LUMBERTON — Seventeen folks have filed for candidacy through the first two days of two-week submitting interval for the native 2022 elections.
The first election, which incorporates the rescheduled municipal elections for St. Pauls and Lumberton are March 8. Common elections are on Nov. 8.
Lumberton Metropolis Council
Three candidates filed Monday for seats on the Lumberton Metropolis Council together with two incumbents. The seats of Precinct 2, held by Melissa Robinson; Precinct 3, John Carroll; Precinct 5 John Cantey and Precinct 8, Owen Thomas are up for grabs this election.
Owen Thomas has filed for reelection of his Precinct 8 seat on the council.
Thomas has served in quite a lot of roles together with as an actual property agent, insurance coverage agent and the president of Robeson Highway Runners and Robeson County Humane Society.
“I need to thank the residents of Lumberton Precinct 8 for permitting me to symbolize you for the previous 4 years. Collectively we have now had occasions of celebration and occasions of misery. I try to serve by being responsive, accessible, reliable, clear, exhibiting love for our Lumberton group, and perception in a brilliant future,” Thomas mentioned in an announcement.
“I humbly ask that you simply enable me to proceed to symbolize you by supporting me within the upcoming election. My high priorities will proceed to be job creation, infrastructure, flood resiliency, security, group recreation, inexpensive housing, downtown revitalization and the highest quality of life for all,” he added.
Additionally submitting for reelection to town council is John Carroll. Carroll was elected after a Jan. 20, 2019 election and appointed to the seat left vacant by Burnis Wilkins upon his election as sheriff.
Carroll is on the ElectriCities board for town and is a security officer for the Robeson County Group Emergency Response Group.
“First, I wish to thank the good folks of Precinct 3 for permitting me to function their consultant for the previous two and a half years. I’ve lived in Lumberton for greater than 60 years. I’ve greater than 40 years in emergency companies expertise. I’m an extended standing member of The Pentecostals of Lumberton. Lumberton has made nice strides within the restoration efforts of two main hurricanes and now we proceed to work by an unprecedented pandemic,” Carroll mentioned in an announcement supplied to The Robesonian.
“I’ve accomplished my best possible to be attentive and responsive to each single want that has been delivered to my consideration. Now we have labored diligently to maintain our group as secure as doable. Now we have additionally addressed points to maintain our group good and engaging. We’re at present concerned in selling financial improvement, infrastructure restore and rehabilitation, enchancment of public security and metropolis companies, and getting ready our group within the occasion of one other pure catastrophe. I’ve been accessible and clear as your servant and voice for the good people of Precinct 3. I’d love the chance to proceed to serve you and try to make Lumberton, Robeson County, and our surrounding space a greater place for our households. I pray your honest consideration in re-electing me as Precinct 3 Metropolis Council member on March 8, 2022,” his assertion continues.
Rhandi Cooper has introduced candidacy for the Precinct 5 seat on the Lumberton Metropolis Council, at present held by John Cantey.
“My title is Rhandi Cooper, I’m 33 years outdated. I’m the Director of the native nonprofit The Village of Lumberton and a member of the NAACP. I’m a single mom of two. I’m operating for Council over precinct 5 to revive the group by working with the applications that exist already to make them work for the folks. Now we have sources accessible locally and I plan to faucet into these applications in addition to assist them with the objective of offering recreation and sources for the youth and senior residents,” Cooper mentioned in an announcement.
“I additionally hope to help in bringing new applications such because the re-entry program for convicted felons and job festivals to the realm to make them extra accessible. My mission is to revive the group & rejuvenate the spirits of the folks. That is our residence,” Cooper added.
St. Pauls Board of Commissioners
John Gudauskas, Jr., 46, of St. Pauls has filed for reelection to his District 1 seat on the board.
Gudauskas is a Licensed Public Accountant and was elected to the seat in February 2020. He additionally has served because the chairperson of the Tourism Improvement Authority for the City of St. Pauls.
