Incumbents

Thad Ussery

ADDRESS: 106 Lake Run, Rockingham

FAMILY: Wife Mary Jane Ussery, two daughters Rhonda Belkoski and husband Dave, and Angela Ammons and husband Rodney; two grandchildren, Caroline Marks and husband Jon, and Thaddeus Seth Williams.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Rockingham High School

BUSINESS: Served a four year apprenticeship with the railroad. I started my own business in 1968, Richmond Steel & Welding (steel fabricating plant), and operated this business for 40 years.

PRIOR POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served as a County Commissioner since 1994, and am presently serving on the following boards and committees, Richmond County Health Board Chairman, Sandhills Mental Health Board Chairman, also the Finance Committee, Workforce Development Board of Directors, BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Regional Task Force Board of Directors, Richmond Community College Foundation Board of Directors and the Richmond County Schools CTE Advisory Board.

The downturn in the economy has hit Richmond County hard, yet we still have been able to see growth in our county. We have since November of 2009 seen the expansion and retention of 560 jobs and an investment of $22 million. This comes about because of the economic development team we have. The planning and the partnership we have developed over the last 15 years with the N.C. Dept. of Commerce, the Governors’ office, N.C. Southeast Economic Partnership, our schools, our community college, our municipalities, and our development committee. We need to stay the course with our partnership team, and this will help grow our economy.

There are still things I believe I can continue to play a big part in improving the economy for the county. One thing is to continue work with our schools and college and to make sure they have the resources need to educate our workers. It is absolutely a must to train our people for the higher paying skill jobs that I know can be brought to our county.

Having own and operated a manufacturing business I believe I have the knowledge and expertise to deal with budgets and know what a business is looking for when it is planning to relocate or expand its operation. I have and believe I can continue to be a part of improving the economy in Richmond County. I believe we are on the right track and need to aggressively stay the course.

Pamela N. Dillman

ADDRESS: 804 Fayetteville Road, Rockingham

FAMILY: Husband Paul, three children, three grandchildren, parents were Pop and Mildred Nettles of Hamlet.

EDUCATION: Went school in Richmond County and attended college at Louisburg and Richmond Community College.

BUSINESS: Real estate investor.

EXPERIENCE: Member of the Rotary Club, Business and Professional Women’s Club, Woman’s Club, Friends of Leath Library, environmental groups and a member of First United Methodist Church, Rockingham. In the State of N.C. I am on the Environmental Board. With the National Association of County Commissioners, I’m on the Transportation Board, Vice Chair of Airport Board, and newly elected Vice President of the Female Commissioners of the USA.

“It takes everyone working together to help with new jobs and a change in our economy.

Jobs I would like to see in our county will be green jobs. There will be more biofuel companies built to process our new energy. There will be more plants built like the one in Raeford. Jobs there start at $35,000, and are trained on location. Grasses, vegetation and our forest will be some of the new crops for fuel. A distribution center connected to our port in Wilmington will bring jobs with the railroad, trucking, airports and other companies. We have to go out and ask questions, and invite new ideas and industry in to be successful. The first start is a five-year plan that will lead to a “2020 project for Success.”

We can not have boundaries when it comes to working with other counties. Success will only come by working together. Commissioners that have the same visions and work together will make our economy successful.

I will use every chance to find money and information to bring back home.

The new workforce with biofuel, distribution of goods and our Base Realignment in our eleven county-area will bring new ideas. We have to change some things to create new jobs, new industry and a clean environment. Our children and grandchildren deserve better. It starts today!”

Jimmy Maske

ADDRESS: 1402 Carolina Dr., Rockingham

FAMILY: Wife, Peggy Allen Maske; four daughters: Jamie Allen-Greene, assistant principal at Rockingham Middle School; Kim Newton librarian at Richmond Senior High School; Paige Simmons, bookkeeper at Richmond Senior High School; and Heidi Brown, an attorney in Greensboro. 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Rockingham High School in 1954 and continued education at Presbyterian Junior College.

BUSINESS: Richmond County Board of Commissioners 1998 until present. Active member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church.

I served on the Richmond Board of Education for 10 years and have served on the Richmond County Board of Commissioners from 1976-1996 and from 1998 until the present.

Richmond County has felt the effects of the worst economic climate in decades. We had suffered through the loss of our textile industry. The Board of Commissioners, including myself, began work many years ago on improving the business climate by developing additional industrial property, investing on our water infrastructure, creating local incentives and building partnerships with he municipalities, the Department of Commerce, RCC, North Carolina’s Southeast. The utility companies and other allies. This work along with the improvement of our highway infrastructure courtesy of NCDOT and G.R. Kindley has begun to pay off over the last five years.

