Richard “Dick” Braswell of Princeton has formally filed for a seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioner. Braswell, the President of R.D. Braswell Construction Company of Smithfield, filedMonday for the District 3 seat currently held by incumbent Chad Stewart of Four Oaks.
Braswell, a Republican, currently serves as Chairman of the Moccasin Creek Drainage District.
“I consider myself a fiscal conservative and I am a lifelong resident of Johnston County. I will be a dedicated advocate for the taxpayers and voters of Johnston County,” Braswell said shortly after filing at the Johnston County Board of Elections Office in Smithfield.
“Today our county is experiencing rapid growth with many new subdivision being constructed in most areas of the county. With the new revaluation that is coming one can expect the tax base of the county to show considerable gain. The next Board will be faced with how to use the tax revenues to best prepare the county for the future.”
“I feel that the experience of running my own company and being daily involved in land development, road construction and installation of water and sewer facilities has prepared me for a seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.”
Braswell said if elected he would request a salary study of county government departments to try and end the exodus of well-qualified employees leaving to go to work in adjoining counties. “We need to study the salaries and responsibilities of county employees to ensure that our employees receive salaries that equally match adjoining counties for the same work.”
Braswell said public safety, roads, education, and the need for recreational facilities will all be top priorities.
With the county’s rapid growth, Braswell said he believes the Utility Department “…is quickly becoming one of the most important departments in our government.”
“While the current staff is most qualified, we should strive to provide them with proper resources. As employees retire or accept other employment, we should promote existing employees where qualified or hire replacements to keep the workload evenly balanced,” Braswell said.
“I promise, if elected, to always make decisions to best serve the interest of all the people of Johnston County,” Braswell said.
Stewart and Braswell will face off in a May 8th primary. The filing period for 4 seats up for election this year on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners remains open until Noon on Monday, Feb. 26th.
