Local

Saine seeking Register of Deeds post

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer

Feb. 20, 2002 - A Lincoln County Commissioner won’t seek re-election but will instead make a bid for Register of Deeds.

County Commissioner Beth Saine filed Monday for the office.

Saine, a Republican, will square off against Democrat incumbent Elaine Harmon for job which pays $47,000 annually. Harmon has filed for re-election.

Saine, who has worked as a real estate appraiser for 21 years, says that experience would help her on the job. Property deeds and vital records are recorded at the register’s office.

Saine is at the end of her second term on the board of commissioners. Saine said she is not seeking re-election because she has met her goals as a commissioner. She lists those as fighting to keep taxes low and supporting the schools. Other highlights of her tenure, she said, include supporting a branch library in western Lincoln County, building a new jail and animal shelter, renovations at the schools, support of economic development and strengthening zoning.

Saine is a western Lincoln County native. She and husband Larry have two children, Janet Saine Griffin and Jason Saine.

In other filings this week, Republicans James Buddy Funderburk and C. Dean Lutz are vying for their party’s nomination for county commissioner.

Commissioner David Choate will not run again, citing a need for more time with family.

Choate called it a hard decision. He was appointed to serve after Democrat John Gamble stepped down last year.

“This opportunity has deepened my respect for county employees and the people who make decisions for the county,” he said.

Republican Sheriff Barbara Pickens filed for re-election amidst rumors that she will retire before the end of her next term, appointing a successor.

Pickens says she has no plans to step down.

“Why would anyone run and then step down,” she said.

Retired Lincolnton Police Captain Tommy Ledford is petitioning to run as an independent candidate for sheriff.

The sheriff position pays approximately $60,000 annually.

District Attorney William Young, a Democrat, is running for re-election with the bipartisan support of Lincoln’s top law enforcement officers.

Police Chief Terry Burgin, a Democrat, and Sheriff Barbara Pickens, a Republican, came out to support Young when he stopped by Lincoln’s courthouse Tuesday afternoon. Retired Sheriff Harven A. Crouse and retired Police Chief Tommy Burgin also gave their support.

“He’s done an excellent job. He looks after Lincoln County well. He hires extremely well qualified assistant district attorneys, not by politics but by qualifications,” Pickens said. “I’m looking forward to continuing working with him.”

Terry Burgin also praised Young.

“He’s always been very available to our office. Everyone in his office is,” Burgin said. “He’s been fair and honest.”

Young has put special emphasis on helping victims of domestic violence and children who are crime victims.

Young is seeking his fifth four-year-term.

With the pending retirement of Clerk of Court Pam Huskey, competition for that seat is fierce. Democrats Patsy Black, Alan Sonny McSwain and Teresa Peeler and Republicans Jim Hallman and Fred Hatley have filed. Independent candidate Janet Carpenter Spears is petitioning for a place on the ballot.

State House incumbents Joe Kiser, R-Vale and Dan Barefoot, D-Lincolnton have filed for re-election.

Filing for the non-partisan school board race begins June 3. Board members Chairwoman Jean Dellinger, Vice-Chairwoman Sara Miller and Jack Garner are up for re-election.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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