Evans to seek re-election to commission
By From staff reports
Published in News on March 8, 2012 1:46 PM
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County Commissioner J.D. Evans
District 2 Wayne County Commissioner J.D. Evans has filed for re-election. Evans, a Democrat, is facing a challenge from Republican Kenny Talton of Mount Olive.
Filing for the May 8 primary ended Feb. 29.
A retired educator, Evans was first appointed to the commission in 2001 after Commissioner Jimmie Ford was elected to the state House of Representatives. At that time, Evans was a member of the Wayne County Planning Board having served as chairman during his last four years on that board.
He completed Ford's term and ran for the seat.
Evans said he has been "appalled" when it was implied that southern Wayne County was not represented on the board of commissioners.
"Since then I have served District 2 and all of Wayne County with pride and diligence," he said. "I have always endeavored to the best of my ability to move Wayne County to what I call the next level. This year I have made many decisions that were worthwhile for the betterment for all southern Wayne District 2.
"District 2 now covers three-quarters of Mount Olive, Dudley, portions of Mar-Mac and part of southern Goldsboro, with a portion up to Ash Street extending to portions of Cherry (Hospital) and O'Berry (Center). I beg the difference that Mount Olive needs a voice. I have been that voice and will continue to promote the growth and development of this area and all of Wayne County. The Mount Olive Steele Memorial Library that is now under consideration for building was suggested, promoted and made a reality by the county commissioners. I am willing to share additional details of how this came a reality upon request for anyone who would care to know."
Evans is an honor graduate of Elizabeth City State University and earned post-graduate degrees from East Carolina and Duke universities.
He is married to Shirley Waters Evans, who also is a retired educator. They have four children and five grandchildren. They attend First Congregational United Church of Christ at Dudley.
Evans has been active on the boards of directors for the Department of Social Services and WAGES. He is a Wayne County Library trustee
An Oxford native, Evans moved to Wayne County in 1963 to teach chemistry, physics and science while coaching baseball and basketball at Carver High School in Mount Olive.
He later served as vice principal at Southern Wayne High School at Dudley. He moved to the school system's central office where he served as director of human relations, director of federal programs, director of testing and director of the diagnostic center.
Evans also was the county schools' first SIMS coordinator and assisted the state in defining the SIMS program.
Evans said he is proud of numerous advancements in District 2 including the Mount Olive industrial shell building, Mount Olive airport, Sheriff's Office annex at Dudley and improvements to the Southeastern Water District.
"For the above reasons and concerns, I have filed to return and be re-elected to serving the citizens of District 2 and all of Wayne County as a commissioner," he said. "Again, I do not apologize for helping your children and the rest of the citizens become the best students and best citizens of this community.
"If I failed in this endeavor, I can assure that I did what I thought was right and best and I don't apologize for putting forth that kind of effort for the success of students and the improvement of the quality of life for the citizens entrusted to me."