Anderson to run for fourth term
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on January 28, 2004 2:02 PM
Wayne County Commissioner Andy Anderson announced Tuesday that he will run for re-election in District 1.
Anderson, a Republican, is seeking his fourth term on the county board. No one else has announced in his district, which covers most of northern Wayne.
Anderson delayed his announcement, he said in a statement to residents, "to seek comments as to my effectiveness and future ability to do a satisfactory job in moving Wayne County towards a bright future for its citizens and their children and grandchildren."
He continued, "I firmly believe that for a county to grow and prosper, with good jobs for its citizens, and good educational opportunities, the commissioners must make investments for the future.
"I would hasten to thank the many citizens for supporting my ideas and actions towards reaching this goal."
If re-elected, Anderson will continue to work for better county infrastructure, needed to attract industries and expand existing businesses, he said.
The county has made great progress in the last decade in upgrading its roads, airports, water and sewer lines, natural gas, and high-speed communications, he said. Schools, both buildings and student performance, are improving.
"Pride is showing everywhere," he said. As examples, he pointed to the county fair winning numerous statewide awards and the high number of restaurants that have met the "Golden A" standard.
None of these achievements have been cheap, but the county has offset many costs by getting grants and has worked to keep taxes low, he said. "I am a conservative and I will remain so. I will oppose any tax increases that I judge will excessively burden our citizens."
Anderson called himself an optimist who believes the county is on the move.
"With your support, we will continue to progress and assure ourselves that our children can find good jobs right here in Wayne County if they so choose. I will be asking for your support in helping to assure this continued success while servings as your District 1 commissioner," he said.
Anderson, 68, was born and reared in Edgecombe County on a tobacco farm. He graduated with honors from Leggett High School and received a geological engineering degree from N.C. State University. After 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, he retired as a colonel, having served as a pilot, navigator, maintenance commander and nuclear weapons commander.
Anderson and his wife, Dawn, live in Pikeville. They have three sons.
Anderson is the last commissioner to announce his intentions. Ken Gerrard and Arnold Flowers have said they won't file, while John Bell, J.D. Evans, Atlas Price and Efton Sager plan to seek re-election.
The filing period is scheduled to open Monday, Feb. 9. It could be delayed if the state's legislative maps have not been cleared by the U.S. Department of Justice.