By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
As Election Day nears, some candidates for local office are putting their campaigns into high gear, while others are running in uncontested races.
In the race for seats on the Orange County Board of Commissioners, newcomers Earl McKee and Greg Andrews face off for the District 2 seat held by Mike Nelson. Although only residents of that district could vote in the District 2 primary, residents countywide will be able to vote on the District 2 seat in the general election.
McKee, a Democrat from Rougemont, said he is attending events throughout the county in order to meet voters outside of District 2, in addition to attending county commissioner meetings.
“I want to make sure that we concentrate on spending our money where we get the most value for the citizens,†McKee said, noting the importance of maintaining the quality of the schools and public safety. “If we’re going to have to make cuts, we have to make sure that those cuts are in places that have the least impact.â€
Andrews, a Republican from Efland, did not return calls for comment.
Incumbent Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass, a Democrat, will face Republican candidate Buddy Parker in the race for Orange County sheriff.
In a number of county races, candidates are running unopposed.
In the race for county commissioner, incumbent Alice Gordon is running unopposed in District 1, while incumbent Barry Jacobs is the only candidate on the ballot for the at-large seat on the board.
No Republicans filed to run against James Stanford, a Democrat, for county clerk of court. Deborah Brooks, also a Democrat, will run unopposed for county register of deeds.
In addition, Chris Hogan and Morris Lee Shambley will run uncontested for the two available seats for soil conservation district supervisor.
One-stop absentee voting begins Oct. 14 at the board of elections office in Hillsborough and on Oct. 18 at the Morehead Planetarium on the UNC campus and at the Seymour Center on Homestead Road.
Those who wish to register and vote at the one-stop-voting sites can do so through Oct. 30 at the Seymour Center and board of elections offices and through Oct. 29 at the Morehead Planetarium.
Residents who wish to vote at polling sites on Election Day, Nov. 2, must be registered by Oct. 8. The last day to submit absentee ballots by mail is Oct. 26.
For more information, visit the board of elections website at www.co.orange.nc.us/elect or call 245-2350.
It appears the Mr. McKee who is running for the District II seat is doing everything he can to prepare himself for being on the BOC….he’s attended most if not all the BOC meetings in the last year, has made every effort to meet citizens from all areas of the county, and unlike Mr. Andrews, is very happy to respond and answer questions from anyone or any group. I think he’s the candidate we should have representing that district!!