Longtime community supporter Eugene Pearsall wants to become a state leader and help his community.

Surrounded by family and friends, Pearsall, a Democrat, filed to run for the N.C. House of Representative’s District 21 seat, which includes portions of Sampson, Duplin and Wayne counties.

Dr. Larry M. Bell previously announced he would not seek his 10th term to the District 21 seat, saying it was time for a younger person to bring their insight and leadership to the Legislature. Pearsall hopes to carry on the legacy of Bell. Some of that includes advocating for smaller class sizes. He stressed the importance of supporting education.

Pearsall would like to see more support for new school buildings by implementing a half-cent sales tax to generate millions.

“In four years, you can pay for a school,” Pearsall said.

Some of his other goals are to continue his support of Sampson and other counties in District 21.

Pearsall is the founder of Eugene’s Trucking in Faison, a self-made company from one simple truck to a fleet of many vehicles. Pearsall is the proud father of three children, two who are currently in the Sampson County educational system and one who graduated from the school system in 2015.

He served on the Hobbton Advisory Board and is the former chairman of the Head Start of Sampson County Board. Along with being active in many civic and community projects, he has also been a sponsor for the Sampson CenterStage Series.

During his years in Sampson County, he’s been active the the Parks and Recreation Department of Sampson County and earned athletic and academic achievement. Some of his volunteer efforts includes providing meals to students athletes and paying for uniforms. Pearsall has been active with NAACP, the Clinton 100 Committee, U Care and the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce.

He’s also been a member of the Triangle South Workforce Development Board since 2009 and served as one of the vice-chairs. In 2016, he was selected as the Board Member of the Year. Some of his work includes helping youths find work.

Pearsall is third person to file for the position. Democrat Raymond Smith Jr. and Republican Robert Freeman Sr. are also vying for the position.

Eugene Pearsall files to become a representative for the N.C. House of Representative’s District 21 seat.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_Pearsall_Files.jpgEugene Pearsall files to become a representative for the N.C. House of Representative’s District 21 seat.

Pearsall
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/web1_Pearsall-1-.jpgPearsall
Position previously held by Dr. Larry Bell

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.