Joe Gurley to run for District 4 board seat
By Steve Herring
Published in News on December 3, 2015 1:46 PM
Joe Gurley, who was appointed to the District 4 seat on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners in July of 2014, Tuesday afternoon filed for election to that office.
Gurley said his goal for running is simple -- to make Wayne County an exceptional place to live for everyone.
A Republican, Gurley was first appointed to the office by commissioners following the resignation in April of that same year of Steve Keen, who took a position in Gov. Pat McCrory's administration.
Since the vacancy occurred within the first two years of a four-year term, the final two years of the term that ends in December of 2016, had be decided by an election.
Gurley ran unopposed in that special election held in November of 2014.
A native of the Oakland community, Gurley, 56, has more than 36 years of service with Wayne County. He retired in May of 2014 as Office of Emergency Services director, having spent more than 25 years in that department.
The filing period for the March 15 primary opened at noon Tuesday and will close at noon on Monday, Dec. 21.
Gurley is a 1977 graduate of Rosewood High School. He and his wife, Dana, have two daughters.
"A year and half ago, when our county commissioner's seat was vacated, I was humbled, but ready, to step in on behalf of my neighbors, my friends, and my family," Gurley said. "Representing District 4 over the past 17 months and working with fellow citizens to better Wayne County has been an incredible honor.
"I have met countless individuals with familiar stories of 'how things used to be,' laughed with members of our community that spend their days making a difference, and been constantly impressed by the youth that will undoubtedly carry us to a brighter tomorrow. I want to continue building that tomorrow with you, the members of District 4, and the people of Wayne County."
Everyday, children should encounter new intellectual challenges at school, with the support of passionate faculty members that encourage growth through creative thinking, he said.
"By providing the tools and expertise to thrive in a 21st century North Carolina, we can guarantee that our youth are prepared to tackle the future head-on," Gurley said. "Further, we must make sure that our children bring their knowledge, skills, and vision back to Wayne County after college. If we foster an environment that encourages innovation and job creation, we can keep our youth here and continue to improve our community.
"In addition, we must recognize the small business owners, farmers, and senior citizens that built today's Wayne County, and protect them from the burden of high taxes and governmental interference. Our traditions, values, and people have led us well thus far, and must continue to guide our journey forward."
County government must operate efficiently, effectively and with integrity, serving both the citizens and county employees in the way they deserve, he said.
Gurley said that with his nearly four decades of service as a county employee that he knows what it takes to run the county's day-to-day operations and where there is room for improvement.
"I also have valuable experience cooperating to get real work done," he said.
Gurley currently serve on the Wayne Memorial Hospital board of directors, JetPort Advisory Board, GATEWAY Advisory Board, WATCH board of directors and Wayne County Facilities Committee.
"I believe that this unique combination of county operational knowledge and cooperative leadership experience enables me to pursue real change that cultivates our youth, protects the workers and senior citizens that built our community, and builds a brighter future for Wayne County," he said. "It has been an absolute honor to serve District 4 and Wayne County over the past year and a half, and I am eager to keep working with all of you to strengthen this place that we call home."