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Monday, July 06, 2009 4:57 PM Council incumbents file for re-election By Rochelle Moore | Times Staff Writer The Wilson City Council's four incumbents filed for re-election to office Monday. Council members Bill Blackman, Donald Evans, Doris Jones and Bob Thaxton are all seeking another four-year term on the seven-member council. Council members A.P. Coleman, Gwen Burton and James Johnson III were elected to office two years ago during the 2007 nonpartisan municipal race. "I enjoy what I do, and I think I'm doing a good job," Thaxton said. "I've represented everyone fairly. We're facing tough times, but the city of Wilson has fared well through the economy. We haven't had to lay anyone off, and I think the city is doing well. The city has a bright future and I'd like to be a part of it." Thaxton, 75, District 6, is seeking his fifth term in office after being first elected in 1991. Thaxton retired from the Army as a chief warrant officer in 1973 after 21 years, 10 as a helicopter pilot. He served in the Army's 82 Airborne Division and in Special Forces. He also worked as the district supervisor of Veterans Affairs in Wilson from 1973 to 1996. Evans, 62, District 5, is seeking his third consecutive term in office and is interested in continuing his work as a member of ElectriCities' N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency board, which purchases electricity at wholesale and plays a role in its financing decisions. He also wants to continue focusing on the city's growth through economic development, recreation opportunities and downtown development. "I love the Wilson community, and I enjoy working for the citizens," Evans said. "I want to continue working with ElectriCities and do whatever we can to lower utility bills and reduce the debt. This debt has gotten out of hand and there's too much." Evans is the president and co-owner of Evans Machinery and Metal Fabrication. Before city council, he was a Wilson County commissioner from 1994 to 1998. Blackman, 51, District 3, is also seeking his third term and said some residents have asked that he continue on the council. "I have worked diligently to serve not only my district but the entire community through fiscal responsibility, community planning and strong economic development projects," Blackman said. "I believe my continued participation will lend continuity to the many projects already started, such as Greenlight (city run Internet, phone and cable service) that will provide a strong foundation for the families, businesses and industries in Wilson. "I am excited about what lies ahead over the next four years for Wilson, and I look forward to serving this great city." Blackman owns Blackman Insurance Agency, an independent property and casualty company providing home auto, small business, agribusiness and crop insurance. Blackman previously served on the Wilson County Planning Board for 11 years, before stepping down because of his election to city council in 2001. Jones, 83, District 7, is interested in retaining her seat on the council for a second term. Jones was first elected in 2005. "I want to help improve my community," Jones said. "I have been for everything that's been for the betterment of the city. (I'm interested in working for) some of the things people need in District 7 while looking at the whole picture of what the city wants." Jones has been interested in development efforts in east Wilson and has not seen the type of advancement she or her constituents have wanted, she said. She's worked on the city's Highway 301 Advisory Committee and wants to see more revitalization along the corridor and within her district. She has been interested in the city hiring an employee to support the committee's efforts. She's also interested in the city providing more in-kind services and support to the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House, the city's African-American museum, and would like to see the city address concerns about abandoned houses in the downtown area. Jones has served on a number of city and county boards including the Wilson Planning Board and Wilson County Board of Health. Jones was the first woman to lead the local NAACP chapter and served in the branch six years. She was a public school teacher for 43 years and retired from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1994. The filing period for the municipal election closes at noon July 17. The nonpartisan municipal election is Nov. 3. rochelle@wilsontimes.com |
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Actually said...
It wouldn't surprise anyone if some of the incumbents decide not to run. So they can save face.
Monday, July 13, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Just a Thought said...It wouldn't surprise anyone if some of the incumbents decide not to run. So they can save face.
Monday, July 13, 2009 at 9:39 AM
If I were a gambler, I would say that with the tone of the comments I have read that the incumbents should be saying some prayers on election night. I would bet we would get all new blood. God knows it is badly needed.
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Vote these people out.
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I agree, WE NEED A CHANGE IN COMMAND. If everyone votes in Nov., we will have the changes we need. PEOPLE PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE BECAUSE IF YOU DON'T, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMPLAIN!!!!
Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 7:41 PM
I agree, WILSON NEEDS A CHANGE IN COMMAND. If everyone will vote, we can get the changes we need. PEOPLE, THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 7:35 PM
