Halifax County Commissioner Patrick Qualls told his fellow board members Monday night he would not be seeking re-election in 2022.
A statement was prepared to go out after Qualls told the board he would not be seeking another term. “I’m comfortable with it. Chairman (Vernon) Bryant has read it and Vice Chairman (Rives) Manning has read it. It’s very, very simple and brief just to let the public know I will not seek re-election at this time. I want it to be clear in the future and when things change with my health, which I’m on a really good process forward and it’s changing by the day, that I may seek another slot on this board.”
He said he wanted to thank his fellow board members and staff. “I have thoroughly enjoyed and will continue to enjoy my colleagues, this board and staff. Y’all taught me a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Halifax County and to work with our wonderful staff.”
Qualls said he was both sad and happy about the decision. “I will continue to be available. I’ll be there for at least another year to help you and I wish you the best and obviously I wish (County Manager) Tony (Brown) the best in his departure. I will miss each and everyone of y’all. It’s been a pleasure.”
(A copy of the press release can be viewed by following this link)
Bryant told Qualls, “You and I started at the Roanoke Rapids school board together. Not only have you been a fine school board member but you’ve been an excellent Halifax County commissioner. I’ve enjoyed serving with you.”
Manning said, “I appreciate you serving and doing a terrific job.”
Commissioner Carolyn Johnson said, “I appreciate your maturity and I appreciate your intellect. A lot of the qualities that were your father’s and your characteristics have been passed on to you because he was absolutely a wonderful person.”
Commissioner John Smith, who was appointed to fill the seat of his late son Marcelle, said, “I heard Marcelle speak of you many times and he thought very highly of you. We appreciate your service you have given to our county.”
Commissioner Linda Brewer said, “I knew Patrick briefly from time on the school board but the time on this board has just been a real treat in a lot of ways, hard work in a lot of ways but the thing I say over and over to people who ask me about this board is it’s the best board I’ve ever served on.”
Qualls told the board he has been receiving treatments for an auto-immune disease and has a good path forward in that treatment. “It’s just going to take a bit of time. I’m not in any jeopardy whatsoever. All things are going to be good with my health. I just have to spend some time on it. I’ll leave this board in roughly a year, being a better person than I was before I came to the board and it’s because of all of y’all.”
