All in Politics
Shannan Harrison, a lifelong resident of Lenoir County and a graduate of Lenoir County Public Schools, is running for an at-large seat on the Board of Education. With over 20 years of experience as a business owner and extensive involvement in local schools, Harrison aims to bring a parent’s perspective to the board. Her opponent for one of the two at-large seats are incumbents Bruce Hill and Merwyn Smith, and Jonathan Britt.
Bruce Hill, who has served nearly 20 years on the Lenoir County Board of Education, is running for re-election in 2024. Hill, a Lenoir County native, has spent five terms working to improve the education system, advocating for students, teachers, and staff in the community he’s called home his entire life.
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County (EMGV) welcomed their first youth participants into the newly-opened Children’s Garden this summer.
Jonathan Britt, a candidate for the Lenoir County Board of Education At-Large position, is focused on addressing pressing issues facing local schools. A resident of Lenoir County and a husband and father, Britt emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, transparency, and accountability within the educational system.
Merwyn K. Smith, an incumbent candidate for the Lenoir County Board of Education At-Large position, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2024 elections. Smith, who has served on the Board since 2012, cites a commitment to enhancing educational resources and fostering a positive perception of Lenoir County Public Schools as central to his campaign. Smith’s opponents for the two At-Large seats are current board chair Bruce Hill, Jonathan Britt and Shannan Harrison.
Laurie Buckout, a retired Army Colonel and business owner, is running for Congress in North Carolina’s First Congressional District against Senator Don Davis and Tom Bailey. Buckout, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and two Master’s degrees, has dedicated much of her life to public service.
Derek Burress, a first-term Greene County Commissioner running to retain his seat, is dedicated to addressing the needs of his constituents while navigating the complexities of local government. Burress has roots in Snow Hill and Shine, North Carolina, and draws on his diverse experiences, including his education from local institutions, his role as a certified firefighter, and nine years of coaching various sports. His opponent for the Greene County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat is Berry Anderson.
Dr. Raymond E. Smith Jr., a distinguished public servant and educator from rural Eastern North Carolina, is running for the North Carolina Senate District 4 seat. He has a history of leadership and advocacy in education and transportation, having previously served two terms as a Representative for House District 21 in the North Carolina General Assembly, where he sponsored over 400 bills. His opponent for the District 4 seat is Buck Newton.
Phyllis Louise Burruss is running for a seat on the Greene County Board of Education, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a commitment to the educational needs of the community. A retired disabled veteran with over 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Army Reserves, and National Guard, Burruss has dedicated much of her life to public service and community involvement.
Charles T. Dudley, a candidate for the North Carolina Senate from District 3, which includes Craven, Beaufort, and Lenoir counties, is drawing on a lifetime of service to advocate for the needs of his constituents. His opponent for the District 3 seat is incumbent Bob Brinson who took over the seat when Senator Jim Perry resigned this past July.
Brandon Johnson, a 28-year-old resident of Snow Hill, is running for re-election to the Greene County Board of Education. A lifelong resident of Greene County, Johnson has served on the board since 2020, when he was elected as the youngest official in the county’s history.
Incumbent Bob Brinson is running for reelection to the North Carolina Senate, representing District 3. Brinson brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Eastern North Carolina, where his family has resided for over ten generations. With a background in military service and local governance, he aims to address key issues affecting his constituents.
Sammy Aiken, a candidate for Lenoir County Commissioner, is drawing from a lifetime of service and a deep commitment to community involvement as he campaigns for the upcoming 2024 election.
Lillie Williams, a candidate for North Carolina House of Representatives in District 12, is focusing her campaign on addressing poverty and improving the quality of life for residents of Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. Williams, who is running against the incumbent, is a Kinston native with over 30 years of experience in education, leadership, and community service.
Keith King, a candidate for one of two At-Large Lenoir County Commissioner seats, brings a wealth of experience and local knowledge to his campaign against current County Commissioner Chair Linda Rouse Sutton, and former City Council member Sammy Aiken.
