Former three term Johnston County Commissioner Tony Braswell of Pine Level filed today (Friday) for a vacant seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.
Braswell did not seek re-election to his District 6 seat in 2016. Keith Branch won the election but announced earlier this month he was stepping down effective September 30th.
“Today I filed an application for the vacant District 6 commissioner’s seat. This was not a spur of the moment decision for me. During the last 30 days I received numerous calls, emails and texts urging me to apply,” Braswell told WTSB News.
“The job of a county commissioner requires commitment, time, and a sincere desire to serve and accessible to the people they serve. I left this seat to run for another office and I was not successful.”
“The people elected me for 3 terms representing this district and was blessed to serve two years as Vice Chairman and for two years as Chairman.”
“I have a clear understanding how county government works and how it affects the daily lives of its citizens. Furthermore, I know there are many hard working citizens going to work every day trying to support their families, and they expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely.”
“The complexity of a fast growing county means many, tough decisions will have to be made, and I feel with my experience I am equipped to offer insight in these decisions while being a wise and conservative steward of taxpayer money. Some of the responsibility of a county commissioner is funding for Public Safety, Education, but of equal importance, is to be a commissioner of the people. I believe my record speaks very clearly to that issue based on my past elected offices,” Braswell said.
Before serving as a county commissioner from 2004 to 2016, Braswell was Mayor of Pine Level from 1999 to 2003. He also served two terms as a Pine Level Town Commissioner. He is a charter member of the Johnston County Vietnam Veterans of America, charter member of the Vietnam Veterans of America – Smithfield chapter, charter member of the Pine Level VFW, past commander of the Pine Level American Legion, and a life member of the Johnston County DAV. He is also a member of the Selma Masonic Lodge 320 and chairman of the NC Veterans Affairs Commission. Braswell previously served on the Johnston County Veterans Advisory Committee.
Braswell is a US Army veteran having served one tour in Vietnam. He spent 32 years in the agri-insurance industry. He currently owns Legends Real Estate and Holt Lake Gas & Grill. He is married to Nobie T. Braswell. They have 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
A total of 5 candidates have applied for the vacant District 6 seat. The others are Mark Lee, Brent Wiggs, David Lee Jackson, and Darryl Mitchell. Under state law, commissioners have 60 days to fill the vacancy.
