County Commissioner Chairman, School Board Chairman Will Run For Same Seat In 2016

Thursday afternoon, a short time after Representative J.H. Langdon from McGee’s Crossroads announced he would not seek re-election to the NC House District 28 seat, the chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners and chairman of the Johnston County School Board both announced they would seek Langdon’s seat in 2016.

Commissioner Chairman Tony Braswell and School Chairman Larry Strickland, both from Pine Level, will challenge one another for the House seat.  Both consider one another a good friend. 

Tony-BraswellCommissioner Chairman Tony Braswell
“I am a candidate for NC House Seat 28 because it’s time for government to stop over-regulating the people of North Carolina and stifling our economic growth,” said Braswell. “But first, I would like to thank Representative Langdon for his more than a decade of public service to the people of the 28th district. He has worked hard for the working families of Johnston County and I hope to continue his good works.”

Braswell is a Johnston County Commissioner and former Mayor of Pine Level. He also serves as the Chairman of the NC Veterans Affairs Commission and is a member of the NC Child Fatality Commission. Braswell retired after 22 years  in the Agri-Insurance industry.  He and his wife were owners of several florists in Johnston County before retiring in 2009.  He is currently managing partner of Legends Real Estate, a property management firm.

“I will be ready to lead on Day One in the NC House due to my previous experience in elected office,” said Braswell. “But more importantly, I’m a businessman who has worked for more than 22 years in the Agri-Insurance business. I know first-hand that the agriculture economy plays a hugely important role in the economy of Johnston County. And just as importantly, as a small business owner I am well-aware of the burden of government overregulation and how this overregulation impedes greater job creation. It has been my honor to serve Johnston County constituents and I hope to be able to continue this public service.

Braswell is completing his 11th year as a commissioner and the first year as Chairman. He previously served two years as vice chairman.  Braswell is as the past Mayor of Pine Level. 

Larry-StricklandSchool Board Chairman Larry Strickland
“It is with great humility that I would like to thank Representative J.H. Langdon for his service to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina, especially in the fields of Education, Agriculture and State Personnel. Representative Langdon’s vision, integrity and character are second to none,” Strickland told WTSB News on Thursday.  “He truly is “The Gentleman of the House.” He is a friend, a mentor and a true reflection of Christ.”

“After much prayer, thought, and discussion with close friends and family, I have decided to file December 1st to run for the District 28 Seat of the NC House of Representatives. Just as Representative Langdon, Education will remain a priority in Raleigh as it always has been in my service to Johnston County. I believe my experience of serving in the community as a member of Johnston County Board of Education and, specifically as Chairman, have uniquely prepared me to represent the people, parents and children of this wonderful county we all love.”

“I grew up on a farm in Johnston County and have deep roots in Agriculture. I still have a working farm where we grow a variety of agricultural commodities, which are vital to North Carolina. I realize that Agriculture is the largest industry in the state and if elected, I pledge to help Agriculture Commissioner Troxler reach his $100 Billion goal in North Carolina. Johnston County’s root and especially the 28th District are in Agriculture, and I will not forget that most important fact. “

“I have worked for a quarter century for the Department of Transportation and understand how vital infrastructure is to the economy of this state and intend to bring a vision of growth to the General Assembly. Getting people back to work is important and infrastructure is a key component of economic development.”

Strickland has served on the Johnston County Board of Education since 1998 and as Chairman since 2008. He served on the Pine Level Town Board from 1995 to 1998. 

District 28
NC House District 28 includes the eastern, southern and western portions of Johnston County including the towns of Pine Level, Selma, Micro, Princeton, Benson, Four Oaks, Cleveland and McGee’s Crossroads Communities. The filing period for the seat opens on December 1, 2015. The primary will be held on March 15th, 2016.