The next general election for the Macon County Board of Commissioners is more than a year away, but it’s already guaranteed that the next board will feature some fresh faces.
Board chairman Jim Tate announced during the commissioners’ last meeting that he would not be seeking reelection in 2022. Tate has been on the board since 2011 and is currently in his third term, so he feels it’s time for him to move on to other pursuits and allow someone new to take the lead. It was a bittersweet announcement for the long-serving commissioner, who said it was a great honor to serve the county for as long as he has.
“Public service is a calling and one that I have taken very seriously,” Tate said. “We are all truly blessed to be able to call Macon County home.”
Tate’s is one of three commissioner seats that will be up for grabs next year. The other two seats are currently held by Ronnie Beale and Gary Shields, the latter of whom has already filed a statement of organization to run for re-election. Beale hasn’t returned any paperwork yet and the only new candidate who has issued a statement with the Macon County Board of Elections is Danny Antoine. A local business owner and police chaplain, Antoine has long been engaged with local government, particularly through Macon County Schools, and he sees this race as an opportunity to be an advocate for his neighbors who don’t feel like their government always represents them.
“I want the citizens here to know that if I am elected, their voices are not only being heard but I will actively work on solutions to the issues brought forth to me,” Antoine said. “I have and will continue to fight for the faith, families and freedoms of the people of Macon County.”
There will likely be many more candidates by the time the election happens. Filing for the 2022 election does not open until Dec. 6.
The race to replace Sheriff Robert Holland is especially busy, with Chris Browning, Clay Bryson, Bob Cook, Dereck Jones and Brent Holbrooks all actively campaigning already.
There’s also early competition for clerk of court, with Shawna Lamb, Justin Stamey and Mike Trammel in the race so far. Clerk of Court Vic Perry is not running for re-election.
Board of Elections Deputy Director Gary Tallent said it’s shaping up to be a very large field of candidates. “I think it’s going to be very competitive,” he said.
Fortunately, there’s also plenty of interest from prospective poll workers and volunteers, so the department shouldn’t be too overwhelmed.
For more information on county elections, call the Macon County Board of Elections at 828-349-2034 or go online to www.maconnc.org/board-of-elections.