A.P. Dillon

Amy Price of Wallace and Crystal Strickland of Kenansville are competing for Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court in the Republican primary. Duplin Journal invited both candidates to our Candidate Q&A. Here are their answers.

Amy Price

Can you share a bit about your journey, what you enjoy outside of work, and one thing about Duplin that always inspires you?

My journey began right here in Duplin County. Born and raised in Wallace, I learned the value of hard work at an early age and began working with the public when I was just 14 years old. Over the years, those lessons helped to shape both my work ethic and my heart for service. For over 23 years, I’ve served in the Duplin County Clerk of Court’s Office, gaining experience, knowledge and respect for the people we serve. I’ve stayed committed to my community through volunteering, leadership, and service. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, going to church, going to the beach and staying involved in the community.

What inspires me the most about Duplin County is the people. We are a community rooted in hard work, faith, and taking care of one another. I see it every day in the way neighbors step up when someone is in need (I’ve experienced this firsthand during the floods), in the pride families take in their work, and in the dedication of those who serve our community faithfully.

What are the main challenges facing the Clerk of Superior Court and what makes you the best candidate for the job?

I feel like one of the biggest challenges we face, not necessarily just the Clerk but the Clerk’s Office as a whole, is trying to help the public to the best of ability while staying within policies and procedures. Many people that come in are stressed, emotional, or confused. Clerks can explain procedures but can’t give legal advice, and that line can be hard for the public to understand, especially in high emotion situations. Another challenge we face is that courts should be moving faster and more efficiently but the new system that was implemented a year ago is very slow and it tends to put us behind while being in court. There are some days when it is so slow it is hard to get your work done effectively and efficiently. Hopefully this issue is being worked on.

I feel that I am the best candidate for this position because I bring experience, dedication, and a true servant’s heart to the Clerk of Court’s Office. With more than 23 years of hands-on experience, I understand the responsibilities of the office and the importance of accuracy, accountability and compassion. I have spent many hours working in the courtroom and many hours training new criminal clerks. I’ve worked my way through different areas of the criminal division, always willing to learn, step up, and help wherever I can. I truly care about the people we serve and the coworkers I work with. I believe leadership means leading by example, being approachable, and making sure the office runs efficiently and respectfully for every citizen who walks through the door. My commitment to hard work and integrity is not just something I talk about, it’s something I’ve lived every day of my career.

If elected, what concrete actions would you take in the first 90 day?

If elected, within the first few months I would be focused on listening, learning, and strengthening daily duties. I would begin by meeting with staff individually to understand their roles, challenges, and ideas for improvement, because the people doing the work every day in each division know best.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?

One piece of advice that has truly stuck with me is to always treat people the way you want to be treated. Working in public service has shown me that you never know what someone is going through when they walk through the door. A little patience, kindness, and understanding can make all the difference.

When you’re faced with a tough decision, what’s your go-to approach?

When I’m faced with a difficult decision, my go-to approach is to slow down, take a step back and take a look at the situation from all angles. I would rely on my experience, review the facts, and make sure policies and the law are guiding my decision. Once I’m confident the decision is fair, lawful, and in the best interest of all involved, I would move forward with my decision and then stand behind it.

Crystal Strickland

Can you share a bit about your journey, what you enjoy outside of work, and one thing about Duplin that always inspires you?

My professional journey has truly been shaped by Duplin County. Every role I’ve held has prepared me for the responsibility I’m seeking now. My first job was at Andy’s in Kenansville, where I worked for six years and eventually became an Assistant Manager. That experience taught me the value of customer service, responsibility, and leadership at a young age. I was later encouraged to apply at SECU, where I worked briefly as a teller. While that role was short, it opened the door to a career-defining opportunity. Becoming a cashier in the Clerk of Court’s Office.

I have now served in the Clerk’s Office for over 20 years and currently work as an Assistant Clerk in a Supervisory role in the Civil Division. I oversee five employees in that office. Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience across multiple divisions, allowing me to understand not only how each area functions independently, but how they work together as one system serving the public. This has been more than a job. It has been a calling rooted in service, consistency, accountability, and growth.

