Late-Thursday, Michelle Pace Davis of Archer Lodge filed for the District 1 seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. The seat is being vacated by Commissioner Jeff Carver of Clayton who decided not to seek re-election.
“As a lifelong resident of Johnston County, I see this as an opportunity to give back all that it has given me. Johnston County is a great place to live, work, and play,” Davis said after filing. “The County continues to grow and it is important to manage growth responsibly while being true to the values and heritage of Johnston County.”
She is a graduate of Clayton High School and attended Johnston Community College before transferring to NC State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. Once completing her degree, Michelle taught high school Agriculture in Johnston County for three years. She currently works with her family with their agritourism and produce farm, Pace Family Farms.
“The small businesses in small towns provide a way of life for many, the schools in the district lead many here, agriculture remains the number one industry, and many opportunities for employment. Like the National FFA Motto states, ”Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” I see being a county commissioner as a way to serve the community I live in and the citizens of Johnston County.”
Michelle is an active member of Wendell Baptist Church where she serves in many roles including the personnel team and others. She is an active member of the Johnston County Farm Bureau and serves on various agricultural related committees in the county including Farm City Week and the newly formed JoCo Grows Agriculture.
On Monday, former County Commissioner and State Senator Fred Smith of Clayton filed for the District 1 seat.
The filing period for the 2020 municipal races, including the District 1 seat will continue through Noon on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. The primary will be held on March 3, 2020 and the general election will take place on Nov. 3, 2020.
