AHOSKIE – A local man whose name is familiar on political ballots in Ahoskie has decided to seek a higher office.

Donald Kim Kirkland has filled out the paperwork and has met the petition requirements to seek the District 2 seat on the Hertford County Board of Commissioners.

Kirkland has previously sought political offices in the Town of Ahoskie, having lost those bids for Mayor and Town Council during several municipal election cycles.

He is now seeking the County Commissioner seat (Ahoskie District) currently held by board chairman Ronald Gatling. During the Primary Election held in March, Gatling, an incumbent Democrat, defeated two challengers – Darren L. Smallwood and Scott Outlaw – to advance to November’s General Election. There, Gatling will face the challenge of Kirkland.

In order to qualify as a write-in candidate, Kirkland was required by North Carolina General Statute 163-123 to file a file a declaration of intent with the Hertford County Board of Elections. Furthermore, the state law required him to present a petition, one supporting his candidacy for commissioner, to the Hertford County Board of Elections. That petition is required to bear the names of at least 100 individuals who are qualified to vote in Hertford County and must be filed on or before noon on the 90th day before the general election, which falls this year on Nov. 8. The chairman of the county board of elections was required to examine the names on the petition for certification.

“I have qualified according to NC State Statutes and filed all necessary paperwork with Hertford County Board of Election as a write-in candidate for Hertford County Commissioner, District 2,” Kirkland said in a statement released to this newspaper.

In that statement, Kirkland said he promises to bring a new vision and positive ideas that will, “propel all of Hertford County towards a more prosperous and positive future.”

“I will work towards real economic growth with industrial businesses, etc. that will translate into quality, good paying jobs, bringing more foot traffic business to our small businesses county wide, which will increase the tax base,” Kirkland noted.

“I will work for better transparency and accountability of spending without wasting your precious tax dollars on nonessential projects, refusing to raise taxes unless an absolute necessity requires it when spending reductions would not help, provide equal and better representation for all of Hertford County while genuinely listening to your ideas and concerns and taking action for you,” he added.

Kirkland also promised to work to, “build up and support our smaller towns as we do our larger towns, and give a voice and support for Veterans needs.”

“Much can be achieved with your input, help, an open and honest dialogue along with my new and bold ideas, my willingness to work hard with the other Commissioners as well as all of Hertford County citizens whilst remembering it takes a team effort to achieve these goals to make Hertford County a more positive, safe and prosperous place to live and raise our families,” his statement proclaimed.

Kirkland said he welcomes discussion about county issues from the public.

“You may contact me at any time before 9 p.m. any day of the week if you wish to discuss any county issue that concerns you, or just general questions of me and my vision for Hertford County at (252) 862-7617. I’m looking forward to meeting and answering questions for as many Hertford County residents as possible between now and the November election. Thank you to all who helped in my qualification as a write-in candidate, and God bless,” he concluded.