Outside of work, my family and I stay active in the community. We are members of Kenansville Baptist Church, where we help with the youth program. I also enjoy volunteering whenever possible, baking, gardening, and spending quality time with my family. I believe that time is one of our most valuable assets and should be stewarded wisely. What continually inspires me about Duplin County is the way our community comes together — whether in times of celebration or crisis. Duplin has a genuine heart for helping others, and I’m proud to both live and serve here.

What are the main challenges facing the Clerk of Superior Court, and what makes you the best candidate for the job?

One of the primary challenges currently facing the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office is the continued transition to the eCourts system. While it has improved efficiency, it is still a learning process and requires patience, training, and steady leadership to ensure accuracy and confidence across all divisions.

Another challenge is serving the public during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. People often come into the Clerk’s Office dealing with emotional, stressful, and confusing situations. The ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate while guiding them appropriately is essential.

What makes me the best candidate is my experience and leadership approach. I have worked across multiple divisions within the Clerk’s Office, giving me a well-rounded understanding of how different situations require different responses. My knowledge is not limited to one department. As a supervisor, I’ve learned that leadership means being present, accessible, and leading by example. A good leader supports their team while maintaining integrity and accountability.

If elected, what concrete actions would you take in the first 90 days?

In the first 90 days, my focus would be listening, evaluating, and supporting staff across all divisions. I would meet with each division to identify concerns, assess workflows, and determine whether improvements can be made. I would ask whether staff have the resources, training, and support they need. Particularly as we continue adapting to the eCourts system.

I would also evaluate communication between divisions to ensure consistency while respecting each division’s unique responsibilities. My goal would not be immediate change for the sake of change, but stability, clarity, and preparedness that support long-term effectiveness.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?

The advice that has stayed with me is be yourself and keep doing what you’re doing. Trust in God. That guidance has reminded me to lead with authenticity and integrity. Trusting in God provides perspective, patience, and humility. These are qualities that are especially important when serving the public in challenging situations.

This advice reminded me that authenticity matters. People recognize sincerity, consistency, and integrity over time. Staying true to who I am has helped me build trust with coworkers and the public alike.

This advice has encouraged me to stay focused on doing my job well, treating people with respect, and remaining grounded regardless of challenges. It has reminded me that leadership isn’t about recognition, but responsibility. When you stay faithful to your principles and continue serving with purpose, the rest falls into place.

When you’re faced with a tough decision, what’s your go-to approach?

My approach begins with established procedures and the law. Each division operates under specific guidelines, and it is the Clerk’s responsibility to uphold those consistently and fairly. I also recognize that each situation is unique, which requires thoughtful evaluation of the facts involved.

I rely on available resources such as the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), legal counsel, and other Clerk’s Offices when guidance is needed. Good decision-making requires collaboration, clarity, and humility. My goal is always to balance compassion with responsibility while serving the public with fairness and professionalism.

Incumbent Jimmy Dixon and Challenger Marcella Barbour are competing in the Republican NC House District 4 primary. Both candidates were invited to participate in Duplin Journal’s Candidate Q&A. Barbour did not respond. 

Jimmy Dixon

What are two of your most significant accomplishments in Duplin County, and how have these achievements directly impacted the community?

Several years ago, we were able to get the Federal Consent Order that governed the makeup of the County Commissioners and Board of Education districts changed from six districts to five districts. That change has resulted in an excellent quality of candidates on both boards. Additionally, it resulted in Republican majorities on both boards. That remains the greatest accomplishment I have achieved during my 16 years in the General Assembly.

Which goals have proven the most difficult to achieve, and what specific challenges or obstacles have contributed to these difficulties? How have you addressed these challenges, and what lessons have you learned that could guide future initiatives?

Protecting and promoting our Right to Farm laws is a never-ending struggle in Raleigh. So many of our friends in urban N.C. continue to think food comes from the grocery store. The latest example is the attempt to cast a negative shadow on the use of herbicides and pesticides to produce the food and fiber we need to remain a free nation. I have learned that just because you are registered as a Republican doesn’t mean you are friendly to the needs of today’s farmers.

Many wastewater treatment plants in District 04 (like Warsaw and Mount Olive) are aging and in need of upgrades. What specific steps would you take in the NC House to ensure these facilities are modernized and capable of protecting public health and waterways? 

