Six Democrats are running in the Mar. 3 primary election for three seats on the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners.

The three candidates that Tyrrell Democrats choose in the  primary will compete against two Republicans and at least one unaffiliated candidate in the general election next November to fill the three commissioner seats.

The six Democrats whose names are on the primary ballot in March are: Nathan T. “Tommy” Everett, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Darryl Liverman, Kisha Norman, Dorothy Spencer, and Carl L. Willis.

Also on Mar. 3 will be the election of two members to the Tyrrell County Board of Education, and three candidates are vying in that non-partisan election. They are Janet Bowser, Lee Scripture, and Janie E. Spencer.

Even though multiple seats are to be filled, Tyrrell electors are limited to one vote in the commissioner race and one vote in the school board election, in compliance with a 1994 federal court order.

All those whose names appear on the Mar. 3 ballot were invited to submit a brief statement and a photograph for publication. The following responses were received:

 

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

TOMMY EVERETT

I am Tommy Everett, a lifelong resident of our county and presently serving as your commissioner. I am seeking your vote for a third term and presently serve as Chair of the Board having been selected by my fellow commissioners for that honor. Prior to my service on the commission, I served for 24 years as your elected Clerk of Court. I am humbled and proud to represent Tyrrell County.

During my tenure as commissioner, the county has transitioned to a county manager form of government. We have consolidated our county attorney and manager duties into one position and enhanced staff and performance in the finance, personnel, and tax departments.

Maintenance of our facilities has been improved. Emergency management, elder transportation and ambulance services have been redesigned and services improved at cost savings. Our department of social services has improved services, cut errors, and transitioned into cost saving and safe facilities that allow them to function during adverse weather.

Our 911 services have been improved and expanded through the joint regional 911 center with the counties of Hyde and Dare — a first in the state. The funding for our rural fire department has been stabilized and relationships with that department much improved.

The commission enjoys a good relationship with the county school board and the Town of Columbia, and we assist each other in many projects including riverfest, rivertown, recreational services, and utility services.

This past budget year our revenues exceeded budget by over $200,000 and expenses were below budget by $350,000. I believe we run a very efficient operation.

This is but a capsule of the work of the commission. Our challenges are many and vary from economic development and loss of tax base to funding and transportation. We must find a way to develop and broaden our tax base without creating adverse problems to the citizens. We must continue to expand utility services and attack flooding issues throughout the county.

I have played a small part on all the decisions laid out here but I am only one of five and credit is due to all members of the commission. If elected, I will continue to represent our county with all my abilities in an honorable way and do my best to be mindful of your concerns in that representation. I thank you for your past support and ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

JOYCE SYKES FITCH

I was born and raised in Columbia, Tyrrell County. I am 73 years old and retired. After High School, I moved from Columbia for 50+ years. I attended colleges/university, worked, got married, have 2 children and 8 grandchildren.

After retirement, I moved back home to Columbia, June 2017. I have joined 2 Committees in town, attend the town meetings and attend all the Churches in the Community.

I am interested in being a part of the good things that the Officials are trying to do for the Community, Town and County.

I am running for A Tyrrell County Commissioners Board Seat.

One important Goal is: To encourage Everyone to get Registered and VOTE, IT’S YOUR RIGHT.

You can Register to Vote at the Court House in Columbia, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also Register and do Early Voting at the same time, starting February 13 to February 29, 2020.

Also Please remember! The Primary Election is: Tuesday March 3, 2020. Please Vote!!!

DARRYL LIVERMAN

My name is Darryl Liverman. I am a candidate for Tyrrell County Commissioner. I am a life long resident of Tyrrell County. I retired as Sheriff of Tyrrell County in 2018. I currently work part time with Bryan Funeral Service. I am also an active reserve Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. I am 60 years old. I have one adult daughter Mallory L. Phelps. I am the adult Sunday School teacher and Superintendent at Columbia Christian Church. I am also a  member of the Assembly of Praise.

