Vernon Bryant, chair of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners, announced his intent to file for re-election for one of three at-large seats in the March primary.
He is seeking to be re-elected for his fifth term. He has been chair for nearly 12 years.
“I plan to continue the priorities as my previous four terms,” he said in a statement.
Those priorities include jobs, education, senior citizens, public safety, and maintaining low property taxes.
“The biggest challenges facing Halifax County are economic development and education,” he said. “The board of commissioners along with the economic development board of directors and executive director work closely in bringing economic development opportunities to our county.” The Halifax County Board of Commissioners fund all three public districts based on average
daily membership, Bryant said. “Halifax County provides additional capital funds to schools when requested and funds are available. The North Carolina Educational Lottery Funds are provided for each school district as requested by the individual school district. Halifax County also provides funding for Halifax Community College.”
There are currently two new schools under construction — the Weldon Middle/High School which will bring in students from grades 6-12 and the new Eastman School for grades pre-K-8.
“I bring varied experience in many areas including education, government and business,” he said. “My service in the community for the past 44 years has prepared me as I continue to serve as a Halifax County commissioner. The board in recent years has made many accomplishments which include better pay for county employees.”
The county also oversaw the purchase of Klausner II sawmill by Binderholz in the Enfield area and saw the location of Roseburg Forest Products in Weldon. That project, Bryant said, represents a total investment of $200 million and brought 137 full-time jobs.
Other highlights include:
The refurbishing of the Halifax County Court Services building with funds approved by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Establishing a Halifax County Recreation Department.
Plans to build the new Halifax County Detention Center.
“Halifax County has a very good working relationship with schools and municipalities,” he said. “As a commissioner, I plan to continue working together effectively for our community.”
Bryant has been married to his wife Sandra Walden Bryant for 45 years. “Together we are the proud parents of two adult children, Kendel Bryant Phillips and Kevin Walden Bryant. We are also grandparents to Eric, Lydia Faith, and Julius.”
