Richmond Senior High School drafting teacher Greg Norton became the 11th and final candidate to register for a seat on the Richmond County Board of Commissioners.

Of the 11 candidates, 10 are Democrats who will square off in the May primary for four spots on November’s ballot.

Norton, a Democrat, said he’d like to build on the successes the county has experienced over the past several years and “at the same time bring a fresh voice to the board.”

The focus of his campaign will be to reduce spending and improve education and workforce training.

“Although Richmond County has seen some economic growth with new industries, we need to actively seek further industrial growth,” Norton said. “We need to be proactive in training and educating our workforce in the public schools and Richmond Community College. Many of the jobs our middle schoolers will be competing for don’t even exist yet. We need to begin preparing now for the jobs of the future.”

He also cited his experience on the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments, where he has served since 2001.

The primary is May 4.

The race’s four incumbents - Commissioners Thad Ussery, Jimmy Maske, Paul Wilson Jr. and Pam Dillman - are Democrats.

Among repeat candidates in the Democratic Primary are small business owners Don Bryant, Tony Martin and H.L. Webb, who is a former commissioner, along with retired U.S. Army Colonel and Richmond County Marine Corps League Commander Larry Rogers.

Small business owner Jimmy Capps joins Norton as candidates who are running for the county commission for the first time.

Another familiar face to the county race is the lone Republican running for county commission, Ben Moss Jr.

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.