Home Local News GOP candidates for Richmond County Board of Commissioners share goals

GOP candidates for Richmond County Board of Commissioners share goals

Commissioner Justin Dawkins speaks to a crowd during a meet and greet March 26 at VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham. See more photos below.
Betty Gallo McIntyre

ROCKINGHAM — Five of the seven Republican candidates for the Richmond County Board of Commissioners spoke Saturday at a meet and greet at VFW Post 4203.

The event was sponsored by state Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, and included a free barbecue dinner.

Moss, who currently represents Richmond and Montgomery counties and part of Stanly County, is a former commissioner and, in 2010, was the first Republican elected to the county board in 126 years.

“A lot of people said it couldn’t be done; they made fun of me,” he said. “You’ve got to stick to what you believe in, and that is what I did. I ran and lost several times, but finally won. 

“I am a person of faith. I prayed about it and believe you have got to meet God halfway. I was lucky enough to serve as commissioner for 10 years, it gave me a lot of insight. I want the people in Richmond County to know how much they mean to me. This is my home, and I love living here. I did what I told them I’d do.” 

Moss began getting emotional as he continued: “This is an important race, and I’m asking for your support. It’s not just about the money, it’s making sure they understand about the way we live; our morals and values. Pray God’s will is done.” 

The Richmond County Republican is facing Moore County Rep. Jamie Boles in the May 17 primary after new district maps double-bunked the two legislators. The new district comprises Richmond and part of Moore.

MEETING THE CANDIDATES

The first candidate to speak was Karen Everett, who brings experience in real estate as well as law. 

“Ben Moss paved the way for the Republican party in Richmond County,” Everett said. “Mom always said, ‘Just remember you are the company you keep,’ and when I look around, I see good company.” 

Everett also mentioned how change doesn’t start at the global level but instead focusing at the community level and how important relationships are. 

She quoted a verse from Philippians 2:3, which focuses on respectfully treating others. She closed by saying, “The betterment of community is only as strong as the weakest player; every problem needs a solution.”

Next to speak was Robin Roberts who has served on many different boards throughout the county, including as president of the Post 4203 VFW Auxiliary. 

She spoke on bringing revenue to the county as well as helping the citizens of Richmond County.

“I am a people person and want to bring more help to our veterans, the elderly and children,” Roberts said. “We need to be the spearhead of the changes needed.” 

Roberts also  spoke on the need to help the sheriff’s office with the county’s drug problem. 

“I would also love to see the old Hamlet Hospital become a center to somehow help the community.”

Ashley Brower, who currently works as a probation officer, was up next. Brower will be running for Clerk of Court as she announced she now has enough required signatures.

Although she is now registered as a Republican, Brower started the process as an unaffiliated candidate.

In her 14 years as probation officer, the lifelong Richmond County resident has been in and out of the clerk’s office as she communicates with judges and attorneys on a regular basis. 

“I am a seeker of knowledge and that’s why I’m running for this position,” Brower said. “I deal with people from all walks of life; I treat people with dignity and respect because they deserve it.” 

Brower mentioned how she would also bring this same dignity and respect to the clerk’s office if she gets the position. 

Incumbent Commissioner Rick Watkins was unable to attend as he and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.

Watkins was first elected to the board in 2018 as a Democrat, but switched parties prior to the opening of the filing period.

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Moss read aloud an email on behalf of Watkins which mentioned his Christian values, reducing the county’s tax rate, and helping veterans. 

In the email, Watkins said approximately 400 new jobs have been added and $20 million in grant funds secured for the county, 

Watkins also mentioned supporting law enforcement and public safety, expanding Richmond Community College, reducing debt by more than $10 million dollars, providing funds to raise local teacher supplements, and continuing to promote growth through building infrastructure. 

Former pastor Jason Gainey, who is currently president of Sandhills Best Care, followed and described the “PATHH” for hope for the county: “P” for the people; “A” for atmosphere (cooperation); “T” for taxes, “H” for hope (giving children hope), and “H” for happiness (financial). 

Gainey spoke on lowering taxes and inviting more businesses into the county. 

“It’s about people; people are what makes it work.”

Next up was Commissioner Justin Dawkins, facility manager of von Drehle, a lifelong county resident who was appointed to fill Moss’ unexpired term on the board. He was recently reelected by the board to serve as vice chairman.

“I love making a difference in people, that’s what drives me,” said Dawkins. “We need to repair relationships between municipalities in the county. The only thing that’s going to make a difference in our county is for us all to work together; to have a holistic focus. We need a common goal and purpose for the entire county.”

Small business owner Danny Pearson, who has served on many boards, also spoke, thanking Moss for helping turn the county back Red. He mentioned how he has worked for large and small businesses and how being a business owner has helped prepare him.

Thomas Davenport is also running for the board as a Republican, as are seven Democrats and two unaffiliated candidates.

Moss closed, personally thanking everyone who was running and mentioned how proud he was of them. “Whoever we choose in this primary, let’s get behind them in the fall,” Moss said.” We are gonna turn this board solid red. We’ve got the best chance we’ve ever had of turning this board solid red and make sure we get the right people in those positions because that’s how we are going to keep moving forward.”

In addition to Dawkins and Watkins, there are currently three other Republicans on the board: Andy Grooms, Toni Maples and Chairman Jeff Smart. Commissioners Don Bryant and Tavares Bostic, both Democrats, are also running for reelection.

The top four vote-getters from each party will be on the November ballot. Unaffiliated candidates must obtain 1,094 valid signatures and submit them by the day of the primary elections.

“You see what a big mess we are in at the federal government level and that’s having a ripple effect,” Moss continued. “Not all Democrats are bad and not all Republicans are good. At the end of the day, I side with the Republican Party from a moral standpoint; my values, my beliefs. That is where I side, that’s where I am. I would appreciate the chance to go back to Raleigh. I don’t think I finished what I started out to do; I only had one term.” 

Moss also mentioned the upcoming election for judges: “Make sure you choose some conservative judges. We are in a mess now because of some of the judges we have had.”   

William R. Toler contributed to this story. 

CORRECTION: This story has been edited to make a correction in the lede. 3-29-22 2:28 p.m.

 



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