If re-elected, I would like to continue to work with the economic development partners to further enhance the business-friendly climate we have created. We do the things that industries say that want including fast track permitting, free or reduced land for qualifying projects, property tax grants, and infrastructure/site preparation grants. We have invested into our airport, making it a valuable. Economic and development tool.

I will continue to support funding for the expanding of the water supply, including our water plant. We are blessed to have access to an abundant supply via Blewett Falls Lake, which will allow us to compete aggressively in the future, whereas other areas may be limited due to lack of adequate water supply.

An educated and well-trained workforce is important to existing, expanding, and new industries. I will continue to support funding of our K-12 education system and Richmond Community College. In order for our companies to keep up with competition, today’s workplace continues to get more automated and high tech. This modern workplace requires a highly skilled workforce. I will continue to work with the Richmond County Board of Education and the Community College Trustees on ways to prepare our children for the 21st century.

I cannot promise to fix the overall economic situation in America, But I do pledge to do the best I can with the resources we have to improve the economy in Richmond County.

Paul Junior Wilson

ADDRESS: 303 Gold Leaf Farm Rd. Ellerbe. NC 28338

FAMILY: Betty Wilson, two children Brian Wilson and Teresa Hulon.

“I was elected County Commissioner in 1998 and ran because I knew this county needed jobs. Taxes were at an all time high and being a large property owner, I along with many others needed a break on our taxes. I wanted economic development because I knew that it was a way to bring down our taxes and would also give our citizens a place to work in their county. I found out everyone on there wanted the same things jobs and tax base. We all sat down in many meetings and came to an agreement to build infrastructure, industrial parks and buildings. We knew the new highway system would be coming which was a big plus for Richmond County. We rolled up our sleeves and got on board with the cities of Rockingham, Hamlet, Hoffman, and Norman for one purpose, which was to make Richmond County a place to make a home. Things worked out well, we had the Shell Building Project started, we also started industrial parks then businesses and industries started talking.

Everyone wanted to work together with land, water and sewer service. Richmond County was not in sewer service and the city stepped up to the plate providing sewer service and the industry started coming and jobs began to start. The tax base has been raised from $1.1 billion-$2.5 billion resulting in a tax savings of home and property owners. The Progress Energy generation plant came online, the REA Touchstone Electric Power Plant was started which as of this date is building a tax base. Ritz Craft, Laticreek, Page Shutters and Big Rock Sports locate in the US 74 bypass Industrial Park and major companies in this county. I am proud of these companies. This past week Plastek announced that it was coming to Richmond County with 250 jobs. Also, there was a recent announcement made about the Goldleaf Foundation to help provide sewer service from Ellerbe to Rockingham and East Rockingham, the Jefferson Park area which will open up new economic development land. I am just thankful for he people I have served with and the many accomplishments that have been made. I will continue to work hard for economic development. Let me say that, my record speaks for itself. This was not done by any one person but as the old saying goes, “United we will overcome, divided we will fall.”

Challengers

Jimmy Capps

ADDRESS: 432 Wiregrass Road, Rockingham

If I were elected as a county commissioner, I think the most important project that would be very beneficial to our economic growth of Richmond County is to find a way to install a county wide water and sewer system. By doing so we will be able to develop growth along Highway 74 (Interstate 73 & 74) bypass. I believe we can encourage new businesses to open and existing county businesses to relocate along the exits. I believe by doing so we can entice travelers to stop and spend money which means more sales tax dollars, therefore we will increase money flow into the county. This would also mean that the county would not have to primarily depend on the local taxpayers. I know this may seem as a long term goal to achieve but I feel we must get started, so that we can become a more prosperous county and grow along with the interstate highway system.

Tony Martin

ADDRESS: 112 Stan Ave., Rockingham.

EDUCATION: Graduate of Richmond County Schools.

FAMILY: Wife, Martha Diggs Martin, four daughters, Toni Ann McRae, Chris McDonald and Traci Batson, all of Rockingham, and Deanna Kimball of West End, and one son, Scott Martin of Raleigh.

“As a commissioner for Richmond County, my primary goal would be to improve our county’s economy. I would work to find ways to persuade businesses to come to and remain in the county; therefore increasing jobs and revenues. While some of these efforts would be aimed at larger industries, an equal amount of effort would be aimed at small businesses that contribute so much to our economy. I would also listen to the needs and concerns of the county’s citizens and take into consideration how the decisions made by commissioners impact people on a personal level. I would avoid increasing property taxes to support a budget that allows for wasteful and/or unnecessary items, and make efforts to find ways to cut the existing budget.

