The leader of a group opposed to a proposed chicken processing plant in Nash County is challenging a two-term incumbent for a seat on the county’s Board of Commissioners.

Democrat Bert Daniel, co-chairman of the Nash County Landowners Association, was among a slew of candidates who filed to run for various public offices Monday during the first day of the candidate filing period.

He is challenging incumbent Danny Tyson, a Republican.

A variety of state and local offices are up for election this year. Candidates lined up outside the Nash and Edgecombe counties Boards of Elections at noon Monday when filing opened. By the end of the day, 20 candidates had filed. The filing period lasts until noon Feb. 29.

Several positions already are set to have a contested race, including the race between Daniel and Tyson. That race could influence the outcome of a proposed Sanderson Farms chicken processing plant that officials said would add more than 1,000 jobs. Many local residents are opposed to the proposed chicken plant because they say it would bring down property values and hurt the environment.

“These jobs are not the type of jobs that will raise the standard of living in Nash County,” Daniel said.

He said he is an open-minded person, and his goal is to represent the people of Southern Nash County.

Giving residents a voice in the chicken processing plant issue would be just one of his priorities, Daniel said. Other priorities of his include education and government transparency.

“I don’t have a personal agenda,” Daniel said. “My goal is to represent the people.”

He said he is prepared to listen.

“Government is by the people, for the 
people, and we’ve lost sight of that,” Daniel said.

Tyson, 57, who is seeking a third term, said he enjoys being a voice for Southern Nash County. The county has had a number of successful projects during recent years, Tyson said, that include expanding a county water system, improving recreational sites and services in smaller communities and opening a health care clinic for residents in the southern part of the county.

Tyson said he has no issue with Sanderson Farms. He said county leaders have done due diligence on the proposed chicken processing plant.

It would help add much-needed jobs, Tyson said.
“If the vote was today, my vote would be yes,” he said.

The county is in the midst of many other issues and projects, Tyson said, including a bond referendum on funding a new continuing education building at Nash Community College.

Other locally contested races include Ward 1 of Rocky Mount’s City Council. Former Police Chief John Manley is challenging incumbent Andre Knight.

Knight announced his re-election bid Monday afternoon at his house on the 1500 block of Cherry Street, which has been a point of contention in previous elections.

Two residency challenges were filed during previous elections and overturned in favor of Knight, who also owns a house on Braswell Street.

Knight had a large showing of support from residents who attended the event, signed up to rally other voters and took yellow yard signs in support of Knight.

“I think you can tell from the turnout that those who live in this ward are pleased with the progress they’ve seen,” Knight said.

The two-term council member said the work he has done to reduce utility costs and promote redevelopment exemplify his plans if re-elected.

“We have to put the citizens first, not ourselves or our own agenda,” Knight said. “We have to serve Rocky Mount to make it a better, safer community with a better quality of life for all our citizens.”

Also Monday afternoon, Manley invited residents to his home on the 600 block of Salisbury Drive.

Manley said his service with the Rocky Mount Police 
Department taught him that unity is key to bringing about positive change.

“I realize that it requires a team effort to accomplish the tasks that face our city,” Manley said. “It requires all of us to work collectively to move this community forward.”

Manley said, if elected, he planned to focus on supporting independent businesses and 
addressing the area’s high unemployment rate.

“I promise to work tirelessly for all citizens to build and grow our city in a positive manner,” Manley said. “My hope is that you will find that I am dedicated, committed and credible as a public servant who is ‘Equipped to Serve.’”

Rocky Mount attorney William Solomon Jr. filed Monday to challenge N.C. Rep. Joe Tolson in the May 8 Democratic primary.

N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant, D-Nash, filed for re-election in District 7. She said Eastern North Carolina needs strong leadership now more than ever.

“I want to see us through this difficult time,” Bryant said.

Billy Morgan, chairman of the Nash County Board of Commissioners, also filed for re-
election.

He said his motto always has been to put Nash County people first and foremost always.

“I think we should cater to them if we cater to anyone,” Morgan said.

Candidates celebrated the start of the filing period. Many brought family members with them when they filed.

Bryant and a group of local Democrats met at Langley’s Town and Country in Nashville for a celebratory lunch. 
U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield held a rally at Booker T. Theatre to announce his re-election campaign. He said the country is at a crossroads.

“We’re in the fight of our lives,” Butterfield said.