LUMBERTON — Just one county commissioner has a clear path to re-election.
On Monday, the last day of the filing period for the March 15 primary, challengers emerged to run against incumbent commissioners in District 1, District 5 and District 7, leaving District 3’s Roger Oxendine as the sole commissioner unopposed.
Seven seats on the Board of Education are also up for grabs in the March primary, with one incumbent unopposed for another term.
Jimmy L. Gilchrist filed for the District 1 seat on the Board of Commissioners currently held by Jerry Stephens, who has filed for re-election. Both are Democrats.
A native of Fairmont, Gilchrist holds both a bachelor of arts degree and Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University. He is pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Aberdeen, and president of the Robeson County chapter of the Black Caucus.
Gilchrist is the editor and owner of The Tri County Times newspaper.
“Robeson County generates enough revenue to make this county one of the most prosperous counties in the state,” he said. “I believe that we should be very supportive of all county employees. Those who work part-time should become full-time workers with full benefits. I will also work to reduce the tax rate and put more money into education … .”
John Cantey also filed to run as a Democrat for District 1 seat. Cantey has served on the Lumberton City Council since 2005, with his current term expiring in 2017.
He has served as mayor pro tem, vice chairman of the Robeson County Democratic Party, and on the Committee of 100. A U.S. Army veteran, he works as an associate partner with Laiken Partners/Laiken Rentals.
“The citizens of District 1 and Robeson County deserve an ‘open and transparent’ form of government while addressing the serious issues of crime, public safety, employment opportunities, community revitalization, health and educational issues, promotion of local businesses while treating all citizens in a fair and equal manner … ,” Cantey said.
In District 7, Michael Lewis and Ronnie Strickland will challenge incumbent Tom Taylor. All three are Democrats.
Lewis has worked with the Public Schools of Robeson County at its career center for 12 years.
“I decided to run for county commissioner to make a change in Robeson County and how we do business. I believe we need to be pro-active than re-active. I believe Robeson County will only advance through education and bringing industry to all of our county … . We need to invest in our schools and teachers and let new industry build where they want to do business,” Lewis said.
Strickland has operated RGS Builders for 34 years. He served as the county representative to the Lumberton Planning and Zoning Board for more than 24 years and as chairman for 10 years. The Air Force veteran attended what is now The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
“I will have an issue-based platform that focuses on economic development, job creation, public safety and public education, I pledge to our citizens that I will make sure their collective voices are heard. I am excited about the opportunity to get to know and serve the citizens of District 7 and Robeson County,” he said.
Lynn Locklear filed as a Republican to run for the District 5 seat, but did not bring information to The Robesonian. The seat is held by Democrat Raymond Cummings, who is being challenged by Lacy Cummings.
Six people entered the race for a seat on the Board of Education, while two challengers withdrew.
Brenda Allison became the third candidate hoping to represent District 7. Incumbent Steve Martin and challenger Billy Prevatte have also filed for that seat.
Allison has worked in education for 25 years, including teaching elementary school and working as a high school curriculum specialist in Rowland. She now works for Cumberland County schools.
Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management, master’s degrees in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction and an educational specialist degree in teacher leadership.
Allison said she would like to see more research-based technology in classroo0ms to equip teachers “with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that Robeson County students are able to compete with other students within the state, out-of-state and other countries.”
“I feel that the school board needs new faces with fresh ideas. I plan to collaborate with parents, teachers and school officials to ensure that Robeson County students are receiving an education that will enable them to become successful and productive citizens,” Allison said.
District 5 representative Gary Strickland got two challengers on Monday, Craig Lowry and Larry Anthony Chavis.
Chavis, who lives in Pembroke, served on the Lumbee Tribal Council from 2008 to 2013 and is first president of the Pembroke Lions Club.
He has worked with Pepsi Bottling Ventures for 29 years. He also volunteered with Lumberton Rescue and EMS for 10 years.
“My reason for a seeking a seat on the school board is to try and recruit highly qualified teachers, seek additional resources/funding sources that can be used to enhance our classrooms, keep teacher assistants in all pre-kindergarten through first-grade classrooms and to build strong rapport within our communities to make sure that all school needs are met,” he said.
Lowry worked with the Public Schools of Robeson County for more than 30 years. During that time, he worked as football and basketball coach; health and physical education instructor; and taught chemistry, physical science and driver’s education.
He served as assistant principal at Townsend Middle School from July 1994 to June 1996, principal of Red Springs Middle school from August 1996 to June 1998, principal of Fairgrove Middle School from July 1998 to July 2007 and as director of child nutrition from August 2007 to June 2011.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and master’s in Education, but from what is now The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
“Throughout my life, education has been a top priority … My varied background as a teacher, coach and administrator affords me with an insight into the internal operation of our educational system. My goal will be to serve the students and residents of District 5 to the best of my abilities. We must continue to establish and implement programs that will improve the educational quality of our schools,” Lowry said.
Ten people are now in the running for three at-large seats on the Board of Education.
Robert L. Davis, who worked as a history teacher for 22 years and with the Department of Public Instruction for three, filed for an at-large seat.
The Baptist minister was twice named Teacher of the Year at his school.
Davis said he would advocate for hiring administrators “who apply by application and those who are properly vetted” and against racial bias in hiring.
Davis also said he opposes the school system’s new grading floor of 50.
“Why settle for the worst when we can have the best?” he said.
Former school board member Severeo Kerns is eyeing an at-large seat.
He served on the board from 2002 to 2014. If he rejoins the board, he would focus on boosting vocational education.
“During the two years not being on the board, I have continued to follow the decisions and functioning of the system. I also have spoken out publicly on issues that have come up during this time period. I have maintained the zeal that I had during my tenure. I am very concerned about the preparation of our students who must compete in the global economy,” he said.
John Campbell filed for re-election to his at-large seat, but did not bring information to The Robesonian.
Two candidates who had sought seats on the Board of Education are no longer running, according to the Board of Elections. Clifton Oxendine had filed for the District 1 seat, currently held by Loistine DeFreece, who is now unopposed, and Sanford Locklear Jr. had filed for an at-large seat.
Because the school board is non-partisan, results of the March primary will determine who wins each seat.
Last week, Lumberton resident Marcus Williams filed to challenge Josh Stein for the position of North Carolina attorney general.
As an attorney, Williams says he has represented diverse clients for more than 36 years in both civil and criminal cases. He is licensed to practice law in three states, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and other federal courts.
“Now, more than ever, there is a need in North Carolina for a firm, compassionate, objective and impartial administrator and fighter for justice for all citizens. If elected, I will be that type of dedicated public servant. Further, I will be unfazed by high dollar and special interests as we undertake our duties in the Department Of Justice,” Williams said.
Tim Benton, a Bladenboro resident, filed to represent the North Carolina House of Representatives 46th District.