I have been a public servant my entire adult life. I have over 39 years of public service and want to continue to serve you. I have served with Tyrrell EMS and Tyrrell Fire Department as a volunteer. I have served as your elected Sheriff, as a Deputy Sheriff, as a Correctional Officer and as Correctional Sgt. I served two terms on the Tyrrell County Board of Education serving two years as Chairman. Also served as a member of the Board of Elections.

As a member of the Board of Education and as Sheriff I am familiar with the issues that Tyrrell County is currently facing. I am also familiar with budgets including the County budget process. As Sheriff I was in charge of an annual budget of almost one million dollars.

I am running for the office of County Commissioner to work with my fellow Commissioners and County Manager to find solutions to our shrinking tax base and to work with other local, state and federal agencies as well as businesses to bring revenue into Tyrrell County.

I feel that my experience with budgets and serving in the position of Board of Education and Sheriff will help me work on the County budget and will help me make wise and difficult decisions for our county in the future.

I don’t have a personal agenda; I want to serve all citizens of Tyrrell County and do what is best for all of us.

I would appreciate your vote and support on March 3rd. Early voting begins February 13th.

CARL WILLIS

My name is Carl Willis. I am a retired wildlife officer spending most of my career in Tyrrell County. My wife Suzanne and I moved here in 1970 and have lived here

most of our lives. We raised two sons here that graduated from Columbia High School. We call Tyrrell County home. I am a member of Soundside Missionary Baptist Church where I serve on the board of deacons. I have served on the Tyrrell fire department and rescue squad. I have served on the board of education, Columbia board of aldermen and currently serve on the Tyrrell County board of commissioners.

I serve with two things in mind. Do what is best for Tyrrell County and its citizens and treat everyone the same.

During my tenure as commissioner we have expanded our sewer system to areas that could not install septic tanks enabling them to build homes. We have expanded our water system to areas without public water. We are in the process of building a new food pantry for the citizens of Tyrrell County and other projects.

I am running this my last term because I would like to help finish some projects we have started. I ask for your vote and support one more time. With your help and your ideas we can make Tyrrell County an even greater place to live. Thank You.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

LEE SCRIPTURE

My name is Lee Scripture, III and I am running to be re-elected to the Tyrrell County School Board. I have served on this board for the past 8 years supporting the education of OUR future –- OUR children. Since relocating to Tyrrell County in 2001, I have been an active member serving on the Tyrrell County Volunteer Fire Department and wish to continue to serve you in the capacity of a school board member. As an educator myself, I believe that education is the backbone of the community and that our children deserve the very best education that we can provide. As your elected school board member, I will strive to ensure that our children receive a high-quality education from teachers and staff who are the best choices for our community. As a school board member, I will represent our school, administration, faculty, students, and community locally and at the state level to ensure that the teachers have opportunities to become the best educators for our community. Our students deserve every opportunity for success. I ask for your vote to continue support OUR public education system.

JANIE SPENCER

My name is Janie Spencer. I have faithfully served in many roles, Board chair to member, on the Board of Education for over 20 years. I graduated from Columbia High School as did my three children, Shameka, Vivian and Derrick. I am a graduate of Elizabeth City State University and the Executive Director of Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline. As a member of the Board of Education, I do believe in putting children first in our decision making. I also believe in listening to school personnel and community members, realizing that there are two sides to any story. My father taught me that in any situation I approach, be fair. I believe that in my tenure as a board mealier, I have done just that. I started my journey as a board member because a former Guidance Counselor told my daughter the she wouldn’t be successful in life. I thought to myself, “How many children are told that daily.” I wanted to make sure that ail children were given a fair chance to follow their dreams. Children have changed, staff has changed and laws have changed; it takes a person that is devoted to help and do no harm, to serve as a board member. Tyrrell County Schools hold a special place in my heart and with your votes, I will continue to serve to the best of my abilities.