Number one, you need local leaders who are attuned to the real science, not political science, as they assess local wastewater treatment needs. Without a doubt, from one end of our state to the other, aging treatment facilities and water and sewage lines present an economic challenge of major proportions. We have been successful in directing some significant money to a few municipalities in Duplin and Wayne Counties. In my opinion, we must begin to think of regional coordination and cooperation to identify and fund solutions.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) have been detected in drinking water sources across North Carolina, posing health and economic risks. Draft permits, such as the one for Lear Corporation near Kenansville, currently require monitoring of PFAS discharges but do not impose enforceable limits. Would you support legislative action to ensure industrial discharge permits include enforceable limits on PFAS and other harmful contaminants to protect the health of drinking water sources and local waterways in District 04? Please explain.

This is a hot topic that is full of political science and sensationalism. Many would-be concerned citizens find it easy to criticize the industries that produce the products that they purchase and use in their homes on a daily basis and never think about what they pour down their drains and flush down their toilets each day. How many of them would give up their “no-stick” frying pan or stop buying “no wrinkle” clothes or buy “fire retardant” building products? How we regulate and permit industrial discharges must be a joint effort between state and federal rulemakers.

What legislation or measures would you pursue to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight in local governments, particularly in municipalities currently facing governance concerns?

In N.C. we have excellent Open Meetings Laws that govern how local governments conduct their meetings. I am most familiar with our two main governing boards — Commissioners and Boards of Education. From my perspective and experience both Boards in both counties do an excellent job of properly conducting their meetings in harmony with both the letter and the spirit of those laws.

Marcella Barbour

Barbour did not respond.

Incumbent Brent Jackson and Challenger William W. Barbour are competing in the Republican NC Senate District 9 primary. Both candidates were invited to participate in Duplin Journal’s Candidate Q&A. Barbour did not respond.

Brent Jackson 

What are two of your most significant accomplishments within your district, particularly in Duplin County, and how have these achievements directly impacted the community and its residents?

One of my most significant accomplishments for Duplin County has been securing state funding for critical infrastructure and economic development projects that rural communities often struggle to advance on their own. Recent examples of this include:

•     $400,000 secured for the Town of Kenansville for capital projects
•     $5,000,000 to the Town of Wallace to construct an administrative building to co-locate fire and police services
•     $8,000,000 to the Town of Kenansville for water and sewer improvements
•     $12,000,000 to Duplin County for economic development, including infrastructure improvements
•     $4,000,000 to James Sprunt Community College for a workforce development center and related capital improvements or equipment
•     $200,000 to Duplin County for volunteer fire departments
•     $250,000 to the Town of Rose Hill for capital improvements and equipment at the Rose Hill Fire Department
•     $11,000,000 to Duplin County for public safety facilities, including planning and construction of a co-located sheriff’s office and detention center

These projects don’t always make headlines, but they are foundational, supporting job creation, attracting private investment, and ensuring that existing businesses, particularly in agriculture and food processing, can continue operating and expanding without capacity constraints.

Another major accomplishment has been my consistent advocacy for agriculture and rural economic stability, which is the backbone of Duplin County. I have worked to protect farmers and agribusinesses from overregulation while also supporting disaster relief funding following hurricanes and flooding events that disproportionately impact eastern North Carolina. These efforts have directly helped family farms recover, protected jobs, and preserved the tax base that funds schools and local services. Agriculture touches nearly every household, so standing up for this industry means standing up for the entire community.

Which goals in your district have proven the most difficult to achieve, and what specific challenges or obstacles have contributed to these difficulties? How have you addressed these challenges, and what lessons have you learned that could guide future initiatives?

One of the most difficult challenges has been modernizing aging infrastructure in small towns with limited tax bases, particularly wastewater and utility systems. These projects are expensive, highly regulated, and often require coordination across multiple levels of government. For rural municipalities, even securing matching funds can be a major obstacle, and delays in permitting or funding cycles can stretch projects out for years. I have worked hard to limit those obstacles, but it does take time and much of the regulation is federal so that’s a whole other level.

I have addressed these challenges by working closely with local officials to navigate state grant programs, advocating for flexibility in funding requirements, and pushing for a more realistic understanding in Raleigh of what rural communities can afford. The lesson I’ve learned is that one-size-fits-all policies don’t work for rural North Carolina. Future initiatives must account for local capacity, provide technical assistance, not just funding, and streamline processes so small towns aren’t overwhelmed by bureaucracy.

