The Sampson County Board of Elections was packed Monday morning as dozens came from Bladen and Sampson counties to support political newcomer Wellie Jackson in his filing for the Dist. 22 House of Representative.
Jackson filed as a Republican, the second to do so in a week. Former Sampson County Board of Commissioners chairman Jerol Kivett filed for the seat last Monday.
For his first crack at a political office, Keener native Jackson has his sights set on the District 22 seat being vacated by long-time state Rep.William Brisson. Last month, Brisson announced that he would not seek reelection after 20 years in the position. District 22 covers both Bladen and Sampson counties, meaning whoever is running for the seat would have to win over voters from both areas.
To support Jackson, many residents from both counties showed up at his filing, including the sheriffs from Bladen and Sampson.
“I’m proud of the support I have behind me,” Jackson said after signing his name to the form declaring his intentions to run. “It’s why I’m running. I’ve had a lot of people support me, a lot of people from different walks of life and different industries. We had a pretty good medley of people here today.
After growing up in the Keener community, Jackson has spent the past several years working as a farmer in the Hobbton district. In the past, he has farmed both turkeys for Butterball and hogs for Prestage Farms. In addition, his wife, Tara, is the owner of Matthews Drug Store in Clinton.
Jackson credits his knowledge in these two realms and their connection to the public as adequately preparing him for the political field.
“I just want to serve Sampson and Bladen to the best of my ability,” Jackson attested.
“I want to help grow the area. I think in the North Carolina Legislature, we need a good, strong Ag voice, small business voice and healthcare voice. We’ve seen the trials and tribulations of the healthcare industry. I’ve seen the trials and tribulations of the Ag and small business industries. I’ve not heard it, I’ve seen it and lived it.”
Jackson said his biggest vision for the position would be growth of both counties.
“I’m not gonna get into any specifics, cause I could sit here and blow a lot of smoke and say ‘oh I’mma do this, I’mma do that’ just like every other politician. I want to get around and talk to the people and see how I can best serve them,” he stressed.
In addition, Jackson stated that he wants to be able to serve as somewhat of a translator between the government and the people, clarifying the oftentimes complicated Legislature.
“I want to be transparent and try to interpret the complexities of Raleigh and put it to where the average person could understand it, cause it is a complex system,” Jackson stressed. “I am far from understanding everything that’s going on up there, but I’m going to learn and translate it to where the average person can understand it instead of them trying to read the CliffNotes.”
Deadline for candidacy filing ends at noon Friday, Dec. 19. Deadline for withdrawal and refund of filing fee is Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. For more information about election filing, contact Sampson County Board of Elections at 910-592-5796.