3-way contest for District 7
By LEE HINNANT
Once again, the race for the District 7 county commission seat has attracted considerable attention. Incumbent Commissioner David Dutton faces two challengers in the Democrat primary election Tuesday.
The winner of the Democrat primary race will square off against Republican Sammy Hinson in November.
Dutton, 55, fended off a four-way challenge from fellow Democrats in 2002, including Bobby Joe Long, who is running again. The other Democrat seeking the post this time is Ronald Gore.
Dutton is an automobile dealer who attended Southwood Junior College and Southeastern Community College. He has worked in the construction business in the past and is an active member of the East Coast Hunters Association. He is married to the former Rhonda Hinson.
Gore, 55, is the plant operations director for the county schools and has 20 years of experience. He formerly owned a hardware store and was a manager at Lowe’s. Gore is a U.S. Army veteran who served one tour in Vietnam and has served on the state’s advisory council for public instruction. He has also served on the curriculum advisory council for Southeastern Community College.
A graduate of Nakina High School, Gore has attended SCC, Robeson Community College and N.C. State University. He attends Palmyra Baptist Church and is married to the former Rita Formyduval. The couple has two adult sons.
Long, 67, is a former county schools employee who also worked in construction for 40 years. He is active in the Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys ball leagues and has been a volunteer for Nakina Fire and Rescue for many years.
Long attends Pine Level Freewill Baptist Church and has two adult daughters and one adult son.
The News Reporter gave questionnaires to the candidates. Their written responses appear below.
Why are you seeking the position of Columbus County commissioner?
Dutton: I think we are making positive headway in many aspects of county government. We are focusing on important issues that mean a lot to the average resident of our county. I’m proud of what, working together, the commissioners have been able to do to help our county citizens. I ask that the voters help me continue to do the work they have elected me to do.
Gore: I, like many others in Columbus County, have sat idly by and watched our county commissioners spend and waste our tax dollars until our county financial credibility has virtually been destroyed. I began to realize that someone had to take a stand for the people of this county and its future … With my business and professional experience I will be able to implement cost-saving methods … the ineffective tax and spend practice of our current commissioners must be stopped … It’s time for self-interest politics to take a back seat to the welfare of our taxpaying citizens.
Long: I have talked to several people in the community and they feel it is time for a change in our county government and I feel the same way.
What do you believe distinguishes you from other candidates?
Dutton: Experience. My experience as county commissioner has given me an understanding and knowledge of county government that I have learned over many years of service. When any county resident, regardless of district, comes to me with a concern or problem, more than likely, I know the particular department they need and a county employee they can talk with immediately. I would like to think this makes things run smoother for county residents … The county commissioner’s role is too important for on-the-job training.
Gore: I feel I am the most qualified candidate … I have had over 20 years experience implementing and managing multi-million-dollar budgets. I currently hold an N.C. industrial-commercial wastewater license and am a licensed industrial-commercial subsurface system operator. I also hold an N.C. public drinking water system operator license. I have the financial experience and know-how to wisely manage the Columbus County budget. I am very familiar with the environmental issues facing Columbus County …
Long: I am out in the district more, year round, than any other candidate. I also talk with the people more in the district.
The county’s undesignated fund balance – its savings account – is precariously low. Short of raising taxes, how should county government build up its financial reserves?
Dutton: The absolute best way to build our financial reserves is to expand the county’s economic situation through building a stronger tax base. I am excited about the expansion at the county industrial park and some opportunities that may come along with Dole foods for our county’s farmers. We are serious about economic development in the county. In both the short and long term, that will help us build our economic tax base.
Gore: We must first look at each department within county government to ensure each department is being run efficiently. We must adhere to e-procurement state contract purchasing guidelines, which should ensure that county government would buy all its materials, supplies and equipment at the lowest price…
(Implement cost-savings programs such as the high-efficiency lighting and heating systems that saved the county schools nearly 18 percent of their energy budget)
County commissioners allocated some $200,000 to design an auditorium for Williams Township School. I am hopeful that lottery construction dollars will come … and not allow the $200,000 already spent on design to be wasted.
Long: I would have to find out what options are available.
What are your thoughts on countywide election of commissioners?
Dutton: The case of Ward v. Columbus County, decided in 1991, has directed the county on how to create and maintain its county commissioner districts. Based on information given to me, this case is still the appropriate law. Because of that, the proper court would be the one to tell the county government on how to proceed with any countywide election of commissioners.
Gore: I feel that minority and other districts could remain in place but still allow all citizens in Columbus County to vote at large for all commissioner seats. County commissioners need to be held accountable to all taxpayers of this county; we vote for “county commissioners,” not “district commissioners.”
Long: I think it should be left up to the people and let them decide what they want.
What area – or areas – of county government do you believe warrant the most attention in the immediate future?
Dutton: Economic development. Our county is a diamond in the rough. We are surrounded by economically growing counties. I believe the job of the commissioners is to create a vision and implement a plan of how to make the most of that growth and apply it to our county. With our land suitable for agriculture, commercial real estate or residential growth, we can have a bright future…
Gore: Tax rate must not increase. Delinquent taxes must be collected. Economic growth must begin now. Solid waste cost must be reduced. Water and sewer must be self-supporting. School funding must go forward. Sheriff’s department funding must go forward. Fire and rescue must go forward. Department of Aging must go forward. Citizens … must be informed about county business.
Long: All areas need attention.
For challengers only: How many county commission meetings have you attended in the past 12 months?
Gore: No response.
Long: No response.