Editor’s Note: WIZS contacted the candidates for the District 4 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners and asked them to provide written responses to a series of questions to give voters some insight about their experience and background as the March 3 primary approaches.
Incumbent Dan Brummitt faces challenger Kelley Wade Perdue. Early voting began Feb. 12 and continues through Feb. 28.
Following are the unedited responses in their entirety from the candidates. WIZS used AI to randomly select the order in which the candidates’ responses would be presented.
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Responses from Dan Brummitt
Why are you running for Vance County Board of Commissioners District 04?
I am passionate about making Vance County a better place. I grew up here and have committed a huge part of my life to making the county better.
What’s your platform?
I was elected county commissioner to District 4 in 2006. My passions are government efficiency, proper development of our youth, and protection of the elderly.
Government efficiency keeps money in the hands of the citizens. Development of our youth includes educating parents and providing resources to our youth so they can properly develop. This includes education, protection and exposure to community support. The elderly need to be protected from abuse, and keep taxes low so they can maintain the properties they own.
What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this community faces in the next two
years? Five years?
Economic development is key to our success and our future. Fifty-seven percent of the population in Vance County receives Medicaid benefits. We must reverse that trend. We must look at regionalization in order to survive and prosper. This includes regionalization of utilities and services.
Education is the key to the future. We must stop competing at the public/private level and work together for the betterment of Vance County. We must use the resources of Vance-Granville Community College for career development opportunities and training.
We must also engage our communities to come together to work as “a village” to insure development of our youth. This includes churches and other resources.
As an elected official, how will you address these issues?
I currently serve on several boards in the community and at the state level. DSS Board, Vaya Board, Economic Development Commission, Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Triangle North Regional Partnership and other committees offer us opportunities to come together to better serve the citizens of our county.
What’s your experience in the public sector? What’s your resume for being a commissioner?
I have history in banking, lending, real estate and construction. I have been a commissioner since 2006 and have served on many task forces and state committees and boards. I continue to serve on numerous local and regional boards. I am well attuned to the budget and waste that exists in our government.
If you are running for re-election, what are some highlights of your service in your role?
I am invested heavily in mental health for our citizens. We are beginning construction of a regional behavioral health urgent care (BHUC) in Vance County. This will enable citizens access to immediate care as needed. It will also free up law enforcement from the time it takes to monitor citizens in the Emergency Department.
We continue to expand our water system throughout the county. This enables growth in corridors for the future.
Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.
I remain committed to seeing Vance County move forward in a positive direction. We must have vision to change the past and move forward. We can not keep doing what we are doing and expect positive change. I want to be a part of that positive change.
People in general and media outlets sometimes look at a collective elected body or what an entity like Vance County is doing as a whole. Rather than that, what are some specific items or issues you see or would like to prioritize for District 4?
While we are elected by district, we serve all of the citizens of Vance County. District 4 sits along the southern portion of Hwy 1 and also 158 Business. These areas should have growth pressure before other areas. We want to make sure this growth is orderly and benefits our citizens.
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Responses from Kelley Wade Perdue
Why are you running for Vance County Board of Commissioners District 04?
I am running because Vance County needs experienced, accountable leadership that understands budgets, compliance, oversight, and long-term planning. My professional career has been built around managing complex systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting financial resources. I believe those skills belong at the county level – where decisions directly affect taxpayers, families, and local services. District 4 deserves a commissioner who is prepared, detail-oriented, and willing to ask hard questions.
What’s your platform?
My platform is built on accountability, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strategic growth:
- Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars
- Strong oversight of county departments and contracts
- Transparent decision-making and clear public communication
- Support for public safety, infrastructure, and overall quality of life
- Advocating for strong partnerships in education to ensure our schools are supported, fiscally responsible, and preparing students for workforce and career success
- Long-term planning that balances growth with community values
I believe education is foundational to the long-term success of Vance County. When we invest wisely in our schools and workforce development initiatives, we strengthen our local economy, attract businesses, and create opportunity for the next generation – all while maintaining accountability in how public funds are used.
What are the top three issues that, in your opinion, this community faces in the next two years? Five years?