Wastewater management has become a critical concern in areas such as Warsaw and Mount Olive. What concrete initiatives would you champion in the North Carolina Senate to ensure sustainable wastewater solutions for rural counties, benefiting both residents and businesses? Additionally, how do you determine and prioritize where state funding should be allocated to maximize impact?

Wastewater is one of the most pressing issues facing rural communities, and it directly affects public health, environmental quality, and economic development. In the Senate, I would continue to champion targeted state investment in wastewater treatment upgrades, regional systems, and capacity expansions. I also support expanding grant programs that reduce the reliance on debt for small municipalities and encourage regional cooperation where it makes sense.

When prioritizing funding, I look at three key factors: public health, economic impact, and a community’s ability to execute the project. Projects that unlock job growth, prevent health risk, or serve multiple communities should rise to the top. Just as importantly, I believe the state should provide engineering and planning guidance to help towns move projects from concept to completion, because funding alone isn’t enough if a town lacks the capacity to manage complex infrastructure upgrades.

How will you ensure that the voices of Duplin County residents are actively heard and considered in state-level decision-making processes, especially on issues that directly affect their daily lives? 

I have always believed that effective representation starts with accessibility and communication. I make it a priority to maintain regular contact with local officials, business owners, farmers, and all residents throughout Duplin County—not just during election seasons. Listening sessions, one-on-one meetings, and responsiveness to constituent concerns are essential to making sure Raleigh understands what’s happening on the ground. It is something I take very seriously, I give my cell number out to anyone, so I am always reachable by all my constituents.

In the legislature, I serve as a voice for rural eastern North Carolina by bringing local concerns directly into committee discussions and budget negotiations. Whether it’s infrastructure, public safety, education, or agriculture, I work to ensure that policies reflect the realities of communities like Duplin County. Representation isn’t about speaking for people; it’s about making sure their voices are carried into the room where decisions are made.

What legislation or measures would you pursue to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight in local governments, particularly in municipalities currently facing governance concerns? Would you support specialized audits, reviews, or other interventions to restore public confidence in local leadership?

Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust, especially at the local level where decisions directly affect residents’ daily lives. I support strong oversight mechanisms, including targeted audits and financial reviews when there are clear warning signs of mismanagement or governance breakdowns. These tools should not be punitive, but corrective, focused on identifying problems early and helping local governments get back on stable footing.

I would also support measures that improve financial reporting, board training, and access to state technical assistance, particularly for small municipalities with limited staff and expertise. When governance concerns arise, the goal should always be to restore confidence, protect taxpayers, and ensure continuity of essential services. The state has a responsibility to step in thoughtfully and constructively when needed, while still respecting local control and empowering communities to succeed. I believe our new state auditor is doing a great job in the first year to tackle some of these issues and as a member of the Senate I’ll continue to support his efforts.

William W. Barbour

Barbour did not respond.

Voters in Duplin County will choose among three Republican candidates in the upcoming primary for Sheriff, each bringing a distinct background and leadership vision. Incumbent Stratton Stokes is challenged by candidates Eric Southerland and Tony James.

Sheriff Stratton Stokes 

Who are you beyond the sheriff role — your background, passions, and one thing about Duplin that always inspires you?

Beyond my role as Sheriff, I am deeply committed to our community with a background rooted in public service and law enforcement. Raised in Northeast, I have always had a passion for our community. My upbringing instilled in me values of hard work and integrity—qualities I strive to embody in my daily life. 

I have lived in Duplin County my entire life. I am married to Jennifer Marie Stokes, and we are blessed with a 2 children, Stratton Sawyer Stokes and Hudson Gage Stokes.  My wife has worked as an educator for the past 14 years in the public-school system.

I graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Christian Ministries. After returning home in 2005, I began my career in law enforcement with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office as a Jailer. In 2006 I attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville. After graduating, I was assigned to the Patrol Division. While there I was also a Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and member of the Special Response Team. 

After 8 years with the Sheriff’s Office, I decided to pursue a career as a Special Agent with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Upon graduating from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, 40th Special Agent Academy, I was assigned as a Criminal Agent in the Coastal District. In addition to my duties as Criminal Agent, I received extensive training in homicide, narcotics and crime scene investigations. I also worked with North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina National Guard, United States Drug Enforcement Agency and many other state and local agencies, as the Marijuana Eradication Coordinator. In 2012, I received my Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. In 2013, I was honored by receiving the Sharon Alston Special Agent of the Year Award.

