Legge seeking county seat
By Donnie Sewell
The Sandspur
Former Hope Mills Commissioner Jerry Legge is seeking a seat on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
Legge hopes to finish the term of Commissioner Breeden Blackwell, who announced last week he is resigning from the county board at the end of this month. Blackwell is resigning to take a part-time position as director of governmental relations for the Cape Fear Valley Health System.
Blackwell is leaving with less than a year left on his third term. Legge said he submitted a letter to Democratic Party chairman Floyd Johnson Jr. last week asking to be considered to complete Blackwell's term.
"All I can do is throw my hat in the ring and see if someone picks it up for me," Legge said.
He said he decided to seek the seat because he still wants to serve people.
"I served here (Hope Mills) seven years," Legge said. "I think I have a lot to offer, not only to the people of Hope Mills, but also to Cumberland County."
Legge served as a Hope Mills commissioner from 2001 to 2007, then lost a bid for a fourth term. He sought election to the town board again in 2009, but did not win one of the five seats.
Legge said it will be challenging to jump into the work of the county board immediately but he has confidence he can do so.
"I'm a retired person and have plenty of time to dedicate to serving the public," he said.
He said he knows most of the people on the county board and worked with them as a town commissioner to bring the Hope Mills Planning Board back under the county planning board.
At least one other person has announced his desire to fill Blackwell's term. Phillip Gilfus, a Fayetteville lawyer, has asked to be appointed to the seat.
Democratic Party county leaders are expected to select a recommendation for Blackwell's replacement Feb. 18. County commissioners will then consider the recommendation for appointment to the board.
Staff writer Donnie Sewell can be reached at sewelld@fayobserver.com or 486-3570.