I have owned and operated businesses in Richmond County for over 40 years, and I have learned from experience what it takes to create and support a budget that works. I also understand the importance of a citizen’s role in our county and recognize the diverse perspectives from which we all are affected by the decisions made by county government. If elected, I would use this knowledge and experience to aid me in representing the people of Richmond County. My priority as a commissioner would be the people of this county, and I would act in their best interest and always be available to listen to concerns and suggestions.”

H.L. Webb

Harold Lynwood Webb Jr.

ADDRESS: 118 W. Temple Ave. Rockingham, N.C.

EDUCATION: Graduated Rockingham High School and have spent all of my life in Richmond County except for 4 years in law enforcement in another county. Spent most of my life in Emergency Services attending Richmond Technical Institute, Wilson Technical Institute in Wilson, N.C., U.S. Army Community Service Training for Underwater Search and Rescue, Richmond Community College, Appalachian State University, U.S. Department of the Treasury, ATF Division, U.S. Department of Justice D.E.A. School and numerous N.C. Department of Community Colleges in service schools. I am also s certified fire fighter, Ambulance Attendant E-03, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Fire Fighter, Certified N.C. Law Enforcement Officer, Certified Homicide Investigator, Advanced Death Investigator, Breathalyzer Operator, Radar Speed Operator, Police Information Network Operator, Drug Enforcement and Investigations, Urine Drug Screen Technician Collector, Alcohol Screening Technician Collector, Certified Fleet Safety Compliance Safety Director, Supervisors Training for Substance Abuse, Commercial Vehicle And Brake Inspector and a Licensed N.C. CDL Class A holder.

BUSINESS: Small business owner of Jeffrey Transportation, Inc. and Gold Star Transportation, a trucking brokerage company located in Richmond County.

FAMILY: Married Goldie C. Webb 1971 and had one son, Jeffrey Lynn Webb, born 1974, now deceased. Mother is Gwen D. Webb.

Served as Richmond County Commissioner from 1998 to 2006.

I would again would like to bring the issues of everyday Richmond County residents to the board. Being self-employed in the transportation business, it requires me to travel outside the county dealing with others in manufacturing and distribution, which also gives me insight in how other regions are succeeding. I have been a strong advocate for economic development. While on the board we knew we needed infrastructure if we were going to succeed.

The commissioners sat down, came up with a plan and stuck with it. Challenges began that would require all county governments; Rockingham, Hamlet, Ellerbe, Norman, Hoffman, Richmond Community College Board of Directors and staff and the Board of Education; with civilian leaders to work together to share ideas, land for industrial parks, water and sewer resources and training. This now is a reality.

The plan of sewer service from Hamlet to Rockingham will benefit Hamlet because they won’t have to spend millions updating their sewer plant and now the long awaited sewer service announced for East Rockingham and Jefferson Park areas who have had sewage running to the top of ground. This health issue is now being fixed.

These projects have been ongoing for many years. This infrastructure will open up many areas unavailable before for economic development which will create jobs and tax base. In 1995, the tax base in Richmond County was $1.1 billion. The tax rate was .92. While on the Board, 1998 to 2006, the tax base grew to $1.8 billion, and because all governmental entities were working together, and the projects still ongoing, the tax base now is $2.5 billion. The tax rate is now .82. It doesn’t get the job done. So far, no government employees nor educators have been laid off, as has happened in other areas. Why? A plan was started, stuck to and results can be seen. If elected, this plan will continue as in the past. Richmond County is now a known business and Industry friendly community, and has strong ties to the Southeast Economic Development Council and N.C. Department of Commerce.

I will again use common sense decisions and push for economic development as in the past to create jobs and build tax base so you can be offered the lowest tax rate possible as home and property owners. We need jobs, jobs and more jobs with tax base.

Col. Larry Rogers (Retired)

ADDRESS: 109 N. Ledbetter Street, Rockingham

MILITARY SERVICE: Served in U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army for 37 years, 15 of those being under the umbrella of the Army’s Special Operations Forces. Also served as NATO Base Commander in 2001 during the Bosnian conflict, taught at the Naval War College, was selected for the Army War College and taught at the Army Intelligence School at Fort Bragg.

FAMILY: Wife, Glenda; two daughters and two sons; two granddaughters and two grandsons.

“As a county commissioner, I feel that it is every commissioner’s responsible to search for new industries for the county. Personally, I would use the N.C. Southeast Regional Economic Partnership, and contact every business on their list of companies searching for new buildings to relocate or expand in our area. In addition, as a charter member of the Richmond County Entrepreneurial Council, I would assist current businesses in the county that want to expand, assist residents that wish to start their own business here and assist businesses outside Richmond County, searching for new locations, to relocate here. That includes finding buildings suitable for their enterprise, directing them to the proper financial aid sources and providing them with the necessary incentives from the county.:

Don Bryant

ADDRESS: 3421 N. U.S. 1, Hoffman

EDUCATION: Educated through high school in Richmond County, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from NCSU.