In 2013, with a deep desire to continue my education, I attended Campbell University School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2017. After graduating, I entered private practice.

My career in law enforcement, the legal community, and a small business owner has provided me with the experience and skills to successfully lead the Sheriff’s Office.

Lastly, one aspect of Duplin County that continuously inspires me is its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community. The people here are resilient, and their dedication to supporting one another is a source of motivation. Whether it’s through local festivals, agricultural fairs, community events, or natural disasters, the spirit of Duplin is strong.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments as sheriff?

There are too many to list, but one major accomplishment is our continual fight on drugs. The remarkable dedication and accountability demonstrated by the Special Operations Division (SOD) in their critical work. This division is composed of a narcotics investigation unit and the Duplin Criminal Interstate Enforcement (DICE) unit, both of which collaborate effectively to target and eliminate illegal narcotic dealers from the streets of Duplin County.

The SOD conducts highly confidential and sensitive investigations, fostering strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. Through this collaboration, we have successfully investigated and arrested high-level drug dealers, seizing substantial quantities of narcotics that pose a threat to our community. 

I’m proud to share the SOD’s impressive statistics for 2025:

– 135 Arrests

– 10 Firearms Seized

Drugs Seized:

– Cocaine: 1,389 grams (3.62 lbs)

– Crack Cocaine: 342 grams (3/4 lbs)

– Methamphetamine: 10,839 grams (23.89 lbs)

– Fentanyl: 613 grams (1.36 lbs)

– Marijuana: 27,197 grams (60 lbs)

 To put this into perspective, studies indicate that just 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose, and there are 1,000 milligrams in a gram. Our SOD has seized an astonishing 613,000 milligrams of fentanyl, which potentially prevents nearly 300,000 overdoses by removing this dangerous substance from our streets.

While our office has seized even more drugs overall, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there is still much work ahead. Every overdose is one too many, and we remain committed to eradicating these perilous drugs from our community.

Another accomplishment was the modernization of our office through technology. Implementing new systems and tools to enhance efficiency and communication was crucial to provide a better service to the citizens but also give our officers the tools they need to do their job.

 Another, has been increasing the salaries of our staff. Upon entering officer low salaries was a major challenge in recruiting and retaining employees. Duplin County Sheriff’s Office was at the very bottom compared to neighboring counties and police departments within the county. This issue not only affected morale but also impacted the overall effectiveness of our law enforcement operations. As Sheriff, I will continually fight for our officers to have a fair wage and be able to provide for their families. This in not only for them, but also for the citizens who call Duplin home. By retaining highly qualified officers we are able to provide a better service to out communities.

Additionally, I faced the challenge of overcrowding in our current jail and a deteriorated facility. This situation not only strained our resources but also posed safety concerns for both inmates and staff. Moving forward with the approval for a new jail was essential, but it required navigating complex regulatory, political and financial hurdles. As of now the new detention facility is slated to open this year. 

What are some of the DCSO biggest challenges right now and why people should reelect you?

As Sheriff, my unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens remains my top priority. The drug epidemic is a pressing challenge that continues to plague our nation, and it has not spared our communities. I will continue to allocate resources effectively to combat this crisis, employing a multi-faceted approach and strict enforcement against those who choose to distribute harmful substances. 

 In order to uphold the highest standards of service, it is crucial that we hire and retain the best employees possible within the Sheriff’s Office. Our deputies and staff are the backbone of our law enforcement efforts, and I am committed to providing them with the training, resources, and support they need to perform their duties with excellence. By fostering a positive work environment and investing in professional development, we can ensure that our team is equipped to offer the best services to our citizens.

If re-elected, my top priorities will focus on enhancing public safety, continued fight against the drug epidemic, and ensuring that our Sheriff’s Office remains a model of excellence. I will work tirelessly to implement innovative strategies to combat crime and improve our response to the needs of our community. By investing in our personnel, fostering community relationships, and tackling the challenges we face head-on, I am confident that we can make Duplin a safer and brighter place for generations to come. Together, we will continue to build a safer community where everyone can live, work, and raise a family.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you? 

