Vance County Commissioner Gordon Wilder was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his recent unopposed run for a third consecutive term on the Board.
“I’m no politician. That’s not in the Wilder DNA,” Wilder said. “I’ve been fortunate to be elected by the people for a third time now.”
The most recent election saw Wilder, a commissioner since 2010, run unopposed in District 3, with fellow incumbents Dan Brummitt and Tommy Hester also running unopposed.
“I think the three of us who ran unopposed certainly feel the need to make sure we continue getting it right and continue to do the right things,” said Wilder.
When an unidentified caller to Town Talk asked Wilder why people in the community shy away from running for elected positions, Wilder explained that while the reasons vary, it is often the case of talk but no action.
Wilder also recognized the difficulties some may have in fulfilling the mid-day meeting requirements of the position. “You’d have to have a very understanding boss,” chuckled Wilder.
In discussing other election results, Wilder said the commissioners are looking forward to working with newly elected Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and will “fully support him to every extent possible.”
According to Wilder, the citizens of Vance County had three good candidates for sheriff to choose from in Curtis Brame, Charles Pulley and Allen Simmons. “I know all three candidates and I’m very proud of them. I coached Curtis in high school and have been bird hunting with him. I think he’ll do a great job.”
Wilder also piggybacked on a Town Talk discussion earlier this week with Dennis Jarvis, II, director for the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, concerning phase III of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park.
Earlier this year, Vance County received a $2.45 million grant from the Rural ReadySites program for development and expansion of the industrial park located at the intersection of Bear Pond Road and US-1 Bypass in Henderson.
The grant money will cover development costs to include construction of a new roadway and extension of water and sewer infrastructure through the site. The land will be zoned for light industrial and general commercial use.
“The State told us that we needed to have land ready, buildings ready and infrastructure ready for jobs to come in,” Wilder explained. “Our focus right now is on phase III of the industrial park and bringing more jobs into Vance County.”
While constructing a building is not presently on the agenda, according to Wilder, plans are in place to invest in land and infrastructure.
“The land is up for sale,” said Wilder. “We hope that people will invest and build their own building. I’m not sure the county commissioners or the County needs to be in the real estate business.”
To listen to the interview in its entirety, click here.