WINTON – Hertford County Commissioner Howard J. Hunter III appears to be headed for a state office.

Thus far, Hunter remains the only candidate for Second Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

“It is a privilege to serve as a county commissioner,” Hunter said. “For years I was reminded by my mentor and former Hertford County Commissioner DuPont Davis that service for all is an honor and duty not taken lightly.

“While our loss is great, I will continue to drive to carry his torch of improving the lives of others,” he added.

Hunter announced his candidacy earlier this year for the position, which will put him on the NCACC Executive Committee along with the president, president-elect, first vice president, past president and executive director.

The two-term Hertford County Commissioner said he believed his work in Hertford County has prepared him to work with the state’s county commissioners.

“My background as a public servant has prepared me well for the role,” he said. “I am serving my second term as a commissioner and was selected as chairman of the board during my first term.

“In addition, I serve as chairman of the Hertford County Public Health Authority board, where we have been successful in turning a minus three percent fund balance within a year to a fiscally sound percentage, and it was accomplished, along with other goals, without a director,” he added.

In addition to that service, Hunter is on the Economic Development Commission and an At-large director and a member of the Legislative Goals Committee for the Commissioners’ Association.

He was also appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight to the Joint Study Commission on Alcoholic Beverage Control.

A lifelong resident of Hertford County, Hunter graduated from Murfreesboro High School and attended North Carolina Central University before earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Chowan University. He also has a Funeral Service Education Degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Hunter is a member of the Soul Saving Station church, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Hertford County Athletic Association. He is also the secretary of the Atlantic District Fair and a founder of the Hertford County Bears Football Foundation.

“With my leadership experience and business background, I look forward to representing the association’s interests and championing the causes that will make our counties better,” Hunter said. “As Commissioner Davis would say, ‘If you take care of your citizens, you will have nothing to worry about; they will take care of you’.”

The election for the post will come on August 28 and the new Second Vice President will be sworn in that night.

As part of the duties, the Second VP consults with, counsels and advises the president of the association.