Republican commissioner candidates meet voters, share platforms

ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County voters gathered at VFW Post 4203 on Saturday to learn a little more about the Republican’s running for the Board of Commissioners this election.

This year features the highest number of Republicans ever running for this particular office.

“I am proud of all the candidates that we have running,” said Rep. Ben Moss. “We have the best chance we’ve ever had of turning the Board [of Commissioners] solid red. We need to make sure we get the right people in those positions.”

Each candidate was given an opportunity to address the crowd and share their motivations for why they’re running for office.

Karen Everett began the meeting by talking about the need for people to work together.

“Anytime that you serve on a board, you’re working as a team,” Everett said, later referencing Philippians 2:3. “Relationships only thrive when you consider others more important than yourself.”

She added how her background in real estate and law has prepared her for the collaborative she would be doing if elected as a commissioner.

Robin Roberts lamented the lack of activities for children to participate in Richmond County, and her interest in revitalizing the idea of a sports complex for children. She also mentioned supporting the Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to stop the meth epidemic.

“If elected, I will do everything in my power to make Richmond County a better place for our veterans, our elderly, our children and every citizen in Richmond County,” Roberts concluded.

Moss shared a message from current commissioner Rick Watkins, who was unable to attend due to his anniversary.

“It has been my honor to serve as a county commissioner for the past three and a half years,” Moss stated on Watkins’s behalf. “During that time, we have added approximately 400 new jobs to our county, secured 20 million dollars in grant funds for economic development, reduced our debt by over $10 million, provided funds to raise local teacher supplements, added state-of-the-art facilities for Richmond Community College, supported law enforcement and public safety, while continuing to build the infrastructure that will promote our growth.”

Jason Gainey shared an anecdote of his son’s experience dealing with a bully at school, and how, in order to solve a problem, it’s imperative to find out where a person is coming from and learn about their background.

“If we can set the tone for an atmosphere that’s different, we can help that little bully at Rockingham Middle School find a different path to have a better future for his life,” Gainey said.

Gainey also mentioned that in his work as President, COO of Sandhills Best Care, he sees thousands of people each month who are finding that path to a better life.

“It’s about people, it’s not about an individual,” Gainey said. “If any of the four seats are filled by any of the people running in this room, the Republican party and this county wins.”

Justin Dawkins, who is currently the vice chair of the Board of Commissioners, stated the need to be a “comprehensive advocate” for Richmond as a whole, and make sure that each municipality is working in the same direction as the county.

“That’s been my sole focus the whole time over the past 16 months, and it’s going to continue to be my focus,” Dawkins said. “Whether or not I’m elected, I’m going to be helping and driving this, because it’s what I believe in.”

Dawkins said that his driving factor is his desire for his family to grow up in Richmond County and see it prosper.

“I love developing a culture, I love getting to know people and I love making a difference in everyone’s life,” Dawkins said. “That’s what drives me.”

Danny Pearson thanked Moss for “turning the county red,” and said that his background as a small business owner has prepared him for his bid for commissioner.

“I’ve worked for a lot of big businesses and small one man teams, and know all of them in between, and what needs they need to keep business and employees going,” Pearson said.

Ashley Brower, who is running for Clerk of Superior Court, announced that she’s received enough signatures to appear on the ballot this year. She acknowledged that she’s never worked in the Clerk’s Office.

“However, I have been a probation officer for the past 14 years. I’m constantly in and out of the clerk’s office,” Brower said. “I am a seeker of knowledge, and that’s why I’m running for this clerk’s position.”

Brower said that in her probation officer role, she speaks with judges, attorneys and people in “all walks of life.”

“I go in those houses and I stand there and talk to those people with dignity and respect because they deserve it,” Brower said, adding that she hopes to instill a newfound sense of dignity and respect to the Clerk’s Office.

Moss concluded the evening by highlighting the importance of this race and how it will impact the future of Richmond County and ensure the morals and values that are present in the county.

“That’s something Raleigh is lacking,” Moss said. “People won’t tell you that, but it’s the truth.”

To learn more about all of the candidates running to represent Richmond County from the local and state level, read their responses to a questionnaire from the Richmond County Daily Journal.