“I’m humbled and honored to have been appointed to symbolize District 1 within the city that I used to be raised. My promise to the residents is to make selections which have one of the best curiosity of the city at coronary heart. I’ll respect the traditions on which our group was based whereas in search of methods to domesticate financial alternatives for future development. A selected focus will probably be on the revitalization of our downtown space, so that it’ll as soon as once more turn into a supply of delight for the residents. Moreover, I’ll proceed to make bettering infrastructure and storm water drainage a high precedence,” he mentioned in an announcement.
Additionally up for grabs on the board this election are seats of District 2, held by Annie Stephens; District 3, by Debra Inman and District 4, by Donna Patterson.
Robeson County Board of Commissioners
The next Robeson County commissioner seats are up for election: District 2, held by Pauline Campbell; District 4, Faline Dial; District 6, David Edge and District 8, Lance Herndon.
Three Robeson County commissioners filed Monday in hopes of securing their seats for one more time period, with one newcomer throwing a hat within the ring for a seat on the board.
Lance Herndon, 46, filed Monday for reelection to the board. He’s a resident of Parkton and a graduate of St. Pauls Excessive Faculty and the College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the place he obtained a level in Geography. He’s employed as a farmer and was chosen as Robeson County Younger Farmer of the 12 months in 2004. Herndon represents District 8 on the board.
Herndon was elected to the board in 2008 in a particular election, and took the seat held by his grandfather for a few years. He gained re-election in 2010 and 2014.
He’s married to Melissa Herndon, with whom he shares two kids, Emmaline and Granger.
He serves as an elder at Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church and as a UNC Well being Basis Advocate. Herndon has served on the next boards: Robeson County Division of Social Providers, as vice chairman; Robeson County Cooperative Extension Advisory Board; Robeson County Housing Authority and Fayetteville Space Metro Planning Group.
“It has been my honor to function county commissioner for District 8 since 2008. That is the place I used to be raised, the place I farm and the place we’re proud to be elevating our household. District 8 successes and alternatives are of the best precedence to me for my neighbors, mates, my kids and all the guy residents and companies of Robeson County,” Herndon mentioned.
David Edge additionally filed for a fourth time period on the commissioner board. He’s the proprietor of Picture Provide Inc. in Lumberton.
“I feel I’ve accomplished lots for this county,” he mentioned. “I feel there’s extra to do.”
Some issues Edge is pleased with throughout his time on the board embrace his efforts to cease the county’s buy of the Native Angels constructing and to reveal commissioners’ former hefty retirement advantages. He additionally acknowledged that he has helped the county save tens of millions of {dollars}.
“I feel we have now one of the best board proper now that I’ve ever seen within the 11 years I’ve been there,” Edge mentioned. “I feel I’ve a giant affect over that.”
Edge mentioned he has inspired different commissioners to make use of their voices throughout dialogue and decision-making.
“I’ve advised the folks the reality and I’ve ran on that to start with,” he mentioned.
“I’ve been blessed and I need to give again to the county,” Edge added.
Pauline Campbell additionally introduced her bid to retain her seat Monday. Campbell was elected in 2018 to serve the identical district as her late husband, Berlester Campbell. She was chosen by the Robeson County Democratic Celebration to obtain the votes her husband gained within the Nov. 6 normal election.
“Thanks residents of Robeson County for permitting me to function your Robeson County Commissioner District 2 over the previous 3 years. I’ve served although each some main catastrophes and fruitful occasions. Working collaborate with the cities and totally different county departments has led to the success of the place we’re right this moment. Coming collectively makes us a stronger county which affords us a greater place to dwell, work and play. I respectfully ask to your vote as I proceed to work on however not restricted to broadband throughout all the county, jobs, infrastructure, housing, drainage, new enterprise and the wants in unserved areas,” Campbell wrote in an announcement.
Sandy “Billy” Bowen has filed for election to the seat at present held by District 4 Commissioner Faline Dial.
A Crimson Springs resident and lifelong Robesonian, Bowen is a retired enterprise proprietor who spent 21 years in N.C. Nationwide Guard. Along with being a e book creator, he served on the Crimson Springs Board of Commissioners.
He was married for 53 years to the late Grace McQueen Bowen. He has two daughter, Janelle Campbell and Cindy Bowen Riley; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Bowen mentioned he believes within the flag and county, the Structure, the suitable to bear arms, and legislation and order.
