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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. Below are their answers to Duplin Journal’s Q&A.

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

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, what inspired you to run for NC House District 04?

I grew up in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Brazil, on my grandparents’ farm where I learned the value of hard work, stewardship of land, and respect for community. Those early lessons shaped how I view leadership — neighbors matter, integrity matters, and you take care of what has been entrusted to you.

I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business and built a strong foundation in organizational leadership, finance, and policy.

I also had the honor of serving in the United States military. Military service strengthened my commitment to discipline, accountability, and service before self. It reinforced the importance of clear decision-making, responsibility, and steady leadership — especially when others depend on you.

That combination of education, military service, and business leadership shaped my practical and structured approach to problem-solving.

Duplin County is home. My family and I have built our life here, and I’ve seen firsthand the concerns local families face — rising costs, infrastructure challenges, economic opportunity, and the need for transparent leadership.

I decided to run for NC House District 04 because I believe leadership should be solutions-driven and grounded in accountability. Agriculture and small businesses are pillars of this district, and they deserve representation that understands both economic realities and the responsibility of protecting what matters most.

I believe in service over seniority — showing up, listening carefully, and doing the steady work required to strengthen our community.

As a new candidate, what are the top three priorities you would focus on for Duplin County if elected, and why do you believe these issues are most urgent for residents?

If elected, my top three priorities for Duplin County would be economic opportunity, infrastructure modernization, and workforce development.

First, economic growth must serve local families. Agriculture and small businesses are the backbone of District 04. We need policies that reduce unnecessary barriers while maintaining responsible standards, attract diversified industry, and create stable, well-paying jobs. Families should not have to leave the county to find opportunity.

Second, infrastructure is foundational. Water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and broadband access directly affect public health, business recruitment, and property values. Aging infrastructure in rural communities cannot be overlooked. I would work to ensure Duplin County receives equitable access to state infrastructure funding so our towns are not left behind larger urban areas.

Third, workforce alignment is critical. Strengthening partnerships between community colleges, trade programs, and regional employers can expand apprenticeships and industry-specific training. Our young people deserve pathways to careers here at home, and employers need a skilled, prepared workforce to grow.

These priorities are urgent because they affect everyday stability — household budgets, long-term economic confidence, and community resilience. My focus would be on measurable outcomes, responsible budgeting, and collaboration with local officials to ensure state resources translate into tangible improvements for District 04 families.

Many wastewater treatment plants in District 04 (Warsaw and Mount Olive in Duplin) are aging and need upgrades to protect public health and local waterways. What steps would you take in the NC House to ensure these facilities are modernized and able to meet current and future needs?

Reliable wastewater treatment systems are essential to public health, environmental protection, and economic stability. Communities such as Warsaw and Mount Olive deserve infrastructure that meets today’s standards and prepares for future growth.

In the NC House, I would advocate for targeted infrastructure funding that prioritizes rural municipalities with aging systems. Smaller towns often face challenges competing for state and federal grants due to limited administrative capacity. Ensuring equitable access to funding through the State Water Infrastructure Authority and related programs is critical.

Modernization should focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term repairs. Investments must increase capacity, improve treatment technology, and strengthen resilience. At the same time, taxpayer dollars must be used responsibly. Transparent bidding processes, oversight, and performance reporting are essential to ensure projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

I also support exploring regional collaboration when appropriate. Shared technical expertise or cooperative service agreements between municipalities can improve compliance with environmental standards while managing costs.

Clean waterways affect agriculture, property values, and public health throughout District 04. Addressing aging wastewater systems proactively prevents emergency failures that are far more costly to fix.

Infrastructure may not be highly visible, but it is foundational. Modern, reliable systems protect families and support long-term economic development in Duplin County.

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.

PFAS contamination presents serious long-term health and economic concerns for North Carolina communities. Monitoring discharges is important, but monitoring alone is insufficient if it does not include enforceable protections.

I would support legislative action to ensure industrial discharge permits include clear, enforceable limits on PFAS and other harmful contaminants when scientific evidence demonstrates risk to public health and local waterways. Protecting drinking water must remain a priority.

At the same time, regulations must be structured and consistent. Businesses deserve clarity and predictable compliance timelines. Responsible environmental standards and economic growth can coexist. In fact, clear rules create long-term stability for industry and communities alike.

I would also support expanded water quality testing, public transparency in reporting contamination data, and policies that ensure when pollution originates from industrial discharge, accountability rests with responsible parties rather than shifting costs to taxpayers.

For District 04, clean water is directly connected to agriculture, residential health, and economic confidence. Protecting water resources protects our families, farmers, and future development.

This issue requires balance — science-based standards, enforceable permits, transparency, and practical implementation. Our responsibility is to safeguard public health while maintaining a strong and competitive local economy.

Local governance transparency and accountability are increasingly important. What steps would you take to strengthen oversight and restore public trust in municipalities facing governance challenges? 

Public trust depends on transparency, accountability, and consistent leadership. When municipalities face governance challenges, restoring confidence requires both oversight and structural improvement.

At the state level, I would support strengthening compliance with open meetings laws, public records requirements, and municipal financial reporting standards. Regular publication of financial statements and independent audits allow residents to understand how public funds are being managed.

Prevention is equally important. Expanding governance training for local officials on budgeting practices, ethics standards, and administrative procedures can reduce the likelihood of future mismanagement. Clear standards create consistency and stability across municipalities.

Technology can also improve transparency. Accessible online budget dashboards and clear reporting tools give residents insight into spending decisions and project timelines.

Accountability should not be partisan. It is about service. Leaders must prioritize the interests of their communities above personal or political gain.

My approach would be steady, structured, and collaborative — ensuring municipalities receive necessary support while maintaining firm standards for transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Restoring trust takes time, but it begins with openness, ethical leadership, and a commitment to putting the public first.

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.