One piece of advice that has resonated, is stay true to your values even in challenging times. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining my principles and integrity, especially when faced with difficult decisions or pressures. As sheriff, this means being steadfast in my commitment to justice, fairness and service, ensuring that my actions reflect who I truly am.

What’s a small thing that always makes your day better?

One small thing that consistently brightens my day is my children. Simply coming home after a long day at work and seeing them reminds me of why I do what I do. It is my sincere hope, that I am able to prepare them with the skills they need to thrive in life but also impact the community they live in, and make it better for everyone.

Eric Southerland

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what inspired you to run for Sheriff.

I am a Duplin County native and grew up in Warsaw. From a young age, I had a strong interest in law enforcement. I graduated from James Kenan High School, and while I was a student there, I was invited by Sheriff George Garner to attend a meeting at the Duplin County Courthouse. He was planning to start an Explorers Program. I attended the first meeting and became a founding member of the program. As I progressed through the program, it confirmed that law enforcement was the career for me.

I continued in the program and later attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at James Sprunt. After completing my training, I began my career with the Sheriff’s Office. I was blessed to work in a variety of divisions, including communications, patrol, and investigations, where I served as the first full-time Crime Scene Investigator as well as a Criminal and Narcotics Investigator. I have also worked as a School Resource Officer (SRO) and served as the first full-time Training Coordinator, overseeing training for the entire Office and ensuring compliance with State training requirements.

After several years in my career, I began to think about my future and how I wanted to progress. I set two goals for myself: first, to one day become the Chief of Police in my hometown of Warsaw, which I achieved in 2014; and second, to finish my career as the Sheriff of Duplin County. This was part of Sheriff Garner’s larger vision when creating the Explorers Program—to mentor young men and women interested in law enforcement and help them become future leaders in the profession.

In your opinion, what are the DCSO’s biggest challenges right now, and how would you address them differently?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge at the DCSO is leadership. There has been a culture of selecting leadership based on loyalty and/or seniority rather than identifying individuals with true leadership abilities. Leadership is not about surrounding yourself with “yes people,” but rather mentoring, training, and selecting individuals who help you grow and who offer viewpoints different from your own. This approach better serves both the men and women who work within the organization and the citizens we serve.

This is a business and should be treated as such. Decisions should be made in the best interest of the citizens of the county rather than based on personal friendships.

This profession is about customer service, and over the years the current leadership has lost sight of that principle. I will work to restore this mindset and ensure we provide the highest level of customer service in everything we do.

If elected, what concrete actions would you take in the first 90 days?

I would begin by establishing clear job descriptions and expectations for each position and empowering employees to do their jobs. It is extremely difficult and frustrating for an employee to not fully understand what is expected of them and then be reprimanded for doing what they believe is correct. This leads to low morale and contributes to high turnover rates and staffing issues. Unfortunately, many leadership teams fail to recognize this and instead attribute these issues solely to low pay.

An example of this is the Sheriff’s Office giving up two School Resource Officer (SRO) positions because they were unable to fill them. However, two local police departments created new positions and successfully filled those same SRO roles. The school board funds and sets the pay for all SRO positions and does not allow additional compensation by local police departments. This indicates to me that the issue is not primarily about pay, but about leadership.

When I served as Chief of Police in Warsaw, I established clear expectations for officers and empowered them to do their jobs. Despite being the lowest-paid department within a 30-mile radius—and despite officers having opportunities to earn nearly $10,000 more annually elsewhere—we maintained a very low turnover rate. This was a direct result of trust, empowerment, and support.

I was a working Chief who led by example, not from behind a desk. I frequently worked patrol on day shift, night shift, and weekends alongside the men and women of the department. I was never truly “off duty,” and my officers knew and appreciated this leadership style, which contributed to their decision to remain with the department.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?

“Integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is looking.”

I first heard this from Sheriff George Garner, and it has stayed with me throughout my career. I have applied this principle to all aspects of my work, no matter the situation or an individual’s status in the community. In my opinion, integrity is a vital component of the character of any law enforcement professional, regardless of rank or years of service.

When you’re faced with a tough decision, what’s your go-to approach?

In law enforcement, we are often faced with making difficult decisions under extreme pressure, with limited time and information. Over my 30-year career, I have frequently encountered situations requiring quick analysis of the information available.