“I consider mother and father ought to know what their kids ought to know what their kids are being taught in class, and I pledge to face up for them,” Bowen acknowledged.
Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court docket
Throughout the courtroom system, lifelong Robeson County resident Jamaica Campbell filed Monday for the Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court docket seat. The seat is at present held by Shelena Smith.
She is the daughter of Jeremiah and Annie Campbell and the youngest of three siblings, in response to biographical data submitted to The Robesonian.
“I get to expertise my life with my two great kids,” Campbell wrote.
Campbell is a 2005 graduate of Lumberton Excessive Faculty. She furthered her schooling with Fayetteville State College acquiring a Bachelor of Science diploma in felony justice. For the final 10 years she has been employed with the Public Defender’s Workplace as a authorized assistant.
Her hobbies embrace spending time with household and mates, cooking and most of all of the enjoyment of life. She mentioned her favourite quote is, “You both pray or fear, don’t do each,” by an unknown creator.
“As a candidate for Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court docket, I’ve the skilled, educational, and authorized information to serve the residents of Robeson County,” Campbell wrote in an announcement. “My objective is to push the Clerk’s Workplace by offering nice customer support, accountability, rejuvenate, present equality and options to all who are available contact with the Clerk’s workplace. Having a ardour to serve the residents of Robeson County and constructing a relationship with the group is essential. Please Vote for Jamaica Campbell for the time for change is now!”
Shelena Smith, the elected Clerk of Superior Court docket for Robeson County, filed for reelection Tuesday into the position. She is a lifelong resident of Robeson County and a licensed legal professional and has profession working within the authorized discipline, serving the general public, in response to biographical data submitted to The Robesonian.
Smith graduated from the College of North Carolina at Pembroke and started her profession with the North Carolina Division of Prisons. She went on to function each a parole and probation officer with the North Carolina Division of Group Corrections. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central College Faculty of Legislation in 2005. Smith was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar the identical yr and started the observe of legislation in Robeson County. She has litigated instances in each the Superior and District Courts of Robeson County.
After working with Mansfield Legislation Agency and the Workplace of the Robeson County Public Defender, she co-founded and practiced legislation with the final observe legislation agency of Smith & Graham, LLP till she assumed her present place as Clerk of Superior Court docket. Though Robeson County has seen many challenges in the previous couple of years to incorporate two devastating floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, one among Shelena’s best achievements has been advocating for the employees of the Workplace of the Clerk of Superior Court docket for Robeson County throughout these occasions whereas efficiently managing sources to assist hold the courts open.
Smith is a member of the Convention of Clerks of Superior Court docket. She has 25 years’ expertise working within the authorized discipline. She was appointed to the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Fee on Professionalism, is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, Robeson County Bar, Robeson County Government Legislation Enforcement Affiliation, Robeson County Indigent Protection Committee, Robeson County Elder Abuse Multi-Disciplinary Group, Robeson County Home Violence Job Power, Authorized Assist of North Carolina Native Advisory Council, Robeson Group Faculty Fundamental Legislation Enforcement Coaching/Felony Justice Advisory Committee, Board of Administrators for the Carolina Civic Heart Basis, Board of Administrators for Kiwanis of Pembroke, and Alpha Pi Omega Sorority. She was additionally voted 2011 Winner of the Robesonian’s Reader’s Alternative “Greatest Lawyer” Award.
“I’ll proceed to work with the judicial group to supply glorious service and entry to the courts for the residents of our county,” Smith wrote in an announcement. “It has been my honor to serve Robeson County as Clerk of Superior Court docket. I’m enthusiastic about our ongoing renovations and different initiatives which can enhance our courts and supply simpler entry for our residents. I’m humbled by the arrogance positioned in me by the residents of our county. My employees and I look ahead to persevering with to give you the results you want as your public servants. I respectfully solicit your vote and recognize your continued assist.”
Shelena and her husband, Steven Earl Jones, and their canine, Sir Oliver, reside within the Pembroke space.
Robeson County Sheriff
Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins additionally filed for reelection. He didn’t present data to The Robesonian.
District Court docket 16B Judgeship
Leah Britt Lanier filed as a republican for Seat 2 on the of three accessible seats on District Court docket 16B.
