A third candidate has applied for a vacant seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.
Darryl Mitchell of Edgecombe Street, Smithfield applied Tuesday for the District 6 seat being vacated by Commissioner Keith Branch who is stepping down effectiveSeptember 30th. Branch won election last November but recently accepted a new job that will require more of his time.
Mitchell, an employee with the NC Department of Revenue, ran unsuccessfully against Branch in the Republican Primary in 2016 for the seat.
“Johnston County needs strong, conservative leadership with a vision for the future driven by an appreciation of its heritage,” Mitchell told WTSB on Wednesday. “I began working on the family farm at age 6 and have served in my church and community throughout my life in various capacities. I have over 32 years of experience as a tax auditor and manager working with people at all levels to succeed.”
“During my campaign for this commissioner’s seat in 2016, I traveled to every area of this county, including every fire department, and listened to the concerns of each citizen I had the privilege to meet. My work experience in the public and private sector along with my farming background gives me a broader appreciation and understanding of how to work with people from all walks of life to resolve the issues of this great county we all share.”
Last week, David Lee Jackson of North Second Street, Smithfield, a managing partner with Dees, Jackson, Jackson & Associates PA in Smithfield, applied. Mark Kelly Lee of Whitley Drive, Smithfield, a pharmaceutical maintenance technician, is also seeking the fill the unexpired term ending in 2020.
Under state law the replacement must live in District 6 and be a member of the Republican Party. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 29th at 5:00pm. 2016 JoCoReport File Photo
