Johnston County Commissioner Chad Stewart announced today his plans to seek re-election.
In an exclusive interview with WTSB News and JoCoReport.com Stewart made his announcement. “It is with great excitement but also with a humble heart that I announce my intention to seek re-election to the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the citizens of Johnston County and hope they will give me the opportunity to continue serving them in this capacity.”
Stewart, a 47 year-old small business owner, 1988 graduate of South Johnston High School, and a 1998 graduate of Campbell University with a degree in Business Administration. He is also a United States Navy veteran.
Stewart, a conservative Republican, was appointed in 2013 to fill out the 2 year unexpired term of his father, the late Wade Stewart, who died while in office. Chad was elected in 2014 to District 3.
Before he took office, Chad said he closely watched his father serve 14 years as a County Commissioner and realized the importance of listening to citizens, keeping property taxes low, saving money, while at the same time working to attract growth and new jobs.
“As a lifelong resident of Four Oaks and Johnston County, I am passionate about the well-being of all our citizens. I believe I have the knowledge and experience to move Johnston County forward while maintaining the unique character only Johnston County has to offer. I have the desire and ability to find workable solutions for any problem we may face,” Chad said.
Stewart has used his business background and financial knowledge to help keep the property tax rate of 78 cents unchanged while providing a balanced multi-million dollar budget every year.
Commissioner Stewart and fellow board members have consistently received a clean financial audit report and have been able to refinance existing debt at lower interest rates saving Johnston County citizens millions of dollars.
As the Johnston County Fire Commissioner for the last 4 years, Chad said he understands and is passionate about the important role that the county board plays in fire, EMS and law enforcement.
He also said while it is important to reflect on prior accomplishments it is even more important to have a clear vision for future growth and economic development while also being able to meet the growing demand for countywide infrastructure.
As a Christian, family values are extremely important to Chad. His wife, Ursula, is an elementary teacher in Johnston County Public Schools. Their three school age sons – Grant, Drew and Grimes – all attend Johnston County Public Schools.
“I understand the important role the Board of Commissioners plays in supporting education. During my time in office we have continued to build new schools, borrowed $30 million dollars for repairs and renovations of older schools, and have provided monies to increase teacher supplements.”
While not running his small business, spending time with his family, or taking care of Board of Commissioner duties, Chad volunteers on the Four Oaks Elementary and Middle School PTA’s. He is also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Four Oaks, Four Oaks Civitans, Rotary Club of Central Johnston County, American Legion Post 346 and serves on several other boards in the county as assigned by the Board Chairman.
Chad and his family enjoy spending time on the family farm, hunting, participating in church activities, and attending athletic events.