When time permits, I gather as much information as possible and base my decision on what is both ethical and legal. As a lifetime member of the North Carolina Chiefs of Police Association, I have access to a network of current and retired Chiefs whom I can call upon for guidance and support.

When immediate action is required, I rely on the information available at the time and combine that with my extensive leadership experience to make the best possible decision.

Tony James

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, what inspired you to run for sheriff?

My name is Tony James and I am 49 years old. I live in Rose Hill with my lovely wife Mandy and our three kids, Dallas who is twenty and our twins, Gracie and Gray who are sixteen. I was sworn in with Duplin County Sheriff’s office in 2003 and worked active service for eleven years with a total of 23 years active and inactive service. I am inspired by the wonderful citizens of Duplin County, and they are what has inspired me to run for Sheriff. The people of Duplin County are very diversified and come from all walks of life. I am inspired by all of our citizens, and I am committed to serve and provide each of them with a level of leadership that is expected from each and every one within our county. I have always been involved in some type of public service. I served in several different positions within the Sheriff’s Office and quickly learned that the responsibility of the Sheriff is so much more than just fighting crime. It’s a level of service and commitment that I believe only comes from a divine calling.  

In your opinion, what are the DCSO biggest challenges right now, and how would you address things differently?

As I have spent the past two years visiting with citizens throughout Duplin County, the biggest issue I have learned is people do not know their Sheriff. It’s hard for people to trust someone they do not know. I have had the opportunity to talk with several past and current employees and there is a great concern with the morale within the organization. When morale is down and staff feel they have no support from command staff, it decreases the excitement of the work environment. I constantly hear things like, “I’m tired of the good ole boy system,” “I’ve been overlooked numerous times because I’m not in the clique,” along with numerous other things. If elected, I will be a Sheriff that is known throughout the county. I will be involved in all communities so that people can learn to trust and have confidence in my leadership. I will establish a trustworthy relationship with all employees with an open-door policy. They will immediately know that I care and show concern about their issues. I will create an administration that promotes based on merit and not political favors. I will create a team effort where all are involved in the success of the Sheriff’s Office and all are acknowledged for their efforts in that success. I will be a Sheriff that will stand by my employees and the citizens of Duplin County.

If elected, what concrete actions would you take in the first 90 days?

If elected Sheriff my first 90 days will be focused on establishing a team of command staff that will assist me in the day-to-day operations of the office. We will focus on implementing a strong recruiting program to prioritize hiring efforts so that all vacant positions can be filled. There is a great concern in the county of the lack of school resource officers (SRO’s). Our kid’s safety should be a top priority. We should have all schools covered every hour of every day. We will immediately increase our narcotics division and declare a war on drugs unlike our county has ever witnessed. I will be looking to form a Sheriff’s advisory team that consist of community leaders throughout the county. This will be a volunteer team that will help keep me accountable and to make sure that the entire county is receiving fair service from the Sheriff’s Office. This will help me stay alert on the issues that are most pressing in each community. While no leader is perfect, I am committed to serving every citizen with honesty, transparency, and respect. If elected, I will strive to communicate openly, listen carefully, and provide clear explanations when concerns arise. I believe strong communication is essential to effective leadership. 

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?

I’ve had the opportunity to serve in various leadership roles throughout life and the one piece of advice that has always stuck with me is simple: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” This advice works in all aspects of life. In a leadership class many years ago I learned a quote that I think every great leader should take to heart, “being a great leader is not about being in charge but rather taking care of those in your charge.”  This simple leadership advice will earn you the greatest respect from those who serve alongside you. Creating a positive work environment where every person feels appreciated and knows their voice matters is key to any successful organization. It is vital in law enforcement organizations that we have each other’s back, we stand up for each other; sometimes even when the right choices are not made. We learn from each other’s mistakes, reprimand when needed but always try to learn from every decision made whether good or bad.

When you’re faced with a tough decision, what’s your go-to approach?

As a born again Christian, when I’m faced with a tough or difficult decision I always lean on God’s word for advice. This will always be my initial approach.  As Sheriff, when difficult decisions need to be made, I will involve my command staff so that I can have multiple approaches and form a decision that will be most favorable for the citizens of Duplin County. I believe this approach will build confidence knowing that everyone’s opinion and voice matters. Building a trustworthy team approach will always create a robust work environment and strengthen team morale.