Fellow Lenoir County Citizens -

While I have retired from the NC Senate, I have not retired from my love of Lenoir County. I have been thinking about our local elections for months, and I decided to support a group of candidates that covers a range of political backgrounds. I was asked if I would share my thoughts on our contested local elections and I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Jonathan Britt and Shannan Harrison for election as new members to the Lenoir County Board of Education.

Jonathan Britt and Shannan Harrison have children within the school system, their opponents, who do not have children in our school system, have occupied their seats for more than 30 combined years.  Our community will benefit from perspectives and thoughts from board members who have a direct, vested interest in our schools.  I firmly believe parents are best positioned to determine if the needs of their children are being met by any school system.  I don’t write to vilify the current members and believe we should thank them for their service – but it is imperative to have voices of current parents on that board.  Jonathan is on your ballot as a Republican and Shannan is on your ballot as an Unaffiliated candidate. 

I endorse Commissioner Keith King and Commissioner Linda Rouse Sutton to serve as County Commissioners.  Keith King is a seasoned leader, and I personally urged him to run for this seat.  In her capacity as Chair of the County Commissioners, Linda Rouse Sutton has done a fantastic job unifying our board.  Linda believes the North Star that guides our board must be the needs of our community, not politics.  Lenoir County has had some significant wins with her at the helm and she should return.  Keith is a registered Republican; Linda is a registered Democrat.  More importantly, they both are fiscally responsible leaders who respect the taxpaying citizens of our community.  I urge you to join me in supporting both.



Senator Jim Perry