Johnston County Commissioner Jeff Carver of Clayton announced this afternoon (Wednesday) he would not seek re-election to another term.
Carver was first elected in December 2003 and with 16 years of service is the longest serving commissioner on the current board. His District 1 seat is up for re-election in 2020.
“It is with mixed emotion that I announce today that I will not seek re-election in 2020,” Carver told JoCoReport. “I have spent almost two decades as a Johnston County Commissioner and it has certainly flown by. As I look back this has been a time of enormous residential growth and major economic announcements. It has been fun to be a part of many wonderful things that have occurred in Johnston County and I will always look upon them favorably. I am very appreciative of the many relationships that have been formed over the years and can only say, thank you to all.”
Ted Godwin, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners said, “He has been there a long time. I hate to see him go. I respect Jeff’s opinion. I rely on him a lot to see how we got here on a specific issue and for his natural leadership.”
Vice Chairman Chad Stewart said, “It is – and has been – an honor and privilege to serve with Jeff. He and my father served together as well, which is special to me. He and I have had a great working relationship. He has done a great job leading our county government as chairman twice and with county finances. He is a great friend and I will miss him.”
County Manager Rick Hester said, “Mr. Carver has been and continues to be a true advocate for the citizens of Johnston County in his service as a County Commissioner. His background and experience in finance has been a tremendous asset. He has taught me a lot and I will greatly miss working with him in this capacity.”
Carver served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from Dec. 2010 to Dec. 2012 and as Chairman from Dec. 2012 to Dec. 2014 and Dec. 2016 to Dec. 2018.
In addition to being a Johnston County Commissioner, Carver also serves on the Johnston Health Board of Commissioners, is Vice Chairman of the Johnston Health Services Corporation Board and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Western Johnston Regional Water & Sewer Authority Board, Research & Training Zone Advisory Committee, and Johnston County Round Table.
Carver is a Senior Vice President and Manager of Commercial Banking for First Citizens.
The filing period for the 2020 municipal elections, including Carver’s District 1 Commission seat, opens Dec. 2, 2019 and continues through Dec. 20, 2019. The primary will be held March 3, 2020 and the general election will take place on Nov. 3, 2020.
