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February 9, 2010

ELECTION 2010

Filing starts with a flurry

Jamicá C. Ashley

The first day of filing brought out incumbents and a first-time candidate running for Edgecombe County Sheriff.

Beginning noon Monday, individuals were able to file for one of 12 offices up for re-election in this year's elections.

"There are 22 incumbent positions open, and we're looking for all of them to file," said Director of Elections the Rev. Jerry Spruill. "We're expecting them to come periodically until the Feb. 26 deadline unless something out of the ordinary happens."

County Commissioner T.C. Cherry has decided not to run for re-election but is instead endorsing Donald Boswell who filed today to run for Cherry's District 6 seat. Cherry is endorsing Boswell.

"I knew that T.C. was having some health issues, and we had been talking about it for a few years," Boswell said. "I was born here in Edgecombe County, I've been here all my life and raised my family here. I am interested in what the future holds."

Boswell, 55, has been self-employed since 1977.

The first in line to file was Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight. With several deputies and his wife showing support, Knight, 49, paid his $524.44 filing fee and processed all of the necessary paperwork.

"I want to thank you all for coming out," he said to his colleagues. "Thank you so much."

Knight has been sheriff since 1997, initially coming into the position to finish out the term of Phil Ellis. Knight has been re-elected ever since.

John Wilson, 40, began the process of filing his candidacy for the county's sheriff's position within the same hour as Knight.

"I am running for a position that the county is offering," Wilson said. "If people are not happy this is the time for change."

Wilson is currently an automotive technician but was a police officer in Middlesex, Bunn and Newton Grove before choosing to leave law enforcement upon the birth of his first child. Prior to that he was an automotive technician in New York.

Wilson also was the owner of The Country Tavern on N.C. 33 formerly known as Riverside Private Club until the nation's economic state proved to be too much, and Wilson had to close the doors.

"We'll make a change for the people of Edgecombe County," he said, "to make them feel safe and secure. People are tired of politicians. I'm doing it for the people."

State Sen. Clark Jenkins also saw fit to get filing out of the way Monday.

"I'm glad to get started again," Jenkins said. "I feel like there was a lot left undone. The biggest issue is the redistricting of the House, Senate and congressional seats. It is extremely important that citizens of the district have a representative with experience at the table when decisions are being made."

Jenkins, 62, has competition this year from retired educator and former Edgecombe County Board of Education member Florence Armstrong of Tarboro and Frankie Bordeaux of Greenville.

Armstrong, 63, filed on Monday and has said that her interest in politics has always been present.

"I've always been interested in politics," Armstrong said in previous interviews. "This is an opportunity to move it to another level. I am the people's candidate, a candidate with a vision, with the capability of getting things done."

With his first time in politics, Bordeaux is the former executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Nash-Edgecombe Counties but currently owns Cambridge Behavioral Health Services in Greenville. Bordeaux, 59, did not file Monday.

Garland Shepheard, 63, also began the filing process for candidacy for the House of Representatives 23rd District, a position currently held by state Rep. Joe Tolson of Pinetops.

Also on hand the first day of filing was the county Clerk of Court Carol Allen White of Princeville.

"I am still dedicated and committed to the people in Edgecombe County. I love helping others and hope they love to have me continue to serve them" White said. "I love calling Edgecombe County home. I have a passion for what I do and hope that the people are satisfied with my service."

Several others filed for candidacy Monday, including incumbent Evelyn Wilson for the county Board of Education for District 1 and incumbent Charlie Cobb also for the Board of Education, District 3.

In Rocky Mount, District Attorney Robert Evans filed. Evans, 57, was appointed to his post by Gov. Perdue last May.

In addition to the offices mentioned above, the other offices up for election are members of Congress, County Commissioners, judges of Superior Court 7th District, judges of District Court 7th District and the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education.

Filing fees range from $5 to $824 depending of the job’s salary.

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