Chenoa Richardson Davis is running to retain her seat as one of three at-large seats on the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. Incumbent Vernon Bryant and challengers Tyus S. Few and James E. Mills are also running in the March 3 election. Three Republicans — incumbent Sammy Webb and challengers Chuck Hasty and John Whichard will be on the ballot in November and will face off against the top three Democrats from the March election.

The following are Davis’s answers to questions submitted by rrspin.com:

Why are you running, and what are your qualifications? 

I am Chenoa Richardson Davis, a Democrat and lifelong servant leader. I’m running for another term as Halifax County Commissioner-At Large to continue building a stronger, healthier county for everyone. As a graduate of UNC–Chapel Hill and East Carolina University, I bring my educator’s perspective and practical experience to our local government. 

I attend Mount Bethel Baptist Church and Family Harvest Center, and I actively serve through the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Hollister Helps, Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, and numerous county and regional boards.

My goal has never been personal recognition. It’s about working together to improve health, grow opportunities, and protect the land and resources that make Halifax County home.

On March 20, 2025, Arnette Richardson was allegedly attacked by another inmate in the Halifax County Detention Center. Richardson, a 66-year-old man with low-level Alzheimer’s disease, later died at ECU Health in Greenville. The autopsy report from the state medical examiner’s office states that Richardson died from multiple blunt force trauma while an inmate at the Halifax County Detention Center. With the construction of a new jail on the horizon, what security measures should be put in place to lessen the chances of a similar assault occurring in the new facility?

The death of Mr. Arnette Richardson was a tragic loss. As Halifax County moves forward with plans for a new detention facility, I believe we must ensure that safety, humane treatment, and accountability are central to its design and operation. This includes stronger inmate classification to protect vulnerable individuals, enhanced staffing and officer training, modern monitoring technology, and integrated medical and mental health services. Our responsibility is not only to build a new facility, but to create a safer system that reflects our values and ensures every person in our care is treated with dignity and protected from harm.

Do you support the proposed location of the new detention center at the courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane in Halifax or, as the town’s mayor has suggested, moving it to another location? Why or why not? 

I support the proposed location of the new detention center at the courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane in Halifax. Keeping the facility  near the courthouse allows for easier coordination with the courts, law enforcement, and emergency services, which improves safety and day-to-day operations. The preliminary design plans also address important concerns such as secure fencing and proper water drainage, showing that these issues are being carefully considered. Building at this location avoids the need to purchase new land and allows us to focus our resources on constructing a safe, modern facility that meets the needs of Halifax County.

How should the county address the issue of aggregate mining? 

Aggregate mining is an important issue for Halifax County, and it needs to be handled in a way that protects our residents while supporting responsible growth. The county should review and update its mining and land-use rules and make sure the public has a real opportunity to give input during that process.  Clear rules around noise, dust, truck traffic, water protection, tribal consultation and site cleanup are important, along with making sure those rules are enforced. By updating our ordinances with community input, we can make decisions that are fair, clear, and focused on protecting quality of life and previous county investments.

In June 2025, the county signed a memorandum of understanding with the town of Weldon regarding the construction of a new water treatment plant. Do you support this MOU? Do you support a regional effort with Northampton or other interested counties or towns? Would you support bringing the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District into these discussions? Please elaborate. 

I support the proposed MOU and believe cooperation is important when it benefits Halifax County residents. I also support regional efforts with Northampton County and other interested counties or towns, because many challenges ,such as water, infrastructure, and economic growth, do not stop at county lines. Bringing the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District into these discussions makes sense, as they are a key partner in water and sewer services. Invitation for the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District to join the discussions will continue to be offered.

Do you support the State Rail Plan? Do you support passenger rail service from Weldon to Raleigh? What would you do as a commissioner to see passenger rail service established in Weldon, and what do you see as its benefits? 

I support the State Rail Plan and support passenger rail service from Weldon to Raleigh. Passenger rail would provide residents with another transportation option, support economic development, and make it easier for people to travel for work, education, healthcare, and tourism. As a commissioner, I would work with state and federal partners, support planning efforts, and advocate for funding to move the project forward. Passenger rail in Weldon would help connect Halifax County to larger markets and bring new opportunities to our area.

The county recently hired its first parks and recreation director to lead a new department. What would your directives be for guiding the growth of this department? 

With the creation of a Parks and Recreation Department, my focus would be on thoughtful growth that meets community needs. I would encourage public input to help guide priorities, focus on maintaining and improving existing parks, expand youth and senior programs, and seek grants and partnerships to support recreation opportunities across the county. Parks and recreation should improve quality of life for all residents, not just a few areas.

What assistance from both state and federal lawmakers would you like to see to benefit the county? 

From state and federal lawmakers, I would like to see increased support for infrastructure, public safety, healthcare access, education, and economic development. Halifax County needs strong partnerships and fair funding to address aging infrastructure, expand job opportunities, and support families. Continued investment from our state and federal leaders is critical to helping our county grow and thrive.

What are your plans to make pay more competitive in the county — not only for law enforcement, but for county employees as a whole? 

I support fair and competitive pay for all county employees, including law enforcement. Having good pay helps us keep skilled workers and provide strong services to our community. The county has already spent money on a pay study to set a fair salary plan. While it is not perfect, it helps make sure pay increases are fair across all county jobs and does not take money away from other needed services. I support pay increases when the county can afford them and when they can be kept long-term.

Would you be willing to support a tax increase to fund county projects? 

With rising prices and ongoing economic uncertainty, I do not support raising taxes. Many families are already struggling, and county government should not add to that burden.

Halifax County deserves steady leadership that listens, works hard, and puts people first. Everything I have shared comes from years of service, not politics for show. I believe in safe communities, fair treatment, smart growth, good jobs, strong partnerships, and careful use of taxpayer dollars. I believe we can move Halifax County forward without losing sight of our values or placing more burden on families.