SMITHFIELD – The filing period for the 2019 municipal elections in Johnston County opened at Noon today (Friday).
Nine candidates filed in the first 30 minutes at the Johnston County Board of Elections Office in Smithfield.
Incumbent Selma Mayor Cheryl Oliver was the first candidate to file today. Mayor Oliver is seeking her fifth term in office.   “The Town of Selma has gained great momentum in many areas over the past two years. It is critical that we stay focused and continue to build on that momentum.  Areas of focus for the upcoming term include Economic Growth, Visual Improvements, and Civic Pride and Community Involvement. Within each of these broad areas, we have a myriad of improvements underway or being deployed shortly.  I will detail these over the course of my campaign.  Selma is an up and coming town. I want to maximize our positive momentum so that more citizens and businesses take pride in calling Selma home.”
Oliver is a Selma native and the daughter of James and Mary Oliver who were longtime Selma residents. A graduate of Selma High School, Oliver received a B.A. in English from UNC at Greensboro, and an M.S. in Secondary Education from Pensacola Christian College in Florida.
Prior to becoming Selma Mayor, she served one term on the Selma Town Council. In 2016, I received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce.
Former Selma Town Councilman William Overby was the second candidate to file. Overby will challenge Mayor Oliver for reelection. Overby served one term on the town council.
Roger Diegele filed for a seat on the Selma Town Council.
Benson Mayor Jerry Medlin filled for another term.
Smithfield Town Councilman Steve Rabil filed for a second term.
Carles R. Surles filed for election to the Four Oaks Town Board. Surles was appointed to the board in August 2018 to fill out the unexpired term of Commissioner Chris Haley who resigned.  Surles is a graduate of Forest Hills High School and attended Johnston Community College.  He served in the US Army from 1963 until 1971. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Combat Flight Medal and Service Cross.  He has worked for Johnson & Johnson in Benson and Johnston County Government – Solid Waste Division.  He has served on the Four Oaks Fire Department since 1993. He is a former Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon Chairman at his church.
Jimmy Garner and Phil Pittman both filed for re-election to the Pine Level Town Board.
James Purvis III filed today for a term on the Archer Lodge Town Council.
The filing period for the 2019 municipal elections remains open until Friday, July 19th at 12 Noon.
Click Here To See A List Of Seats Up For Election This Year