Next Two Years:
- Fiscal responsibility and budgeting discipline amid rising costs
- Infrastructure and system efficiency, including technology and service delivery
- Trust in local government, transparency, and accountability
Next Five Years:
- Sustainable economic development that supports jobs and local business
- Healthcare access and affordability, especially for seniors and working families
- Long-term infrastructure and operational modernization to avoid costly reactive fixes
As an elected official, how will you address these issues?
I will approach county governance the same way I manage large-scale enterprise programs:
- Review data before decisions are made
- Ensure compliance with laws, policies, and financial controls
- Ask questions when processes are unclear
- Demand accountability for outcomes, not just intentions
- Focus on preventive planning instead of crisis response
My experience managing regulated environments and multi-million-dollar initiatives gives me the discipline to lead responsibly.
What’s your experience in the public sector? What’s your resume for being a commissioner?
For over 18 years, I have worked in highly regulated environments that intersect directly with public policy, healthcare regulation, audits, and compliance. As a Technical Program Manager, I oversee budgets, vendor contracts, regulatory mandates, and executive-level reporting.
I have:
- Managed complex budgets and financial controls
- Ensured compliance with CMS and regulatory requirements
- Led cross-functional teams through audits and system upgrades
- Delivered cost savings through efficiency and process improvement
- Presented to executive governance bodies
In addition, I served as an Intern in the U.S. Legislature, giving me direct exposure to public governance and policy processes. My education — including a candidate of Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Project Management, and Criminal Justice degree — further supports my readiness to serve.
If you are running for re-election, what are some highlights of your service in your role?
As a first-time candidate, this does not apply. However, my professional career reflects how I would govern with measurable outcomes, accountability, and results.
If you’re a newcomer to politics, what role do you see yourself playing as a member of an elected body?
I see myself as a working commissioner. Someone who prepares, studies issues in advance, and contributes meaningfully to policy discussions. I will bring a professional, analytical perspective to the board, focused on solutions rather than politics.
Please share any additional information that you want voters to know about you.
I want voters to know that I am not running for office to build a political career. I am running because I care deeply about this community and the people in it.
I am a strong advocate for animals, for responsible government, and for doing what is right even when it is hard. I believe how a community treats its most vulnerable; whether that’s children, seniors, or animals; speaks volumes about its values.
I come from a background of service, faith, and family. Like many families in Vance County, I understand the challenges of balancing work, caregiving, and community responsibility. I’ve walked through difficult seasons that required resilience, patience, and strength, and those experiences shaped how I lead — with empathy, preparation, and fairness.
Professionally, I have spent my career ensuring accountability, compliance, and fiscal responsibility in highly regulated environments. Personally, I have shown that when something isn’t right, I will speak up and follow the process the right way — respectfully, lawfully, and with integrity.
If elected, I will bring that same heart and discipline to the Vance County Board of Commissioners. I will listen, I will prepare, and I will always put the people of Vance County first.
People in general and media outlets sometimes look at a collective elected body or what an entity like Vance County is doing as a whole. Rather than that, what are some specific items or issues you see or would like to prioritize for District 4?
While countywide policy matters, representation begins at the district level. District 4 deserves focused attention on the issues that directly affect our neighborhoods and families.
First, I would prioritize fair and accurate property tax administration. Every homeowner in District 4 deserves transparency and consistency in how property values are assessed. When valuations are incorrect or unclear, it impacts family budgets. Oversight and accountability in this area are critical.
Second, I want to focus on infrastructure and community upkeep; roads, drainage, public facilities, and maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than emergency repairs, and strategic planning protects property values.
Third, I will advocate for public safety and emergency response resources in our district. Ensuring our fire departments, law enforcement, and emergency services are properly supported is not optional, it’s foundational.
Fourth, as an animal advocate, I would like to see continued evaluation of our county’s animal services policies; focusing on responsible pet ownership, partnerships with rescues, and humane, efficient shelter practices. A community’s compassion reflects its character.
Finally, I want to strengthen communication between District 4 residents and county leadership. Citizens should not feel disconnected from decisions that affect their homes, taxes, and quality of life. I will make myself accessible and responsive.
District 4 is not just a line on a map; it’s our homes, our churches, our small businesses, and our families. My role will be to ensure our specific needs are heard and addressed thoughtfully and responsibly.
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