TARBORO —
The Edgecombe County Commissioners on Monday accepted the Edgecombe County Democratic Party’s nomination and appointed William “Billy” Wooten, to fill the seat vacated by Charlie Harrell.
Harrell abruptly resigned from the board of commissioners Jan. 7 after serving 22 years in District 4 citing, “It’s time to give someone else a chance.” Harrell was an advocate for Wooten, but did not attend the meeting.
On Monday, the board interviewed Wooten for about 10-minutes. When he was asked, “Why do you want to serve as a commissioner,” he responded with, “I have a sense of wanting to give back. I have a loving passion for this place, Edgecombe County – Tarboro, my family, I’ve been blessed with moderate success and I believe it is my time. I believe that (with) the skill set I’ve required over the last 42 years, that it is my time to give back to this community whatever way that I can. And this seems like an opportunity for me to give back.”
After the interview, the board went into a short closed session to discuss the appointment before unanimously choosing the 42-year-old Tarboro native as the new commissioner for District 4.
Wooten was the only candidate suggested by the Edgecombe County Democratic Party and the only candidate known to have filed an application for the seat. He said he believes he has a lot to offer.
“What I bring as an individual is leadership qualities and my experience in business and as an entrepreneur,” he said. “As an existing business owner, I have a large vested interest in Edgecombe County. I got skin in the game.”
Wooten’s experience as a businessman may assist him with the transition from citizen to politics, although he will have a tough task ahead to fill Harrell’s shoes. Harrell served 22 years, including 12 as the chairman and another four as the vice chairman. Wooten appears to be poised for the job.
“I’m honored to receive the appointment and I hope that I can make a difference in District 4 and the county at-large,” Wooten said. “I’m going to take the opportunity to see what initiatives they are working on at this time and if I can bring some additional initiatives centered on economic development to improve the county and District 4.”
Wooten, 42, is the youngest of the seven-panel board, but has 20 years of experience in business. Those years have led him from owning shares in Kan Ban Logistics to becoming the CEO and acting president of the Edgecombe County company as well as its primary stock holder.
Although the commissioner’s seat is the first political position he will hold, he has served on several civic organization boards including president of the Rotary Club of Tarboro, Tarboro-Edgecombe Chambers of Commerce, and Edgecombe County Veterans Museum.
Shortly after he received the unanimous vote, he got his first taste of real politics when the board went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter. There was no action taken after the short session.
Wooten will be sworn in at the February board meeting and, for at least two years, he said he plans to dedicate himself to improving District 4 and Edgecombe County.
“I appreciated the opportunity that the board has given me,” Wooten said. “My family and I have been here for many generations. It’s the first time that I’ve been in a position to give back to the county at-large.
He said it was too early to say whether he will run for the seat when it comes up for election in 2014.
“I don’t know. I want to see what good I can bring. if I can bring some good what so ever,” he said. “I work good with others on this board If I feel that I’m making a difference in the county at-large and in my district then I will see myself running.”
Wooten is married to Margaret Ann Wooten. The couple has two children, Virginia, 11 and Wil,l 9.
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William “Billy” Wooten, left, listens intently during the Edgecombe County Democratic Party meeting while Charlie Harrell looks on. Edgecombe County Commissioners appointed Wooten to replace Harrell as District 4 commissioner Monday. (Staff photo/Calvin Adkins)
Wooten named new District 4 commissioner
UNANIMOUS DECISION
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Barrett Flowe, of Midland, drives Pay Dirt during the 2012 Pinetops 300. He and many others will be on hand this weekend at the annual tractor and truck pull.
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PINETOPS 300
PINETOPS — One thing’s for certain, the first-time attendee at the Pinetops 300 truck and tractor pull will learn something in a hurry … these are not your Daddy and Grandaddy’s tractors!
Some of the best known and most successful pullers in the country will converge School Street here tonight and Saturday to vie for honors in the longest running not-for-profit tractor pull in the Southeastern United States. - Happening in Tarboro Saturday
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PINETOPS 300
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The National Transportation Safety Board wants all 50 states to lower the blood alcohol content level to 0.05.
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NTSB wants to lower DWI blood alcohol levels
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NTSB wants to lower DWI blood alcohol levels
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Six Tarboro Viking track stars are going to compete in the NCHSAA 2-A state championship meet Friday in Greensboro at NC A&T State University.
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Six Tarboro girls to compete in track finals
Motivation is a big part of the Tarboro Viking girl's track team's success this season. They enjoy working hard during practice for their coach Rickie Dozier and get fulfillment when they compete in events. Friday will be no different for the six girls that are headed to Greensboro to compete in the NCHSAA 2-A state championship meet at North Carolina A&T State University. They will compete in three relay events and the long jump.
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Six Tarboro girls to compete in track finals
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We Salute...
Each Friday, The Daily Southerner will recognize individuals, groups and businesses in Edgecombe County who have gone “above and beyond” in their effort to make this a better place to work, play and raise a family.
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We Salute...
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Corbett/Chasse Wedding
Brittney Joyce Corbett and Kenneth Robert Chasse, Jr. were united in marriage on April 6th, 2013, at 5:30pm at the Imperial Centre in Rocky Mount. The Rev. Carrol Bradbury officiated the ceremony.
The Rehearsal Dinner was hosted by Shirley and Donald Foreman, Grandparents of the Groom and also Elisha and Kenneth Chasse, Parents of the Groom, at Pizza Inn in Rocky Mount.
The Bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Durwood Corbett of Macclesfield, NC. The Groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Robert Leonel Chasse, Sr. of Pinetops, NC.
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MATTIE RUTH BULLOCK
BELVOIR — Mrs. Mattie Ruth Bullock, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson.
Mrs. Bullock, a native of Wilson County and a lifelong resident of Pitt County, was a graduate of Belvoir-Falkland High School. She was engaged in farming with her husband until 1989 and was a charter member of Belvoir Free Will Baptist Church. - CLAYTON JERELL EPPS
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MATTIE RUTH BULLOCK
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Budget Friendly Deliciousness
It's nice to be able to put a good meal on the table without having to spend a fortune. Today's recipes are easy, delicious and inexpensive. But, they won't taste inexpensive. I hope that you will give them a try.
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Edgecombe Events May 20
Edgecombe Events should be submitted by noon the day before publication. Items eligible include notices of local meetings and activities of non-profit organizations, clubs, schools and civic groups in the community. Information should be brief and typewritten, neatly printed or via e-mail. Questions? 823-3106 or e-mail: events@dailysoutherner.com. Leave a daytime contact phone number.
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Edgecombe Events May 20
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Stocks Elementary School celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week
In celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week, Stocks Elementary School hosted several guest speakers and exciting activities during the first week of May.
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