Berry Anderson Discusses Priorities in Greene County Commissioner Race
Berry Anderson, a lifelong resident of Greene County, is running for the Greene County Board of Commissioners in District 2. Anderson, who graduated from Greene Central High School in 1974, has lived and worked in the Shine community for decades, raising a family and serving as an active member of the local fire department. After a 36-year career at Firestone in Wilson, he was appointed as Greene County's Emergency Services Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2020.
“I am not a politician. I have no aspirations for higher office,” Anderson said. “I simply felt like I could not stand on the sidelines any longer.” He emphasized his desire to see District 2 represented by someone who respects differing viewpoints and works collaboratively across the board. Anderson highlighted his extensive experience in the county as a key asset he would bring to the role.
Looking ahead, Anderson's vision for Greene County includes continued economic and infrastructural development, particularly focusing on broadband internet access. He cited recent advancements, such as salary increases for county employees, the establishment of paramedic EMS services, and the construction of new facilities, as evidence of responsible growth. “Over the past 8-10 years, our county staff has done a tremendous job of growing our county, improving our standing in the state, and improving services for our citizens,” he said.
One of Anderson’s main goals is to address the issue of broadband internet coverage. “Not having this puts our kids behind in schoolwork and makes us less attractive for economic growth opportunities,” Anderson stated. He emphasized the need for a five-year plan to ensure county-wide broadband access by 2030, seeing it as crucial for education, business, and community connectivity.
Anderson believes that collaboration is essential to drive economic growth, particularly in underserved areas. He advocates for a public-private partnership to address local challenges, including creating shelters for homeless residents. Currently, individuals in need must leave Greene County to access services, which Anderson aims to change.
He also proposed establishing a citizen’s academy to better connect residents with local government operations. “All politics are local,” Anderson said. “We have to do everything we can to engage citizens in this effort.” The program would help residents understand how county government works, where funds are allocated, and how county employees serve the community.
During his time as Emergency Services Director, Anderson saw firsthand the importance of effective budget management. He intends to continue working closely with state and federal agencies to secure grants and reduce tax burdens. He contrasted his views with those of his opponent, stating, “Compared to 10 years ago, our county is in a great financial position, despite my opponent voting against many of the previous budgets, including pay raises for our county employees.”
For Anderson, balancing the county budget will involve prioritizing key services such as emergency management, fire departments, and infrastructure projects. He aims to ensure that resources are allocated in ways that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Public safety remains a core focus for Anderson, shaped by his decades of service as a volunteer firefighter and his tenure as the county's Emergency Services Director. He expressed his commitment to supporting local fire departments and enhancing emergency services. “Our volunteer fire departments must get our full support, as the work they do not only keeps us safe but provides a service that our county simply can’t afford if we had to pay for fire service,” he said.
Regarding infrastructure, Anderson underscored the need for improvements in broadband, roads, and utilities. While he praised the work of Greene County Transportation for assisting residents with essential travel, he pointed out that broadband remains the most significant gap in the county’s infrastructure. Anderson plans to advocate for continued collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to improve road safety and accessibility.
Anderson acknowledged Greene County’s agricultural roots, emphasizing the role of farmers as stewards of the environment. He supports sustainable practices that would allow the county to balance growth with environmental conservation. “We also need to make sure as we transition away from agriculture and more businesses take hold in the county, we have a sustainable model that ensures we have clean air and water to pass down to our children,” he noted.
As the election approaches, Anderson hopes to foster a sense of unity among residents, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in tackling the county's challenges. “Collaboration is the key to getting things done in our county – not division,” he said.
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