Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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Filing for Davidson County Commissioners ended Friday, with the results showing a wealth of candidates vying for three seats on the board. Seven candidates — only one Democrat — have decided to make a bid for county commissioner.
Making up the field of Republicans are incumbents Larry Allen, Fred McClure and Larry Potts. Newcomers include Eddie Gallimore, Cathy Dunn and former commissioner Kenny Moore. The lone Democrat is Rosa Terry.
Due to the amount of Republicans filing, the six candidates will face off in a primary on May 6. As the only Democrat, Terry has an escape from competing in a primary and will automatically face the three winners from the Republican primary in the November election.
“I think we have six excellent candidates,” said Terry Price, vice-chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party. “It is a good field of experienced people.”
With one lone Democrat filing, Price believes the chances of the Republican Party retaining the three county commissioner seats are pretty good.
“Just by the fact we have one mere Democrat running tells me we will have two Republicans on the board,” he said. “Certainly, with the six Republican candidates running, I think we will retain all three seats.
While the Republicans think they have a chance at winning the three seats, Terry, 53, believes she has a chance of an upset.
“I feel like I have something to offer Davidson County,” she said. “I bring a new perspective to the board. I’m still a full-time employee. I’m African-American and a female.”
Terry, who holds a paralegal certificate from Winston-Salem State University, is currently an assistant for the state District Court judges in the 22nd Judicial District. She has worked for the clerk of court for 22 years, and failed in an attempt at running against Clerk of Court Brian Shipwash about 10 years ago.
Dunn, 58, was the first candidate to file for county commissioner, taking advantage of the first day of filing. She also announced her candidacy first in November of 2007.
The owner of two Biscuit Kings in Lexington said her focus is the future of Davidson County. Creating a top 10 priority list for Davidson County is an item Dunn would like to do as a county commissioner.
Allen, 47, was first appointed by the Republican Party to fill the vacant seat of Fred Sink, who was found guilty of having a toilet at his home repaired by a county employee on county time. He along, with the other incumbents, has said residents should vote for them because of their experience.
Specifically, Allen wants projects the board has started while he has been a commissioner to continue. He has said the most important issue is economic development and bringing jobs to the county.
An owner of an insurance company, McClure, 66, is seeking his fourth term as commissioner, and has previously served as the board’s chairman. He wants to make sure those who have lost jobs get employed.
Potts, who serves as the commissioners’ chairman, has filed to continue the works and projects underway in the areas of continued school construction, economic development and providing strong law enforcement to create a better environment for families to work, live and play.
One of the main issues concerning Potts’ is Davidson County’s growth.
Moore, meanwhile, is a familiar face who has served two terms as a county commissioner. In a press release, he said he stands for limiting the size and spending of the government, cutting taxes and for the traditional role of county government in supporting schools, law enforcement and providing for the health, safety and welfare of the legal citizens.
An attempt to Gallimore, who lives in Thomasville, was unsuccessful Monday.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.