Braswell Files For Commissioners Seat

Tony Braswell filed Friday for a vacant seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. Braswell, of Pine Level, previously served three terms on the Board of Commissioners. JoCoReport.com File Photo

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.