Blake Landon Turner
Entering into the second and final week of candidate filing for November’s municipal elections, races already have developed for Mount Olive mayor and two of the four town board seats. Filing continues through noon Friday, July 21.
The office of mayor and all five town board seats are up for election to two-year terms.
In the mayoral contest, Jerome Newton is challenging Steve Wiggins.
In District 1, Commissioner Vicky Darden is being challenged by Brenda Lee Simmons while District 4 Commissioner Tommy Brown is being challenged by Blake Landon Turner.
District 3 Commissioner Barbara Kornegay has filed for re-election, and Robert King is seeking the at-large seat.
Wiggins, who currently serves as at-large commissioner, filed on the first day of the filing period that began at noon Friday, July 7, as did Kornegay and King.
Newton, who was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat Mayor Kenny Talton in the previous election, filed Monday, July 10.Brown, who is seeking his second term, filed Monday, July 10, while Turner filed Friday, July 14.Darden, who is seeking her fourth term, and Simpson, both filed on Friday, July 14.
District 2 Commissioner Delreese Simmons, who is seeking his second term, filed Friday, July 14, too.
“I am retired. I’m running so I can help all people in all districts,” Darden said. “I’m a well-rounded individual meaning I’m qualified to speak to any person regardless of race and background.
“I love people and I’m committed to always treating people fair and doing what’s right for all involved.”
Turner said after much prayer and consideration, he was announcing his candidacy for the District 4 board seat.
“I am honored to say that I had the privilege of serving with the Mount Olive Police Department for five years,” Turner said. “I have since then worked at a water treatment plant specifically in the distribution field and plant maintenance. This experience provided me with the knowledge to be able to bring some valuable insight to the board to hopefully work toward getting a solution so we can get the (state-imposed sewer) moratorium lifted. I have recently made the transition to work for my family’s business this allows me to have a more flexible schedule and devote more time to the town of Mount Olive.”
Turner said during his years in law enforcement he had connected with many community members and that, by doing so, his eyes were opened to the strengths and weaknesses of the town.
“I feel confident that I could create long-lasting, meaningful changes that would positively impact our community,” Turner added. “Some of the improvements include better pay for the town employees.
“I believe this would increase productivity in the workplace and create better job opportunities. Along those same lines, I would like to continue the restoration and rehabilitation of the downtown area to restore it to its former glory.”
That, he continued, would include focusing on opportunities for new businesses to expand the town’s current offerings.
This would also increase the revenue for current small businesses by making it more of a destination spot for the locals as well as people who are passing through, Turner said.
“The final point I would like to touch on is community outreach including more opportunities for all the citizens of the town to connect and engage as a community while serving one another,” he added.
“I am interested in hearing feedback about what the citizens of the community would like to see change as well as stay the same in the areas that the town is currently excelling in. A vote for me ensures that the citizens of this community will have their voices heard.”
Candidates for Wayne County sanitary district elections are filling as well.Three of the five at-large seats on the Southern Wayne Sanitary District Board are up for election as are all five at-large seats on the Southwestern Wayne Sanitary District.
Members serve four-year terms.
Filing for election to the Southwestern Wayne Sanitary District are Jeremy King of Mount Olive; David Allen Bennett of Goldsboro (incumbent); Jimmy B. Cox of Goldsboro (incumbent); Daryll Overton of Goldsboro (incumbent); and Kelly Jo Williams Hughes of Mount Olive (incumbent).
Nathan Jesse Lee of Goldsboro has filed for the Southern Wayne Sanitary District Board.
In Duplin County, two of the five at-large seats on the Faison Town Board as well as the office of mayor are up for election.
William “Billy” M. Ward has filed for mayor and Ken Avent Jr. has filed for the board.
Board members serve four-year staggered terms.
Three candidates have filed for the five at-large Calypso Town Board seats: Marvin “Marty” Taylor (incumbent), Troy Jernigan Jr. and Larry Cashwell.
Board members served two-year terms.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, when the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Municipal and sanitary district elections are nonpartisan and there is no primary for either.
All of the new municipal and sanitary district terms will begin on the first Monday in December.