FAMILY: Wife Sandy.

I served a tour of duty in the military, and returned to NCSU to obtain Masters Degrees in both Education and Science. I taught for 30 years at Richmond Senior High School, took several classes at Richmond Community College, and have owned and managed a small business, Bryant’s Turf and Landscaping, since 1978. I served on the town council of Hoffman for fourteen years, helping to make it the only city in this county now highly solvent with a surplus of approximately $1.5 million. My community involvement includes North Carolina Mentors Association, Richmond County Humane Society, Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, Keep Richmond County Beautiful, Richmond County Beekeepers, and Hamlet Tree Board. At church, I have served as vice-chair of trustees, and my wife Sandy and I have been on foreign and domestic mission trips during the last seven years including to Appalachia and to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Getting to know and helping people is important to me. I enjoy challenging work, and I truly believe in a great future for our county through my partnership with all our citizens.

The following are some key ideas to improve Richmond County’s economy:

Promote and support existing businesses by buying local.

Offer better incentives to existing businesses for expansion, as well as to new businesses.

Offer worthwhile incentives to renovate unused buildings rather than constructing new ones.

Use a designated percent of contracts for all county projects to employ local contractors, plumbers, electricians, laborers, etc. in order to be awarded a contract.

Supply water to Camp McCall because it is soon to become the center of major growth.

Create a state park open to RV’s and horse trailers on the Sandhills Game Land to bring tourism into the county and much-needed revenue into it and into our state.

Cut county operating costs:

Use postcards rather than first class mail for water bills, savings $19,173.72 per year.

Send one bill for multiple tagged vehicles to the owner or business rather than one bill per vehicle.

Offer as much on-line transaction to county residents as possible for A. and B.

Consign our county tax collections to this county, not to a Charlotte agency.

My father taught me at an early age, “Dig deep while sluggers sleep and you will have corn to sell and corn to keep.”

Ben Moss Jr.

ADDRESS: 121 Graham St., Hamlet

FAMILY: Wife: Amber Moss Daughter: Maggie Moss 3 years old Son of Tommy and Verlen Moss Two sisters: Beverly McFayden and Kim Moss

EDUCATION: Attended Public Schools in Richmond County and Graduated from Richmond Senior High School. Attended Clayton Community College.

BUSINESS: Currently employed with CSX- Transportation,

UTU Local 1011 President and Local Chairman.

If elected as a County Commissioner my number one priority would be to bring decent paying jobs into this county. The only way we can improve our local economy is for our citizens to have self sustaining jobs. Jobs that people can work and have enough money to pay their bills and have some left over at the end of the work week. With our natural resources, hard working citizens and a helpful Community College we should have everything growing industries would be looking for. We also have to find a way to support our local business’s so that we can keep our money in our county. Far to many times our citizens go 25 miles north in order to entertain themselves. When we get the new businesses another top priority would be doing whatever ti takes to be able to keep them here in Richmond County. With the common sense and hard work ethic I have been blessed with I feel I could make a difference in Richmond County.

Greg Norton

ADDRESS: 127 Chalk Fork Road Rockingham NC 28379

FAMILY: Wife: Antoinette Norton Son: Christopher Norton

BUSINESS: AAS Mechanical Drafting and Design

EDUCATION: Will complete BS Industrial Technology from ECU Spring 2011

To improve the economy of Richmond County, I will support the continued efforts of the Economic Development Staff of Richmond County. Additionally, I feel in order for Richmond County to grow and prosper in a globally competitive market it is imperative for us to have a skilled workforce to meet current and future needs. As an educator I know the board of commissioners must work hand-in-hand with Richmond County Schools, Richmond Community College and all economic development efforts to prepare a workforce to meet the needs of an ever-changing business/industrial climate. I want all citizens of Richmond County to be able to earn a living, provide for their families and realize an abundant quality of life.

Another avenue I feel we must pursue to insure economic prosperity in Richmond County is alternative agricultural practices. Richmond County has been blessed with abundant natural resources. We must explore how to utilize agri-tourism, hydroponics or alternative crops and farming methods to improve and sustain our economy.

Finally, to improve the economy in Richmond County, I feel we must take full advantage of our transportation system. Having three major thoroughfares and a major rail yard in this part of our state makes Richmond County a prime location to recruit more distribution facilities. The continued improvement of our airport along with our industrial parks only enhances our marketability. If elected I will work diligently with fellow commissioners and all other stake holders to improve the

economic climate of our county. Richmond County citizens deserve no less.