bledsoe did not have a website or publicly available contact information in order for us to send them our questionnaire.

Mark Bledsoe's campaign for mayor is his first run for public office.

As of June 6, 2025, Mark Bledsoe did not have a website.

Economy

Public Services

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Mark Bledsoe

As of August 3, 2024, Edwin Vargas did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

New Bern Now, Edwin Vargas Seeks Election for Craven County Commissioner District 4

Edwin worked in federal service. He also served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years.

Edwin Vargas' campaign for Mayor in the Town of River Bend is his first entry into politics. 

As of June 6, 2025, Edwin Vargas did not have a website or any information online.

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Edwin Vargas

Jim live in River Bend with his wife, Carolyn, with whom he has 3 daughters and 2 grandsons and 1 granddaughter with. 

Jim is retired. Previously, he worked with the Bechtel Corporation as a senior start up engineer. He has worked abroad as well.

Jim Gadwell's campaign for mayor is his first run for public office.

As of June 6, 2025, Jim Gadwell did not have a website or any information online.

Supports term limits for River Bend's elected officials.

Plans to provide more free activities for town residents, and gives the example of pickleball courts.

Plans to ensure that advisory board, budget, and special meetings among others are held no earlier than 6 P.M. "so working people can attend."

- Wants to build a new playground.
- Supports term limits for River Bend's elected officials.
- Plans to provide more free activities for town residents, and gives the example of pickleball courts.
- Plans to ensure that advisory board, budget, and special meetings among others are held no earlier than 6 P.M. "so working people can attend."

Calls for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

- Calls for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

Wants to ensure the town has clean water.

Supports the building of a second way "in and out of River Bend."

Calls for widening of pedestrian walkways and enforcement of bicycle safety and traffic laws.

- Wants to ensure the town has clean water.
- Supports the building of a second way "in and out of River Bend."
- Calls for widening of pedestrian walkways and enforcement of bicycle safety and traffic laws.

Jim Gadwell

MARQUIS WHO'S WHO TOP MILITARY, Capt. John R. Kirkland (Ret)

24-7 Press Release, Capt. John R. Kirkland has been Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry

John holds a bachelor's degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a second bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

John served as a Captain in the US Coast Guard for 29 years. He previously worked as a facility manager with the Association of Plant Engineers and as a manager of the electric board division at General Dynamics. 

John R. Kirkland currently serves as Mayor of River Bend. He previously served as a member of the River Bend Town Council. 

As of June 6, 2025, John R. Kirkland did not have a website or any information online.

John R. Kirkland

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.