Lanier, 29, was born and raised within the Allenton group of Robeson County. She is married to John Tilman Lanier, who can also be from Lumberton and an area legal professional. She is the daughter of Stonie Jr. and Jenny Britt.
After graduating from Lumberton Excessive Faculty, Lanier went to Campbell College to main in Political Science Pre-Legislation. She then went to Elon College Faculty of Legislation the place she graduated in 2017. She has been an assistant district legal professional in Robeson County since passing the Bar Examination. Primarily dealing with intercourse and baby abuse crimes, her trial expertise ranges from murders to DWI costs.
She is a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church. and at present serves as a board member for North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Heart. I’m an energetic member of Kiwanis Younger Skilled of Robeson County.
“My time as an Assistant District Legal professional in Robeson County has taught me to be cheap and honest, however stern and decided when wanted to diligently uphold the legislation. This seat belongs to the voters in Robeson County and I look ahead to incomes every vote. The work has solely begun and I’m greater than prepared,” wrote Lanier in an announcement to The Robesonian.
MaryJane Richardson additionally filed for Seat 2 on District Court docket as a democrat. She has not submitted biographical data to The Robesonian.
Angelica Chavis McIntyre, a Democrat, is in search of reelection for Seat 3 on the Robeson County District Court docket bench.
McIntyre is 32 years outdated and a local of Pembroke who now lives in Lumberton together with her husband, Stephen McIntyre, and their son, Hamilton. She was first elected as a district courtroom choose in 2018, and was named the chief District Court docket choose for Robeson County by the Chief Justice of the N.C. Supreme Court docket in 2021, changing into the primary Native American Feminine Chief Decide within the state. She serves on the Chief Justice of North Carolina’s Job Power to Deal with Antagonistic Little one Experiences, Robeson County Home Violence Job Power, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. She has obtained each the Fayetteville Observer 40 underneath 40 and Campbell Legislation’s 45 Leaders in Legislation awards. She serves as a board member for Southeastern Academy and routinely volunteers in colleges to handle points kids face and to assist encourage productive life and profession selections.
“Within the hundreds of instances which have come earlier than me as district courtroom choose my priorities have all the time been protecting our kids secure, holding repeat offenders accountable, and inserting the security of our communities as paramount,” McIntyre wrote in an announcement to The Robesonian. “I’m humbled to ask once more to your assist so we are able to all work collectively to implement the legislation with equity, justice, and equality for all of Robeson County.
“Robeson County is a particular place that my household is proud to name residence. I’m excited to ask to your vote on this marketing campaign so we are able to hold working TOGETHER for a brighter future for Robeson County.”
Brooke Locklear Clark, a democrat, filed Tuesday for Seat 1 on the District Court docket. She has not despatched biographical data to The Robesonian.
N.C. Home of Representatives
Jarrod Lowery positioned is title within the operating for the for the forty seventh District of the N.C. Home of representatives.
The 33-year-old is a resident of the Prospect Group, graduate of The College of North Carolina at Pembroke and a former Lumbee Tribal Councilman. He has served in the USA Marine Corps, the Workplace of Governor McCrory and the Workplace of Insurance coverage Commissioner Mike Causey. At present, he’s the Group Relations Supervisor for Mountaire Farms.
“As your consultant, I’ll take delight in preventing for each Robesonian. I’ll assist pay raises for our educators and state workers yearly,” Lowey submitted in an announcement to The Robesonian. “I will probably be dedicated to our farmers and small enterprise homeowners as a result of they’re the center of our economic system, and I’ll by no means flip down a possibility to get very important sources to our first responders who hold our communities secure.”
“With the 2022 election, District 47 has a possibility to lastly be on the desk with management when main selections corresponding to funding for rural broadband & preserving our waterways to mitigate future flooding- are determined”
“I humbly ask to your prayers and assist on this election.”
Board of Schooling for the Public Faculties of Robeson County
Districts 2, 3, 6 and eight are up for grabs on the Board of Schooling for the Public Faculties of Robeson County.
The primary to file is Melissa Ocean, who’s in search of the District 2 seat. Ocean didn’t submit biographical data to The Robesonian.
