In an exclusive interview with WTSB News, Johnston County Commissioner Allen L. Mims Jr. confirmed Friday he will seek re-election to his sixth term.
Mims, from Clayton, represents District 7 on the county board. He was first elected in 1998.
“I decided to throw my hat back in the ring and see if the citizens wanted an experienced commissioner with a conservative approach to finances to remain on the board,” Mims told WTSB. “I have the time and the will and I enjoy doing it.”
Mims said keeping property taxes low and improving the bond rating are important to him.
“The property tax rate was 85 cents when I joined the board. It has been 78 cents the last 12 or 14 years. That’s another savings for the taxpayers. We’ve done so many things the last few years to help taxpayers and I’d like to keep them going,” Mims said.
“We’ve had 7 bond rating increases since I’ve been on the board. I would like to see the next rung on the ladder, a AAA Bond rating. Bond ratings save taxpayers a lot of money.”
Mims added, “I’ve had a lot more people ask me about running this time than in the previous four. I guess that’s because we have a fairly inexperienced board right now.”
Mims said experience is important. “The young guys say they would like to try something different. We’ll we’ve probably already tried it. With someone younger they might try something that we already know doesn’t work.”
Mims served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from 2010 to 2012 and Vice Chairman from 2008 to 2010.
He is the owner and operator of Leallen Farms and a Life Member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He received an Engineering degree from NC State University in 1973. He is also currently a member of the RTZ Advisory Committee, Library Board of Trustees, and Johnston Community College Board of Trustees.
Mims is a former member of the Clayton Planning and Zoning Board, Clayton Rotary Club, Clayton Auditorium Renovation Capital Campaign Chairman, Clayton Chamber of Commerce and Johnston County Community Foundation.
Mims and his wife, Lee, have two adult children, Allie and Pattie.
